[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 101 (Thursday, June 21, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H6833-H6887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008

  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that, during further 
consideration of H.R. 2764 pursuant to House Resolution 498, the Chair 
may reduce to 2 minutes the minimum time for electronic voting under 
clause 6 of rule XVIII and clauses 8 and 9 of rule XX.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Perlmutter). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentleman from New Jersey?
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 498 and rule 
XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House 
on the state of the Union for the further consideration of the bill, 
H.R. 2764.

                              {time}  1017


                     In the Committee of the Whole

  Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the 
Whole House on the state of the Union for the further consideration of 
the bill (H.R. 2764) making appropriations for the Department of State, 
foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending 
September 30, 2008, and for other purposes, with Mr. Holden (Acting 
Chairman) in the chair.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. When the Committee of the Whole rose on 
Wednesday, June 20, 2007, all time for general debate had expired.
  Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment 
under the 5-minute rule.
  Pursuant to the order of the House on that day, no amendment to the 
bill may be offered except those specified in the previous order of the 
House of that day, which is at the desk.
  The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 2764

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
     following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the 
     Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year 
     ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes, namely:

                                TITLE I

                          DEPARTMENT OF STATE

                DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCIES

                          DEPARTMENT OF STATE

                   Administration of Foreign Affairs


                    diplomatic and consular programs

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For necessary expenses of the Department of State and the 
     Foreign Service not otherwise provided for, including 
     employment, without regard to civil service and 
     classification laws, of persons on a temporary basis (not to 
     exceed $700,000 of this appropriation), as authorized by 
     section 801 of the United States Information and Educational 
     Exchange Act of 1948; representation to certain international 
     organizations in which the United States participates 
     pursuant to treaties ratified pursuant to the advice and 
     consent of the Senate or specific Acts of Congress; arms 
     control, nonproliferation and disarmament activities as 
     authorized; acquisition by exchange or purchase of passenger 
     motor vehicles as authorized by law; and for expenses of 
     general administration, $3,820,018,000: Provided, That of the 
     amount made available under this heading, not to exceed 
     $10,000,000 may be transferred to, and merged with, funds in 
     the ``Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service'' 
     appropriations account, to be available only for emergency 
     evacuations and terrorism rewards: Provided further, That of 
     the amount made available under this heading, not less than 
     $363,905,000 shall be available only for public diplomacy 
     international information programs: Provided further, That of 
     the amount appropriated under this heading, $5,000,000 shall 
     be available for the Secretary to establish and operate a 
     public/private interagency public diplomacy center which 
     shall serve as a program integration and coordination entity 
     for United States public diplomacy programs: Provided 
     further, That of the amounts appropriated under this heading, 
     $4,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be for 
     compensation to the families of members of the Foreign 
     Service or other United States Government employees or their 
     dependents, who were killed in terrorist attacks since 1979:  
     Provided further, That none of the funds made available for 
     compensation in the previous proviso may be obligated without 
     specific authorization in a subsequent Act of Congress: 
     Provided further, That of the amount made available under 
     this heading, $3,000,000 shall be available only for the 
     operations of the Office on Right-Sizing the United States 
     Government Overseas Presence: Provided further, That not less 
     than $5,000,000 shall be for the Program for Research and 
     Training on Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the 
     Former Soviet Union (title VIII) as authorized by the Soviet-
     Eastern European Research and Training Act of 1983 (22 U.S.C. 
     4501-4508, as amended): Provided further, That funds 
     available under this heading may be available for a United 
     States Government interagency task force to examine, 
     coordinate and oversee United States participation in the 
     United Nations headquarters renovation project: Provided 
     further, That no funds may be obligated or expended for 
     processing licenses for the export of satellites of United 
     States origin (including commercial satellites and satellite 
     components) to the People's Republic of China unless, at 
     least 15 days in advance, the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate are notified of 
     such proposed action: Provided further, That funds 
     appropriated under this heading are available, pursuant to 31 
     U.S.C. 1108(g), for the field examination of programs and 
     activities in the United States funded from any account 
     contained in this title.

[[Page H6834]]

       In addition, not to exceed $1,558,390 shall be derived from 
     fees collected from other executive agencies for lease or use 
     of facilities located at the International Center in 
     accordance with section 4 of the International Center Act; in 
     addition, as authorized by section 5 of such Act, $490,000, 
     to be derived from the reserve authorized by that section, to 
     be used for the purposes set out in that section; in 
     addition, as authorized by section 810 of the United States 
     Information and Educational Exchange Act, not to exceed 
     $6,000,000, to remain available until expended, may be 
     credited to this appropriation from fees or other payments 
     received from English teaching, library, motion pictures, and 
     publication programs and from fees from educational advising 
     and counseling and exchange visitor programs; and, in 
     addition, not to exceed $15,000, which shall be derived from 
     reimbursements, surcharges, and fees for use of Blair House 
     facilities.
       In addition, for the costs of worldwide security upgrades, 
     $964,760,000, to remain available until expended.


        Amendment Offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida

  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I offer an 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida:
       Page 2, line 22, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $36,700,000)''.
       Page 40, line 26, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $36,700,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, 
June 20, 2007, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart) and 
a Member opposed each will control 10 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, my amendment, 
coauthored by my good friend, Mr. Albio Sires of New Jersey, restores 
funds for Cuba democracy assistance to the administration's requested 
level of $45 million by offsetting $36 million from the Department of 
State General Administration Budget.
  Unfortunately, as this chart so well demonstrates, the committee, 
while generally meeting or far exceeding the administration's requests 
for the rest of Latin America, something that I support, the bill funds 
Cuba democracy programs at approximately 20 percent of the President's 
request of $45 million; 20 percent for assistance for those brave men 
and women who risk their lives and their families' safety, unarmed, in 
a hard-line totalitarian police state to peacefully press for democracy 
in Cuba; human rights activists, independent journalists, independent 
librarians, independent physicians. This aid goes to them and to their 
families, to the families of political prisoners.
  As explained, Mr. Chairman, in the letter from nine members of the 
pro-democracy movement to the six Cuban American Members of Congress, 
they attest and affirm that the assistance is key, and that it reaches 
them and that it has made and is making a great difference for the pro-
democracy movement at this time.
  Now, Mr. Chairman, the opponents of this effort asked for a GAO 
report on these programs, and I thank them for it.
  First, the GAO report, after 18 months of thorough investigation, 
confirmed that the program is working. And I quote from the GAO report. 
``Dissidents we interviewed in Cuba said that they appreciated the 
range and types of U.S. democracy assistance; that this assistance was 
useful in their work, and that it demonstrates the U.S. Government's 
commitment to democracy in Cuba.''
  Mr. Chairman, the GAO report detailed many successes, despite 
emphasizing the great challenges posed by the totalitarian police state 
for aid distribution. It talked about the GAO report, 385,000 pounds of 
medicines, food and clothing have been delivered to the pro-democracy 
movement and their families; more than 23,000 shortwave radios, 
millions of books, newsletters and other informational material.
  U.S. assistance reported independent journalists and including the 
publication of approximately 23,000 reports by those independent 
journalists.
  Mr. Chairman, I would call attention to the fact that the GAO report, 
while making absolutely no recommendation for any cut whatsoever in 
this program, does point out and make clear the case that it is an 
important and effective program; and after the GAO report, it has been 
significantly improved.
  I call the attention of all of my colleagues to the reply to the GAO 
report by the administrating agency, the USAID, where it delineates 
that all the GAO report's recommendations have been implemented. All of 
the recommendations have been implemented. That has made an effective 
and important program even more effective and important.
  Mr. Chairman, let us not turn our backs on the Cuban internal 
opposition. They will play a key role in the inevitable democratic 
transition that is approaching, and we must do all we can so that they 
can survive the brutality of a totalitarian police state, of violence 
and terror that, fortunately, to a great extent because of the pro-
democracy movement in Cuba, will soon be but a tragic and perverse 
historical memory.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition to this 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman from New York is recognized for 
10 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, the Bush administration requested an 
increase in economic support funds for Cuba from $9 million to $45.7 
million.
  Between 1996 and 2005, USAID and the Department of State signed 
contracts worth $74 million for Cuba programs, according to the GAO's 
study. The administration is asking for a 1-year, fiscal year 2008 
request that is more than two-thirds the size of what was committed 
over the 10 years, from 1996 and 2005. This request is 500 percent of 
what USAID received in the last fiscal year. Given how ill-conceived 
and ill-managed the program is, there is no justification for an aid 
increase.
  My friend from Florida has raised the GAO report and said that it has 
not recommended that funding be cut. But the objective of the report 
was not to recommend that funding should be increased or decreased. It 
was to examine the roles and objectives of the agencies implementing 
United States democracy assistance targeted at Cuba, and the 
characteristics and selection of the grantees receiving Department of 
State and USAID awards, the types, amounts, beneficiaries and methods 
used to deliver assistance for selected grantees in 2005, USAID's 
monitoring and oversight of these grantees, and the availability of 
data to evaluate whether U.S. assistance has achieved its goals.
  Although I believe that this program does little to help dissidents, 
and very little to expand political space in Cuba, we have continued 
funding at the same level as provided by our former colleague, Jim 
Kolbe, when he chaired the subcommittee.
  The bill has $9 million, and requires USAID and the Department of 
State to present a plan for improved coordination and for oversight of 
the Cuba program.
  GAO concluded in a November 2006 report that ``poor monitoring and 
oversight of the Cuba program did not provide adequate assurance that 
funds were properly used.''
  Administrative costs on the part of grantees were high, oversight of 
the goods chosen inadequate; specifically, according to the GAO study, 
there were instances in which cashmere sweaters, Godiva chocolates, 
Nintendo Gameboys, Sony Playstations were among the items purchased in 
the United States to be shipped to dissidents in Cuba.
  The Cuba program is poorly managed and can be argued to be 
counterproductive. It is not a productive use of limited U.S. 
resources, and the result of this program is often to identify Cuban 
dissidents as U.S. funded opponents of the regime.
  I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, at this time I 
yield 2 minutes to the distinguished coauthor of the amendment, Mr. 
Sires.
  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Chairman, the funding that has been provided over the 
past 10 years to support the pro-democracy movement in Cuba has been 
working. U.S. assistance has provided books, newsletters and other 
informational material to the people of Cuba,

[[Page H6835]]

as well as over 385,000 pounds of medicine, food and clothing.
  According to a USAID report, U.S. assistance has also funded 
journalism correspondence courses for more than 200 Cubans, and the 
publication of about 23,000 reports by independent Cuban journalists 
about conditions and events in Cuba.
  Although the Cuban regime restricts nearly all political dissent, and 
denies its citizens the basic rights of free expression, association 
and assembly, our funding and assistance has allowed the pro-democracy 
and civil resistance movement in Cuba to dramatically increase in 
recent years.
  As evidenced in this chart, from just 2004 to 2005 there was a 54 
percent increase in the number of civil resistance actions reported on 
the island. Some of these civil resistance acts include citizens 
unwilling to cooperate with regime officials in repressing pro-
democracy activities, and citizens boycotting regime control meetings 
and mass gatherings.
  By supporting this amendment, the pro-democracy movement in Cuba can 
continue to organize, communicate their vision for the future of the 
Cuban people, and prepare to assume the role in the process of 
democratic transition.
  But it is also important to realize that Cuba now is at the same 
stage that Spain was many years ago when they had a dictator for 40 
years. The world looked to Spain and saw that many of the institutions 
promoting democracy prevailed. If we don't work to promote dissidents 
who are pro-democratic dissidents in Cuba, we're not going to have any 
institution when the changes for a Cuban democratic island will exist.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Delahunt).
  Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Chairman, the committee recommends $9 million for 
democracy programs in Cuba. I want to be sure that no one is misled by 
a claim that this is a cut. This is the same amount that the program 
received last year.
  And last November, as has been noted, the GAO found serious problems 
with the administration of this program, as well as a lack of 
accountability which must be addressed, and this has not happened.
  The report is entitled ``U.S. Democracy Assistance for Cuba Needs 
Better Management and Oversight.'' So to increase the funding to almost 
$50 million, or by about 500 percent, is not just irresponsible, it has 
an Alice in Wonderland quality about it. Reward mismanagement and 
incompetence.

