[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 120 (Friday, September 20, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8998-S9002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RUSSIAN DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2002

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, by request of the majority leader, I ask 
unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate 
consideration of Calendar Order No. 543, H.R. 2121.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will state the bill by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (H.R. 2121) to make available funds under the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to expand democracy, good 
     governance, and anti-corruption programs in the Russian 
     Federation in order to promote society in that country and to 
     support independent media.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill, 
which had been reported from the Committee on Foreign Relations, with 
an amendment to strike all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu 
thereof the following:

  [Strike the part shown in black brackets and insert the part shown in 
italic]
       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     [SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       [This Act may be cited as the ``Russian Democracy Act of 
     2001''.

     [SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       [(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       [(1) Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the 
     leadership of the Russian Federation has publicly committed 
     itself to building--
       [(A) a society with democratic political institutions and 
     practices, the observance of universally recognized standards 
     of human rights, and religious and press freedom; and
       [(B) a market economy based on internationally accepted 
     principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of 
     law.
       [(2) In order to facilitate this transition, the 
     international community has provided multilateral and 
     bilateral technical assistance, and the United States' 
     contribution to these efforts has played an important role in 
     developing new institutions built on democratic and liberal 
     economic foundations and the rule of law.
       [(3)(A) Since 1992, United States Government democratic 
     reform programs and public diplomacy programs, including 
     training, small grants, and technical assistance to 
     independent television, radio, and print media across the 
     Russian Federation, have strengthened nongovernment-owned 
     media, provided access to and training in the use of the 
     Internet, brought nearly 40,000 Russian citizens to the 
     United States, and have led to the establishment of over 
     65,000 nongovernmental organizations, thousands of vibrant 
     independent media outlets, and numerous political parties.
       [(B) These efforts contributed to the substantially free 
     and fair Russian parliamentary elections in 1995 and 1999 and 
     Presidential elections in 1996 and 2000.
       [(4) The United States has assisted Russian efforts to 
     replace its centrally planned, state-controlled economy with 
     a market economy and helped create institutions and 
     infrastructure for a market economy by encouraging the 
     transparent privatization of state-owned enterprises. 
     Approximately two-thirds of the Russian Federation's gross 
     domestic product is now generated by the private sector.
       [(5)(A) The United States fostered grassroots 
     entrepreneurship in the Russian Federation by focusing United 
     States economic assistance on small- and medium-sized 
     businesses and by providing training, consulting services, 
     and small loans to more than 250,000 Russian entrepreneurs.
       [(B) There are now more than 900,000 small businesses in 
     the Russian Federation, producing 12 to 15 percent of the 
     gross domestic product of the Russian Federation.
       [(C) United States-funded programs help to fight corruption 
     and financial crime, such as money laundering, by helping 
     to--
       [(i) establish a commercial legal infrastructure;
       [(ii) develop an independent judiciary;
       [(iii) support the drafting of a new criminal code, civil 
     code, and bankruptcy law;
       [(iv) develop a legal and regulatory framework for the 
     Russian Federation's equivalent of the United States 
     Securities and Exchange Commission;
       [(v) support Russian law schools;
       [(vi) create legal aid clinics; and
       [(vii) bolster law-related activities of nongovernmental 
     organizations.
       [(6) Because the capability of Russian democratic forces 
     and the civil society to organize and defend democratic gains 
     without international support is uncertain, and because the 
     gradual integration of the Russian Federation into the global 
     order of free-market, democratic nations will further enhance 
     Russian cooperation with the United States on a wide-range of 
     political, economic, and security issues, the success of 
     democracy in Russia is in the national security interest of 
     the United States, and the United States Government should 
     develop a far-reaching and flexible strategy aimed at 
     strengthening Russian society's support for democracy and a 
     market economy, particularly by enhancing Russian democratic 
     institutions and education, promoting the rule of law, and 
     supporting Russia's independent media.
       [(7) Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the 
     Russian Federation has stood with the United States and the 
     civilized world in the struggle against terrorism and has 
     cooperated in the war in Afghanistan by sharing intelligence 
     and through other means.
       [(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
       [(1) to strengthen and advance institutions of democratic 
     government and of a free and independent media and to sustain 
     the development of an independent civil society in the 
     Russian Federation based on religious and ethnic tolerance, 
     internationally recognized human rights, and an 
     internationally recognized rule of law; and
       [(2) to focus United States foreign assistance programs on 
     using local expertise and giving local organizations a 
     greater role in designing and implementing such programs, 
     while maintaining appropriate oversight and monitoring.

