House Republicans have proposed an 11 percent cut to the State Department’s budget in the main funding bill, released Monday. The cuts focus on reducing spending on climate change initiatives, promoting LGBTQ inclusivity, international refugee and migration assistance, and funding for the United Nations and international programs, particularly women’s health and family planning.
House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) stated that the bill prioritizes national security and reduces wasteful spending. The cuts include eliminating at least 33 special envoys and representatives, such as the special presidential envoy for climate, and envoys for racial equity, LGBTQ rights, international labor affairs, and Palestinian affairs.
Additionally, the proposal targets the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees media outlets like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America, as well as the Open Technology Fund. Other cuts affect the Peace Corps, global health programs, and democracy-building initiatives.
Democrats, including Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), criticized the cuts, arguing they undermine national security, women’s health globally, and climate crisis responses. The proposal reduces the State Department’s budget to nearly $52 billion, cutting $7.6 billion from 2024 levels and falling nearly 20 percent short of President Biden’s $64 billion request.
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