Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2023 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Funding Bill
Press Release
The House Appropriations Committee today released the fiscal year 2023 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill, which will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow. The legislation funds U.S. diplomatic, development, and foreign policy agencies and programs, including the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, and the United Nations.
In total, the bill provides $64.57 billion, which is $8.475 billion above 2022 -- an increase of 15 percent. The legislation:
Increases humanitarian and development assistance to help the world's most vulnerable meet urgent needs, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global rise of food and fuel prices.
Strengthens the global public health infrastructure to continue combating the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent future pandemics.
Prioritizes climate change with critically needed funding for global efforts to reduce emissions, including the Green Climate Fund.
Promotes democracy, human rights, and anti-corruption efforts, including those that counter governments such as the People's Republic of China, that undermine the core values of democracy.
Advances gender equity and equality by increasing funding for programs that support women and girls, family planning, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and repealing punitive and unnecessary restrictions on safe and legal abortion.
Supports allies and partners of the United States and reaffirms U.S. leadership on the world's stage by fully funding our United Nations assessments and increases our voluntary contributions to key UN agencies
"The State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill ensures the United States has the diplomatic, development and humanitarian response tools to put our values into action around the world," State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Chair Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) said. "The FY23 bill includes crucial funding to combat the climate crisis, defend human rights and inclusive, accountable governance, end the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and get the world back on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The bill also seeks to respond to the acute food security crisis exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and provides the resources for the Administration's effort to strengthen and expand a diverse and representative federal foreign policy workforce. I am confident this bill will enable the United States to be on the front lines every single day working to save lives, promote stability, and increase our engagement with the world."
"What happens around the world has real impacts on our national security, public health, and economy. We also have a responsibility to support our allies and partners," Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. "With this State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs funding bill, we are strengthening the global public health infrastructure which is critical to combatting the spread of COVID-19. We are supporting women and girls, combatting climate change, and increasing humanitarian assistance. I am particularly proud that this bill includes critical investments to support our allies battling against Russian aggression and Putin's unyielding pursuit of power. With this bill, we bolster our global leadership and deliver on our promises."
A summary of the draft fiscal year 2023 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs bill is below. The text of the draft bill is here. The subcommittee markup will be webcast live and linked on the House Committee on Appropriations website.
Bill Summary:
The fiscal year 2023 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs bill:
Recommends over $3.6 billion to address the Climate Crisis and other environmental issues, including:
$1.6 billion for bilateral climate assistance.
$1.6 billion for the Green Climate Fund.
$350 million for Clean Technology Fund.
$100 million for the Adaptation Fund and the Least Developed Countries Fund.
These needed investments will assist the millions of people at greater risk of hunger, disease, and displacement due to climate change including by conserving, restoring, and reforesting 20 million hectares by 2025 and rapidly accelerating the transition to net-zero emissions in at least 20 partner countries.
Invests in Global Health and the Prevention of Future Pandemics by almost $11 billion to support the health of families and communities around the world, a $1.146 billion increase over FY2022 enacted. The bill includes:
A substantial investment of $1 billion in global health security, an increase of $300 million, to prevent future pandemics through both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
$2 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria to support a strong U.S. commitment to the 7th replenishment of the Global Fund in support of the goal of ending the epidemics of AIDS, TB, and malaria.
Supports women's health globally by:
Substantially increasing funding for bilateral family planning to $760 million, an increase of $185 million above the prior year.
Directing a U.S. contribution to UNFPA of $70 million, an increase of $37.5 million above the prior year.
Removing the Helms amendment restrictions that have prohibited safe abortion and health care services for poor and vulnerable women in low-income countries.
Permanently repealing the Global Gag Rule on non-governmental organizations that receive U.S. assistance.
These policy changes and funding increases will help the 218 million women worldwide who have an unmet need for contraception and help prevent the estimated 299,000 women who die annually of pregnancy-related causes largely because they cannot access the care they need.
Increases humanitarian assistance by $1.28 billion to address the historic levels of global displacement and humanitarian need resulting from natural disasters, conflict, and the pandemic and to rebuild the U.S. Refugee Admissions program.