                              {time}  1030

  No, my friends. The committee has acted wisely and I applaud the 
committee. It is demanding a spending plan and a strategy for how the 
funds will be used so we no longer will be sending cashmere sweaters to 
the tropical island of Cuba. Yes, this actually happened. I know it is 
hard to believe.
  This program does not need any more money. What it needs is what it 
has never had before, and that is vigorous congressional oversight. Why 
does it need oversight? There is simply no time to list all of the 
programs. Read the report in full measure.
  But I would note that I found it particularly informative that over a 
10-year period, $62 million of the $65 million in USAID grants was 
provided without competition. That is 95 percent of the money provided 
in response to unsolicited proposals with no bidding, no public notice, 
no compensation. No, this program doesn't need any more money. It needs 
oversight.
  And I agree, let's listen to the dissidents like my friend Miriam 
Lay-VA, who is one of the founders of the Ladies in White. Here is what 
she says:
  ``There must be no funds from any government allocated to the 
dissidents . . . the opposition gets practically nothing and the main 
thing is that it gives the Cuban Government a pretext to say that we 
are mercenaries and put us in jail. I'm against any funds from the 
American Government, and I think that if it wants to help the Cuban 
people, it should lift the embargo and allow trade, tourism, and 
academic exchanges, and Cubans should be allowed to travel without 
restriction to the United States and send money to their families'' in 
Cuba.
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I would simply 
remind my colleagues what if the policies advocated by those who are 
against this program had succeeded during the 1980s in Poland and 
Eastern Europe? Just ask yourself that question and remember when we 
did what we are doing here in the 1980s, what happened in Eastern 
Europe.
  Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield 1 minute to a distinguished 
leader and human rights activist from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).
  (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding the 
time.
  I rise in support of the amendment. I would like to first thank the 
gentlewoman, the chairperson, for the funding she has supplied for this 
program.
  I believe we are at a crucial time in the southern part of our 
hemisphere. I believe that it will go one way or the other in the years 
ahead. It will either be a breeding ground for violence, trouble, and 
difficulty; or it will be a breeding ground for the democratic values 
that will make us safer and stronger and more prosperous. Cuba is not 
the only country that will influence that decision, but it is a pivotal 
country. And I think an investment in the long-term process of 
promoting democracy and prosperity in Cuba is not only in the best 
interest of the Cuban people but in the best interest of the American 
people.
  Many of the issues that my friend from Massachusetts talked about 
have been addressed and corrected. But I think the largest mistake that 
we could make would be to avoid our responsibility and opportunity to 
influence positively those who wish to bring democracy and the rule of 
law to Cuba at this very critical time in her history.
  I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes 
to the distinguished member of the Rules Committee, Mr. McGovern.
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment, 
which seeks to send five times the current level of funding to so-
called democracy assistance programs for Cuba. Five times the amount of 
money to programs that are not transparent; smack of cronyism; are 
noncompetitive; and, frankly speaking, foolish, corrupt, and just plain 
embarrassing for the United States.
  How bad is this program? So bad that Cuba's courageous Catholic 
Church refuses to work with it. Many dissidents have told me that they 
think that this program is a bad idea. For Cuban opposition leaders to 
take money from the U.S. Government subjects them to the charge that 
they are somehow U.S. agents. That is not the way to promote democracy.
  I support the committee bill, which keeps funding level at $9 
million. It is the smart thing to do until problems outlined in the 
November GAO report have been addressed and the program redesigned and 
better managed so that it might have at least some chance of being 
effective.
  Mr. Chairman, everyone in this House supports the work of Cuba's 
dissident and pro-democracy community. But we do not need to squander 
five times more money on leather coats, cashmere sweaters, Game Boys, 
crabmeat, and Godiva chocolates purchased by groups pretending to 
support them.
  What do Godiva chocolates have to do with promoting democracy in 
Cuba? Come on, give me a break.
  The American people want accountability, and I hope a majority in 
this Congress will too. Vote ``no'' on this amendment.
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes 
to the Congressman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart).
  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, at a time when the 
Cuban terrorist dictator and dictatorship is ailing, this bill guts the 
funding for the brave and heroic pro-democracy movement in Cuba.
  Now, what has that money been used for in the last 10 years? This is 
in the report: medicine, food and clothing for the families of 
political prisoners; more than 23,000 shortwave radios; hundreds of 
thousands of newsletters and other informational material, including 
books; journalism courses to more

[[Page H6836]]

than 200 independent Cuban journalists who published almost 25,000 
reports and publications from within the enslaved island.
  I hold in my hand a letter from a diverse group of brave opposition 
leaders in Cuba making it clear that this assistance is vital and 
desperately needed in the effort for a free and democratic Cuba.
  I read the GAO report, both the classified and unclassified parts of 
it, and it does state that this assistance does reach the pro-democracy 
movement in Cuba. And it is important to note that all of the 
recommendations, every single one in that report, have been 
implemented, unlike what you have heard today.
  This is not the time to abandon those brave men and women, their 
families, the political prisoners, the opposition leaders, the 
independent journalists, labor leaders who are heroically and at a 
great personal risk working for a democratic transition in Cuba. This 
amendment, which is fully offset and CBO has scored as revenue neutral, 
will rectify the unconscionable betrayal and abandonment of the brave 
and heroic dissidents, the opposition leaders who are working under the 
toughest of conditions for a free and democratic Cuba.
  I urge the adoption of this amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake).
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  The speaker just said that unless we have this amendment, this 
program will be gutted. The truth is the committee keeps the funding 
level as it is, and I think given the GAO report, that is only proper.
  As my colleagues have already mentioned, the GAO report that was 
commissioned by myself and Congressman Delahunt noted that there were 
items purchased with the money that is supposed to go to dissidents in 
Cuba: a gas chainsaw, Game Boys, PlayStations, a mountain bike, leather 
coats, cashmere sweaters. How is that going to help the dissident 
community in Cuba? I would submit not very much. But yet the same ones 
who support increasing this funding by five times also will not support 
allowing individuals to visit their own family members in Cuba and take 
toothpaste or clothing items or even to take a fishing poll so that 
poor Cubans might supplement their meager diets. That, according to the 
group that wants to increase funding here, should be outlawed. We 
should continue to outlaw that but increase taxpayer funding for a 
program that the GAO says there was intense mismanagement, cronyism. A 
scathing report that came out: lack of bank reconciliations, lack of 
documentation to determine compliance with cost-sharing requirements, 
questionable travel expenses lacking adequate documentation, 
questionable expenses paid to family members of a grantee manager, 
hundreds of dollars of petty cash observed in the grantee's office that 
was not controlled or properly cured.
  This is not a good amendment. If you believe in fiscal sanity, please 
defeat the amendment.
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  Let's see what the dissidents in Cuba, in a letter and knowing full 
well the risks they take by sending a letter to Members of Congress 
about this issue today, what they say about the aid that this program 
has sent to Cuba and is sending:
  ``We can affirm that the aid that for many years has flowed to the 
pro-democracy movement takes into account the vast range of needs, from 
medicine to keep a political prisoner or dissident from dying, to food, 
water filters, medical equipment, clothing, shoes, coats, toys for the 
children of political prisoners who suffer doubly the loss of a loved 
one and social repression on the streets and in school, essential 
vitamins, office supplies, the tools of democracy, computers printers, 
phones, fax machines, among others that account for the long list of 
articles and materials that have been made possible in Cuba.''
  And they thank the American people in the same way in which the 
people of Poland and the people of Eastern and Central Europe will be 
eternally grateful to the American people, including the Congress of 
the United States, for the support in their difficult days. The 
dissidents and the pro-democracy movement in Cuba thank the American 
people for this aid. And what President Bush has requested for the rest 
of the hemisphere is either being funded or exceeded, and yet for the 
only totalitarian police state in the hemisphere, the committee has 
funded it at 19 percent. That is not justifiable, Mr. Chairman. That is 
why we are asking for the funding fully offset to be at the requested 
level by the administration.
  Please support this amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Emerson).
  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, let me just say very briefly, because I 
don't need to repeat the fact that our taxpayer dollars have spent 
money for cashmere sweaters, mountain bikes, and the like that really 
aren't doing good for our dissidents, but I want to also mention the 
letter that our colleagues from Florida mentioned, the one that USAID 
sent. It did say that this program that we have is doing some good, 
which is why I and my colleagues support the funding that we have in 
the current bill. But what was not mentioned was that in the same 
letter, the USAID also says that having restrictions on travel to Cuba, 
restrictions on sending goods to Cuba don't serve the dissidents well. 
So that begs the question, then. If the letter is important, the letter 
is important in totality.
  I think because of the GAO report and the fact that we do not have 
good controls on the use of our taxpayer dollars that the old saying 
that President Reagan said ``trust but verify'' is very important, and 
it is time we verify before we send more money.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of 
words.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the amendment.
  Just to bring it back, one, this has nothing to do with trade. So the 
trade issue is not even out here. It also has nothing to do with the 
issue of travel, and I have asked for a visa to Cuba, and they denied 
me when I tried to go.
  This amendment should be called not the Diaz-Balart amendment. This 
should be the Sharansky amendment. This should be called the Yelena 
Bonner amendment. This should be the Havel amendment. I just read the 
interview with Havel the other day.
  What we want to do with this money is the same thing that was done in 
Eastern Europe during the days of Ronald Reagan when we brought down 
communism. This is what we did in Romania to bring down the Ceausescu 
government. So this is a major cut. The Bush administration funds this 
to the pro-democracy groups in Cuba. They need this for training. They 
need this for their journalists. They need this for technical 
assistance.

                              {time}  1045

  They need this for so many other reasons. USAID reported U.S. 
assistance supported journalism correspondence courses for 200 Cubans; 
publication of 23,000 reports by independent Cuban journalists, on and 
on. Dissidents are routinely rounded up.
  If this amendment passes, imagine how they will feel in Cuba today to 
know that the United States Congress stood with them. If it fails, they 
will be demoralized.
  This is really the Sharansky amendment of 2007. This is the Havel 
amendment of 2007. This is the Yelena Bonner amendment of 2007. This is 
the amendment that we used to do in the 1980s to bring down communism, 
to help the civilian side, the dissidents.
  This has nothing to do with travel; it shouldn't even be mixed with 
that. That's a mixed issue; it has nothing to do with trade. It is what 
do we do to help the dissidents; Armando Valadez has been in jail for 
almost 19 years.
  And so, I would hope that we can come together and send a message 
that when this amendment is passed, the word goes forth as they listen 
to their Radio Free Cuba tomorrow to know that the United States 
Congress stood with them the way that they stood with Havel.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Florida for the balance 
of the time.
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Wolf has

[[Page H6837]]

said it all. This is an amendment not only of conscience, this is an 
amendment to help people who are risking their lives. Thousands who are 
in prison, hundreds recognized as prisoners of conscience by 
international organizations such as Amnesty International. They are 
risking their lives and their families' lives to peacefully advocate 
for freedom and democracy as those heroes mentioned by Mr. Wolf 
advocated and risked their lives in Eastern and Central Europe in the 
1980s, and they finally achieved freedom. And have no doubt that the 
dissidents in the pro-democracy movement in Cuba will be fundamental in 
the transition. They will be leaders in the future tomorrow, perhaps 
received in this Congress as the sovereign and elected leader of the 
Republic of Cuba, perhaps one of those political prisoners, I have no 
doubt, or those opposition leaders.
  So it is time to help them and, as Mr. Wolf said, send a message of 
solidarity and not retreat at this critical time.
  Mr. WOLF. Reclaiming my time, if Sharansky served in this Congress 
today, if Havel were serving here in this Congress today, if Yelena 
Bonner was serving in this Congress today, Yelena Bonner and Sharansky 
and Havel would be for this amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Before I yield to my colleague, I would like to respond 
to my good friend, the ranking member, concerning his concern about the 
impact on the dissidents. I would daresay as an American who is proud 
of our values, if we open travel and communication and trade between 
the United States and Cuba, they would really understand what it's like 
to be an American. And I feel that's the best way to free the 
dissidents and to create an open and democratic society.
  Mr. Chairman, I am very proud to yield to my good friend, Mr. 
Delahunt.
  Mr. DELAHUNT. I thank the gentlelady for yielding, and I yield as 
much time as she may consume to the gentlelady from Missouri.
  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I misspoke, and I need to make a 
correction for that.
  When I was quoting about the restrictions, the people who wanted to 
remove the restrictions, I meant to say it was a letter from the 
dissidents, the Cuban dissidents, to us.
  And also, I might add that the title of the report that our colleague 
from Florida cited is entitled, ``U.S. Democratic Assistance for Cuba 
Needs Better Management and Oversight,'' which is why the committee 
report funding at $9 million is the right course today.
  Mr. DELAHUNT. In response to the ranking member, I don't disagree 
when he suggests that we listen to the dissidents because they're on 
the island, they're fighting the good fight, not from the safety of 
Washington or Boston or Miami, but they're there. Let's start to listen 
to them.
  This was a statement that was released by four of them, prominent and 
well respected, on the island. It is a statement that was signed by 
Marta Beatriz Roque, Jisela Delgado, Elizardo Sanchez and Vladimiro 
Roca. Let's listen to what they say. Let's not reach our own 
conclusions here in this House without listening to what they say.
  ``We consider it very important to achieve greater efficiency in the 
use of these funds. We believe that one possible way to achieve this 
would be the elimination of a series of existing restrictions on the 
sending of aid and travel to Cuba, which doesn't at all help the pro-
democracy struggle that we are carrying out inside our country.''
  With all due respect to the gentleman from Virginia, it is about 
travel, it is about the embargo, because that's what the dissidents are 
saying to us here, and we ought to listen to them.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield to my friend and colleague from Massachusetts 
(Mr. McGovern).
  Mr. McGOVERN. And not only listen to the dissidents, but listen to 
the courageous Catholic Church in Cuba, which refuses to participate in 
this program.
  We have had a policy for 50 years that has failed, it has been a 
failure. This is a continuation of the same old, same old. But even if 
you want to go down that road, the reason why you should oppose this 
amendment is because this program has been plagued with corruption and 
cronyism. We have used taxpayer moneys to buy Godiva chocolates and 
cashmere sweaters. I mean, come on. That is not a way to support 
dissidents. That is not a way to support the struggling democratic 
movement in Cuba. This program has been mismanaged. It is up to the 
Members of this Congress to make sure we do the proper oversight to 
make sure that we're not wasting taxpayers' money.
  Mr. DELAHUNT. I thank my colleague for the statement.
  Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I call on Castro to not fear political 
dissidents in Cuba, nor free press, nor trade or travel with the U.S. 
But I also call on our government to consider the following: the U.S. 
has tried 45 years of an embargo and restrictive travel; the State 
Department has tried democracy assistance programs; and, the Treasury 
Department has tried restricting U.S. farmers from easily selling their 
products to Cuban consumers.
  All these U.S. government policies have failed to bring about a 
change of leadership in Cuba. Unfortunately throwing more money at TV 
Marti or democracy programs is not going to bring about a real change 
in Cuba. Real change can only be brought about by revolutionizing U.S. 
policy towards Cuba. Lifting the travel embargo--allowing for the free 
exchange of ideas and people between our country and Cuba--that's how 
we will support Cuban political discourse! That's how we will support 
freedom of expression in Cuba. Support lifting the embargo--vote 
against the Diaz-Balart amendment and support a saner policy towards 
Cuba!
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chairman announced that the 
noes appeared to have it.
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded 
vote.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida will 
be postponed.


