Nunn and Hinson oppose Gaetz effort to recoup billions to help Ukraine pay off debt, Feenstra, Miller-Meeks support

Americans For Prosperity looking for a passionate advocate for liberty to join our team as a Grassroots Engagement Director. You will identify, recruit, and lead volunteers in voter-contact activity as our activist base holds our elected officials accountable. There are multiple opportunities across Iowa with one of the largest and established grassroots efforts in the nation. For these permanent field staff positions we offer an industry leading benefits package, flexible work schedule, and the opportunity to make meaningful public policy change. We Have Grassroots Engagement Director Openings In: • Iowa – Cedar Rapids • Iowa – Des Moines Please feel free to apply today or contact a recruiter to discuss more options by booking a call with a recruiter here (Be sure to mention you heard about this opportunity through the Iowa Standard). Looking for something different? Check out other opportunities at AFP here. AFP-IOWA! - LEARN MORE!

***The Iowa Standard is an independent media voice. We rely on the financial support of our readers to exist. Please consider a one-time sign of support or becoming a monthly supporter at $5, $10/month - whatever you think we're worth! If you’ve ever used the phrase “Fake News” — now YOU can actually DO something about it! You can also support us on PayPal at newsdesk@theiowastandard.com or Venmo at Iowa-Standard-2018 or through the mail at: PO Box 112 Sioux Center, IA 51250

Conservative Congressman Matt Gaetz attempted to amend the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act on Thursday night, but his effort failed.

Gaetz’s amendment would have reduced funds apportioned to USAID by $4.5 billion and transferred it to the Spending Reduction Account to recoup the $4.5 billion the agency provided to Ukraine to help pay off its sovereign debt.

All 208 Democrats who voted on the amendment voted against it, as did 104 Republicans — including Iowa’s Third District Rep. Zach Nunn and Second District Rep. Ashley Hinson.

Fourth District Rep. Randy Feenstra and First District Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks voted in favor of the amendment, along with most of the conservatives in the U.S. House.

Gaetz said USAID is a vehicle through which the American taxpayer is paying for economic development in other countries.

“USAID may have started with laudable goals, but today they’re promoting abortion globally with American tax dollars, they are pushing President Biden’s national gender strategy — I never thought we needed a national gender strategy, but if we need a national gender strategy can we at least not spend so much money promoting it abroad. Silly.”

Gaetz added the DEI programs embedded in The 1619 Project have been embraced by the UN, which has manifested through USAID.

“American taxpayers should focus their resources and their efforts on the American people and the American economy,” Gaetz said. “This is a thoughtful reduction and it should be easy to agree to.”

Gaetz reinforced his amendment would make a $4.5 billion cut, of which $3.5 billion of that would stop the US from retiring global debt for Ukraine.

“Now, I don’t think it’s an unrealistic position to say that the United States of America should not deficit spend to retire the debt of other countries,” Gaetz said. “Think about that. We are borrowing money from China to go settle the debts of Ukraine that they accrued far before this war with Russia.”

Author: The Iowa Standard