Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) is set to become Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sparking concerns that he will not be bipartisan, according to some Democrats. He addressed the situation in a recent appearance on Fox News's America's Newsroom, saying if they do not wish to cut frivolous foreign investments, "then it is not going to be bipartisan."
Politico quoted anonymous staffers from House Foreign Affairs as saying that "the days of bipartisanship and collegiality on the committee could be over. There are moments when Mast is a level-headed guy, but those are rare. It doesn't happen very often."
Rep. Mast responded to the accusation by highlighting his veteran status, pointing out that "America is personal to me; I damn near gave my life for this place." As a result, he said he would be "emotionally invested, and everybody else should be as well."
Additionally, he suggested much of America's foreign aid is pointless and prioritizes the exportation of American liberal values, saying, "Because if Democrats are trying to justify taking 30% out of someone's paycheck and then sending it to Ecuador to do a drag show masqueraded as diplomacy, or they are taking half a million dollars and sending it to Nepal and saying, 'Well, we are helping them expand atheism,' or I could give you a hundred examples. If they do not want to be bipartisan in cutting those things because they were putting them forward, then it is not going to be bipartisan."
Host Dana Perino noted that a second anonymous source said Rep. Mast has "actually been one of those people than people can work with" and asked for his final words.
The Florida Congressman's reply effectively summarized his diplomacy strategy: "How does the diplomacy we are going put America first? Does a dollar and a diplomat help America in the right place? And you get to that point by asking, 'What does America need from the country or region? Do we get what we need from that country or region?' Because if we are not, then we are being played for suckers, and President Trump does not want America to ever be played for a sucker, and nor do I."