                     Amendment Offered by Mr. Wolf

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Mr. Wolf:
       Page 2, line 22, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $158,000,000)''.
       Page 40, line 26, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $140,000,000)''.
       Page 58, line 18, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $16,000,000)''.
       Page 63, line 23, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $2,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, 
June 20, 2007, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) and a Member 
opposed each will control 10 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 2 minutes.
  Mr. Chairman, this restores $156 million of the $458 million that was 
cut. The amendment that we're going to offer today is in compliance 
with the Iraq Study Group.
  Now, about 226 Members of this body said they favor the Iraq Study 
Group. What this does is this puts money back in for demining. If you 
listen to the news today, there were 13 killed with regard to IEDs in 
the effort for demining. This also puts money in for training for human 
rights.
  Now, whether you want to go out today or whether you want to do 
whatever you want to do, we still need training for human rights, we 
still need training for capacity for democracy and governance, we still 
need ways for reconciliation to bring the parties together. We are 
always hearing about the differences between the different factions. 
That's what this money is for.
  The administration originally asked for $458 million. We knocked it 
down. We brought them in and said, what do you really need? They said, 
this is what we really need.
  This amendment is what the Iraq Study Group recommended. The Iraq 
Study Group recommendation number 6 says, ``Building the capacity of 
the

[[Page H6838]]

Iraqi Government should be at the heart of U.S. reconstruction efforts, 
and capacity building demands additional U.S. resources.'' That's what 
this is on.
  I urge Members on both sides, this ought not be a political issue or 
partisan issue, to support this amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman from New York is recognized for 
10 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. With great respect for my good friend and ranking member, 
Mr. Wolf, we have just provided $2.863 billion in emergency 
supplemental appropriations for Iraq, diplomatic operations and 
reconstruction.
  In addition, there are $3 billion for unexpended IRF funds. This 
amendment is requesting $140 million in additional funding for 
democracy, rule of law and governance programs. The supplemental 
provided $250 million for democracy activities, $67.6 million for civil 
society, $57.4 million for targeted development, $125 million in 
governance programs, and $150 million in rule of law activities.
  The amendment is also requesting $16 million in additional funding 
for nonproliferation, anti-terrorism and demining activities. The 
recently passed supplemental provided $7 million for demining in Iraq.
  Additionally, nowhere in this bill is there language restricting 
funding for humanitarian activities in Iraq. In my judgment, the 
administration should substantially expend the funds we have provided 
before Congress provides additional funding for the same purposes.
  And lastly, if the situation on the ground changes and our assistance 
can be used to make substantial achievements, we can address funding 
for Iraq as the President has requested, $2.893 billion in emergency 
appropriations for diplomatic operations and reconstruction in Iraq in 
fiscal year 2008.
  So, my colleagues, my good friend is requesting $158 million for 
purposes that have already been funded in a $2.8 billion supplemental. 
And there is another $2.893 billion supplemental coming up in 
September. I know that $158 million can be used for the tremendous 
needs around the world.
  I strongly oppose this amendment, and I ask that my colleagues join 
me.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WOLF. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul).
  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of 
this amendment offered by Mr. Wolf of Virginia to restore $158 million 
to this bill for democracy, governance, rule of law and human rights 
programs. In addition, it will fund nonproliferation and anti-terrorist 
programs.
  Mr. Chairman, the debate in this Chamber over the future of Iraq and 
the best course of action has been passionate and divisive. Each Member 
of this House has their own opinion, yet the one thing we should be 
united on is that our end goal should be the same, a secure and stable 
Iraq.
  Unfortunately, this bill predetermines failure by cutting off all 
funds to important democracy-building programs in Iraq. The majority 
has chosen to use this bill, as they have attempted several times 
already this year, to force a premature end to Iraq's pursuit of 
freedom and democracy. This will only lead to chaos and instability in 
the region.
  As a consultant to the Iraq Study Group, along with Mr. Wolf of 
Virginia, we introduced a bipartisan bill, the Iraq Study Group 
Recommendations Implementation Act of 2007 which provides a 
comprehensive set of recommendations and a plan of action to succeed in 
Iraq. Included in these recommendations are suggestions for funding 
democracy, governance and rule of law, all the items that are funded by 
this amendment.
  This bill has garnered 52 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, 
who have recognized the potential we have by implementing these 
recommendations together and moving forward as a united Congress. If we 
allow this bill to pass without the money for building an Iraq 
democracy, we condemn our mission to failure and declare that the 
sacrifices we made over the past several years were in vain. It will 
also squander any opportunity we have to give the Iraq Study Group 
recommendations a chance to succeed.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to support the Wolf amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to yield 4 minutes to the 
vice chair of this committee, my distinguished friend, Mr. Jackson.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment.
  We have just provided $2.863 billion in emergency supplemental 
appropriations for Iraq's diplomatic operations and reconstruction. As 
the gentleman has accurately noted in committee, the funding in this 
supplemental is tied up due to benchmarks; benchmarks that reflect the 
will of the American people and the Congress; benchmarks that 
presumably reflect the President's concurrence, as he signed them into 
law; benchmarks that can be argued are in the best interest of Iraq in 
becoming a stable democracy.

                              {time}  1100

  Furthermore, I believe the gentleman's argument is not valid, as the 
$2.863 billion we just provided will be available long before this bill 
comes back from the President's desk signed. Additionally, while I 
believe we provided sufficient funds for Iraq, I want to point out that 
the administration should substantially expend the funds that we have 
provided before Congress provides additional funding for the exact same 
purposes. Besides, Congress provided an extension of the authority to 
deobligate and then to reobligate prior-year appropriations to the Iraq 
Relief Construction Fund, which, as of May 1, 2007, had $3.119 billion 
in unexpended balances.
  In the committee, the gentleman raised the issue of visible support, 
as my last colleague raised in his remarks. I take a little bit of 
offense to that, because I think that every day our troops, our 
diplomats and aid workers are in harm's way, we show the greatest 
levels of support. What's more, none of the funding in the gentleman's 
amendment would go towards providing a safer environment for our men 
and women serving in the country of Iraq. We just provided $2.863 
billion.
  So let's take the gentleman's amendment apart for a moment and be 
clear on what we are considering. This amendment is requesting $140 
million in additional funding for democracy, rule of law and governance 
programs. The supplemental provides $250 million for democracy 
activities; $67.6 million for civil society, and $57.4 million targeted 
for development, $125 million in governance programs, and $150 million 
in rule of law activities.
  On page 58, line 18, the amendment is requesting $16 million in 
additional funding for nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, and demining 
activities. I want to make a couple of points about that.
  The recently passed supplemental provided $7 million for demining in 
Iraq. We do not appropriate nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining-
related program accounts by country. We appropriate this account by 
program to allow the administration the flexibility to adjust to 
emerging priorities and opportunities. This amendment would seek to 
change that and radically affects how the President performs his 
duties.
  Additionally, this bill, and I want to emphasize this, this bill for 
the first time fully funds the President's request for NADR, something 
I would note that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle could 
not claim when they were in the majority. The humanitarian demining 
account is funded at the President's requested level of $56.5 million. 
It does not need further funding.
  On page 63, line 23, of the gentleman's amendment, where he requests 
an additional $2 million, the amendment is requesting this $2 million 
for foreign language training of Iraqi Security Forces. To date, we 
have provided $18 billion in training for the Iraqi Security Forces. $2 
million. Where does this figure come from? We have provided $18 
billion, and, now the distinguished ranking member seeks an additional 
$2 million.
  We have provided sufficient funding. Most of these accounts and 
numbers are unexpended. The administration should substantially expend 
those funds we have provided before Congress

[[Page H6839]]

provides additional funding for the exact same purposes, Mr. Chairman.
  Lastly, what is more, none of the funding in the gentleman's 
amendment would go toward providing a safer environment for our men and 
women serving in the country of Iraq.
  Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlelady from New York (Mrs. Lowey) for 
yielding.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Louisiana (Mr. Boustany).
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Chairman, I thank our ranking member for yielding 
time to me.
  Mr. Chairman, while there are many disagreements about policy in 
Iraq, we can all agree that a military solution is insufficient. More 
evidence is clearly needed on the political, diplomatic, and economic 
fronts. But I have concerns about what I am hearing from across the 
aisle. Given the history, if we look back at the CR at the beginning of 
the year, there is a lack of clarity about how funds could be used by 
our State Department.
  Furthermore, we saw a marked reduction in human intelligence funding 
in the Intelligence authorization bill. In the supplemental, economic 
support funds were basically withheld. But some funding was restored 
through administration waivers. And now, in this bill, economic 
stabilization funds were basically zeroed.
  Mr. Chairman, I thank our colleague, our ranking member, for trying 
in subcommittee and in full committee to restore this funding. With 
this amendment, which I believe is very essential to success in Iraq, 
he has put forth this effort. This funding is clearly important if we 
are going to fund the political and economic endeavor in Iraq. The 
State Department cannot complete its planning and implementation of 
phase three of putting together these provincial reconstruction teams 
which are absolutely necessary to the success of the mission. So it is 
clear that we need for this amendment to pass to allow the State 
Department to plan and move.
  In the post-Cold War environment, we have grave responsibilities as a 
Nation. Yet we are refusing to fund our State Department worthy of this 
position of responsibility. The United Kingdom alone, which has one-
fifth the population of the United States, has 5,600 diplomats 
worldwide and 130,000 troops. The U.S. has a mere 6,500 diplomats 
worldwide with 1.4 million troops, 2.5 million if you count our 
Reserves.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge the adoption of this amendment. Clearly, it is 
the responsible thing to do to move forward. It restores $140 million 
in economic support funds, $16 million in nonproliferation, anti-
terrorism and demining efforts, a critical, critical piece to this, and 
$2 million to increase international military education and training.
  Mr. Chairman, this amendment is a responsible thing to do. I urge all 
of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, my colleagues, I have a question for Mr. Boustany, my 
good friend, and the ranking member. I believe, Mr. Boustany, that you 
recommended that we fund this $158 million. Yet this amendment takes 
the money away from the State Department. Ambassador Ryan Crocker is 
doing a superb job. We just appropriated $2.8 billion in the 
supplemental. The American people have requested, and this Congress has 
requested, that we see some response to the benchmarks, that we see 
some response on the part of the Iraqi Government to the benchmarks 
that have been put in place.
  So if I understand correctly, even though the supplemental funded, 
and I am not going to repeat it, every single category that my dear 
friend, the ranking member and my friend, Mr. Boustany, are advocating 
for, you want to fund $158 million with funds from the State Department 
which are supporting Ambassador Ryan Crocker and other ambassadors 
around the world who are doing such an amazing job representing us.
  Mr. Chairman, I really think there is a disconnect here. I want you 
to know that for those of us who are opposing this amendment, with 
great respect, again, to my ranking member, we feel that the 
supplemental that has passed and the $2.8 billion that is coming up in 
September requested by the administration can address these issues if, 
in fact, there is an understanding that they are not being funded 
adequately.
  So, again, I strongly object to this amendment. I strongly object to 
taking funds away from Ambassador Ryan Crocker and our other 
ambassadors around the world and representatives of the State 
Department.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Shadegg).
  Mr. SHADEGG. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the amendment 
by the gentleman from Virginia. I think it is important to focus on 
this debate. There is no challenge greater than this facing America 
right now. It is vitally important that we succeed in Iraq and allow 
that nation to establish a democracy. I hear on the other side that, 
well, we have amply funded this already.
  We are imposing dramatic increases in spending in thousands of other 
areas, a 56 percent increase in HIV/AIDS funding alone. What message do 
we send if we reduce spending in this area at this time? I would argue 
that whether you want out of Iraq tonight or whether you support the 
current course, it is vitally important that we send every message we 
possibly can to the Iraqi people and to our Nation that we are doing 
everything we can to support democracy.

