As you all know, America and Bangladesh have been working together closely for some time on many fronts, from health to counterterrorism, to food security. Together we've dramatically reduced the maternal and child mortality and tripled the production of rice and achieved 6 percent annual GDP growth over the last decade. Our relationship is much more than a partnership, much more than lights. It is a friendship. That friendship is based upon the values that we share. And as the Ambassador just alluded, in my view, that friendship has never been more important. We are working together to address the Rohingya crisis. America truly admires the capacity that Bangladesh has shown in extending a welcome to this poor beleaguered people. As your Administrator, I admire the role that you have played in helping Dhaka to meet their most immediate needs. We all recognize that the long-term answer must soon be found, but right now, the very survival of these oppressed families depends upon the help and assistance that you are helping to deliver. So, on behalf of the United States of America, I salute all of you.

Ramadan is a time to reflect on the principles of commitment, compassion, justice, and service.  These principles also lie at the core of USAID's mission.  Our Agency is proud to partner with Muslim communities across the world to pursue a shared commitment to humanitarian service and the elevation of human dignity.

Today, the United States announced more than $44 million in additional humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and people affected by violence and conflict in Burma. This funding brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance for displaced people in and from Burma to more than $299 million since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2017.

On behalf of the worldwide USAID team, I express my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mark Mitchell, an accomplished Foreign Service Officer who died in a tragic accident on Sunday in Georgia. USAID staff work around the world, often at risk to themselves, to promote a better future for all. His memory lives on in the lasting impact of his 25 years as a dedicated public servant. In addition to serving in the U.S. military, Mark faced some of the most challenging operating environments USAID officers confront worldwide, as he served in Djibouti and Afghanistan before taking up his post in Georgia. His passion for country, for service, and for improving the lives of those in need reached communities far and wide, and touched many here at home.

Today, the United States announced an additional $18.5 million in bilateral funding to support displaced Venezuelans in Colombia who have fled the crisis in their country. The United States is coordinating with the Government of Colombia to respond rapidly to the needs of Venezuelans, Colombians, and others who have fled Venezuela, while continuing to move forward with critical long-term peace accord implementation efforts.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Assistant to the Administrator Greg Huger, of the Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs, will participate in a district event with constituents, including members of the Pakistani and Afghan diaspora community, in Long Island with Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY).

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green met today with The Honorable Amadou Sanneh, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of The Gambia.  Administrator Green congratulated the Minister for the restoration of The Gambia's eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and expressed support for the country's democratic transition.

Today, on World Malaria Day, I reaffirm the commitment of the United States to ending malaria. Despite being preventable, malaria is a leading cause of sickness and death across much of sub-Saharan Africa. The disease disproportionately impacts the rural poor and traps families in a vicious cycle of disease and poverty.

Thank you, Senator. And thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Leahy, and members of the Subcommittee, thank you for this opportunity to summarize my written testimony, which you have. I'd like to begin by welcoming the nomination of Director Pompeo. We've had an opportunity to initially discuss how development and diplomacy go hand-in-hand, and I look forward to working with him closely should he be confirmed.

In the meantime, as you alluded to, Mr. Chairman, at USAID we have urgent work to do. From unprecedented humanitarian challenges, to exciting development opportunities, I believe our work has never been more important. And that's certainly been a clear takeaway from my travels over these last eight months.