[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 23, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H5386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              FOREIGN AID

  (Mrs. WALDHOLTZ asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.
  Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, Secretary of State Warren Christopher 
said in January of this year, ``The current structure of the foreign 
affairs agencies developed in a world much different from today's. It 
must change to meet the demands of the next century.'' He was right. 
And that is exactly what we are beginning today.
  Today we begin the debate on the American Overseas Interests Act 
which will streamline the maze of foreign aid bureaucracies, reduce 
foreign aid spending and help set new priorities. It is also an 
important part of the Republican commitment to balance the budget in a 
way that makes sense.
  Under our plan, three foreign aid bureaucracies and dozens of 
programs are eliminated and reformed, and we save $21 billion over the 
next 7 years while continuing to meet our commitments to our friends 
and allies.
  As every aspect of the budget comes under scrutiny, foreign aid, 
however well-intentioned, cannot be excluded. We need to reexamine how 
and why every dollar is spent, setting new priorities for a new world. 
I look forward to a debate that can only improve our foreign aid 
programs.

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