                              {time}  1115

  That is what these funds are for. Of course, other funds have been 
spent, but these funds continue the effort to tell the Iraqi people we 
stand with them. These are funds for domestic purposes, for their 
security, for governance and for rule of law. I believe it is vitally 
important, indeed critically important for our Nation, that we fund 
this money now. I rise in strong support of the gentleman's amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, just for the record, did the gentleman from Arizona 
(Mr. Shadegg) suggest that we decrease the money for HIV-AIDS around 
the world?
  Mr. SHADEGG. Mr. Chairman, if the gentlewoman will yield. No, we are 
increasing it.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I thought you were suggesting that you didn't think that 
was a good idea; that it was more important to add to the $2.8 billion 
another $158 million and take it from the HIV funds. If I 
misunderstood, I apologize.
  Mr. SHADEGG. Mr. Chairman, if the gentlewoman will yield further, by 
no means was I suggesting we should not be doing that. In fact, that is 
a discussion for another day. What I was suggesting is that there are 
many places where we are increasing spending even more dramatically 
than is suggested by the gentleman's amendment here for what I believe 
is a vitally important purpose, which is democracy, rule of law and 
governance in Iraq.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, so the gentleman 
believes that the $2.8 billion in the supplemental is not adequate and 
we must add $158 million now, even though there is another $2.8 billion 
supplement requested by the President for the fall.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to my good friend, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Jackson).
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished 
chairwoman for yielding me the time.
  The question here is one of unexpended balances. The amendment is 
requesting an additional $140 million for rule of law democracy-related 
programs, but the supplemental that is still warm on the President's 
desk provided $250 million for those democracy activities, and they 
have not been expended; $67.6 million for civil society and $57.4 
million targeted for development for $125 million in governance 
programs, and they still haven't been expended; $150 million in rule of 
law activities that have not been expended as we move forward with the 
surge.
  So, Mr. Chairman, it is premature to request $140 million additional 
dollars, page 40, line 26 of the gentleman's amendment, for moneys that 
have not been expended that the Congress just voted on in this 
particular bill. The same can be said of the gentleman's request on 
page 58, line 18, and page 63, line 23, $2 million. We have $18 billion 
to date appropriated for Iraqi Security

[[Page H6840]]

Forces. Where does the figure $2 million come from? It comes from 
nowhere, Mr. Chairman.
  Support the chairwoman's request to defeat this amendment.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
Connecticut (Mr. Shays). Members should know that Mr. Shays has been to 
Iraq 17 times and has been outside the umbrella of the military four 
times, and probably understands this issue in the Congress probably 
better than anybody else.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  First I want to salute Mrs. Lowey. I think you have done a very fine 
job on this legislation. I know you are focused on a lot of issues, and 
I congratulate you for that.
  We have disagreement on a few items in a very significant bill. I 
have strong concern about the lack of any dollars for economic 
development in the fiscal year 2008 budget, and that is what we are 
talking about. We are not talking about an emergency supplemental, 
which, by the way, has lots of strings attached, which may mean, 
ironically, money may not be spent ever.
  We Republicans and Democrats, want to succeed in Iraq, economically, 
politically, socially and militarily. We want to succeed. The challenge 
is I feel like we are pulling the rug out from under the chance to 
succeed economically and politically.
  The reason why I say ``politically'' is I have been there before, 
during and after the elections. This money helped educate the Iraqis on 
how to have elections. They did their elections better than we do our 
elections in the United States.
  When I was outside the umbrella of the military, people would say, 
why have you put my father, my uncle, my brother, my cousin, my son out 
of work, when we abolished all of their military. So when I hear we 
spent $18 billion to reconstitute their military, that is not a large 
number. It is money that had to be used because of what we did. We 
attacked them. They did not attack us.
  We have a moral obligation, I believe, to put Iraq in a better place. 
If we don't do it economically and politically, any effort militarily 
fails.
  I mean no disrespect, but it is almost like there is an interest in 
having Iraq fail, so all the predictions that it will fail will be 
proven right. We need to prove ourselves wrong. We need to succeed.
  These dollars should be, in my judgment, in the 2008 account, not in 
an emergency supplemental, whether now or in the future. The 
administration asked for $458 million. We asked the NGO's to say, what 
are your absolute needs for economic support, the rule of law, 
governance and democracy? And they have come back to us and said, we 
need $158 million.
  I just hope that the gentlewoman in her wisdom will reconsider her 
decisions.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise to strike the last word.
  Mr. Chairman, with great respect, again, for our ranking member and 
for my friend Mr. Shays, who I know has been to Iraq many times, I do 
hope that in light of the supplemental, which has been funded at $2.8 
billion, and an additional supplemental which will be presented to the 
Congress in September for another $2.8 billion, we won't cut the rug 
from under our good friend, the competent Ambassador Ryan Crocker, and 
take this $158 million from the State Department for several lines that 
have been funded already in the supplemental. I won't go through that 
again.
  Mr. Ryan Crocker represents us, and I am so proud of his good work. I 
would like to support him and the other good men and women in the State 
Department around the world.
  So let's defeat this amendment. I urge my colleagues to vote against 
this amendment.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of 
words.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentlelady from Miami, Ms. Ileana Ros-
Lehtinen.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding.
  Mr. Chairman, I fully support the amendment offered by my good friend 
from Virginia (Mr. Wolf). This amendment gives vital assistance for 
demining, counterterrorism, rule of law programs, funding for Iraq 
military training and international human rights. We must remain 
committed to assisting the development of Iraq into a nation that is 
capable of governing itself, sustaining itself, defending itself and 
independently taking all necessary actions to root out terrorists and 
militias that seek to undermine the transition to a free and sovereign 
Iraqi Government, continue to promote democracy and the rule of law, 
continue to provide necessary services to the people of Iraq and 
maintain the authority of the Government of Iraq in all parts of its 
national territory.
  My colleagues seek to cut integral components of our effort for 
cooperation and coordination with Iraqi leaders. Mr. Wolf's amendment 
correctly is aimed at strengthening the Iraqi Government to make sure 
that that nation can truly become self-reliant and stable, and not 
count on the U.S. as a blank check any longer.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, just in closing, the 
gentlewoman has been very good, and I appreciate the work of Mrs. Lowey 
on a lot of the issues. As Mr. Shays said, there are a lot of good 
things in the bill.
  This, in closing, deals with the whole issue of demining, human 
rights training, criminal justice, rule of law and human rights. None 
of these things really ought to be controversial for anybody, whatever 
their position. Also they fit into the recommendations of the Iraq 
Study Group.
  I think to offer an opportunity to heal and to build the private 
sector, the civilian sector in Iraq on these issues of human rights 
training is important, so when the United States is out, there will be 
respect for human rights, there will be criminal justice, there will be 
rule of law.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge an ``aye'' vote.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. WOLF. I yield to the gentleman from Illinois.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding. I guess I am asking him to yield really to a question so I 
can have a better understanding of the gentleman's amendment.
  Is it the intent of the gentleman's amendment that these funds would 
somehow not be subject to the benchmarks established in the 
supplemental bill for funding and future funding in Iraq? Is this 
around the benchmarks?
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I believe they would be. 
The reason we did this, I will tell my friend from Illinois, is when 
the $458 million was cut, we asked the administration to come up and 
tell us what they really needed, because we said this is a very 
difficult issue. The gentlewoman put a lot of programs with good money 
in. What do you honestly need? So everything would be in compliance 
with the benchmarks. But it would also give them the initial funding. 
They said, we actually need this $158 million.
  But they would be, to answer your question, in compliance.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman would 
continue to yield, if in fact, I certainly hope the Iraqi Government is 
able to achieve the benchmarks, but if in fact, for whatever reason, 
they are unsuccessful in achieving the benchmarks and the Congress of 
the United States is to recontemplate elements of the supplemental and 
additional funding for the efforts in Iraq, does this gentleman's 
amendment appropriate dollars that are not subject to the specific 
requirements of the benchmarks established in the supplemental? Is this 
a funding in addition to that funding?
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, this is fiscal year 2008, 
and these would be all issues that I think everybody on both sides, 
Republican, Democrat, independent, moderate, conservative, would be 
for.
  If you go out on the street and say do you favor funding in the 2008 
bill for demining, I think you would get a 90-10 yes. If you said do 
you favor funding for human rights training or whatever the case may 
be, people would say yes. Do you favor funding with regard to the human 
rights rule of law, they would say yes.
  This is what the administration and the State Department, not so much 
the administration, the State Department really felt they would need.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

[[Page H6841]]

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chairman announced that the 
noes appeared to have it.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Virginia 
will be postponed.


                     Amendment Offered by Mr. Shays

  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Mr. Shays:
       Page 2, line 22, after the dollar amount insert ``(reduced 
     by $1,000,000)''.
       Page 17, line 19, after the dollar amount insert 
     ``(increased by $1,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, 
June 20, 2007, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) and a Member 
opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Connecticut.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, this amendment would provide $1 million to the U.S. 
Institute of Peace, referred to as USIP, for the purposes of 
reestablishing the Iraq Study Group (ISG). We want the ISG to revisit 
Iraq to evaluate the condition in Iraq 1 year later, to look at their 
findings and compare them to a year ago, and to look at their 
recommendations to see where they might alter them. That is what the 
amendment does.
  I have spoken to Richard Solomon at the U.S. Institute of Peace, who 
said the Institute is prepared to do this, to reconstitute its expert 
working groups.
  This would be done at the same time that we are going to hear from 
Ambassador Ryan Crocker and General David Petraeus, who will be giving 
us their findings. But the Institute wanted to make clear they would 
not be there to look at and evaluate the Crocker-Petraeus findings and 
recommendations, but it would simply be a report that would be provided 
at the same time to which people then could compare.
  I spoke to one of the principals of the Iraq Study Group, Lee 
Hamilton. He said he is willing to take this effort on, provided it is 
to review what they did, to look at what has taken place in Iraq, to 
review their observations, their findings and their recommendations, 
but they would not be eager to take the Petraeus-Crocker report and 
analyze it. It would be done so there would be two instruments that 
Congress could look at.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the gentleman's 
amendment and ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman from New York is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, this amendment will move $1 million from 
the Diplomatic and Consular Programs account to the United States 
Institute for Peace to reconstitute the Iraq Study Group. Although I 
feel compelled to point out the likelihood that by the time this bill 
is signed into law, the study on the effectiveness of the President's 
surge in Iraq will have passed, but, nevertheless, I support this 
amendment because I feel there is value added to reconstituting the 
Iraq Study Group, something that our ranking member continues to 
deserve kudos for establishing in the first place.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 30 seconds to say to the 
gentlewoman, thank you very much. I would point out that the Iraq Study 
Group was an instrument created by both sides of the aisle, but 
particularly by Mr. Wolf. It is a bipartisan effort, and it would be 
good to continue this bipartisan effort.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. 
Wolf).
  Mr. WOLF. I thank the gentleman.
  Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairwoman for accepting the 
amendment. I appreciate it very much. I thank Mr. Shays for offering 
it. I think this is really the way the country is going to go.
  There may be a vote here. Mr. Udall and other Members, along with Mr. 
Shays and Mr. McCaul, have a bill in to make the Iraq study the policy 
for the Nation.
  I want to thank the gentlewoman for accepting it and thank Mr. Shays.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I just want to close by thanking Mr. Shays 
again and my distinguished ranking member, who deserves our praise for 
establishing the Iraq Study Group in the first place. I thank you both.
  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my 
strong support for this amendment.
  U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker and Multi-National Force Commander 
General David Petraeus will provide an assessment of Iraq this fall.
  The assessment will include the military, economic and political 
situation in Iraq.
  The assessment will be a key determinant for future U.S. involvement.
  The debate over what to do in Iraq will continue and the Crocker-
Petraeus assessment will be challenged.
  If the report is positive Crocker and Petraeus must provide specific 
signs of progress and lay out in detail how long and how many troops 
will be needed in Iraq.
  If the report is negative then Crocker and Petraeus should provide 
definitive steps on a phased withdrawal plan that reduces the number of 
lives lost.
  Whatever the outcome of the Crocker-Petraeus assessment we need an 
independent validation of the assessment.
  This is why I am supporting Mr. Shays' amendment to reconstitute the 
Iraq Study Group.
  This bipartisan group, that provided observations and recommendations 
to the President last December concerning the situation in Iraq would 
be reengaged and provide the American people a bipartisan perspective 
of what we can expect for the future of Iraq.
  With all the partisan debate we witness week in and week out in 
Washington, we must reconstitute this nonpartisan group, which has as 
its only goal, moving forward American interests.
  Mr. Chairman, it is time we come together and support this amendment 
to provide a bipartisan assessment of the situation in Iraq.
  Mrs. LOWERY. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I thank Representative Lowey and 
Representative Wolf, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chairman announced that the 
ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Connecticut 
will be postponed.
  The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:


                        capital investment fund

       For necessary expenses of the Capital Investment Fund, 
     $59,062,000, to remain available until expended, as 
     authorized: Provided, That section 135(e) of Public Law 103-
     236 shall not apply to funds available under this heading.


                      office of inspector general

       For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General, 
     $32,508,000, notwithstanding section 209(a)(1) of the Foreign 
     Service Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-465), as it relates to 
     post inspections.


               educational and cultural exchange programs

       For expenses of educational and cultural exchange programs, 
     as authorized, $501,400,000, to remain available until 
     expended: Provided, That not to exceed $5,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended, may be credited to this 
     appropriation from fees or other payments received from or in 
     connection with English teaching, educational advising and 
     counseling programs, and exchange visitor programs as 
     authorized: Provided further, That of the amount made 
     available under this heading, $6,000,000 shall be transferred 
     to the Fund established by section 313 of the Legislative 
     Branch Appropriations Act, 2001 (2 U.S.C. 1151).


                       representation allowances

       For representation allowances as authorized, $8,175,000.


              protection of foreign missions and officials

       For expenses, not otherwise provided, to enable the 
     Secretary of State to provide for

[[Page H6842]]

     extraordinary protective services, as authorized, 
     $28,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2009.


            embassy security, construction, and maintenance

       For necessary expenses for carrying out the Foreign Service 
     Buildings Act of 1926 (22 U.S.C. 292-303), preserving, 
     maintaining, repairing, and planning for buildings that are 
     owned or directly leased by the Department of State, 
     renovating, in addition to funds otherwise available, the 
     Harry S Truman Building, and carrying out the Diplomatic 
     Security Construction Program as authorized, $729,898,000, to 
     remain available until expended as authorized, of which not 
     to exceed $25,000 may be used for domestic and overseas 
     representation as authorized: Provided, That none of the 
     funds appropriated in this paragraph shall be available for 
     acquisition of furniture, furnishings, or generators for 
     other departments and agencies.
       In addition, for the costs of worldwide security upgrades, 
     acquisition, and construction as authorized, $806,900,000, to 
     remain available until expended.


           emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For expenses necessary to enable the Secretary of State to 
     meet unforeseen emergencies arising in the Diplomatic and 
     Consular Service, $14,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended as authorized, of which not to exceed $1,000,000 may 
     be transferred to and merged with the ``Repatriation Loans 
     Program Account'', subject to the same terms and conditions.


                   repatriation loans program account

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For the cost of direct loans, $678,000, as authorized: 
     Provided, That such costs, including the cost of modifying 
     such loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the 
     Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
       In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry 
     out the direct loan program, $607,000, which may be 
     transferred to and merged with funds in the ``Diplomatic and 
     Consular Programs'' account.


              payment to the american institute in taiwan

       For necessary expenses to carry out the Taiwan Relations 
     Act (Public Law 96-8), $16,351,000.


     payment to the foreign service retirement and disability fund

       For payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and 
     Disability Fund, as authorized by law, $158,900,000.

