In Appropriations Markup, Rep. Lee Votes to Support Democracy and Human Rights Abroad

Statement

Today, Rep. Susie Lee, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted to pass the fiscal year 2023 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs funding bill out of the full Appropriations Committee. This bill contains many provisions that Rep. Lee fought for, including funding to fortify Israel's national security, to reassert U.S. leadership in the Pacific, and to help counter increasing aggression abroad by the government of the People's Republic of China.

"At a time when democracy across the globe is being tested, our nation must stand strong with our allies to defend it," said Rep. Susie Lee. "I'm proud to support this funding legislation that enables our country to defend democracy and human rights across the globe. Furthermore, this legislation will advance international opportunity and health care resources for women, with increased funding for family planning and provisions to remove previous restrictions on reproductive health care resources."

The State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs funding bill:

Supports the United States' leadership in the Pacific, helping to counter the growing influence of the People's Republic of China, especially in developing countries.
Boosts international security assistance to key allies and partners, combats terrorist financing networks, and advances peacekeeping efforts around the globe.
Fully funds the United States' $3.3 billion commitment to Israel's security.
Promotes democracy, human rights, and anti-corruption efforts, including those that counter governments that undermine the core values of democracy, such as the People's Republic of China.
Advances gender equity and equality by increasing funding for programs that support women and girls and family planning, like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and repealing punitive and unnecessary restrictions on safe and legal abortion.
Increases humanitarian and development assistance to help the world's most vulnerable meet urgent needs, which is even more urgent amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the global rise of food and fuel prices.
Strengthens the global public health infrastructure to continue combating the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent future pandemics.
Supports allies and partners of the United States and reaffirms U.S. leadership on the world's stage by fully funding our United Nations assessments and increases our voluntary contributions to key UN agencies.
Prioritizes climate change with critically needed funding for global efforts to reduce emissions, including the Green Climate Fund.
The following amendments to the bill were adopted by the full Committee:

Rep. Lee (CA) -- The manager's amendment makes technical and noncontroversial changes to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Rep. Reschenthaler #2 -- This amendment prohibits the use of funds from supporting work performed by EcoHealth Alliance in China. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Rep. Reschenthaler #1 -- This amendment prohibits the use of funds from supporting the UN International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Rep. Womack -- This amendment prohibits UN peacekeeping funds from being used to procure Russian equipment. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Rep. Cline #2 -- This amendment adds new oversight requirements to funding provided to Ukraine. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Rep. Diaz-Balart #3 -- This amendment prohibits the use of funds to implement an agreement with Iran relating to the nuclear program unless such agreement has been submitted to Congress for review. The amendment also prohibits the use of funds to revoke the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The amendment was adopted by voice vote following the adoption of the second degree amendment by Rep. Wasserman Schultz.

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