     [SEC. 3. UNITED STATES POLICY TOWARD THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

       [(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the United States Government should--
       [(1) recognize that a democratic and economically stable 
     Russian Federation is inherently less confrontational and 
     destabilizing in its foreign policy and therefore that the 
     promotion of democracy in Russia is in the national security 
     interests of the United States; and
       [(2) continue and increase assistance to the democratic 
     forces in the Russian Federation, including the independent 
     media, regional administrations, democratic political 
     parties, and nongovernmental organizations.
       [(b) Statement of Policy.--It shall be the policy of the 
     United States--
       [(1) to facilitate Russia's integration into the Western 
     community of nations, including supporting the establishment 
     of a stable democracy and a market economy, and also 
     including Russia's membership in the appropriate 
     international institutions;
       [(2) to engage the Government of Russian Federation and 
     Russian society in order to

[[Page S8999]]

     strengthen democratic reform and institutions, and to promote 
     good governance principles based on the internationally 
     recognized norms of transparency in business practices, the 
     rule of law, religious freedom, and human rights;
       [(3) to advance a dialog between United States Government 
     officials and private sector individuals and representatives 
     of the Government of the Russian Federation regarding Russian 
     integration into the Western community of nations;
       [(4) to encourage United States Government officials and 
     private sector individuals to meet regularly with democratic 
     activists, human rights activists, representatives of the 
     independent media, representatives of nongovernmental 
     organizations, civic organizers, and reform-minded 
     politicians from Moscow and the various regions of the 
     Russian Federation;
       [(5) to incorporate democratic reforms, the promotion of an 
     independent media, and economic reforms in the broad United 
     States agenda with the Government of the Russian Federation;
       [(6) to encourage the Government of the Russian Federation 
     to address cross-border issues, including the environment, 
     crime, trafficking, and corruption in a cooperative and 
     transparent manner consistent with internationally recognized 
     and accepted principles of the rule of law;
       [(7) to consult with the Government of the Russian 
     Federation and the Russian Parliament on the adoption of 
     economic and social reforms necessary to sustain Russian 
     economic growth and to ensure Russia's transition to a fully 
     functioning market economy;
       [(8) to persuade the Government of the Russian Federation 
     to honor its commitments made to the Organization for 
     Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) at the November 
     1999 Istanbul Conference and to conduct a genuine good 
     neighbor policy toward the other independent states of the 
     former Soviet Union in the spirit of internationally accepted 
     principles of regional cooperation; and
       [(9) to encourage the G-7 partners and international 
     financial institutions, including the World Bank, the 
     International Monetary Fund, and the European Bank for 
     Reconstruction and Development, to develop financial 
     safeguards and transparency practices in lending to the 
     Russian Federation.

     [SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO THE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1961.

       [(a) Amendments.--
       [(1) Democracy and rule of law.--Section 498(2) of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295(2)) is 
     amended--
       [(A) in the heading, by striking ``Democracy'' and 
     inserting ``Democracy and rule of law'';
       [(B) by striking subparagraphs (E) and (G);
       [(C) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (I);
       [(D) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       [``(E) development and support of grass-roots and 
     nongovernmental organizations promoting democracy, the rule 
     of law, transparency, and accountability in the political 
     process, including grants in small amounts to such 
     organizations;
       [``(F) international exchanges to promote greater 
     understanding by Russian Federation citizens on how 
     democracy, public policy process, market institutions, and an 
     independent judiciary function in Western societies;
       [``(G) political parties committed to promoting democracy, 
     human rights, and economic reforms;
       [``(H) support for civic organizations committed to 
     promoting human rights; and''; and
       [(E) by adding at the end the following:
       [``(J) strengthened administration of justice through 
     programs and activities carried out in accordance with 
     section 498B(e), including--
       [``(i) support for nongovernmental organizations, civic 
     organizations, and political parties that favor a strong and 
     independent judiciary based on merit;
       [``(ii) support for local organizations that work with 
     judges and law enforcement officials in efforts to achieve a 
     reduction in the number of pretrial detainees; and
       [``(iii) support for the creation of Russian legal 
     associations or groups that provide training in human rights 
     and advocacy, public education with respect to human rights-
     related laws and proposed legislation, and legal assistance 
     to persons subject to improper government interference.''.
       [(2) Independent media.--Section 498 of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295) is amended--
       [(A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (13) as 
     paragraphs (4) though (14), respectively; and
       [(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       [``(3) Independent media.--Developing a free and 
     independent media, including--
       [``(A) supporting all forms of non-state-owned media 
     reporting, including print, radio, and television;
       [``(B) providing special support for, and unrestricted 
     public access to, nongovernmental Internet-based sources of 
     information, dissemination and reporting, including providing 
     technical and other support for web radio services, providing 
     computers and other necessary resources for Internet 
     connectivity and training new Internet users in 
     nongovernmental and other civic organizations on methods and 
     uses of Internet-based media; and
       [``(C) training in journalism, including investigative 
     journalism techniques which educate the public on the costs 
     of corruption and act as a deterrent against corrupt 
     officials.''.
       [(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 498B(e) of such Act is 
     amended by striking ``paragraph (2)(G)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (2)(J)''.

