Congresswoman Lateefah Simon Votes Against H.R. 7006

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) released the following statement after voting NO on H.R. 7006:

"Yesterday, I voted against H.R. 7006, the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act.

"Despite good work from Democratic leaders to include vital guardrails on the Trump Administration's use of funds and to protect investments in international family planning programs and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, the Trump Administration's abrupt closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the gutting of the State Department has had devastating impacts around the world. Steep cuts to vital nutrition assistance programs have left vulnerable populations - including refugees - without lifesaving support. The closure of HIV/AIDS clinics around the world has resulted in mothers and their babies dying. Reports estimate that the Trump Administration's cuts to international assistance programs will result in over 600,000 deaths annually - deaths that could have been preventable if not for the willful cruelty of this Administration.

"Meanwhile, the Trump Administration has dragged us into an unconstitutional war in Venezuela, unconditionally supports governments engaged in human rights abuses, shows flagrant disregard for international law and the U.S. Constitution, and continually relies on threats of the use of force instead of engaging in diplomacy.

"I represent a district built on the belief that government should save lives, not end them. This bill fails that test. I voted no."

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