Tom Cole

Mr. Chair, Thanks · 25 wordsI thank my distinguished friend and vice chair of the full committee, Chairman Diaz-Balart, for yielding the time and for his work on this bill.Thanks Positioning · 40 wordsThe fiscal year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs bill makes a clear statement about American leadership: We will engage where it matters.Vague promise We will invest where it counts.Vague promise We will demand accountability for every dollar spent.PositioningVague promise Procedure · 28 wordsThe legislation before us today, Mr. Chairman, implements a clear- eyed and unapologetic approach to our security and democracy efforts. It leaves no doubt about our Nation’s posture.ProcedureUnearned certainty Positioning · 30 wordsAmerica will not be passive or simply write blank checks. Every investment we make must advance U.S. interests, strengthen our strategic position, and deliver measurable results for the American people.PositioningVague promise Claims · 22 wordsWe are putting our values into action by upholding freedom, promoting economic opportunity, supporting religious liberty, and safeguarding protections that uphold life. Positioning · 66 wordsThis approach marks a necessary course correction. Unlike previous administrations that prioritized symbolism over outcomes, President Trump and Chairman Diaz-Balart have returned U.S. engagement to a foundation of strength, accountability, and strategic purpose. On every level, this bill reiterates that it won’t be optics but real results that drive our work.Vague promise The measure stands firmly with our friends while drawing a clear line against our adversaries.Positioning Claims · 81 wordsIt reinforces support for key allies, like Israel and Taiwan, ¹and directly counters threats from Communist China and other regimes that challenge our interests and principles.² It also demands greater accountability and raises expectations for our partners, recognizing that enduring alliances are strongest when responsibilities are shared. Further, it implements strategic investments that enhance U.S. leverage abroad and combat fentanyl trafficking and criminal organizations.³ It refocuses our diplomacy on core missions like embassy security, passport services, ⁴and promoting American businesses overseas. Procedure · 5 wordsThe bottom line is simple: ProcedureUnearned certaintyPositioning · 21 wordsThis legislation recognizes that freedom and democracy are not mere ideals. They are principles that we will actively champion and advance.Positioning Claims · 20 wordsChairman Diaz-Balart’s bill directs resources to the highest impact priorities that strengthen America’s position while cutting billions in unnecessary spending.⁵ Positioning · 8 wordsThis bill delivers security, strategic focus, and results.PositioningVague promise Mr. Chair, Thanks · 28 wordsI thank my friend from Florida and Ranking Member Frankel for their leadership, and I thank the staff on both sides of the aisle for their hard work.Thanks The ask · 8 wordsI urge my colleagues to support this bill.