Republicans have sought to cut hundreds of millions of dollars slated for security at U.S. embassies and consulates since gaining control of the House in 2011.
Democrats are scrutinizing the GOP proposals in the wake of attacks on U.S. embassies and consulates in the Middle East, one of which saw Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and three other Americans murdered.
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This is a disturbing example of the Republicans meat-ax approach to cutting every aspect of the government, no matter how essential, said Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Charles Schumer (N.Y.) in a statement to The Hill.
Republicans hit back, saying the GOP-controlled House has voted for money to ensure the safety of diplomatic staff overseas, and accused Democrats of using last weeks violence to score cheap political points.
It is extremely distasteful that some ill-informed Democrat staff are using the instability and violence abroad to score cheap political hits, said Jennifer Hing, communications director for the House Appropriations Committee.
For over a decade, the Congress has made strong and necessary investments to ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic facilities and staff overseas, Hing said.
