WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued the following statement after the passage H.R. 4665, State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs bill for fiscal year 2024. "I am very pleased the House passed this critical legislation which significantly reduces wasteful spending while prioritizing and strengthening our national security. This bill supports friends and allies of the United States while countering those who oppose our interests or cozy up to our enemies. The bill includes real cuts with a 25% reduction from the Administration's request and a 14% reduction from last year's funding level. Furthermore, the bill ensures efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness across the board. Organizations such as the United Nations, World Health Organization, and United Nations Relief and Works Agency no longer get a blank check, and will be held accountable for their failures, lack of transparency, and corruption. Most importantly, this legislation addresses the growing national security threat posed by Communist China and stands by our allies and key partners like Israel, Taiwan, and Jordan. This bill promotes democracy, human rights, and broadcasts within repressive countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, Communist China, Belarus, and Iran.” I am very proud of this legislation, in which we reviewed every program and scrubbed every dollar in the bill, line by line. This bill represents a fresh approach to foreign affairs by safeguarding American national security interests in a responsible and thoughtful way." A summary of the bill is available here. Bill Report is available here. Bill Text is available here. Chairman Díaz-Balart's opening remarks can be read here. Click here to read Chairman Díaz-Balart's remarks. | 