Congresswoman Boebert Successfully Adds Amendments and Policy Priorities to Department of State Appropriations Bill

This week, the House passed two amendments and appropriations riders submitted by Congresswoman Lauren Boebert as part of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. These successful legislative efforts aim to tackle the human trafficking crisis and put an end to woke policies within the State Department.

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03)  said, “Human trafficking has surged worldwide, with particularly alarming numbers in our neighboring countries. I am taking action to fight against this dire epidemic. My amendment represents a significant stride to combat the alarming increase in human trafficking, both in the United States and around the world. Additionally, my appropriations riders included in the base bill tackle wokeness and extremism and help return the agency to its core missions."

Background:

This week, the House passed H.R. 4665 - Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act Fiscal Year 2024.

In the 118th Congress, Congresswoman Boebert has been an extremely effective legislator, focusing on the needs of the Third Congressional District and delivering numerous legislative victories. Specifically, three of the Congresswoman’s bills and 42 of her amendments have passed the House. She also passed six bills through the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Administration. In addition, the Congresswoman has secured $19.7 million for important water and infrastructure projects in the Third District through Community Project Funding requests included in  House Appropriations bills.

Congresswoman Boebert successfully passed two amendments through the House of Representatives to H.R. 4665. These amendments include:

Boebert Amendment No. 1 – Transfers $3 million to increase DNA forensic technology programs to combat human trafficking in Central America and Mexico.

This amendment is critically important as it allocates $3 million to boost DNA forensic technology programs in Central America and Mexico, specifically to combat human trafficking. By enhancing forensic capabilities, it empowers law enforcement to better identify and prosecute traffickers, ultimately safeguarding vulnerable individuals and addressing the root causes of this pervasive crime. This investment not only strengthens justice but also underscores the United States' commitment to regional security and stability.

Boebert Amendment No. 55 – Ensures no funds are used to enforce or implement a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for international travelers.

This amendment holds significance because it safeguards the rights of international travelers by ensuring that no funds will be used to enforce or implement a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for them. It strikes a balance between individual freedoms and public health concerns in the context of global travel. By preventing the allocation of funds for such mandates, it stresses the importance of personal choice while also addressing logistical challenges and potential disruptions in international travel. This decision provides reassurance to travelers.

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert submitted numerous appropriations requests that were included in the base bill. Read the full letter from State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee Chairmen Mario Diaz-Balart listing her priorities HERE.

Congresswoman Boebert’s policies that were included in the base bill include:

1. Report language included regarding opposition to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and expanded vetting to prevent funds from going to any organizations that support.

2. No funds included for United Nations Women.

3. Funds prohibited for the World Health Organization.

4. Bill language included regarding a prohibition on funds for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

5. Bill language included regarding a prohibition on funds for the Green Climate Fund.

6. Bill language included regarding a prohibition on funds for drag shows.

7. Bill language included regarding a prohibition on funds for the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.

8. Bill language included regarding a prohibition on funds for Critical Race Theory (CRT) and diversity, equity, and inclusion activities.

9. Defunded the UN Human Rights Council.

10. Bill language included regarding a prohibition on funds for race, ethnicity, and social inclusion programs, including the Department of State's Equity Action Plan and the Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons.

Read the full bill HERE.