Larson Votes to Secure America's Global Leadership

Press Release

Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted to pass H.R. 4373, the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs funding bill, which focuses on supporting the most vulnerable, rebuilding global public health infrastructure, confronting the climate crisis, advancing women's rights, and promoting democracy around the world.

"After years of isolationist policies and a devastating global pandemic, the government funding bill the House passed today makes America stronger at home and respected again in the world," said Larson. "We cannot overcome the COVID-19 pandemic or climate change alone, we need to address these issues globally. Today's legislation addresses the most pressing challenges of our time, and I thank Chair DeLauro for her leadership in getting this funding across the finish line."

Background:

The bill supports the displaced and vulnerable by providing $4.7 billion for International Disaster Assistance, run by USAID, and $3.8 billion for Migration and Refugee Assistance, managed by the State Department.

This bill includes authority and direction for the Secretary of State to use the funding in this legislation to implement the Afghan Allies Protection Act and expedite the adjudication of Afghan Special immigrant Visa cases (SIV).

The bill rebuilds public health infrastructure with $10.6 billion to support the health of families and communities around the world and $1 billion for global health security to prevent future pandemics.

The bill confronts the climate crisis, providing $3 billion for work on climate change and includes the first direct appropriation for the Green Climate Fund, a $1.6 billion investment.

The bill advances women's rights through $760 million for family planning and $70 million for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and repeals restrictions that block women around the world from accessing safe and legal abortion.

Finally, the bill promotes democracy around the world by providing $1.6 billion to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific and help counter the growing influence of the People's Republic of China in developing countries and funds a $2.5 billion effort to bolster global democracy, including $300 million for the National Endowment for Democracy.

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