                      International Organizations


              contributions to international organizations

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary to meet 
     annual obligations of membership in international 
     multilateral organizations, pursuant to treaties ratified 
     pursuant to the advice and consent of the Senate, conventions 
     or specific Acts of Congress, $1,354,400,000: Provided, That 
     the Secretary of State shall, at the time of the submission 
     of the President's budget to Congress under section 1105(a) 
     of title 31, United States Code, transmit to the Committees 
     on Appropriations the most recent biennial budget prepared by 
     the United Nations for the operations of the United Nations: 
     Provided further, That the Secretary of State shall notify 
     the Committees on Appropriations at least 15 days in advance 
     (or in an emergency, as far in advance as is practicable) of 
     any United Nations action to increase funding for any United 
     Nations program without identifying an offsetting decrease 
     elsewhere in the United Nations budget and cause the United 
     Nations budget for the biennium 2008-2009 to exceed the 
     revised United Nations budget level for the biennium 2006-
     2007 of $4,173,895,900: Provided further, That any payment of 
     arrearages under this title shall be directed toward special 
     activities that are mutually agreed upon by the United States 
     and the respective international organization: Provided 
     further, That none of the funds appropriated in this 
     paragraph shall be available for a United States contribution 
     to an international organization for the United States share 
     of interest costs made known to the United States Government 
     by such organization for loans incurred on or after October 
     1, 1984, through external borrowings.


             Amendment Offered by Mr. Garrett of New Jersey

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Mr. Garrett of New Jersey:
       Page 8, line 18, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $20,000,000)''.
       Page 58, line 18, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $20,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, 
June 20, 2007, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Garrett) and a Member 
opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, my amendment will increase 
our funding of international counterterrorist programs, while also 
calling out the United Nations for its continued reluctance to 
recognize and fight international terrorism.
  We are at war with an enemy whose tactics not only involve the 
destruction of non-combatants, women, little children, people just 
trying to work or buying something at the market; their tactics depend 
on such destruction.

                              {time}  1130

  Terrorists disregard the rules of warfare and strike at pure 
innocents. They wear no uniform and often do not even care about saving 
their own lives. Despite the fact that the world is in the throes of 
the violence of terrorism, the U.N. has done so very little to fight 
this threat on humanity.
  The U.N. marks progress against terrorism by how many committees they 
have formed and how many documents have been signed. We need a world 
body that does not consider an expanded bureaucracy as success. We need 
a world body that is a partner in the war on terror.
  Instead, the U.N. spends its time passing toothless resolutions on 
counterterrorism that even countries such as Iran, Libya, and Syria can 
support. These nations will continue to funnel money to terrorist 
organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Mahdi Army knowing that 
there will be absolutely no repercussions from the U.N.
  My amendment proposes to shift $20 million, approximately 3 percent 
of the U.S. contribution to the U.N., to antiterrorism assistance 
programs. If the U.N. is unwilling to join the fight against terrorism, 
we should reallocate our dollars, reallocate a portion of the funds 
intended for them to programs which are truly working to bring real 
peace to the world.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman from New York is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. This amendment would cut $20 million from the 
contributions for international organizations. The question posed by 
this amendment is straightforward: Do you want to take funds away from 
an account that is saving lives every day around the world?
  Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld last year told Senate 
appropriators that U.N. peacekeeping was an example of the benefit of 
empowering partner nations, and it would cost the United States 
taxpayers almost eight times as much.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Would the gentlelady from New York yield 
for a clarification?
  Mrs. LOWEY. Of course.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. This amendment is not as to where our 
funds are coming from.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I apologize, we were responding to another amendment. 
Would the gentleman please clarify your amendment so we can direct our 
debate to the appropriate amendment. Is this the one you are going to 
offer and withdraw?
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Exactly.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I would be delighted to respond to you then. I thank the 
gentleman for withdrawing the amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I have not yet officially 
withdrawn my amendment. I would appreciate a comment from the 
gentlelady with regard to her support in general of our ideas on this 
amendment and the agreeability to work together to achieve what we are 
aiming for in this regard.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Would the gentleman from New Jersey yield?
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. I yield to the gentlelady.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I really do apologize to the gentleman because the order 
of the amendments was changed.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. I understand.
  Mrs. LOWEY. And international peacekeeping is very important to me, 
but as soon as I understand what your amendment is that you are going 
to withdraw, I would be delighted to comment on the gentleman's 
amendment.
  Could the gentleman redesignate the amendment? There seems to be a 
question. My comments were concerning

[[Page H6843]]

the amendment to cut CIPA. May I have some clarification on what 
amendment we are discussing?
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the Clerk will report the 
amendment.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, hopefully that redesignation 
is a clarification.
  What we are trying to do is not, as in a subsequent amendment where 
we will be taking funds from the peacekeeping mission, which is what 
the gentlelady was referring to here, instead is to take money from the 
U.N. international organization line and redesignate those $20 million 
to join us in the fight against terrorism.
  As my opening comments to the Chair stated, the U.N. has done a 
woefully poor job when it comes to fighting terrorism around the world. 
We only have to look at the situation in the Sudan and Darfur, where 
they are not even able at this late date to define and tell us a 
genocide is going on. My goodness, the U.N. has not been able to 
grapple with the definition of what a genocide is, let alone take 
responsive action to try to bring it to an end.
  Likewise in the area of terrorism, the U.N. has again willfully and 
woefully failed to step up to the plate and be an instrument in 
fighting terrorism with so many of the world nations, the United States 
obviously taking a lead in that course.
  If the U.N. is not going to be the international body to step up and 
take affirmative action in these areas, I think it is incumbent upon us 
here in this House to make sure that our dollars, our limited American 
taxpayer dollars, do not go to an organization, the U.N., an 
international body that is not getting the job done; but instead, to 
reallocate those dollars, to reallocate $20 million. That is only 3 
percent of the U.S. contributions to the U.N. to antiterrorism 
assistance.
  Homeland security, fighting terrorism, is one of the hallmark 
principles that I came to Congress to work on and to achieve end 
results on, and this amendment to this legislation will go to that end.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I would like to respond to the gentleman 
from New Jersey.
  I do believe that nuclear nonproliferation must be a key focus of 
this committee and this Congress. In fact, in this bill because of the 
recommendations of so many members of our subcommittee and Members of 
Congress, we have increased money for nuclear nonproliferation efforts. 
So I look forward to working with the gentleman on this issue as we 
move ahead.
  However, I do think that your offset, taking money from U.N. dues, is 
actually unwise and not a very good policy decision.
  Many people have criticized the U.N., want to disband the U.N., want 
to cut off dues to the U.N., and then when we need the U.N., they 
wonder: What are we going to do if we didn't have a United Nations?
  I look forward to working with the gentleman from New Jersey in 
strengthening the committees of the U.N. and working together to face 
the tremendous challenges we have internationally. So I support the 
gentleman's concerns about nuclear nonproliferation, and I look forward 
to working with the gentleman; but I strongly oppose taking the money 
from U.N. dues.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Jackson).
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, let me be clear, we are in 
opposition to the gentleman's amendment. I understand that the 
gentleman is going to withdraw his amendment, but let me be clear, the 
various international organizations for which this account is 
designated and the dues that we pay not only to the U.N. but to other 
member organizations that our country is a part of, believe me when I 
tell you, the State Department has made it very clear in each of those 
organizations that we are in a global war on terror and our 
contributions to those organizations, part of our mandatory obligations 
to those organizations for which the gentleman seeks to cut funding, 
would quite frankly undermine our ability to maintain our own status 
within those international organizations as we try to direct the global 
war on terror.
  The spirit of the gentleman's amendment, some aspects of it are 
actually covered in the supplemental bill and some aspects of it are 
obviously covered in our bill, is something that is very difficult to 
argue against, an additional $20 million for demining activities. Part 
of this amendment was offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) 
in his amendment, and it is something in principle that we can support.
  Sufficient in this bill are the resources to advance democracy 
activities and demining activities, but by cutting aid to international 
organizations and contributions, cutting our contribution, our 
mandatory contribution to those organizations, is something that I 
believe the chairman and the majority would reject.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I respectfully understand 
there was a misunderstanding as to which amendment we were dealing 
with, and I appreciate the Chairman redesignating the amendment.
  The previous speaker made reference to ending nuclear 
nonproliferation and the like. Again, this amendment does not go to 
that point. This amendment simply goes to the point of taking money 
from the international organizations funds and trying to fight 
terrorism.
  With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time, and I 
do not withdraw the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. All time for debate has expired.


                         Parliamentary Inquiry

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, parliamentary inquiry.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentleman may state his parliamentary 
inquiry.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Is my understanding correct that the 
gentleman was going to withdraw his amendment, and now he is not going 
to withdraw his amendment?
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentleman has not withdrawn his amendment.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Then let me make it clear on behalf of the 
distinguished chairman and the committee that we rise in opposition to 
this amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. All time for debate has expired.
  The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Garrett).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chairman announced that the 
noes appeared to have it.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from New Jersey 
will be postponed.


                     Amendment Offered by Ms. Foxx

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Ms. Foxx:
       Page 8, line 18, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $203,082,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, 
June 20, 2007, the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) and a 
Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from North Carolina.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, the amendment I am offering would restore the 
funding level for international organizations provided in this bill to 
the fiscal year 2007 level.
  The purpose of my amendment is twofold. First, it would help bring 
accountability to organizations that have demonstrated limited 
effectiveness. Second, this amendment would help control the out-of-
control Federal deficit.
  This keeps the funding level at last year's level, which was very 
reasonable. In fiscal year 2006, total interest payments on Treasury 
debt securities amounted to $405.9 billion, or about 14 percent of 
Federal outlays. That amounts to 1.7 percent of the U.S. GDP. 
Translated, that means 1.7 cents of every dollar produced by Americans 
is used to pay interest on the Federal debt.

[[Page H6844]]

  As a percentage of GDP, the Federal debt ratio is larger for the 
United States than it is in Finland, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland and 
the United Kingdom. By any measure, it should be clear to any 
responsible fiscal steward that Congress needs to do more to control 
deficit spending to help reduce the Federal debt.
  My amendment would take a small but much-needed step in that 
direction. With a little help from the majority party in Congress, we 
could reduce unnecessary spending and return more money to the American 
people who earned it in the first place.
  Second, I wonder what our constituents would think if they knew they 
were being forced to pay millions for perpetual, never-ending funding 
increases for organizations such as the International Bureau for 
Weights and Measures, the International Coffee Association, the 
International Copper Study Group, the International Hydrographic 
Organization, the International Lead and Zinc Study Group, the 
International Rubber Study Group, and the World Organization for Animal 
Health.
  Given the tremendous amount of funding contained in the bill for the 
United Nations, I am particularly interested in encouraging that body 
to reexamine its spending habits so it can be more effective at 
fulfilling its mission.

