Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024
Floor Speech
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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in strong support of the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, which will provide allies in the Indo-Pacific region with the support they need to counter China's aggressive and adversarial posture.
The post-World War order, U.S. leadership, and our historic and strong allyship with Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the Philippines have created enduring peace and prosperity for much of the region.
Retreating from Asia under the guise of putting ``America first'' would be a colossal mistake and would yield the fate of democracy and freedom in the Western Pacific to the whims of an autocratic Communist Government of the People's Republic of China.
China is expanding its military capability at a rapid pace, and it is using its influence to suppress dissenters. We have already seen rollbacks of once ironclad rights and freedoms in places like Hong Kong.
This bill provides $3.9 billion to support Taiwan and other allies and to replenish our own equipment stocks, as well as $3.3 billion for the AUKUS trilateral security partnership.
The world is watching and waiting to see if the America that they know is ready to stand for freedom and democracy and against tyranny. It is up to us to show them that America, their trusted ally, is right here and that we have their back. We must demonstrate that our word can be counted on. Xi is watching. Our friends in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines are watching.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of time.
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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Krishnamoorthi), the ranking member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the CCP.
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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney), a member of the Armed Services Committee and ranking member on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.
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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen).
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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Beyer).
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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Mrvan).
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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Kamlager-Dove).
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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
At this juncture, I thank the former chair of the Appropriations Committee, our colleague, Kay Granger. It has really been my honor to serve with Congresswoman Granger. She has been a pioneer in so many ways.
I have said it to many folks, and especially to the women who serve in this House: No one hands you anything here. You earn it. Kay Granger has earned every bit of the accolades and the titles she has received because she earned it, she deserves it, and she is an outstanding Member of this body.
Madam Speaker, I would also say it is an honor to serve with Chairman Cole. I think it really is impressive that in the second week leading the committee, we are passing a long overdue supplemental to aid our allies. That is to his credit, and I thank him very much.
Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Clark), the distinguished Democratic whip and former member of the Appropriations Committee.
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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.
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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).
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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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