This will maintain United States leadership to cope with the record-setting 274 million people worldwide (nearly 1 in 33) in need of humanitarian aid and protection.
Provides over $1.7 billion to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific and help counter the growing influence of the government of the People's Republic of China in developing countries.
Increases the Countering PRC Influence Fund to better compete with the PRC and build a balance of influence in cooperation with our partners and allies.
Provides assistance to the Pacific Islands, including to combat climate change and support economic development
Reaffirms strong support for UN organizations and restoration of American leadership on the world stage, including increased funding for the UN regular budget and peacekeeping (including a down payment on arrears), UNRWA, UNFPA, and the WHO.
For the first time, the House bill provides the necessary authority to resume U.S. contributions to UNESCO and supports the Administration's efforts to rejoin the organization by paying down U.S. accrued arrears.
Increases resources to the Department of the Treasury in order to provide economic relief to vulnerable low-income countries recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through both bilateral and multilateral programs.
Provides $813 million for the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to support private sector development in less developed countries and increases linkages between the Department of State and USAID to partner with the DFC.
Provides $430.5 million for Peace Corps to safely send Volunteers back abroad and to promote friendship and support interested countries in meeting their need for trained people.
Strengthens and bolsters democracy globally by providing $2.8 billion for democracy programs, including:
$345.7 million for the Democracy Fund supporting democracy programs by the State Department and USAID.
$310 million for the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
Overall funding:
State Department Operations and Related Agencies -- The bill contains a total of $17.86 billion for the operational costs of the State Department and related agencies, as well as diplomacy efforts to enhance peace and stability around the globe and provides the authority for the State Department to exceed the cap on U.S. peacekeeping contributions to meet assessed costs. The bill also includes more than $200 million to pay arrears from prior year peacekeeping assessments.
Within this amount, the legislation provides $5.77 billion for embassy security, which will address the needs at more than 275 diplomatic facilities overseas, including facility upgrades and security personnel.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Operations -- The bill contains $2.01 billion for USAID and the USAID Office of Inspector General -- an increase of $113.2 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level, excluding emergency funding. The legislation increases diversity and inclusion initiatives in addition to supporting USAID's multi-year workforce plan, the Global Development Partnership Initiative.
Bilateral Economic and Global Health Assistance -- The bill contains a total of $30.86 billion for bilateral economic assistance to foreign countries -- an increase of $3.48 billion from the fiscal year 2022 enacted level, excluding emergency funding. Within this amount, programs that support development assistance, global health, and humanitarian assistance are prioritized. In addition, the total includes $6.725 billion to fight HIV/AIDS around the globe.
International Security Assistance -- The bill provides a total of $9.0 billion for international security assistance -- an increase of $97.6 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level, excluding emergency funding. Funds are included for international narcotics control and law enforcement activities, antiterrorism programs, nonproliferation programs, peacekeeping operations, and other critical international security efforts. The bill also provides funding to fight terrorist financing networks and bolsters border and airport security.
In addition, the legislation provides security assistance to key allies and partners. The bill fully funds the $3.3 billion commitment to Israel's security, and it maintains strong support for Foreign Military Financing Program assistance for Georgia, Egypt, and Jordan.
Multilateral Assistance -- The bill provides $4.67 billion for assistance to foreign countries through international organizations and banks -- an increase of $2.3 billion above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level, excluding emergency funds. The bill increases our voluntary contributions to key UN and other international organizations and continues our contributions to international financial institutions such as the World Bank's International Development Association as well as to other multilateral institutions, including the Global Environment Facility and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, which promote environment and food security initiatives respectively. Further, the bill includes a new contribution to the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program and continues a contribution to the International Monetary Fund for the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust and Resilience and Sustainability Trust to help low-income countries respond to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
Export and Investment Assistance -- The bill provides $1 billion in new budget authority, an increase of $137 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level, between the Export-Import Bank (EXIM), the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and the Trade and Development Agency.
