House Passes Díaz-Balart’s National Security Bill, which Builds on Historic Elimination of Wasteful Spending
July 15, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, issued the following statement after the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) appropriations bill H.R.8595 . NSRP Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart said, “This Republican majority has delivered another critical piece of legislation to strengthen our national security while reducing spending. Under Chairman Cole’s leadership and the support of our colleagues, we have delivered nearly $12 billion in responsible cuts under the purview of this subcommittee since 2023. The fiscal year 2027 bill continues this effort with an additional $2.69 billion in cuts from the fiscal year 2026 enacted level. The ever-increasing national debt is the greatest long-term threat to our country's stability and security, and this bill makes disciplined decisions to continue reining in spending, while responsibly maintaining our national security priorities. Among its many achievements, this bill increases funding to counter narcotics and related law enforcement efforts, including to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, which has devastated every community in America. It maintains support for friends and valuable partners who align themselves with U.S. interests. It also continues a resounding support for a democratic transition to freedom for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. All this while countering anti-American adversaries and ensuring full accountability and transparency of international organizations that have lost sight of their mission. Once again, I thank my colleagues for their commitment to ensuring Congress upholds its responsibility to safeguard our national security while protecting taxpayer money.” Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said , " True leadership isn't merely declared – it is upheld through the choices we make, the priorities we fund, and the resolve we show in putting America first and protecting our national interests. This legislation reflects that philosophy by replacing the drift of previous administrations with direction and ensuring our investments bolster U.S. security, influence, and prosperity. President Trump has made clear that our nation will lead with purpose and confidence – both at home and on the world stage. Chairman Díaz-Balart answered that call with legislation that prioritizes strength over symbolism, strategy over bureaucracy, and results over rhetoric. It directs resources to the highest-impact national security and economic priorities by reinforcing our alliances, pushing back decisively against adversaries like Communist China, and confronting illicit actors and transnational networks. It also eliminates billions in unnecessary spending because great nations are defined not by how much they spend, but by how wisely they invest. Today's passage demonstrates Article I in action – where the power of the purse strengthens America's security, advances our values, and ensures a stronger future.” KEY TAKEAWAYS – FISCAL YEAR 2027 NATIONAL SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $47.32 billion, which is $2.69 billion (6%) below the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level and continues to deliver on the America First agenda. Within the total cuts, the NSRP bill maintains robust funding for our allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan, and counters adversaries like Communist China, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and drug cartels, including those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill supports the President’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while ensuring all funds are spent consistent with relevant Executive Orders. Champions America First Foreign Policy by: Redefining foreign assistance to promote self-sufficiency, bolster economic growth and stability, and protect our national security. Providing increased funds for the America First Opportunity Fund to ensure the Secretary of State has the flexibility to quickly respond to unforeseen opportunities to advance the America First foreign policy agenda. Requiring consideration of a recipient partner country’s cooperation on United States priorities such as migration issues, opposition to foreign adversaries, burden sharing, support for Taiwan’s participation in multilateral forums, and the United Nations votes in determining economic assistance allocations. Prioritizing United States commercial interests, helping to create opportunities for American businesses abroad. Prohibiting funds for organizations who may have hired terrorists that took part in the October 7th, 2023, mass atrocities – including the murder of 50 Americans since the initial attack – but refuse to cooperate with United States Inspector General investigations. Supports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by: Upholding America First priorities by promoting a foreign policy that supports our allies and counters our adversaries, focusing on the economic prosperity and national security of the United States, and eliminating contributions to multilateral organizations that are wasteful and antithetical to American values. Supporting President Trump’s executive orders to ensure no wasteful spending on DEI or woke programming, climate change mandates, or divisive gender ideologies. Prioritizing funding and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States. Protects life, supports American values, and enhances our standing in the world by: Protecting long-standing pro-life provisions as well as enhancing oversight and transparency over program implementation to ensure American taxpayer dollars will not fund abortions. Removing vague references to “gender” and clearly outlines our support for women and girls. Supporting religious freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for faith-based organizations delivering foreign aid. Defending United States sovereignty by prohibiting funds for the Arms Trade Treaty, and protecting the Second Amendment rights of Americans. Banning so-called “disinformation” and “misinformation” programs that violate the free speech rights of American citizens. Allowing only the American flag and other official flags to be flown over United States embassies and consulates. Holding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith, including by restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence. Confronting human trafficking by prohibiting funding for countries and organizations that continue benefiting from human trafficking of Cuban medical doctors, while directing the Secretary of State to pull visas for officials involved in such practices. Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by: Providing unwavering support for Israel by including no less than $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds. Providing robust assistance to Egypt and Jordan, two key U.S. partners. Including $500 million for the Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan to strengthen deterrence across the Taiwan Strait, and $200 million in military assistance for the Philippines, as well as availability of Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees for such purpose. Fully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million. Providing $1.8 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific to counter the PRC’s malign influence. Barring funds for the PRC and the Chinese Communist Party by prohibiting—funds for countries to repay debt owed to China, funds for international financial institutions generating loans to the PRC. Prohibiting assistance to individuals or entities that support, finance, or facilitate the operations or commercial activities of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, or their affiliates. Promoting freedom and national security in the Western Hemisphere. Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by: Prioritizing fiscal sanity and the elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse by strategically investing in partners to help them achieve durable and sustainable goals consistent with United States national security interests. Supporting efforts to reduce duplication, eliminate siloes, and streamline foreign policy under the direction of the Secretary of State to support a nimble and effective Department. Eliminating funding for unauthorized programs, organizations, or functions. Eliminating funding for Biden-era executive orders on climate, gender, DEI, and extraneous or irrelevant programs that diluted the mission of America’s foreign policy. Prohibiting funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Prioritizing diplomatic engagement to favorably resolve commercial disputes abroad and to promote American business interests overseas. Refocusing attention on critical diplomatic functions, such as addressing passport applications and ensuring the safety and security of our embassies. A summary of the bill is available here . Bill text is available here . ### Issues : Appropriations Appropriations Process Cuba Foreign Affairs Defense/National Security Fiscal Responsibility
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