                              {time}  1145

  As most would agree, the purpose of the United Nations is to help 
promote peace and security throughout the world. However, it has 
obviously failed miserably in that respect. Iran's nuclear weapons 
program is still chugging along at a rapid pace, threatening Israel and 
the entire region. Genocide persists in Sudan. All of the minds at the 
United Nations can't even agree on a definition for the word 
``terrorism'' in an age where terrorism remains one of the biggest 
threats to humanity and civilization.
  Furthermore, despite the implicit purpose of the United Nations Human 
Rights Council to promote global human rights, this body has among its 
membership notorious human rights abusers such as Angola, China, Cuba, 
Egypt, Russia and Saudi Arabia. Iran serves as the Vice Chair of the 
U.N. Disarmament Commission, Syria is the Rapporteur of the U.N. 
Disarmament Commission, Zimbabwe is the Chair of the U.N. Commission on 
Sustainable Development, and Sudan serves on the Executive Committee of 
the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.
  And if that wasn't enough, an examination of a ranked list of 
countries subject to the most U.N. condemnation for human rights 
violations in 2006 reveals Israel ranking first, having received 135 
actions, nearly twice as many as Sudan, the next country listed, and 
more than the number of actions directed at Iran, China, Colombia, 
Cuba, Saudi Arabia and Syria combined. The United States ranks fourth 
on this list, having been subject to 38 actions. This indicates that 
the United Nations is more interested in condemning Israel and the 
United States than it is in horrendous human rights abusers throughout 
the world.
  With that being said, the part of my amendment that should draw 
support from both sides of the aisle is the fact that my amendment 
doesn't cut a dollar from U.S. spending on international organizations. 
My amendment simply maintains the fiscal year 2007 level. By holding 
the line on spending, Congress can have another year to work on 
balancing the books and finding other ways to fund the increased 
spending proposals contained in the underlying bill.
  Mr. Chairman, at a time when Americans are being asked to do more 
with their budgets, it is only reasonable to expect the same out of 
those who benefit from generous American donations. That is why it 
should be clear to all of my colleagues why they should support my 
amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentlewoman's 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. This amendment would cut $203 million from our 
contribution to international organizations. This amendment fails to 
realistically address the effect our arrears have on our standing in 
the world community. At a time when the United States is increasingly 
relying on international organizations to further our security 
interests around the world, shortchanging our treaty-obligated 
contributions to these organizations undercuts our foreign policy goals 
and undermines our reputation around the world. It also countermands 
our new Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad's call to pay our dues in full and 
on time. As of today, the United States is $291 million in arrears at 
the U.N. for regular budget contributions alone. The United States has 
chosen to belong to each of these organizations. They leverage U.S. 
taxpayer dollars and advance a wide range of U.S. foreign policy 
objectives, including monitoring nuclear proliferation through the 
IAEA, creating norms for international telecommunications through the 
ITU, and fending off global pandemics through the WHO.
  The administration and the Congress have underfunded and cut this 
account in recent years. This amendment would continue this trend. The 
United States has an $80 million deficit in the CIO account and the 
State Department is paying U.S. dues late or incurring arrears in 
virtually every organization in this account. Shortfalls to the CIO 
account in 2006 caused the State Department to pay all of its regular 
dues to the IAEA almost a full year late, even as we relied on that 
organization to track nuclear developments in Iran and North Korea; pay 
dues to our allies in the OECD almost a year late; pay all of our dues 
to the WHO about a year late, even as we asked WHO to help contain 
avian flu; and pay the vast majority of our regular dues to NATO a year 
or so late, even as we relied on that organization to shore up security 
in Afghanistan.
  This amendment has no appreciation of the influence this increasing 
trend of paying late and underfunding international organizations has 
on our ability to sway others and it is difficult to justify why our 
priorities should be given full consideration when we chronically pay 
our dues late. Paying these international organizations late is 
counterproductive to achieving United States international security 
goals. The increasing trend of paying late and underfunding 
international organizations confounds U.S. demands for better 
management in them.
  An example of this detrimental effect is seen at the World Health 
Organization which reports that the arrears owed by the United States 
are preventing well-managed budgets and resulting in programs not 
reaching optimal effectiveness for a year or more after they were 
planned to be fully operational. Further, other dues-paying countries 
take note when the United States fails to honor its commitments in 
these international organizations. As a result, our influence on making 
budgetary and policy decisions in them is lessened. For example, the 
U.S. consistently wants the Food and Agriculture Organization to 
increase its capacity to set worldwide food and plant standards, yet it 
is very difficult to justify why U.S. priorities for the FAO should be 
given full consideration when the U.S. is chronically paying its dues 
there about a year late.
  Therefore, I strongly object to the gentlewoman's amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman from North Carolina has 30 
seconds remaining.
  Ms. FOXX. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate what my colleague has 
said. But these organizations do nothing to help the security of the 
United States. The U.N. is an ineffective and corrupt organization and 
our continuing to provide much of its funding implicitly endorses that 
corruption and ineffectiveness. If we put this to a vote of the 
American people, they would say, fund nothing of the United Nations. 
Keeping this at level funding is the right thing to do.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman from New York has 30 seconds 
remaining.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from 
Illinois.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. I thank the chairwoman.
  Well, here we go again, cutting a multilateral account that allows us 
to

[[Page H6845]]

hold our head up high in the international community as we organize the 
international community in the global war on terror in favor of 
unilateralism.
  To fight the war on terror, we must be multilateral and not 
unilateral. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Khalilzad said pay our dues on 
time and pay it in full. Every time there's a crisis that confronts our 
country, we run to the U.N., we run to the international community 
demanding their involvement to help provide security for the American 
people.
  Mr. Chairman, reject this amendment.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of 
words.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WOLF. I rise in opposition to the amendment.
  Everyone has frustrations. I think the U.N. could do certainly a lot 
more on Darfur and many of the other things. They stood by and frankly 
didn't do very much in Rwanda, either. But what this amendment would 
do, I think, is people have to look at it. This would actually cut NATO 
fees, and NATO is sort of the backbone of what we're doing in 
Afghanistan and many other places, but particularly $41 million out of 
this fund goes to NATO.
  Also, on the World Health Organization with regard to avian flu and 
things like that, this is not the time to do that. Also, there is 
another issue that I have personally made a cause, of funding the war 
crime tribunals to bring people to justice. This would cut the war 
crimes tribunal in Rwanda where over 800,000 people have died between 
the Hutus and the Tutsis and that whole issue. Also the former 
Yugoslavia where after the genocide that took place, Milosevic was 
brought to the court.
  So for those reasons, I understand what the gentlelady is trying to 
do. But I think this would be the wrong place to kind of do it, from 
NATO and IAEA and the World Health Organization and the war crimes 
tribunal.
  Lastly, this is at the request of President Bush, of the Bush 
administration. This is what the Bush administration, President Bush, 
has requested.
  For those reasons, I urge a ``no'' vote.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chairman announced that the 
noes appeared to have it.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from North 
Carolina will be postponed.


                Amendment Offered by Mr. McCaul of Texas

  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Mr. McCaul of Texas:
       Page 8, line 18, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced 
     by $30,000,000)''.
       Page 52, line 13, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $30,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, 
June 20, 2007, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul) and a Member 
opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. I thank the chairman.
  I rise today to offer an amendment that will partially restore the 
administration's funding request for the International Narcotics 
Control and Law Enforcement account in the FY08 State Department and 
Foreign Operations appropriations bill. This amendment would add $30 
million to the account, halfway between the committee funding level and 
the President's request. This is a bipartisan amendment. I would like 
to thank my colleague on the other side of the aisle, Mr. Cuellar, for 
his support as an author and cosponsor.
  Earlier this month I attended the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary 
Group in Austin, Texas, and for 3 days we talked about issues important 
to the United States and Mexico. The major topic discussed was the 
issue of increasing violence and lawlessness along the U.S.-Mexico 
border. The drug cartels have taken control over northern Mexico and 
law enforcement has become corrupt and ineffective. Since his 
inauguration earlier this year, President Calderon has begun a renewed 
effort to reestablish law enforcement's control over his country and 
their borders. However, the drug kingpins are ruthless in their efforts 
to retain control and the Mexican Government's law enforcement 
capabilities are sorely outdated. Just recently, the drug cartels 
brazenly ordered the assassination of a Mexican state legislator.
  I would like to take a moment to commend Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking 
Member Wolf for including $27.5 million in the bill for this effort and 
for recognizing in the report language of the bill the need to address 
this problem which so devastatingly impacts our southern border, our 
national security and the citizens of this country. However, I believe 
that additional funding would go a long way to eradicating the drug 
cartels.
  The offset in this amendment is a $30 million reduction in the 
contributions to the international organization's account. I believe 
it's a worthwhile transfer of funds that will benefit not only our 
border with Mexico but also our counterdrug efforts worldwide. One of 
the most important international peacekeeping efforts today should be 
on the southern border against the violent criminal enterprise of the 
narcotraffickers.
  The cartels control the corridor routes into this country, exporting 
drugs and human trafficking across our southern border. The 
intersection between these criminal enterprises and potential 
terrorists could be deadly. In the post-9/11 world, we can no longer 
continue to ignore this threat.
  At a time when the newly elected Mexican Government has stepped 
forward and made a commitment to reform its law enforcement and combat 
the drug cartels, it is important that we provide as much funding and 
resources as possible to the International Narcotics Control and Law 
Enforcement program.
  I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Cuellar).
  Mr. CUELLAR. Again, Madam Chair, I thank you for the time and I also 
appreciate the work that you have done in making sure that we help the 
Mexican Government fight the drug cartel problems that they have. We 
have a perfect opportunity at this time, and I think Mr. McCaul 
understands this since we have been working on this for a while, that 
they have a President now, President Calderon, that is willing to go 
ahead and take on the powerful drug cartels. Being from Laredo, Texas, 
I see what's been happening across the river. We had, talking about one 
of the Congressmen, my counterpart right across Laredo in Nuevo Laredo, 
there was an attempt to assassinate him, he ended up in the hospital, 
his chauffeur got killed, because again he wanted to go ahead and fight 
the drug cartels.
  It is extremely important that we provide this extra funding because 
if we don't, what you're going to have, you're going to have a bigger 
problem than what we're seeing right now across the river. It has 
permeated not only the law enforcement, it has not only permeated also 
the judiciary, but it has also affected other parts of the society.

                              {time}  1200

  The Mexican Government wants to work with us, and I want to make sure 
that we work on increasing the dollars.
  My understanding is, and I am hoping that my colleague will be 
willing to do that, that if we can withdraw this amendment, I believe 
we have a commitment from the chairwoman that in conference committee 
she will go ahead and increase the dollars, because we need more than 
what's been appropriated so far, what's currently in the bill itself.
  I believe we have a commitment that, Mr. McCaul, if you are willing 
to

[[Page H6846]]

withdraw, together, both of us, we do have a commitment from the 
chairwoman. She has been very good at keeping her word on this.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the gentleman for your important work with Mr. 
McCaul on this issue.
  I understand the urgency and the impact of methamphetamine in your 
areas and the tremendous negative impact on the people you represent.
  I have a problem with the offset. Therefore, if you will withdraw 
this amendment, I would be delighted to work with the gentlemen as we 
approach our conference in increasing money for this very important 
need.
  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. I will consider withdrawing the amendment. I 
would like to get a few assurances from the gentlelady, if I may, and 
that is that this funding would be directed primarily, would be 
targeted towards the problem at the U.S.-Mexico border with the drug 
cartels who have controlled these corridors that I mentioned.
  If I could just add, my subcommittee on Homeland Security issued this 
report on the border last conference confirming the threat. This was 
given to President Calderon by Secretary Chertoff.
  He understands this. I have met with the Mexican Congress. They 
understand it. Our State Department actually does understand this. 
While they may not ask overtly, they really could use these funds to 
confront this threat.
  I would ask, in exchange for withdrawing, that we try to come as 
close as possible to the number I have requested and that that money be 
directed towards the threat that Mr. Cuellar and I see so often down in 
a border State.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I would say to the gentleman that in my discussions with 
Mr. Cuellar he is very clear about the urgency of this issue and the 
impact of these concerns on the citizens that you both represent.
  I would be delighted to work with you. We will certainly search for 
funding as close to the numbers you mention as we possibly can.
  Again, the only issue with this amendment was the offset, not the 
important need for the funding.
  I thank the gentleman, and I look forward to working with you. I 
thank you for withdrawing the amendment.
  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, with those assurances, I will 
withdraw my amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the amendment is withdrawn.
  There was no objection.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:


        contributions for international peacekeeping activities

       For necessary expenses to pay assessed and other expenses 
     of international peacekeeping activities directed to the 
     maintenance or restoration of international peace and 
     security, $1,302,000,000, of which 15 percent shall remain 
     available until September 30, 2009: Provided, That none of 
     the funds made available under this Act shall be obligated or 
     expended for any new or expanded United Nations peacekeeping 
     mission unless, at least 15 days in advance of voting for the 
     new or expanded mission in the United Nations Security 
     Council (or in an emergency as far in advance as is 
     practicable): (1) the Committees on Appropriations and other 
     appropriate committees of the Congress are notified of the 
     estimated cost and length of the mission, the national 
     interest that will be served, and the planned exit strategy; 
     (2) the Committees on Appropriations and other appropriate 
     committees of the Congress are notified that the United 
     Nations has taken appropriate measures to prevent United 
     Nations employees, contractor personnel, and peacekeeping 
     forces serving in any United Nations peacekeeping mission 
     from trafficking in persons, exploiting victims of 
     trafficking, or committing acts of illegal sexual 
     exploitation, and to hold accountable individuals who engage 
     in such acts while participating in the peacekeeping mission; 
     and (3) a reprogramming of funds pursuant to section 615 of 
     this Act is submitted, and the procedures therein followed, 
     setting forth the source of funds that will be used to pay 
     for the cost of the new or expanded mission: Provided 
     further, That funds shall be available for peacekeeping 
     expenses only upon a certification by the Secretary of State 
     to the appropriate committees of the Congress that American 
     manufacturers and suppliers are being given opportunities to 
     provide equipment, services, and material for United Nations 
     peacekeeping activities equal to those being given to foreign 
     manufacturers and suppliers.


         Amendment No. 16 Offered by Mr. Garrett of New Jersey

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 16 offered by Mr. Garrett of New Jersey:
       Page 10, line 17, insert before the semicolon the 
     following: ``, including the prosecution in their home 
     countries of such individuals in connection with such acts''.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, 
June 20, 2007, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Garrett) and a Member 
opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. First of all, I want to begin by saying 
that I am pleased that the committee has taken steps to see that the 
United Nations peacekeeping forces are not or will not be engaged in 
human trafficking or other sex crimes. But I am concerned that the 
language in the bill, quite frankly, does not go quite far enough.
  The facts are that between 2004 and 2006, 179 peacekeepers from the 
U.N., under their charge, under their control, were dismissed or 
repatriated following investigations for sex crimes. Yet only a very 
few of these have been successfully prosecuted for their crimes.
  Earlier this year, The Daily Telegraph newspaper revealed that 
members of the U.N. force in southern Sudan had abused children as 
young as 12. Just last year, the U.N. had tried to claim that these 
reports were just unfounded rumors, but only after these reports did 
the U.N. admit to repatriating four of these individuals for these 
crimes. Yet none of these four have ever been prosecuted in their home 
country of Bangladesh.
  Just this week, the Government of Sudan agreed to a substantial 
peacekeeping force in Darfur. We must ensure the people of Darfur, who 
have been subject to a systemic rape and violence constituting 
genocide, do not suffer further at the hands of the people who are 
there to protect them.
  I am concerned that the language in the present bill that the U.N. 
``hold accountable'' these individuals will mean that the U.N. 
peacekeepers will continue to get away scot-free. All national armed 
forces have processes for court martial and punishing crimes committed 
by their personnel. The U.N. must see to it that these countries 
offering peacekeepers actually apply their system of justice when a 
crime is committed.
  The U.N. is supposedly committed to high ideals of human rights and 
justice. We are merely asking that they keep them to ensure that their 
own personnel and others operating under the U.N. flag do not use their 
position to commit gross crimes. Let us be clear that the United States 
taxpayers funding these important missions will not stand for this 
injustice.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I accept the gentleman's amendment.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. I thank the gentlelady for accepting the 
amendment, because I do believe, as I am sure she does as well, that 
this is the right thing to do for the people of the world and not only 
for the people here in the United States as well.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Garrett).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                       International Commissions

       For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, to meet 
     obligations of the United States arising under treaties, or 
     specific Acts of Congress, as follows:


 international boundary and water commission, united states and mexico

       For necessary expenses for the United States Section of the 
     International Boundary and Water Commission, United States 
     and Mexico, and to comply with laws applicable to the United 
     States Section, including not to exceed $6,000 for 
     representation; as follows:


                         salaries and expenses

       For salaries and expenses, not otherwise provided for, 
     $30,430,000.


