Ruppersberger, Committee Pass Funding Bill Advancing Diplomacy, Democracy and Fighting Global Health Threats

(Washington, DC) - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today joined his fellow House Appropriators in passing legislation funding U.S. diplomatic, development, and foreign policy agencies and programs that will fight COVID-19 and future pandemics and reaffirm U.S. leadership on the world stage. The $64.5 billion State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2023 now heads to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. The bill's funding totals are $8.5 billion above current levels with strong support for Ukraine and our other allies and partners in the region. A summary of the bill is here.

"This bill reflects the need for American leadership in the world when we need it most," Congressman Ruppersberger said. "With funding for vaccine development and manufacturing, to address the root causes of mass migration and to take on challenges ranging from Russian cyber attacks to China's currency manipulation, it also makes us stronger within our own borders. I am proud to support this bill and urge my colleagues to vote 'yes' on the House floor."

Congressman Ruppersberger successfully advocated for funding and language on a range of priorities. At Congressman Ruppersberger's urging, the bill:

• Encourages the partnership between the U.S. and Morocco to defeat terrorism and violent extremist groups, namely in the Sahel region;
• $47 million for the Inter-American Foundation, which will help address the root cause of mass migration from the Northern Triangle;
• Designates at least $33 million for the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad, a USAID program that cultivates positive relationships between the U.S. and other nations;
• Includes $1 billion for the Global Health Security Agenda, an international alliance that fights global health threats;
• $3.5 million for Iodine Deficiency Disorder;
• $100 million for the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations; an alliance to finance and coordinate the development of new vaccines to prevent and contain infectious disease epidemics;
• 9 million to implement the Vietnam Vietnam Foundation Act.