NTU urges all Representatives to vote “YES” on H.R. 4665 - Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024.
H.R. 4665 tackles the country’s skyrocketing debt through a significant cut in spending for programs and activities covered by the bill. The proposed spending cuts reflect sound budgetary thinking that the country needs more of.
The legislation proposes $52.5 billion in budget authority for fiscal year (FY) 2024. This is 12 percent below FY 2023 enacted level and 24 percent below the Biden administration’s FY 2024 request.
The bill further proposes $11.1 billion in rescissions, resulting in $41.3 billion in net budget authority for FY 2024.
An additional $1 billion reduction in discretionary budget authority for Department of State non-security operations, United Nations peacekeeping activities, and USAID operating expenses was provided for upon adoption of the rule for H.R. 4665.
While not perfect, these spending proposals demonstrate a willingness to tackle the highest levels of federal debt since the conclusion of World War II. Looking ahead, NTU urges Congress to consider the importance of trade, not aid, as the most effective way to encourage international economic development and further U.S. global leadership.
Roll call votes on H.R. 4665 will be significantly weighted in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress and a “YES” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
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When voting on proposed amendments to H.R. 4665, NTU encourages Representatives to consider the impact of each amendment on our country’s fiscal health. All roll votes on amendments that have a net impact on deficits will be included in our scorecard. We urge all members to support proposals that will improve our financial situation in light of our mounting debt crisis.
During consideration of amendments to H.R. 4665, NTU urges all Representatives to vote "YES" on the following:
#123 (Crane) and #178, #179, and #180 (Perry). These reductions in funding for USAID, the Economic Support Fund, International Disaster Assistance, and Migration and Refugee Assistance would save a combined $8.2 billion.
Roll call votes on the above amendments will be included in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress and a “YES” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.