     [SEC. 5. ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

       [(a) Assistance Programs.--In providing assistance to the 
     Russian Federation under chapter 11 of part I of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295 et seq.), the 
     President is authorized to carry out the following specific 
     activities:
       [(1) Work with the Government of the Russian Federation, 
     the Duma, and representatives of the Russian Federation 
     judiciary to help implement a revised and improved code of 
     criminal procedure and other laws.
       [(2) Establish civic education programs relating to 
     democracy, public policy, the rule of law, and the importance 
     of an independent media, including the establishment of 
     ``American Centers'' and public policy schools at Russian 
     universities and programs by universities in the United 
     States to offer courses through Internet-based off-site 
     learning centers at Russian universities.
       [(3) Support the Regional Initiatives (RI) program, which 
     provides targeted assistance in those regions of the Russian 
     Federation that have demonstrated commitment to reform, 
     democracy, and the rule of law, and which promote the concept 
     of such programs as a model for all regions of the Russian 
     Federation.
       [(b) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of 
     America.--Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Voice of 
     America should use new and innovative techniques, in 
     cooperation with local independent media sources, to 
     disseminate information throughout the Russian Federation 
     relating to democracy, free-market economics, the rule of 
     law, and human rights.

     [SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE FOR DEMOCRACY, 
                   INDEPENDENT MEDIA, AND THE RULE OF LAW.

       [Of the amounts made available to carry out the provision 
     of chapter 11 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 
     (22 U.S.C. 2295 et seq.) and the Freedom for Russia and 
     Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 
     1992 for fiscal year 2002, not less than $50,000,000 is 
     authorized to be available for the activities authorized by 
     paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 498 of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961, as amended by section 4(a) of this 
     Act.]

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Russian Democracy Act of 
     2002''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the 
     leadership of the Russian Federation has publicly committed 
     itself to building--
       (A) a society with democratic political institutions and 
     practices, the observance of universally recognized standards 
     of human rights, and religious and press freedom; and
       (B) a market economy based on internationally accepted 
     principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of 
     law.
       (2) In order to facilitate this transition, the 
     international community has provided multilateral and 
     bilateral technical assistance, and the United States' 
     contribution to these efforts has played an important role in 
     developing new institutions built on democratic and liberal 
     economic foundations and the rule of law.
       (3)(A) Since 1992, United States Government democratic 
     reform programs and public diplomacy programs, including 
     training, and small grants have provided access to and 
     training in the use of the Internet, brought nearly 40,000 
     Russian citizens to the United States, and have led to the 
     establishment of more than 65,000 nongovernmental 
     organizations, thousands of independent local media outlets, 
     despite governmental opposition, and numerous political 
     parties.
       (B) These efforts contributed to the substantially free and 
     fair Russian parliamentary elections in 1995 and 1999.
       (4) The United States has assisted Russian efforts to 
     replace its centrally planned, state-controlled economy with 
     a market economy and helped create institutions and 
     infrastructure for a market economy. Approximately two-thirds 
     of the Russian Federation's gross domestic product is now 
     generated by the private sector, and the United States 
     recognized Russia as a market economy on June 7, 2002.
       (5)(A) The United States has fostered grassroots 
     entrepreneurship in the Russian Federation by focusing United 
     States economic assistance on small- and medium-sized 
     businesses and by providing training, consulting services, 
     and small loans to more than 250,000 Russian entrepreneurs.
       (B) There are now more than 900,000 small businesses in the 
     Russian Federation, producing 12 to 15 percent, depending on 
     the estimate, of the gross domestic product of the Russian 
     Federation.
       (C) United States-funded programs have contributed to 
     fighting corruption and financial crime, such as money 
     laundering, by helping to--
       (i) establish a commercial legal infrastructure;
       (ii) develop an independent judiciary;
       (iii) support the drafting of a new criminal code, civil 
     code, and bankruptcy law;

