[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13333-S13334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, Thursday night, on the eve of Veterans Day, 
we passed the Foreign Operations appropriations bill with near 
unanimous, bipartisan support. I commend my colleagues for their 
cooperation on this bill which is so critical to America's security.
  I especially recognize Senator Mitch McConnell for his steady 
leadership.
  Diplomacy and foreign policy are essential pillars of our national 
security. They reflect America's values, principles, and vital 
interests.
  This $21 billion appropriations bill promises to promote democracy, 
stability, and prosperity, and strengthen America's security here at 
home and around the world.
  It also promotes America's leadership in the arena of international 
aid. Targeted foreign assistance is an invaluable instrument for 
spreading democratic values, and improving the health and welfare of 
our neighbors close to home and around the world. It can promote 
economic growth and opportunity in even the poorest of nations.
  The Foreign Operations appropriations bill includes several 
provisions that advance these efforts. I would like to take a moment to 
share some of them.
  The defeat of Global HIV/AIDS is one of the world's greatest 
humanitarian challenges. In many countries, an entire generation of 
productive adults has been wiped out by this one, tiny, malicious 
virus. The funds set aside to battle the HIV/AIDS virus target relief 
where it can do the most good and make the biggest difference.
  Under this legislation, America is committed to providing $2.82 
billion for Global HIV/AIDS relief. That includes: $2 billion for the 
Global HIV/AIDS Initiative; $250 million for HIV/AIDS from the Child 
Survival and Health Programs Fund; and a $450 million contribution to 
the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

[[Page S13334]]

  By providing this desperately needed help, we save lies, strengthen 
alliances, and promote peace and stability.
  I have often talked about humanitarian aid as a currency for peace. 
The Foreign Operations appropriations bill wisely sets aside targeted 
funding for global health programs to advance that cause.
  A1ong with tackling the Global HIV/Aids crisis, the Foreign 
Operations appropriations bill supports the Child Survival and Health 
Programs Fund. These funds help reduce child mortality and morbidity, 
and combat other, serious public health problems.
  One of the most important public health crises this bill addresses is 
the lack of clean, drinkable water in many regions of the world.
  Every 15 seconds a child dies because of a disease contracted from 
unclean water. Fully, 90 percent of infant deaths can be attributed to 
this one, basic cause.
  1n total, water-related disease kills 14,000 people a day. That is 
over 5 million people a year, not counting the millions who are 
debilitated and prevented from leading healthy lives.
  Cholera, typhoid, dysentery, dengue fever, trachoma, intestinal 
helminth infection, and schistosomiasis can all be prevented by simply 
providing clean, drinkable water and proper sanitation.
  Funding for the Safe Water: Currency for Peace Act, which I 
cosponsored earlier this year, will go a long way to providing this 
simple, but profound necessity.
  In addition to providing Foreign Operations needed and targeted 
humanitarian aid, the Foreign Operations appropriations bill advances 
the critical work of stopping the spread of WMD.
  We are working closely with our friends and allies to secure 
stockpiles of WMD-related materials and technology and to make sure our 
allies have the ability to protect these sensitive materials.
  The Foreign Operations appropriations bill provides over $410 million 
toward our nonproliferation, antiterrorism, and demining efforts.
  One of the gravest threats we face is the threat of WMD falling into 
our enemy's hands.
  We cannot, we must not, let this happen.
  Ultimately, the goal of each and every one of our foreign operations 
programs must be to promote America's security and America's values. 
And as the last century taught us, our security and our values must go 
hand in hand.
  Whether for humanitarian, diplomatic or security purposes, effective 
foreign assistance advances our vital interests and protects the 
homeland.
  The United States remains committed to eliminating poverty, expanding 
prosperity, and strengthening domestic institutions abroad.
  And by doing so, we advance our security and prosperity right here at 
home.

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