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

IV 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 diplo- macy and international development to American inter- ests and national security. Whereas the Department of State and its employees histori- cally 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 Develop- ment and its employees support efforts that enable coun- tries 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 De- VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:38 Feb 19, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR136.IH HR136 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 136 IH partment 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 ter- rorism, 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 peo- ple, 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 na- tional security interests at home and abroad; Whereas the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development are critical part- ners 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 vul- nerable 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 VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:38 Feb 19, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR136.IH HR136 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 3 •HRES 136 IH 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 sig- nificant foreign assistance reform, ensuring more trans- parent, 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 (1) values and acknowledges the importance 2 and interdependence of diplomacy and development 3 to American interests and national security; 4 (2) emphasizes the role of American diplomacy 5 around the world in resolving complex issues, includ- 6 ing preventing conflict through dialogue and negotia- 7 tion; 8 (3) affirms the importance of American devel- 9 opment efforts and the work of our development pro- 10 fessionals around the world in saving and improving 11 VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:38 Feb 19, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\HR136.IH HR136 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 4 •HRES 136 IH lives, creating opportunities, and advancing democ- 1 racy; and 2 (4) supports a strong United States Inter- 3 national Affairs Budget that demonstrates American 4 leadership and promotes American values. 5 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:38 Feb 19, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR136.IH HR136 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS