WASHINGTON – The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition President and CEO, Liz Schrayer, issued the following statement on the release of the final six-bill FY24 appropriations minibus package, which includes the FY24 State-Foreign Operations bill:

It is bewildering that amid escalating global crises and converging worldwide threats, America is going backwards when it comes to resourcing our civilian national security tools. This dangerous and disproportionate 6% cut will make it harder for America to respond as our adversaries and competitors are outpacing us at every turn.

In the face of this deal, now it is even more imperative that Congress acts immediately to approve the national security emergency supplemental with critical economic and humanitarian assistance resources, and to ensure the FY25 budget provides the resources needed. Continued inaction is simply not an option when America’s national and economic security is on the line.

At the same time, while it is good to see PEPFAR reauthorized for one year with bipartisan support, let’s not fool ourselves – a full five-year authorization is needed for this important, effective, life-saving program.