Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican, Michael McCaul (R-TX) issued the following statement on the Administration’s proposed FY2020 International Affairs Budget:

Lead Republican McCaul: “As former Department of Defense Secretary Mattis said, ‘If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition.’

“With a growing crisis in Venezuela, an unpredictable North Korea, an aggressive China and Russia creating mischief around the globe, terrorism on the rise in Africa, and Iran continually threatening Israel, we must show our strength through a properly resourced and forward leaning diplomacy.

“The President’s request identifies the continued threat from Russia and includes $661.7 million to counter Russia’s malign influence in Europe and Eurasia, which is an increase of $116 million over last year’s request. This vital assistance will support our allies like Ukraine in much-needed government reforms, as well as enhancing their cybersecurity infrastructure to counter Russian propaganda and disinformation. At a time when Vladimir Putin continues to act with impunity against U.S.-backed allies in Europe, this request sends a strong message that the U.S. will continue to stand against him.

“The President’s budget proposal contains some much-needed reforms and I welcome cutting waste, fraud and abuse from any programs that are not getting the American people the results they deserve. But we must be careful that cuts don’t have unintended consequences that cost us more in the medium and long term. This is especially true of impactful cuts to humanitarian and developmental assistance.”

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