State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill would prioritize health, security initiatives
The Ripon Advance
Thursday, June 19, 2014

Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) said on Tuesday that the fiscal year 2015 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill would increase transparency and prioritize global health and security initiatives.

Granger, the chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, delivered her remarks during a subcommittee markup of the bill.

The appropriations bill would total $48 billion, which would be $708 million less than last year’s total and $277 million below President Obama’s fiscal year 2015 funding request.

“A top priority for this subcommittee is funding global health programs,” Granger said. “The president proposed cuts to maternal and child health, as well as HIV/AIDS. This bill prioritizes these efforts and reinforces this subcommittee’s commitment to eradicating polio, saving the lives of children and continuing treatment for those living with HIV.”

The appropriations bill would maintain funding levels for national security initiatives, as well as funding for embassy security and construction projects that would enhance the safety of U.S. diplomats abroad.

“We continue our strong commitment for our key allies in the Middle East — Israel and Jordan — and the bill also increases funding for countries in the former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe by providing resources above the request for countries facing territorial pressures and challenges to their security,” Granger said.

The measure would also fund programs that aim to improve economic conditions and security in Latin America to help slow a stream of illegal immigrants and unaccompanied children from Central America to U.S. borders.

“Another urgent crisis that the bill prioritizes is human trafficking,” Granger said. “We have a moral obligation to do everything we can to put an end to what equates to modern day slavery. The demand for U.S. assistance far exceeds the funding that the United States has previously made available. So this bill includes $58 million to help meet this need, which is $10 million above the current fiscal year.”

Granger said funding for the Palestinian Authority is “off the table” until Palestinian officials make a clear commitment to peace with Israel.

In Afghanistan, the bill calls for a drawdown of civilian presence but would enhance oversight and accountability for human rights protections there.

“There are many unknowns, including how the government of Afghanistan will handle security and their ability to fight terrorism, how U.S. personnel will remain safe without the presence of our troops and how oversight of assistance will be conducted,” Granger said. “At the same time, we want to ensure the gains made from U.S. investments in health, education and women’s empowerment are not lost.”

The measure would also continue security assistance in Iraq.