Unidentified committee member urges support for HR 7006, cites 16% cut and focus on allies and counter‑fentanyl programs

An unidentified member of the House Appropriations committee opened remarks in support of HR 7006, saying the measure would cut State Department and related agency spending by about 16 percent — "nearly a $10,000,000,000 cut," the speaker said — while refocusing funds to confront foreign adversaries and bolster allies.

The speaker framed the bill as both a fiscal and strategic shift, arguing it "restores fiscal sanity" and gives the secretary of state "the tools, the tools and leverage to demand much needed, much needed reforms" at international organizations. The remarks singled out China, Iran, organized criminal cartels and the Cuban government as targets of the measure's restrictions. According to the speaker, the bill includes limitations on funding for countries and organizations involved in the trafficking of Cuban medical professionals and would direct the secretary of state to revoke visas for officials of countries involved in such trafficking.

The unnamed member said the bill also emphasizes assistance for key allies and partners, listing Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Taiwan and the Philippines; it also said the bill increases attention to Western Hemisphere partners such as Costa Rica, Panama, Paraguay, Argentina and the Dominican Republic. On public‑safety priorities, the speaker said the bill "increases funding for counter fentanyl and synthetic drug programs to stop these deadly poisons from crossing our borders."

The remarks included policy and value provisions: the speaker said HR 7006 "increases support for religious freedom," "maintains long standing pro life provisions," and "enhances oversight and transparency." The member also said the bill "protects free speech and prohibits censorship or disinformation and misinformation programs that violate the right of American citizens." The speaker characterized cuts to United Nations funding as "double digit" reductions designed to push for reforms, and said the fiscal year 2026 text removes certain controversial continuing resolution directives, including references to UN climate funds.

The speaker thanked colleagues and staff for work on the bill, specifically mentioning Chairman Tom Cole, Ranking Member Lois Frankel and clerk Susan Adams; the transcript also includes the name "Bridal Mass" for another member, which could not be verified from the record. The speaker closed by urging colleagues to support the measure and reserved the balance of time.

No formal motion or vote is recorded in this excerpt.