Sen. Cornyn Threatens to Block Trump Nominees Unless Africa Aid Funds Released

Sen. John Cornyn is prepared to oppose two of President Trump’s ambassadorial nominees unless the administration releases more than $1 billion in previously appropriated funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in Africa.

Cornyn told reporters he would use the leverage of committee votes on Kari Lake and Doug Mastriano to force distribution of the money. “The only way it seems like you can get the administration’s attention on some of these funding issues is by using the leverage to withhold votes on nominees,” he said.

He argued the program remains critical both for humanitarian reasons and for American soft power on the continent. “This is one of the really important elements of our soft power too, because America needs friends in Africa.”

The Foreign Relations Committee’s narrow Republican majority means a single defection could stall the nominations. Cornyn indicated he would not be acting alone.

The standoff comes weeks after Cornyn lost a Republican primary in Texas. The White House has not publicly indicated whether it will meet the demand.