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Subramanyam slams House GOP foreign funding bill
The Virginia Democrat said the measure would cut funding for diplomacy, global health, and international development.
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Malvika Choudhary - Sun, 19, Jul 2026
- 16:59 EDT
- 185
Suhas Subramanyam / House Floor
Rep. Suhas Subramanyam criticized the House-passed State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill, saying it would weaken US diplomacy and global leadership.
In a statement released after the July 15 vote, the Virginia Democrat said the bill provides 20% less funding for diplomacy and international development efforts, eliminates funding for UNICEF and the United Nations, and cuts $500 million for global health programs, including HIV/AIDS prevention and health security initiatives.
Also Read: Trump has hurt India-US ties: American lawmaker Subramanyam
"As the War in Iran drags on for the 5th month, House Republicans pushed a funding bill to the floor for the State Department that further isolates our country," Subramanyam said.
He also criticized House Republicans for allowing votes on what he described as partisan amendments while blocking bipartisan proposals. Subramanyam said his amendments on humanitarian assistance for Gaza and Sudan, support for USAID, and measures to prevent corruption in foreign policy were ruled out of order and did not receive a vote.
Subramanyam said Congress should have a serious discussion about US financial support for Israel and other countries in the region amid the ongoing war in Iran, but argued that the amendments considered by the House were "poorly conceived" and would have undermined peacebuilding programs and embassy operations.
The House approved the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for fiscal 2027 (H.R. 8595) by a 217-209 vote on July 15. The legislation provides $47.32 billion in discretionary funding for the State Department and related national security programs, about $2.69 billion below the fiscal 2026 enacted level.
House Republican leaders said the measure prioritizes national security, maintains support for key allies, counters adversaries such as China and Iran, and aligns foreign assistance with the Trump administration's "America First" agenda.
"The Trump administration and House Republicans have been a complete failure on foreign policy," Subramanyam said.
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