110 HR 7028 IH: To limit United States assistance for infrastructure U.S. House of Representatives 2008-09-23 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I 110th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7028 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 23, 2008 Mr. Tanner (for himself and Mr. Boyd of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To limit United States assistance for infrastructure projects in Iraq, and for other purposes.

1.

Findings

Congress finds the following: (1)The Government Accountability Office in its August 2008 report entitled Iraqi Revenue, Expenditures, and Surplus, found that from 2005 to 2007 [the Iraqi] government generated an estimated $96 billion in cumulative revenues, of which crude oil export sales accounted for about $90.2 billion, or 94 percent. (2)That same report found that for 2008 the Iraqi Government could have a budget surplus of more than $50 billion. (3)Iraq has the world’s third largest oil reserve, providing a steady stream of revenue. (4)According to the Government Accountability Office, since fiscal year 2003, the United States has provided $48 billion for stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

2.

Limitation on United States assistance for infrastructure projects in Iraq

(a)

Limitation

Except as provided in subsection (b), no funds may be obligated or expended for the acquisition, conversion, rehabilitation, or installation of facilities in Iraq that is commenced on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b)

Exceptions

The limitation contained in subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to the following: (1)

Assistance under CERP

(A)

In general

Amounts made available under the Commanders’ Emergency Response Program (CERP) under section 1202 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163; 119 Stat. 3455) to carry out the activities described in subsection (a). (B)

Approval of Secretary of Defense

Amounts described in subparagraph (A) that are in excess of $1,000,000 for any program, project, or activity may be made available to carry out the activities described in subsection (a) only if the Secretary of Defense approves the use of such amounts and submits to Congress a report containing such approval. (2)

Technical assistance

Amounts made available for the provision of technical assistance necessary to assist the Government of Iraq to carry out the activities described in subsection (a) on its own behalf.

3.

Agreement for cost sharing of combined operations in Iraq

(a)

In general

The Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, shall seek to enter into negotiations with the Government of Iraq in order to conclude an agreement under which the Government of Iraq agrees to share with the United States Government the costs of combined operations of the Government of Iraq and the Multi-National Force in Iraq undertaken as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (b)

Report

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to Congress a report describing the status of negotiations required under subsection (a).