Washington, DC—July 12, 2023… Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted in favor of the FY24 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs bill which passed out of the House Appropriations Committee today. This legislation funds programs that strengthen our national security, counters the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, supports our critical allies, and promotes American values while cutting spending for low-priority, wasteful programs that do not align with American priorities.

Congressman Womack said, “The State and Foreign Operations bill advances national security priorities while cutting spending for programs that don’t align with American interests. It includes substantial funding for Foreign Military Financing for our allies, including Israel and Taiwan, and prohibits funding for unnecessary, unauthorized Special Envoys, including the Iran Special Envoy, and provides increased funding to address the out-of-control passport backlog."

The State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill supports national security, protects American interests, and cuts wasteful spending.

1. Supports National Security
1. Includes $6.703 billion Foreign Military Financing (FMF) (+$650 million over FY23), including $500 million for Taiwan, $3.3 billion for Israel, $1.375 billion for Egypt, and $425 million for Jordan
2. Providing $4.4 billion ($1 billion over PB24 request) for national security interests in the Indo-Pacific and to counter PRC influence
3. Prioritizing funding and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States
2. Protects American Interests
1. Maintains all long-standing, pro-life protections
2. Refocuses attention on diplomatic functions, including funding to address the significant passport backlog
3. Withholds 15% of DOS budget until Remain in Mexico agreements are implemented
3. Cuts Wasteful Spending
1. Rescinds $11.14 billion made available for the EPA in the Inflation Reduction Act
2. Eliminates all funding for the United Nations’ regular budget and prohibits funding for organizations and programs like the World Health Organization
3. Reduces and/or cuts 40 accounts to FY19 or lower levels
4. Prohibits funds for climate-related initiatives
5. Funds all Inspector Generals at or above FY23 levels

It also directs the Department of State to prioritize and address passport backlogs impacting Americans across the country by augmenting passport and visa fee revenue to reduce processing times for both passports and visas.

The House Appropriations Committee has passed 7 of the 12 FY24 appropriations bills out of committee. Congressman Womack will lead the next committee markup as Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee on Thursday, July 13.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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