                              construction

       For detailed plan preparation and construction of 
     authorized projects, $15,725,000,

[[Page H6847]]

     to remain available until expended, as authorized.


              american sections, international commissions

       For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided, for the 
     International Joint Commission and the International Boundary 
     Commission, United States and Canada, as authorized by 
     treaties between the United States and Canada or Great 
     Britain, and for the Border Environment Cooperation 
     Commission as authorized by Public Law 103-182, $10,630,000, 
     of which not to exceed $9,000 shall be available for 
     representation expenses incurred by the International Joint 
     Commission.


                  international fisheries commissions

       For necessary expenses for international fisheries 
     commissions, not otherwise provided for, as authorized by 
     law, $26,000,000: Provided, That the United States share of 
     such expenses may be advanced to the respective commissions 
     pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3324.

                                 Other


                     payment to the asia foundation

       For a grant to the Asia Foundation, as authorized by the 
     Asia Foundation Act (22 U.S.C. 4402), $15,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended, as authorized.


         center for middle eastern-western dialogue trust fund

       For necessary expenses of the Center for Middle Eastern-
     Western Dialogue Trust Fund, the total amount of the interest 
     and earnings accruing to such Fund on or before September 30, 
     2008, to remain available until expended.


                 eisenhower exchange fellowship program

       For necessary expenses of Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, 
     Incorporated, as authorized by sections 4 and 5 of the 
     Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Act of 1990 (20 U.S.C. 5204-
     5205), all interest and earnings accruing to the Eisenhower 
     Exchange Fellowship Program Trust Fund on or before September 
     30, 2008, to remain available until expended: Provided, That 
     none of the funds appropriated herein shall be used to pay 
     any salary or other compensation, or to enter into any 
     contract providing for the payment thereof, in excess of the 
     rate authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5376; or for purposes which are 
     not in accordance with OMB Circulars A-110 (Uniform 
     Administrative Requirements) and A-122 (Cost Principles for 
     Non-profit Organizations), including the restrictions on 
     compensation for personal services.


                    israeli arab scholarship program

       For necessary expenses of the Israeli Arab Scholarship 
     Program as authorized by section 214 of the Foreign Relations 
     Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 (22 U.S.C. 
     2452), all interest and earnings accruing to the Israeli Arab 
     Scholarship Fund on or before September 30, 2008, to remain 
     available until expended.


                    national endowment for democracy

       For grants made by the Department of State to the National 
     Endowment for Democracy as authorized by the National 
     Endowment for Democracy Act, $80,000,000, to remain available 
     until expended.

                            RELATED AGENCIES

                    Broadcasting Board of Governors


                 international broadcasting operations

       For expenses necessary to enable the Broadcasting Board of 
     Governors, as authorized, to carry out international 
     communication activities, including the purchase, rent, 
     construction, and improvement of facilities for radio and 
     television transmission and reception and purchase, lease, 
     and installation of necessary equipment for radio and 
     television transmission and reception to Cuba, and to make 
     and supervise grants for radio and television broadcasting to 
     the Middle East, $671,632,000: Provided, That of the total 
     amount in this heading, not to exceed $16,000 may be used for 
     official receptions within the United States as authorized, 
     not to exceed $35,000 may be used for representation abroad 
     as authorized, and not to exceed $39,000 may be used for 
     official reception and representation expenses of Radio Free 
     Europe/Radio Liberty; and in addition, notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law, not to exceed $2,000,000 in receipts 
     from advertising and revenue from business ventures, not to 
     exceed $500,000 in receipts from cooperating international 
     organizations, and not to exceed $1,000,000 in receipts from 
     privatization efforts of the Voice of America and the 
     International Broadcasting Bureau, to remain available until 
     expended for carrying out authorized purposes.


                     Amendment Offered by Mr. Mack

  Mr. MACK. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Mr. Mack:
       Page 14, line 14, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $10,000,000) (reduced by $10,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, 
June 20, 2007, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mack) and a Member 
opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
  Mr. MACK. Mr. Chairman, while we in this Chamber can debate in 
freedom, and the American people can hear and see our every word, 
thanks to a free press, in Hugo Chavez's Venezuela, the only thing that 
people can see or hear are the things that Hugo Chavez lets his media 
print and broadcast.
  Freedom of the press died in Venezuela on May 27, 2007, when Chavez 
shut down RCTV. This was just the latest in a long line of actions to 
snuff out free press, free speech, and free thought. By shutting down 
the largest and oldest TV network in the country, Chavez is sending a 
message to all other media that he has the power to do anything he 
wants to with radio and television stations in Venezuela.
  The government is targeting opposition voices because of their 
massive reach, appeal, and influence throughout the country. Chavez 
said: ``I am going to go after those who resist the revolution and 
eliminate them one by one.'' This was in reference to one of the only 
remaining independent voices left in Venezuela.
  As the window of independent media in Venezuela closes, Voice of 
America will play a critical role in getting the truth out about what 
is happening in the country.
  Voice of America must provide and create additional programs. With 
targeted funding, Voice of America can have an even greater ability and 
capability to broadcast longer with more programming. Voice of America 
serves as a significant counter to Chavez's propaganda being exported 
to Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Cuba.
  My amendment would significantly grant the Broadcasting Board of 
Governors the tools to increase broadcasting to Venezuela and Latin 
America.
  Chavez's communist plans for the future do not include independent 
media and freedom of the press. We must recognize the war on terrorism 
is in our backyard. The gang of countries lining up with Chavez is 
powerful: Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and others, together with the 
likes of Iran.
  We must recognize a serious threat to our national security. In fact, 
just this morning, Chavez announced plans to visit Iran in a few weeks, 
following a long courtship between the two countries.
  The window of freedom is closing fast. We cannot turn our backs on 
the people of Venezuela. We must do more to promote freedom inside 
Venezuela.
  America has always been a beacon of freedom in our hemisphere. Now we 
must be the pillar of hope for the people of Venezuela and our friends 
and neighbors in Latin America who fear Hugo Chavez and his communist 
revolution.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I want to thank the gentleman for bringing this issue to 
the attention of the House. International broadcasting is an essential 
component of our Nation's public diplomacy strategy, enjoys broad 
bipartisan support in our committee.
  The bill before the House includes $671.6 million for the 
international broadcasting operations of the BBG. It restores over $30 
million in cuts to BBG language services proposed in the President's 
budget. It includes program increases requested for high-priority areas 
such as $2.9 million for broadcasting to North Korea, $.5 million for 
enhanced broadcasting to Somalia, $1.2 million for Radio Sawa in the 
Middle East, $5 million to retain BBG's broadcast capability.
  The matter of broadcasting to Venezuela is an emerging issue. I 
commend the gentleman for his amendment and join him in urging its 
adoption.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. MACK. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairwoman for accepting 
the amendment.
  Venezuela is going down the wrong path, and I think this will help us 
set a new course so the people of Venezuela can continue to enjoy the 
freedom and democracy they deserve.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mack).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise to strike the last word.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield to my good friend, Mr. Skelton, for the purpose 
of a colloquy.

[[Page H6848]]

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage the chairwoman of the 
State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee in a colloquy on 
oversight on Iraq funding.
  Madam Chairwoman, I want to thank you for your hard work in ensuring 
that funds spent in Iraq are properly overseen. Your bill on the floor 
today contains a section concerning the Special Inspector General for 
Iraq Reconstruction that extends the authorities of that office.
  The National Defense Authorization Act, which came out of the Armed 
Services Committee and passed the House on May 17, contained a 
provision with similar goals that I had worked out with Chairman Lantos 
of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
  I want to thank, first, the chairwoman for pursuing this issue so 
strenuously. Also, I want to express my appreciation that we were able 
to work out a way forward so that our two committees worked together on 
the issue, rather than pursuing separate paths.
  Rather than contesting it at this time, the inclusion of this 
authorization language in the State Department, Foreign Operations and 
Related Programs appropriations bill, I rise to assure you that you 
will be involved in the Defense authorization conference on the SIGIR 
issue. I am glad that in return you have offered to drop your provision 
in conference on your bill so that together we can ensure that there is 
only one version of the language instead of competing versions.
  I yield to the chairwoman for a response.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I thank Chairman Skelton for his hard work on this 
project.
  We included the SIGIR provision in our appropriations bill to ensure 
that this subject does not fall out somewhere in the process. You and I 
agree completely on the importance of the SIGIR office.
  I look forward to working with you to make sure that the version 
ultimately included in the National Defense Authorization Act 
conference report achieves the goals our respective bills laid out. It 
is my intention to drop section 696 of the State, Foreign Operations 
appropriations act in conference so that we do not end up with 
competing versions of the same language.
  Mr. SKELTON. Let me sincerely thank the chairwoman. I do look forward 
to working with you on this issue. I think this is the right way to 
approach this, and I certainly appreciate it.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:


                   broadcasting capital improvements

       For the purchase, rent, construction, and improvement of 
     facilities for radio and television transmission and 
     reception, and purchase and installation of necessary 
     equipment for radio and television transmission and reception 
     as authorized, $10,748,000, to remain available until 
     expended, as authorized.

      Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad


                         salaries and expenses

       For expenses for the Commission for the Preservation of 
     America's Heritage Abroad, $499,000, as authorized by section 
     1303 of Public Law 99-83.

                              {time}  1215

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word to enter 
into colloquy with Mr. Blumenauer.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I yield to Mr. Blumenauer.
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. I appreciate the gentlewoman's courtesy, as I 
appreciate the hard work that she and her committee have done bringing 
forward, I think, a really terrific bill.
  I wish to enter into colloquy with you, Madam Chair. At the end of 
2005 Congress passed the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act with 
broad bipartisan support. At the time it was called landmark 
legislation.
  Unfortunately, today it's clear that the intent and many of the legal 
requirements in the Water for the Poor Act are not being met by the 
State Department and USAID.
  Earlier this month the State Department delivered its second report 
on the required drinking water and sanitation strategy. Unfortunately, 
it continues to be more of a recitation of the work they're doing, 
rather than a strategic, forward-looking road map to move from the 
current state of access to achieving the international commitment to 
cut in half the percentage of people without access to safe drinking 
water and sanitation.
  While our legislation was specifically written so that it would 
improve aid quality at any level, there was also a call to increase the 
amount of resources devoted to the very poor. For instance, as part of 
the strategy, we required an increase in the percentage of assistance 
going to high-priority countries, defined as countries with the 
greatest need, and countries in which assistance would be expected to 
make the greatest difference. Many, if not most of these countries 
would be in sub-Saharan Africa.
  For too long the State Department has used disaster funding to 
artificially inflate the numbers it used to meet congressional 
requirements, instead of giving the necessary focus to long-term 
sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation for the poor.
  For too long, sub-Saharan Africa has gotten funding that is inversely 
proportional to the level of need. For too long the State Department 
has treated Water for the Poor Act as if it were a guideline or a 
suggestion, rather than a law passed by Congress and signed by the 
President that they're obligated to fully implement.
  I very much appreciate the work of Chairwoman Lowey and Chairman 
Obey, for whom I know this is a particular interest. I deeply 
appreciate increasing the overall level of funding for water and 
sanitation to $300 million, and directing that much of it be spent 
pursuant to the Water for the Poor Act.
  I hope for the opportunity, as we move forward towards conference, to 
work together to ensure that as much money as possible is made 
available to the long-term development of safe drinking water and 
sanitation programs in the areas of greatest need, with a strategy 
needed to ensure that we're make the most effective use of our AIDS 
dollar.
  Most important, I hope that the Appropriations Committee will 
continue to help with the oversight needed to make the Water for the 
Poor Act fully implemented and the United States lives up to our 
international commitment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I appreciate the gentleman's interest in this issue and 
applaud your work over the past few years. As you have stated, the 
committee bill increased funding for safe water by $100 million and 
placed priority on long-term and sustainable safe water programs.
  The report provides clear direction to the agency that funding must 
be provided in accordance with the strategy based on the Paul Simon 
Water for the Poor Act.
  Finally, we share the gentleman's concern about the reliance on 
emergency programs to meet this recommendation, and will work with the 
agency in the coming year to ensure that this does not happen again.
  I thank you for raising these issues today. I look forward to working 
together on this issue in the coming year.
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. If the gentlewoman will yield.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I yield.
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. I just can't tell you how much I appreciate what 
you've done and this commitment. I appreciate your words and everything 
the committee has done to make our water investments go to the right 
places in the right ways for the right thing.
  I am reassured that your intention that only $80 million of the $300 
million level come from disaster assistance. That's an important step 
in making the necessary long-term investments to deal with this leading 
cause of preventable death in the world.
  I'm particularly pleased by the requirement that funds be spent in 
accordance with the Water for the Poor Act, which was carefully crafted 
to provide a framework, a policy and a goal for ensuring affordable and 
equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation for the poorest 
in this world. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work 
with you.
  There was, at one point, our colleague, Chairman Payne of the Africa 
Subcommittee was going to be here I

