The State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies Subcommittee (SFOPS), part of the larger House Appropriations Committee, has gained a new member in Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), the only member representing Arizona in the group.
The House Appropriations website describes the exact duties of the subcommittee, which helps steer the national budget for Federal agencies such as the Department of State, the Treasury Department's International Financial Institutions and International Affairs Technical Assistance, the Import-Export Bank, the Peace Corps, and the Trade and Development Agencies.
In his press release, Rep. Ciscomani said, "With growing threats from adversaries around the world, American strength and diplomacy on the global stage is more important than ever."
Additionally, he noted that "our federal government and the relevant agencies must be laser-focused on protecting our national security at home and abroad, supporting our partners and allies, and eliminating threats to the homeland. This position will allow me to ensure those priorities are met while reducing bloated government spending and increasing congressional oversight into the Biden administration. This role has deep roots with southern Arizona’s previous congressional representation, with my friend and mentor, Jim Kolbe, having previously served as Chairman on the subcommittee, and I am honored to follow in his footsteps. I look forward to serving on this subcommittee with these goals and those of Arizona’s Sixth District top of mind."
Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), the SFOPS Subcommittee chair, welcomed Rep. Ciscomani into the fold, saying it was "an honor" to have him aboard and adding he "has shown himself to be an effective leader and I look forward to working with him to end out-of-control spending and uphold government accountability while ensuring the United States continue to uphold American values to promote freedom, human rights, and the rule of law."
Ciscomani's appointment to the subcommittee comes hot on the heels of his recent visit to Israel as part of a Congressional delegation as the Jewish State battles Hamas, where he said, "For decades, Israel has been one of our most important partners and a beacon of democracy in the Middle East. Their mission to defeat Hamas is not just crucial for Israel, but for the entire world. This trip has equipped me and my colleagues with a better understanding of what the Israeli people experience every day, and how the United States can continue to support them in this critical mission."