[[Page S9000]]

       (iv) develop a legal and regulatory framework for the 
     Russian Federation's equivalent of the United States 
     Securities and Exchange Commission;
       (v) support Russian law schools;
       (vi) create legal aid clinics; and
       (vii) bolster law-related activities of nongovernmental 
     organizations.
       (6) Because the capability of Russian democratic forces and 
     the civil society to organize and defend democratic gains 
     without international support is uncertain, and because the 
     gradual integration of the Russian Federation into the global 
     order of free-market, democratic nations would enhance 
     Russian cooperation with the United States on a wide range of 
     political, economic, and security issues, the success of 
     democracy in Russia is in the national security interest of 
     the United States, and the United States Government should 
     develop a far-reaching and flexible strategy aimed at 
     strengthening Russian society's support for democracy and a 
     market economy, particularly by enhancing Russian democratic 
     institutions and education, promoting the rule of law, and 
     supporting Russia's independent media.
       (7) Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the 
     Russian Federation has stood with the United States and the 
     rest of the civilized world in the struggle against terrorism 
     and has cooperated in the war in Afghanistan by sharing 
     intelligence and through other means.
       (8) United States-Russia relations have improved, leading 
     to a successful summit between President Bush and President 
     Putin in May 2002, resulting in a ``Foundation for 
     Cooperation''.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to strengthen and advance institutions of democratic 
     government and of free and independent media, and to sustain 
     the development of an independent civil society in the 
     Russian Federation based on religious and ethnic tolerance, 
     internationally recognized human rights, and an 
     internationally recognized rule of law; and
       (2) to focus United States foreign assistance programs on 
     using local expertise and to give local organizations a 
     greater role in designing and implementing such programs, 
     while maintaining appropriate oversight and monitoring.

     SEC. 3. UNITED STATES POLICY TOWARD THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the United States Government should--
       (1) recognize that a democratic and economically stable 
     Russian Federation is inherently less confrontational and 
     destabilizing in its foreign policy and therefore that the 
     promotion of democracy in Russia is in the national security 
     interests of the United States; and
       (2) continue and increase assistance to the democratic 
     forces in the Russian Federation, including the independent 
     media, regional administrations, democratic political 
     parties, and nongovernmental organizations.
       (b) Statement of Policy.--It shall be the policy of the 
     United States--
       (1) to facilitate Russia's integration into the Western 
     community of nations, including supporting the establishment 
     of a stable democracy and a market economy within the 
     framework of the rule of law and respect for individual 
     rights, including Russia's membership in the appropriate 
     international institutions;
       (2) to engage the Government of the Russian Federation and 
     Russian society in order to strengthen democratic reform and 
     institutions, and to promote transparency and good governance 
     in all aspects of society, including fair and honest business 
     practices, accessible and open legal systems, freedom of 
     religion, and respect for human rights;
       (3) to advance a dialogue among United States Government 
     officials, private sector individuals, and representatives of 
     the Government of the Russian Federation regarding Russia's 
     integration into the Western community of nations;
       (4) to encourage United States Government officials and 
     private sector individuals to meet regularly with democratic 
     activists, human rights activists, representatives of the 
     independent media, representatives of nongovernmental 
     organizations, civic organizers, church officials, and 
     reform-minded politicians from Moscow and all other regions 
     of the Russian Federation;
       (5) to incorporate democratic reforms, the promotion of 
     independent media, and economic reforms in a broader United 
     States dialogue with the Government of the Russian 
     Federation;
       (6) to encourage the Government of the Russian Federation 
     to address, in a cooperative and transparent manner 
     consistent with internationally recognized and accepted 
     principles, cross-border issues, including the 
     nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, 
     environmental degradation, crime, trafficking, and 
     corruption;
       (7) to consult with the Government of the Russian 
     Federation and the Russian Parliament on the adoption of 
     economic and social reforms necessary to sustain Russian 
     economic growth and to ensure Russia's transition to a fully 
     functioning market economy and membership in the World Trade 
     Organization;
       (8) to persuade the Government of the Russian Federation to 
     honor its commitments made to the Organization for Security 
     and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) at the November 1999 
     Istanbul Conference, and to conduct a genuine good neighbor 
     policy toward the other independent states of the former 
     Soviet Union in the spirit of internationally accepted 
     principles of regional cooperation; and
       (9) to encourage the G-8 partners and international 
     financial institutions, including the World Bank, the 
     International Monetary Fund, and the European Bank for 
     Reconstruction and Development, to develop financial 
     safeguards and transparency practices in lending to the 
     Russian Federation.

     SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO THE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1961.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Democracy and rule of law.--Section 498(2) of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295(2)) is 
     amended--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Democracy'' and 
     inserting ``Democracy and rule of law'';
       (B) by striking subparagraphs (E) and (G);
       (C) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (I);
       (D) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) development and support of grass-roots and 
     nongovernmental organizations promoting democracy, the rule 
     of law, transparency, and accountability in the political 
     process, including grants in small amounts to such 
     organizations;
       ``(F) international exchanges and other forms of public 
     diplomacy to promote greater understanding on how democracy, 
     the public policy process, market institutions, and an 
     independent judiciary function in Western societies;
       ``(G) political parties and coalitions committed to 
     promoting democracy, human rights, and economic reforms;
       ``(H) support for civic organizations committed to 
     promoting human rights;''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(J) strengthened administration of justice through 
     programs and activities carried out in accordance with 
     section 498B(e), including--
       ``(i) support for nongovernmental organizations, civic 
     organizations, and political parties that favor a strong and 
     independent judiciary;
       ``(ii) support for local organizations that work with 
     judges and law enforcement officials in efforts to achieve a 
     reduction in the number of pretrial detainees; and
       ``(iii) support for the creation of legal associations or 
     groups that provide training in human rights and advocacy, 
     public education with respect to human rights-related laws 
     and proposed legislation, and legal assistance to persons 
     subject to improper government interference.''.
       (2) Independent media.--Section 498 of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295) is amended--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (13) as 
     paragraphs (4) through (14), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Independent media.--Developing free and independent 
     media, including--
       ``(A) supporting all forms of independent media reporting, 
     including print, radio, and television;
       ``(B) providing special support for, and unrestricted 
     public access to, nongovernmental Internet-based sources of 
     information, dissemination and reporting, including providing 
     technical and other support for web radio services, providing 
     computers and other necessary resources for Internet 
     connectivity and training new Internet users in 
     nongovernmental civic organizations on methods and uses of 
     Internet-based media; and
       ``(C) training in journalism, including investigative 
     journalism techniques that educate the public on the costs of 
     corruption and act as a deterrent against corrupt 
     officials.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 498B(e) of such Act is 
     amended by striking ``paragraph (2)(G)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (2)(J)''.

     SEC. 5. ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

       (a) Assistance Programs.--In providing assistance to the 
     Russian Federation under chapter 11 of part I of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295 et seq.), the 
     President is authorized to--
       (1) work with the Government of the Russian Federation, the 
     Duma, and representatives of the Russian Federation judiciary 
     to help implement a revised and improved code of criminal 
     procedure and other laws;
       (2) establish civic education programs relating to 
     democracy, public policy, the rule of law, and the importance 
     of independent media, including the establishment of 
     ``American Centers'' and public policy schools at Russian 
     universities and encourage cooperative programs with 
     universities in the United States to offer courses through 
     Internet-based off-site learning centers at Russian 
     universities; and
       (3) support the Regional Initiatives (RI) program, which 
     provides targeted assistance in those regions of the Russian 
     Federation that have demonstrated a commitment to reform, 
     democracy, and the rule of law, and which promotes the 
     concept of such programs as a model for all regions of the 
     Russian Federation.
       (b) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America.--
     RFE/RL, Incorporated, and the Voice of America should use new 
     and innovative techniques, in cooperation with local 
     independent media sources and using local languages as 
     appropriate and as possible, to disseminate throughout the 
     Russian Federation information relating to democracy, free-
     market economics, the rule of law, and human rights.

     SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE FOR DEMOCRACY, 
                   INDEPENDENT MEDIA, AND THE RULE OF LAW.

       Of the amounts made available to carry out the provision of 
     chapter 11 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 
     (22 U.S.C. 2295 et seq.) and the FREEDOM Support Act for 
     fiscal year 2003, $50,000,000 is authorized to be available 
     for the activities authorized by paragraphs (2) and (3) of 
     section 498 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended 
     by section 4(a) of this Act.
       Amend the title so as to read: ``An Act to make available 
     funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to expand 
     democracy, good governance, and anti-corruption programs in 
     the Russian Federation in order to promote and strengthen 
     democratic government and civil society and independent media 
     in that country.''.

