WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY), has met with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to discuss the State Department's funding challenges and opportunities for the next fiscal year. Chairman Rogers made the following statement on the meeting: 

"In meeting with Secretary Tillerson, I was impressed by his experience and leadership. We agree that investment in important international diplomatic and security programs is essential to encouraging peace and stability in critical areas around the globe and to our safety here at home. The United States has a vital role to play in advancing democracy, protecting the innocent, and offering diplomatic solutions to crisis, unrest, violence and economic challenges. We stand side by side in our commitment to supporting important programs and activities that advance these goals.

"We need an aggressive plan to fight ISIS and any other enemy that wishes us harm. Secretary Tillerson and I agree that this requires a comprehensive approach, including not just military engagement, but also the full and responsible use of all diplomatic tools at our disposal. While the full budget picture has yet to emerge, we intend to work closely together over the next cycle to ensure that the necessary resources are available to fulfill these goals." 

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