[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 23, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H5385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page H5385]] restore funding for student financial aid.
        THE AMERICAN OVERSEAS INTERESTS ACT IS GOOD LEGISLATION

  (Mr. WELLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, on November 8, this Congress heard a message 
pretty loud and clear, that it is time to eliminate and streamline the 
bureaucracy, to pass a budget for the first time in 28 years where we 
live within our means, and to cut foreign aid.
  On May 15, the Committee on International Relations passed the 
American Overseas Interests Act legislation to meet that commitment. In 
fact, this legislation represents six major changes from business as 
usual. It reduces unnecessary bureaucracy by folding three independent 
agencies into the State Department. Their functions and budgets will be 
reduced and folded into the State Department, which will take over 
their responsibilities.
  This legislation will eliminate several low-priority programs, and 
reduce U.S. funding for a dozen international agencies. The bill also 
follows through on our commitment to cut foreign aid. In fact, over the 
next 7 years this legislation will cut foreign aid by $21 billion as 
part of our commitment to live within our means.
  Legislation will also punish our adversaries and focus on vital U.S. 
interests. This is good legislation, Mr. Speaker. The American Overseas 
Interests Act keeps our commitment to eliminate and streamline the 
bureaucracy, to cut foreign aid, and to pass a balanced budget.
  

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