[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 73 (Friday, June 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1089]]


      FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JEFF FORTENBERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2006

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 5522) making 
     appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and 
     related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
     2007, and for other purposes:

  Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Chairman, the purpose of United States foreign 
assistance is to strengthen the foundation for international stability 
by fostering civil society, supporting the development of free markets 
and institutions that foster self-determination, and helping the 
vulnerable by bringing healing, hope, and sustainable basic sustenance 
to those in need. As the leading provider of foreign assistance 
worldwide, the United States has made extraordinary strides toward 
alleviating suffering throughout the world. I would like to thank 
Chairman Kolbe for his hard work on this legislation to further this 
mission. He has shown great leadership and outstanding commitment to 
promoting our international initiatives.
  I also wish to bring attention to the fact that this year's report on 
the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs 
Appropriations Bill confirms violations of the Tiahrt Amendment by an 
organization funded by the United States in Guatemala.
  In passing the Tiahrt Amendment, which sets out clear criteria for 
voluntarism in family planning, the United States Congress worked to 
protect families throughout the world from the humiliation and 
indignity of coercion. I commend my colleague, Congressman Tiahrt, for 
his foresight in developing this amendment, which serves the important 
purpose of preventing the imposition of procedures under duress and 
without an explanation to participants of the potential risks involved.
  Apparently the organization referenced in the report aggressively 
targeted women for sterilization, setting out numerical targets and 
offering financial incentives contrary to U.S. law. Although the system 
of financial incentives that occasioned the violations discovered in 
June 2005 has been terminated, we must work to ensure that this type of 
episode is not repeated and that investigations of such potential 
violations are vigorously thorough and unquestionably objective.
  I believe that U.S. foreign assistance should not be used as a 
vehicle for imposing programs which potentially compromise the health 
of recipients, violate their consciences, or break laws of recipient 
nations which aim to affirm human dignity. On behalf of those we strive 
to assist, I urge my colleagues in Congress, the Administration, and 
the United States Agency for International Development, as well as the 
constituents we serve, to work earnestly to uphold this purpose.
  And thank you again, Congressman Kolbe, for your leadership in 
international affairs, and for your selfless dedication to leveraging 
the gifts of our great country for the betterment of the international 
community.

                          ____________________