[[Page S9001]]

                           Amendment No. 4697

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from West Virginia [Mr. Byrd], for Mr. Biden 
     and Mr. Helms, proposes an amendment numbered 2121.

       At the appropriate place in the bill insert the following:

     SEC.  . PRESERVING THE ARCHIVES OF HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST AND 
                   NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER ANDREI SAKHAROV.

       (a) Authorization.--The President is authorized, on such 
     terms and conditions as the President determines to be 
     appropriate, to make a grant to Brandeis University for an 
     endowment for the Andrei Sakharov Archives and Human Rights 
     Center for the purpose of collecting and preserving documents 
     related to the life of Andrei Sakharov and the administration 
     of such Center.
       (b) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the 
     President to carry out subsection (a) not more than 
     $1,500,000.

     SEC.  . EXTENSION OF LAW.

       The provisions of section 108(c) of H.R. 3427, as enacted 
     by section 1000(a)(7) of P.L. 106-113, shall apply to U.S. 
     contributions for fiscal year 2003 to the organization 
     described in section 108(c) of H.R. 3427.

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Biden-Helms 
amendment at the desk be agreed to, the committee amendment be agreed 
to, the bill, as amended, be read the third time and passed, and the 
amendment to the title be agreed to; that the motion to reconsider be 
laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; and that any 
statements relating thereto be printed in the Record at the appropriate 
place as if read.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment (No. 4697) was agreed to.
  The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, as amended, 
was agreed to.
  The title amendment was agreed to.
  The bill (H.R. 2121), as amended, was read the third time and passed, 
as follows:

       Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Russian Democracy Act of 
     2002''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the 
     leadership of the Russian Federation has publicly committed 
     itself to building--
       (A) a society with democratic political institutions and 
     practices, the observance of universally recognized standards 
     of human rights, and religious and press freedom; and
       (B) a market economy based on internationally accepted 
     principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of 
     law.
       (2) In order to facilitate this transition, the 
     international community has provided multilateral and 
     bilateral technical assistance, and the United States' 
     contribution to these efforts has played an important role in 
     developing new institutions built on democratic and liberal 
     economic foundations and the rule of law.
       (3)(A) Since 1992, United States Government democratic 
     reform programs and public diplomacy programs, including 
     training, and small grants have provided access to and 
     training in the use of the Internet, brought nearly 40,000 
     Russian citizens to the United States, and have led to the 
     establishment of more than 65,000 nongovernmental 
     organizations, thousands of independent local media outlets, 
     despite governmental opposition, and numerous political 
     parties.
       (B) These efforts contributed to the substantially free and 
     fair Russian parliamentary elections in 1995 and 1999.
       (4) The United States has assisted Russian efforts to 
     replace its centrally planned, state-controlled economy with 
     a market economy and helped create institutions and 
     infrastructure for a market economy. Approximately two-thirds 
     of the Russian Federation's gross domestic product is now 
     generated by the private sector, and the United States 
     recognized Russia as a market economy on June 7, 2002.
       (5)(A) The United States has fostered grassroots 
     entrepreneurship in the Russian Federation by focusing United 
     States economic assistance on small- and medium-sized 
     businesses and by providing training, consulting services, 
     and small loans to more than 250,000 Russian entrepreneurs.
       (B) There are now more than 900,000 small businesses in the 
     Russian Federation, producing 12 to 15 percent, depending on 
     the estimate, of the gross domestic product of the Russian 
     Federation.
       (C) United States-funded programs have contributed to 
     fighting corruption and financial crime, such as money 
     laundering, by helping to--
       (i) establish a commercial legal infrastructure;
       (ii) develop an independent judiciary;
       (iii) support the drafting of a new criminal code, civil 
     code, and bankruptcy law;
       (iv) develop a legal and regulatory framework for the 
     Russian Federation's equivalent of the United States 
     Securities and Exchange Commission;
       (v) support Russian law schools;
       (vi) create legal aid clinics; and
       (vii) bolster law-related activities of nongovernmental 
     organizations.
       (6) Because the capability of Russian democratic forces and 
     the civil society to organize and defend democratic gains 
     without international support is uncertain, and because the 
     gradual integration of the Russian Federation into the global 
     order of free-market, democratic nations would enhance 
     Russian cooperation with the United States on a wide range of 
     political, economic, and security issues, the success of 
     democracy in Russia is in the national security interest of 
     the United States, and the United States Government should 
     develop a far-reaching and flexible strategy aimed at 
     strengthening Russian society's support for democracy and a 
     market economy, particularly by enhancing Russian democratic 
     institutions and education, promoting the rule of law, and 
     supporting Russia's independent media.
       (7) Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the 
     Russian Federation has stood with the United States and the 
     rest of the civilized world in the struggle against terrorism 
     and has cooperated in the war in Afghanistan by sharing 
     intelligence and through other means.
       (8) United States-Russia relations have improved, leading 
     to a successful summit between President Bush and President 
     Putin in May 2002, resulting in a ``Foundation for 
     Cooperation''.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to strengthen and advance institutions of democratic 
     government and of free and independent media, and to sustain 
     the development of an independent civil society in the 
     Russian Federation based on religious and ethnic tolerance, 
     internationally recognized human rights, and an 
     internationally recognized rule of law; and
       (2) to focus United States foreign assistance programs on 
     using local expertise and to give local organizations a 
     greater role in designing and implementing such programs, 
     while maintaining appropriate oversight and monitoring.