The bill provides $120 million for administrative expenses for the EXIM, an increase of $6 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level, and an additional $10 million for the Program Budget Appropriations account, an increase of $5 million above the FY 2022 enacted level, to cover subsidy costs to better position American companies to compete globally. $7.5 million is also provided for the EXIM Office of Inspector General, an increase of $1 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
The bill also provides $813 million for the DFC, an increase of $115 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level, to support administrative expenses to meet the DFC's expanding portfolio and monitoring and evaluation requirements in addition to increased funds for the DFC's program budget. In addition, $5.1 million is provided for the DFC Office of Inspector General, an increase of $2.3 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
The bill also provides $87 million for the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, an increase of $7.5 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
Funding for critical programs:
Family Planning & UNFPA:
$760 million for family planning, $185 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $163 million above the President's budget request.
$70 million for UNFPA - $37.5 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $14 million above the President's budget request.
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), including the Global Fund:
$6.395 billion for PEPFAR, including $2 billion for the Global Fund -- $445 million more than the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $25 million above the President's request.
Other Global Health Programs:
$4.58 billion for programs to improve maternal and child health and fight infectious diseases, $701.5 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level. This includes $1 billion for Global Health Security, an $300 million increase above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
Human Rights of All People including LGBTQI+ Communities:
$25 million for the Global Equality Fund, State Department, $10 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
$25 million for the Protection of LGBTQI+ Persons, USAID, $15 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
$500,000 for the Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons, same as the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
$20 million for disability rights, $1 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
The bill also includes language for the Secretary of the Treasury to promote safeguards and standards for vulnerable groups and gender equality at international financial institutions.
International Basic Education:
$985 million for international basic education -- $35 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $291.6 million above the President's budget request.
This includes $810 million for bilateral education programs, $140 million for the Global Partnership for Education, and $35 million for Education Cannot Wait.
Humanitarian Assistance:
$8.095 billion for humanitarian assistance under the accounts Migration & Refugee Assistance (MRA), U.S. Emergency Refugee & Migration Assistance (ERMA), and International Disaster Assistance (IDA), $1.2 billion above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level, excluding emergency funding.
Educational and Cultural Exchange (ECE) Programs:
$773 million for exchange programs, $20 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $31.7 million above the President's budget request.
Biodiversity, Wildlife Trafficking, & Climate Initiatives:
$420 million for biodiversity, an increase of $35 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $241.7 million above the President's budget request.
$140 million for wildlife trafficking, an increase of $15 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $61.1 million above the President's budget request
$150.2 million for the Global Environment Facility, $912,000 above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and the same as the President's budget request.
$1.6 billion for the Green Climate Fund, $1.6 billion above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and the same as the President's budget request.
$350 million for the Clean Technology Fund, $225 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
Other Environment Programs:
$300 million for sustainable landscapes, $115 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
$450 million for adaptation programs, $180 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
$390 million for clean energy programs, $130 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
Democracy Programs & National Endowment for Democracy (NED):
$2.8 billion for democracy programs, $200 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $100 million below the President's budget request, including:
$345.7 million for Democracy Fund.
$310 million for the NED, $5 million below the fiscal year 2022 enacted level due to removing unanticipated expenses in the prior year and $10 million above the President's budget request
Assessed & voluntary contributions for U.N. peacekeeping activities:
$1.798 billion for Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities (CIPA), $298.9 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $529.7 million below the President's Budget Request.
$460.8 million for Peacekeeping Operations (PKO), $5.8 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $2.8 million below the President's budget request.
Assessed & voluntary contributions to international organizations:
$1.659 billion to fully fund our assessed Contributions to International Organizations (CIO), including:
$150 million toward repaying our arrears at UNESCO and restoring voting rights within the Organization.
$592 million for International Organizations & Programs (IO&P), $159 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $134.8 million above the President's budget request. This includes increases for:
The Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund and the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change/UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), both critical partners in the global response to climate change.
UNICEF and UN Women.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
UNRWA, a new, voluntary contribution, for critically needed food assistance for vulnerable Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, amid rising demands on the humanitarian assistance accounts.
Peace Corps:
$430.5 million for Peace Corps, $20 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and the same as the President's budget request.
