Bronx, NY—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“For the third year in a row, the President’s foreign affairs budget request is dead on arrival on Capitol Hill. It’s stunning that this White House continues to demonstrate such contempt for the diplomats and development experts on the front lines of our foreign policy and for the legislative branch that has authority under the constitution to allocate taxpayer dollars. Even though the Administration doesn’t seem to get the message, it bears repeating: at a time when the United States is facing crises across the globe, investing in diplomacy and development advances American interests, values, and security. Congress recognizes the enormous contributions and sacrifices made by the men and women carrying out this crucial work, and I predict that once again the Trump Administration’s attempt to hollow out our international affairs budget will meet bipartisan rejection in Congress.”

Background:

On March 6th, Chairman Engel testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the State Department, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, calling on Congress to support robust international affairs funding for State Department, USAID, and related agencies. In his remarks, the Chairman highlighted the importance of providing America’s diplomats and development professionals with the budget and support they need to carry out their critical work on behalf of the country.

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