     SEC. 3. UNITED STATES POLICY TOWARD THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the United States Government should--
       (1) recognize that a democratic and economically stable 
     Russian Federation is inherently less confrontational and 
     destabilizing in its foreign policy and therefore that the 
     promotion of democracy in Russia is in the national security 
     interests of the United States; and
       (2) continue and increase assistance to the democratic 
     forces in the Russian Federation, including the independent 
     media, regional administrations, democratic political 
     parties, and nongovernmental organizations.
       (b) Statement of Policy.--It shall be the policy of the 
     United States--
       (1) to facilitate Russia's integration into the Western 
     community of nations, including supporting the establishment 
     of a stable democracy and a market economy within the 
     framework of the rule of law and respect for individual 
     rights, including Russia's membership in the appropriate 
     international institutions;
       (2) to engage the Government of the Russian Federation and 
     Russian society in order to strengthen democratic reform and 
     institutions, and to promote transparency and good governance 
     in all aspects of society, including fair and honest business 
     practices, accessible and open legal systems, freedom of 
     religion, and respect for human rights;
       (3) to advance a dialogue among United States Government 
     officials, private sector individuals, and representatives of 
     the Government of the Russian Federation regarding Russia's 
     integration into the Western community of nations;
       (4) to encourage United States Government officials and 
     private sector individuals to meet regularly with democratic 
     activists, human rights activists, representatives of the 
     independent media, representatives of nongovernmental 
     organizations, civic organizers, church officials, and 
     reform-minded politicians from Moscow and all other regions 
     of the Russian Federation;
       (5) to incorporate democratic reforms, the promotion of 
     independent media, and economic reforms in a broader United 
     States dialogue with the Government of the Russian 
     Federation;
       (6) to encourage the Government of the Russian Federation 
     to address, in a cooperative and transparent manner 
     consistent with internationally recognized and accepted 
     principles, cross-border issues, including the 
     nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, 
     environmental degradation, crime, trafficking, and 
     corruption;
       (7) to consult with the Government of the Russian 
     Federation and the Russian Parliament on the adoption of 
     economic and social reforms necessary to sustain Russian 
     economic growth and to ensure Russia's transition to a fully 
     functioning market economy and membership in the World Trade 
     Organization;
       (8) to persuade the Government of the Russian Federation to 
     honor its commitments made to the Organization for Security 
     and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) at the November 1999 
     Istanbul Conference, and to conduct a genuine good neighbor 
     policy toward the other independent states of the former 
     Soviet Union in the spirit of internationally accepted 
     principles of regional cooperation; and
       (9) to encourage the G-8 partners and international 
     financial institutions, including the World Bank, the 
     International Monetary Fund, and the European Bank for 
     Reconstruction and Development, to develop financial 
     safeguards and transparency practices in lending to the 
     Russian Federation.

     SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO THE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1961.

