WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) applauded a bipartisan vote in the Appropriations Committee today that strongly supported diplomacy and international development. The State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill will strengthen federal programs and operations that support American diplomats and international development professionals as they work to keep Americans safe while promoting our interests and values abroad.
“As challenges from North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran remain unaddressed, it is more important than ever that we use all tools of American foreign policy to advance our interests and values around the world,” said Senator Coons. “I am very glad that Democrats and Republicans came together today to support American diplomacy and international development.”
In this appropriations bill, Senator Coons fought to support key allies and promote democracy and human rights abroad. Senator Coons helped secure $3.3 billion for Israel’s security, $1.5 billion for Jordan, and $50 million for a new fund to promote entrepreneurship and economic development in the West Bank and Gaza. Senator Coons also fought for $2.4 billion for democracy programs around the world to strengthen civil society and counter authoritarian influences like China and Russia, a $91.5 million boost above the FY2018 enacted level. Additionally, Senator Coons helped secure $7.9 billion for humanitarian and refugee assistance around the world and $8.8 billion for Global Health funding to save lives and prevent the spread of diseases.
The bill includes $20 million in dedicated funding for the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). This exchange program, staunchly supported by Senator Coons, brings bright young African leaders to the United States for professional development and valuable work experience. The University of Delaware hosts a leadership institute of YALI fellows annually.
The bill also protects the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program to build people-to-people connections and drive economic growth in Delaware by placing international visitors in temporary work and study positions that are critical to Delaware businesses.
At a time when President Trump is alienating us from our allies in Canada and Europe, while cozying up to authoritarian leaders around the world, Senator Coons was a leading voice among Republican and Democrats to draft a bill that represents an alternative vision of American leadership in the world, one that protects the world’s most vulnerable people, keeps Americans safe, opens opportunities for US businesses, and remains true to our democratic values.
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