Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) released the following statement on the administration’s 2018 budget blueprint:

“I am very concerned that deep cuts to our diplomacy will hurt efforts to combat terrorism, distribute critical humanitarian aid, and promote opportunities for American workers. Especially when the U.S. is fighting ISIS and millions are at risk of starvation around the world. 

“This blueprint prioritizes funding for several key programs, including embassy security and military assistance to Israel, as it should. But it is unclear how the administration would apply cuts elsewhere.  Does this mean vital programs to counter drug and human trafficking will face even steeper cuts? What about military assistance to other important allies, including Jordan?

“I’ve long fought for commonsense measures that eliminate duplication and waste, and I hope to make additional progress working with the administration. Today, America faces grave and growing threats.  We need a strong reform budget that will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of foreign assistance.  And we can achieve this without undermining vital U.S. economic and national security interests.”

###