The Asia Foundation:
$22 million for the Asia Foundation, $500,000 above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $2 million above the President's budget request.
East-West Center:
$21 million for the East-West Center, $1.3 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and President's budget request.
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC):
$915 million for MCC, $3 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC):
$813 million, $115 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
$220 million is for administrative expenses, $22 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and the same as the President's budget request.
$593 million is for programs such as equity financing, credit subsidy, and technical assistance, $93 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
$5.1 million for the DFC IG, $2.3 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and same as the President's budget request.
The Inter-American Foundation (IAF):
$47 million for the IAF, $5 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $9 million above the President's budget request.
U.S African Development Foundation:
$45 million for the USADF, which is $5 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
Global Food Security:
The bill increases funding for programs that help address the food security needs of countries facing rising food prices, climate shocks, and instability by providing $1.2 billion for Feed the Future, an increase of $189.4 million over the prior year.
Water and Sanitation (WASH) programs:
The bill increases funding for safe water and sanitation projects by providing $500 million, an increase of $25 million over the prior year, to help communities continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM)
The bill provides $862 million for USAGM, $2 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level, excluding emergency funding, and $22 million above the President's budget request.
Support for U.S. allies, partners, and programs including:
(The amounts are included in account totals above.)
Israel: $3.3 billion, fulfilling the MOU.
Jordan: Up to $1.65 billion for Jordan, in support of a new MOU, including incentive funding.
Egypt: $1.3 billion for security assistance to Egypt, with an increased percentage conditioned on governance and human rights reporting requirements, and stringent conditions on political prisoners and providing American citizens injured in Egypt with commensurate compensation.
Assistance for programs in the West Bank and Gaza: Not less than $225 million under Economic Support Fund for the humanitarian and development needs of the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza, which is $6 million above the fiscal year 202 enacted level and $40 million above the President's budget request.
Assistance for Eastern Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia: $850.3 million, which is $350.3 million above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level, excluding emergency funds.
Central America: Provides funding to support the U.S. Strategy to Address the Root Causes of Migration in Central America, including not less than $65 million to combat crime, corruption, impunity, advance human rights, and hold local governments accountable, not less than $75 million for programs to address violence against women and girls, and not less than $100 million for programs that support locally led development.
The Caribbean: Not less than $82 million for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, not less than $17 million for strengthening resilience to natural disasters; and not less than $12 million for support of projects to promote inclusive economic growth in the region.
Small Island Developing States: $60 million is included to address the reconstruction and recovery needs of Small Island Developing States following climate related disasters.
Pacific Islands: $40 million for the Pacific Islands for trade capacity building, combating climate change, emergency preparedness initiatives, economic programs, and democracy programs.
Colombia: $487.4 million, including $251 million for economic and development assistance, an increase of $30 million from the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
Venezuela: $50 million for democracy and the rule of law programs in Venezuela.
Countering Russian Influence Fund: $300 million.
Countering PRC Influence Fund: $350 million.
Tibetan communities: $21 million for programs to support Tibetans and $1 million for the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.
The Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act: $50 million to support the 3rd year of implementation, as authorized.
Middle East Regional Cooperation: $8 million to facilitate regional collaboration.
Important policy provisions:
Promotes Diversity and Inclusion
The bill includes $108 million for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives at the Department of State and USAID and provides authority and guidance to the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to increase diversity and inclusion in the nation's diplomatic and development workforce.
Prioritizes gender equality and women's empowerment:
The bill includes $200 million for the Gender Equity and Equality Action Fund; $50 million to support women's leadership; $250 million to prevent and respond to gender-based violence; and $150 million to support the Women, Peace and Security Strategy.
The bill includes a directive to the Secretary of the Treasury to promote standards and safeguards for vulnerable groups and gender equality at international financial institutions.
Lautenberg Amendment:
The bill includes the "Lautenberg Amendment," which protects refugee eligibility for historically persecuted religious minorities.
Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program:
The bill includes authority and direction for the Secretary of State to use the funding in this legislation to expedite the adjudication of Afghan Special Immigrant (SIV) cases.
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