[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 136 Introduced in House (IH)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 136

    Emphasizing the importance and interdependence of diplomacy and 
 international development to American interests and national security.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           February 18, 2021

    Mr. Meeks (for himself and Mr. McCaul) submitted the following 
   resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Emphasizing the importance and interdependence of diplomacy and 
 international development to American interests and national security.

Whereas the Department of State and its employees historically have helped 
        resolve international disputes through diplomacy, precluding the need 
        for the use of Armed Forces and saving American lives and taxpayer 
        dollars;
Whereas the United States Agency for International Development and its employees 
        support efforts that enable countries and communities to progress from 
        crisis and poverty to stability and opportunity, creating a stronger, 
        safer world that is ultimately less reliant on foreign assistance;
Whereas former Secretary of Defense James Mattis testified before Congress that 
        ``If you don't fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more 
        ammunition . . . .'';
Whereas the former Chairman of the United States House Committee on Foreign 
        Affairs Ed Royce stated ``deep cuts to our diplomacy will hurt efforts 
        to combat terrorism, distribute critical humanitarian aid, and promote 
        opportunities for American workers.'';
Whereas the former Chairman of the United States House Committee on Foreign 
        Affairs Eliot Engel opined that ``If we slash funding for diplomacy and 
        development, we're telling our service members and the American people, 
        we'll take our chances down the road--even if that may mean a much 
        steeper cost in terms of American blood and American treasure.'';
Whereas for between just one and one-and-a-half percent of the total Federal 
        budget, the United States International Affairs Budget supports all 
        United States diplomacy and development objectives, which advance United 
        States national security interests at home and abroad;
Whereas the Department of State and the United States Agency for International 
        Development are critical partners in conflict mitigation, addressing 
        some of the root causes of fragility, state failure and terrorism in 
        order to prevent conflict before it starts;
Whereas humanitarian assistance programs funded through the United States 
        International Affairs Budget assist vulnerable populations and help 
        respond to humanitarian emergencies, such as famine and the growing 
        numbers of displaced persons worldwide;
Whereas global health programs funded through the United States International 
        Affairs Budget have been a crucial driving force behind the dramatic 
        reduction in deaths caused by diseases such as malaria and HIV around 
        the world;
Whereas United States development and diplomacy programs promote America's 
        economic interests and help support jobs here at home by building and 
        opening new markets for United States exports, attracting investment to 
        the United States, and helping American companies and workers to compete 
        globally on a level playing field;
Whereas bipartisan support in Congress has resulted in significant foreign 
        assistance reform, ensuring more transparent, accountable, and results-
        driven programs; and
Whereas Members of Congress have built a bipartisan legacy of support for United 
        States diplomacy and a strong and effective International Affairs 
        Budget: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) values and acknowledges the importance and 
        interdependence of diplomacy and development to American 
        interests and national security;
            (2) emphasizes the role of American diplomacy around the 
        world in resolving complex issues, including preventing 
        conflict through dialogue and negotiation;
            (3) affirms the importance of American development efforts 
        and the work of our development professionals around the world 
        in saving and improving lives, creating opportunities, and 
        advancing democracy; and
            (4) supports a strong United States International Affairs 
        Budget that demonstrates American leadership and promotes 
        American values.
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