July 12, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 12, 2023 

Contact: Sasha Galbreath, Sasha.Galbreath@mail.house.gov 

Congressman David Trone Calls “Bull” on Republicans’ “Cutting the Fat” Mantra During State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Mark-up

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman David Trone (D-MD), member of the House Committee on Appropriations, released a statement condemning Republicans’ funding cuts during the full House Appropriation Committee’s markup of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee’s Fiscal Year 2024 funding bill:

“It remains abundantly clear that extreme House Republicans are reneging on our bipartisan debt ceiling agreement by shortchanging America’s allies and our national security programs that deter increasing global threats.

“This funding bill doesn’t ‘cut the fat,’ as some Republicans will tell you. Instead, it cuts the lifeblood of our long-standing national security efforts and our ability to stand strong with our allies – slashing topline funding to levels we have not seen since 2009 and cutting some contributions to the United Nations by over 80%. 

“As a businessman, I know full well that this math doesn’t work out well for anyone, and that this legislation fails to grasp that small investments in diplomacy, security, and economic support now will save us billions of dollars down the road from armed conflicts.

“It represents a step backward for emerging nations, undercutting women’s health care and compromising their freedom to make decisions about their own futures. It further cements our path toward devastating climate change impacts – impacts that future generations will suffer from by our own hands.

“All the while, extreme Republicans continue their attacks against the LGBTQIA+ community and the broader diversity of our workforce – chipping away at our leadership and credibility on these issues both at home and abroad.

“The Republicans’ plan for funding our government is black and white: slash vital programs Americans rely on for political gain.”

Background:

Extreme Republicans are breaking their commitments by pulling $11.1 billion in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency programs in the Inflation Reduction Act, the Republicans’ draft bill includes $52.5 billion for global programs and activities, which is still $7.2 billion below the 2023 level, a cut of 15 percent. The legislation:

• Threatens national security by abdicating U.S. leadership at the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral and international financial institutions by not including any funding for the UN Regular budget, the UN Development Program, UN Women, and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Underfunds the operations and staffing of the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).  
• Hampers the U.S. response to the climate crisis by eliminating support for adaptation, sustainable landscapes, and clean energy programming.

Congressman David Trone was elected to the House of Representatives in November 2018 to serve the 6th District of Maryland, which includes all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Trone serves on the Appropriations, Budget, and Joint Economic Committees. In Congress, Trone is fighting to make progress on issues that matter to Marylanders, including the mental health and addiction crises, criminal justice reform, and funding for medical research.