WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the foreign policy and national security provisions of President Joe Biden’s 2025 federal budget request, which was released today:
“In an uncertain global landscape marked by escalating unrest in Haiti, emboldened autocratic regimes, and coups and violent extremist threats in Africa, supporting our diplomatic corps is paramount. Whether it’s working to foster stability in the Middle East, confront Russian brutality, or support our partners and allies against the People’s Republic of China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific, American diplomacy has always and will always stand as the linchpin.
“The President’s FY25 budget would fund some of our most important foreign policy priorities – combating corruption, upholding human rights, and reinforcing democratic governance worldwide. There is no substitute for American diplomacy and the resources needed to deliver on these ideals. I look forward to welcoming both Secretary Blinken and Administrator Power to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the near term on the State Department and USAID budgets, respectively.
“The Senate recently demonstrated its commitment to our global partnerships by passing a supplemental appropriations bill providing crucial funding for Ukraine, Israel, and allies across the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming our nation's unwavering support and leadership on the global stage. Now, the Congress must finally approve last year’s budget, which includes essential provisions to help our allies, strengthen and diversify our diplomatic corps, expedite passport services, and provide critical humanitarian aid worldwide.”
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