       (a) In General.--

[[Page S9002]]

       (1) Democracy and rule of law.--Section 498(2) of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295(2)) is 
     amended--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Democracy'' and 
     inserting ``Democracy and rule of law'';
       (B) by striking subparagraphs (E) and (G);
       (C) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (I);
       (D) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) development and support of grass-roots and 
     nongovernmental organizations promoting democracy, the rule 
     of law, transparency, and accountability in the political 
     process, including grants in small amounts to such 
     organizations;
       ``(F) international exchanges and other forms of public 
     diplomacy to promote greater understanding on how democracy, 
     the public policy process, market institutions, and an 
     independent judiciary function in Western societies;
       ``(G) political parties and coalitions committed to 
     promoting democracy, human rights, and economic reforms;
       ``(H) support for civic organizations committed to 
     promoting human rights;''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(J) strengthened administration of justice through 
     programs and activities carried out in accordance with 
     section 498B(e), including--
       ``(i) support for nongovernmental organizations, civic 
     organizations, and political parties that favor a strong and 
     independent judiciary;
       ``(ii) support for local organizations that work with 
     judges and law enforcement officials in efforts to achieve a 
     reduction in the number of pretrial detainees; and
       ``(iii) support for the creation of legal associations or 
     groups that provide training in human rights and advocacy, 
     public education with respect to human rights-related laws 
     and proposed legislation, and legal assistance to persons 
     subject to improper government interference.''.
       (2) Independent media.--Section 498 of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295) is amended--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (13) as 
     paragraphs (4) through (14), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Independent media.--Developing free and independent 
     media, including--
       ``(A) supporting all forms of independent media reporting, 
     including print, radio, and television;
       ``(B) providing special support for, and unrestricted 
     public access to, nongovernmental Internet-based sources of 
     information, dissemination and reporting, including providing 
     technical and other support for web radio services, providing 
     computers and other necessary resources for Internet 
     connectivity and training new Internet users in 
     nongovernmental civic organizations on methods and uses of 
     Internet-based media; and
       ``(C) training in journalism, including investigative 
     journalism techniques that educate the public on the costs of 
     corruption and act as a deterrent against corrupt 
     officials.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 498B(e) of such Act is 
     amended by striking ``paragraph (2)(G)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (2)(J)''.

     SEC. 5. ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

       (a) Assistance Programs.--In providing assistance to the 
     Russian Federation under chapter 11 of part I of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295 et seq.), the 
     President is authorized to--
       (1) work with the Government of the Russian Federation, the 
     Duma, and representatives of the Russian Federation judiciary 
     to help implement a revised and improved code of criminal 
     procedure and other laws;
       (2) establish civic education programs relating to 
     democracy, public policy, the rule of law, and the importance 
     of independent media, including the establishment of 
     ``American Centers'' and public policy schools at Russian 
     universities and encourage cooperative programs with 
     universities in the United States to offer courses through 
     Internet-based off-site learning centers at Russian 
     universities; and
       (3) support the Regional Initiatives (RI) program, which 
     provides targeted assistance in those regions of the Russian 
     Federation that have demonstrated a commitment to reform, 
     democracy, and the rule of law, and which promotes the 
     concept of such programs as a model for all regions of the 
     Russian Federation.
       (b) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America.--
     RFE/RL, Incorporated, and the Voice of America should use new 
     and innovative techniques, in cooperation with local 
     independent media sources and using local languages as 
     appropriate and as possible, to disseminate throughout the 
     Russian Federation information relating to democracy, free-
     market economics, the rule of law, and human rights.

     SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE FOR DEMOCRACY, 
                   INDEPENDENT MEDIA, AND THE RULE OF LAW.

       Of the amounts made available to carry out the provision of 
     chapter 11 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 
     (22 U.S.C. 2295 et seq.) and the FREEDOM Support Act for 
     fiscal year 2003, $50,000,000 is authorized to be available 
     for the activities authorized by paragraphs (2) and (3) of 
     section 498 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended 
     by section 4(a) of this Act.

     SEC. 7. PRESERVING THE ARCHIVES OF HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST AND 
                   NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER ANDREI SAKHAROV.

       (a) Authorization.--The President is authorized, on such 
     terms and conditions as the President determines to be 
     appropriate, to make a grant to Brandeis University for an 
     endowment for the Andrei Sakharov Archives and Human Rights 
     Center for the purpose of collecting and preserving documents 
     related to the life of Andrei Sakharov and the administration 
     of such Center.
       (b) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the 
     President to carry out subsection (a) not more than 
     $1,500,000.

     SEC. 8. EXTENSION OF LAW.

       The provisions of section 108(c) of H.R. 3427, as enacted 
     by section 1000(a)(7) of Public Law 106-113, shall apply to 
     United States contributions for fiscal year 2003 to the 
     organization described in section 108(c) of H.R. 3427.
       Amend the title so as to read: ``An Act to make available 
     funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to expand 
     democracy, good governance, and anti-corruption programs in 
     the Russian Federation in order to promote and strengthen 
     democratic government and civil society and independent media 
     in that country.''.

                          ____________________