Díaz-Balart Chairs Oversight Hearing on the Biden Administration’s Mismanagement of PEPFAR

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), chaired an oversight hearing for the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations on assessing the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Key Highlights

"Unfortunately, under the Biden Administration, the PEPFAR program was not immune from the misguided campaign to push controversial ideologies using U.S. taxpayer dollars. I warned in every hearing, markup, and engagement that using funds to promote radical agendas will cost support for programs that I-and many other Republicans-have historically supported. But even more egregious, under the Biden Administration's watch, the PEPFAR program violated the Helms Amendment and used taxpayer funds to pay for abortions, for the very first time, as far as we know."

"I was outraged and heartbroken to learn of this shocking betrayal-funds provided to save lives were instead used to end lives. This was despite my efforts as Chairman to push for more training and oversight with respect to enforcement of long-standing provisions in law to protect life."

"The incoming Trump Administration announced a review of all foreign assistance programs on day one. Let me be clear-given the circumstances and the gross mismanagement of the Biden Administration, a review is necessary. I fully support this Administration doing a thorough scrub of PEPFAR programs. Frankly, it was sorely needed to ensure that bipartisan support can continue."

"As this committee begins the important work of crafting the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill, this hearing will play an important role in shaping the recommendations ahead of us. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses about the successes, challenges, and opportunities as we think about the future of the PEPFAR program."

"It is my assessment that PEPFAR has, and if implemented correctly, will continue to, make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous."

Click hereto read Chairman Díaz-Balart's remarks, and the hearing can be watched below.