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Risch on FY2023 Budget Request: Focusing on Climate Policies Won’t Stop Malign Actions from Russia, China, Iran

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on President Biden’s FY2023 international affairs budget request:

“I’ve consistently argued that the greatest threat to U.S. national security is our spiraling debt. Perhaps an even greater threat is an administration that consistently fails to prioritize the people, partners, and programs that actually can help keep us safe. President Biden’s FY2023 international affairs budget request includes a massive plus-up in foreign assistance to advance climate policies, but substantially decreases international security assistance at a time when our allies are under direct attack. Focusing on climate policies is not going to stop malign actions from countries like Russia, China, and Iran.

“It’s up to Congress, once again, to try to correct course with this budget. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure an appropriate balance in the FY2023 budget that prioritizes the national security and defense of the American people.”

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