[[Page H6849]]

thought, and I apologize, I don't see him. But I know he has done 
outstanding work with the subcommittee. And I think between the three 
of us, great things could happen.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the gentleman. And I know of Mr. Payne's 
important work on water, in Africa in general, so many other issues. 
And I thank you.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman's time has expired.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to my good friend, Mr. 
Payne, who is really an expert on Africa and all phases of African 
development, and has a keen interest in water. And I thank you for 
coming.
  Mr. PAYNE. Let me thank Congresswoman, Chairwoman Lowey and, of 
course, Congressman Blumenauer for the opportunity to join in this 
colloquy.
  As chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, I 
recently called a hearing on the implementation of the Water for the 
Poor Act where Congressman Blumenauer testified. I agree with him that 
the State Department, in its 2007 report to Congress, reflects inflated 
figures and a lack of concrete strategies for providing sustainable 
access to drinking water and sanitation for the poor.
  The Millennium Development Goals, a catalyst for the Water for the 
Poor, aimed to reduce by one-half the proportion of people without 
access to basic sanitation and safe drinking water by 2015. Due, in 
part, to the State Department's inefficient execution of sustainable 
programs, the MDG target is being missed in sub-Saharan Africa, which 
has had the slowest rate of improvement in this category compared with 
all other regions.
  Furthermore, the State Department reported that in fiscal year 2006, 
the U.S. helped 9 million people receive improved access to water. Of 
the beneficiaries, 75 to 80 percent was in the Middle East, and 25 
percent was outside this region. According to the United Nations, most 
countries in the Middle East and North Africa are on track towards 
reaching the MDG targets. Our efforts should be directed to regions 
such as sub-Saharan Africa, which has the highest proportion of people 
living without access to improved water sources of any region in the 
world, and is not on track to meet its MDG target. Therefore, of the 
$150 million appropriated to Africa and the Middle East, I feel that 
more than 50 percent should be allocated to the countries in Africa, 
where the need is greatest.
  So I conclude by saying also, the State Department's water funding in 
Africa has primarily been used for emergency relief efforts, rather 
than water supply and management projects that deliver sustainable 
results. In maintaining the vision of the Water for the Poor Act, 
assistance should be focused on improving the sustainable management of 
drinking water and sanitation.
  I agree with Congressman Blumenauer and Chairwoman Lowey that of the 
$300 million appropriated for fiscal year 2008, a significant amount 
should be directed towards sustainable water management with programs 
in Africa.
  With efficient execution and adequate funding, the objectives of the 
Water for the Poor can be accomplished. Access to safe water and 
sanitation plays a central role in promoting global public health, 
economic growth, poverty reduction and environmental sustainability.
  I look forward to working with Congressman Blumenauer and 
Congresswoman Lowey in increasing our funding to regions with the 
greatest need and improving the strategies in place to provide the 
world's poor with sustainable, safe, drinking water and basic 
sanitation.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I yield 1 additional minute to Mr. Blumenauer.
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. I would just like to express my deep appreciation, 
Chairman Payne, for what you have done with your Africa Subcommittee 
shining a spotlight on the international water issue. The hearing that 
you convened was riveting, and I thought it was the best expression of 
the needs we've had in Congress.
  The prospect of our Subcommittee on Foreign Ops, working with your 
subcommittee, on Africa, being able to focus on this, I think, is the 
brightest spot, and it's going to make a difference for millions of 
lives around the world. I appreciate your leadership and your focus on 
this, and thank you both for your efforts.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  I am pleased to yield to my good friend, Mr. Cuellar from Texas.
  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, again I also want to echo what the other 
Members have said on your leadership on this particular bill, very 
important bill.
  But what I want to do, Madam Chair, is point out two things that you 
have selected that are very important to my district, south Texas, the 
border area. The first one has to do with the funding that has been 
increased for the International Boundary Water Commission that provides 
funding for the levees that we have along the U.S. and Mexico border. 
The current budget right now is at $2 million. You have brought that up 
now to an amount of almost $16 million. This, again, is appreciated 
again by my office, my constituents, but also by Congressmen Ruben 
Hinojosa and Solomon Ortiz that have levees down there. This is an 
issue that has to be addressed because, again, we don't want to see 
what happened in another part of the United States. This levee work is 
very important. It's important to the areas of mission, McAllen and the 
other areas in south Texas. This will go a long way and, again, Madam 
Chair, I want to thank you for that.
  I also want to thank you for some report language that you added, 
something that, again, Michael McCaul and myself have been very 
interested in, and that is the issue of the trafficking of human, what 
we call human cargo, also drugs, cash and of course the missing 
Americans. As you know, there are people that live in the United States 
that have gone over across the river into Nuevo Laredo and have been 
kidnapped and have not been found. We've been asking the Mexican 
Government for years to provide us information so we can bring some 
sort of closure to this particular situation. And again, we have not 
gotten this, and we're hoping that the Mexican government will provide 
us this information as soon as possible.
  But this report language, Madam Chair, that you have added will 
provide us this incentive and hopefully an incentive to the Mexican 
Government to work with us to provide us information on the missing 
Americans.
  Again, Madam Chair, I want to thank you very, very much for adding, 
increasing the amount of the levees from $2 million to almost $16 
million. On behalf of Congressmen Ruben Hinojosa and Solomon Ortiz, we 
thank you very much for your leadership.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Thank you very much for your kind words and your 
important interest in this area. And I look forward to continuing to 
work with you.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:

             Commission on International Religious Freedom


                         salaries and expenses

       For necessary expenses for the United States Commission on 
     International Religious Freedom, as authorized by title II of 
     the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (Public Law 
     105-292), $3,400,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2009.

            Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe


                         salaries and expenses

       For necessary expenses of the Commission on Security and 
     Cooperation in Europe, as authorized by Public Law 94-304, 
     $2,037,000, to remain available until September 30, 2009.

  Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China


                         salaries and expenses

       For necessary expenses of the Congressional-Executive 
     Commission on the People's Republic of China, as authorized, 
     $2,000,000, including not more than $3,000 for the purpose of 
     official representation, to remain available until September 
     30, 2009.

      United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission


                         salaries and expenses

       For necessary expenses of the United States-China Economic 
     and Security Review Commission, $4,000,000, including not 
     more than $5,000 for the purpose of official representation, 
     to remain available until September 30, 2009: Provided, That 
     for purposes of costs relating to printing and binding, the 
     Commission shall be deemed, effective on the date of its 
     establishment, to be a committee

[[Page H6850]]

     of Congress: Provided further, That compensation for the 
     executive director of the Commission may not exceed the rate 
     payable for level II of the Executive Schedule under section 
     5314 of title 5, United States Code: Provided further, That 
     section 1238(c)(1) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001, is amended by 
     striking ``June'' and inserting ``December'': Provided 
     further, That travel by members of the Commission and its 
     staff shall be arranged and conducted under the rules and 
     procedures applying to travel by members of the House of 
     Representatives and its staff: Provided further, That section 
     1238 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization 
     Act for Fiscal Year 2001 is amended by striking subsection 
     (g).

                    United States Institute of Peace


                           operating expenses

       For necessary expenses of the United States Institute of 
     Peace as authorized in the United States Institute of Peace 
     Act, $25,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2009.

      GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCIES


                      allowances and differentials

       Sec. 101. Funds appropriated under title I of this Act 
     shall be available, except as otherwise provided, for 
     allowances and differentials as authorized by subchapter 59 
     of title 5, United States Code; for services as authorized by 
     5 U.S.C. 3109; and for hire of passenger transportation 
     pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1343(b).


                      unobligated balances report

       Sec. 102. The Department of State and the Broadcasting 
     Board of Governors shall provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations a quarterly accounting of the cumulative 
     balances of any unobligated funds that were received by such 
     agency during any previous fiscal year.


                          embassy construction

       Sec. 103. (a) Of funds provided under title I of this Act, 
     except as provided in subsection (b), a project to construct 
     a diplomatic facility of the United States may not include 
     office space or other accommodations for an employee of a 
     Federal agency or department if the Secretary of State 
     determines that such department or agency has not provided to 
     the Department of State the full amount of funding required 
     by subsection (e) of section 604 of the Secure Embassy 
     Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999 (as enacted 
     into law by section 1000(a)(7) of Public Law 106-113 and 
     contained in appendix G of that Act; 113 Stat. 1501A-453), as 
     amended by section 629 of the Departments of Commerce, 
     Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 2005.
       (b) Notwithstanding the prohibition in subsection (a), a 
     project to construct a diplomatic facility of the United 
     States may include office space or other accommodations for 
     members of the Marine Corps.


                         peacekeeping missions

       Sec. 104. None of the funds made available under title I of 
     this Act may be used for any United Nations undertaking when 
     it is made known to the Federal official having authority to 
     obligate or expend such funds that: (1) the United Nations 
     undertaking is a peacekeeping mission; (2) such undertaking 
     will involve United States Armed Forces under the command or 
     operational control of a foreign national; and (3) the 
     President's military advisors have not submitted to the 
     President a recommendation that such involvement is in the 
     national security interests of the United States and the 
     President has not submitted to the Congress such a 
     recommendation.


                            denial of visas

       Sec. 105. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available under title I of this Act shall be expended 
     for any purpose for which appropriations are prohibited by 
     section 616 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and 
     State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations 
     Act, 1999.
       (b) The requirements in subsections (b) and (c) of section 
     616 of that Act shall continue to apply during fiscal year 
     2008.


                     senior policy operating group

       Sec. 106. (a) The Senior Policy Operating Group on 
     Trafficking in Persons, established under section 105(f) of 
     the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 
     2000 (22 U.S.C. 7103(f)) to coordinate agency activities 
     regarding policies (including grants and grant policies) 
     involving the international trafficking in persons, shall 
     coordinate all such policies related to the activities of 
     traffickers and victims of severe forms of trafficking.
       (b) None of the funds provided under title I of this or any 
     other Act making appropriations for Department of State and 
     Related Agencies shall be expended to perform functions that 
     duplicate coordinating responsibilities of the Operating 
     Group.
       (c) The Operating Group shall continue to report only to 
     the authorities that appointed them pursuant to section 
     105(f).


                united states citizens born in jerusalem

       Sec. 107. For the purposes of registration of birth, 
     certification of nationality, or issuance of a passport of a 
     United States citizen born in the city of Jerusalem, the 
     Secretary of State shall, upon request of the citizen, record 
     the place of birth as Israel.

                        e-government initiatives

       Sec. 108. Any funds provided under title I of this Act used 
     to implement E-Government Initiatives shall be subject to the 
     procedures set forth in section 615 of this Act.


                          consulting services

       Sec. 109. The expenditure of any appropriation under title 
     I of this Act for any consulting service through procurement 
     contract, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3109, shall be limited to 
     those contracts where such expenditures are a matter of 
     public record and available for public inspection, except 
     where otherwise provided under existing law, or under 
     existing Executive order issued pursuant to existing law.


limitation on diplomatic or consular post in the socialist republic of 
                                vietnam

       Sec. 110. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available under title I of this Act shall be expended 
     for any purpose for which appropriations are prohibited by 
     section 609 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and 
     State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations 
     Act, 1999.
       (b) The requirements in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of 
     section 609 of that Act shall continue to apply during fiscal 
     year 2008.


                      state department authorities

       Sec. 111. Funds appropriated under title I of this Act for 
     the Broadcasting Board of Governors and the Department of 
     State may be obligated and expended notwithstanding section 
     15 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, 
     section 313 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, 
     Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 (Public Law 103-236), and section 
     504(a)(1) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 
     414(a)(1)).


           restriction on contributions to the united nations

       Sec. 112. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available under title I of this Act may be made available to 
     pay any contribution of the United States to the United 
     Nations if the United Nations implements or imposes any 
     taxation on any United States persons.


                           personnel actions

       Sec. 113. Any costs incurred by a department or agency 
     funded under this Act resulting from personnel actions taken 
     in response to funding reductions included in this Act shall 
     be absorbed within the total budgetary resources available to 
     such department or agency: Provided, That the authority to 
     transfer funds between appropriations accounts as may be 
     necessary to carry out this section is provided in addition 
     to authorities included elsewhere in this Act: Provided 
     further, That use of funds to carry out this section shall be 
     treated as a reprogramming of funds under section 615 (a) and 
     (b) of this Act and shall not be available for obligation or 
     expenditure except in compliance with the procedures set 
     forth in that section.


               restrictions on united nations delegations

       Sec. 114. None of the funds made available under title I of 
     this Act may be used to pay expenses for any United States 
     delegation to any specialized agency, body, or commission of 
     the United Nations if such commission is chaired or presided 
     over by a country, the government of which the Secretary of 
     State has determined, for purposes of section 6(j)(1) of the 
     Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. App. 
     2405(j)(1)), has provided support for acts of international 
     terrorism.

               TITLE II--EXPORT AND INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE

                Export-Import Bank of the United States


                           inspector general

       For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General 
     in carrying out the provisions of the Inspector General Act 
     of 1978, as amended, $1,000,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2009.


                            program account

       The Export-Import Bank of the United States is authorized 
     to make such expenditures within the limits of funds and 
     borrowing authority available to such corporation, and in 
     accordance with law, and to make such contracts and 
     commitments without regard to fiscal year limitations, as 
     provided by section 104 of the Government Corporation Control 
     Act, as may be necessary in carrying out the program for the 
     current fiscal year for such corporation: Provided, That none 
     of the funds available during the current fiscal year may be 
     used to make expenditures, contracts, or commitments for the 
     export of nuclear equipment, fuel, or technology to any 
     country, other than a nuclear-weapon state as defined in 
     Article IX of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear 
     Weapons eligible to receive economic or military assistance 
     under this Act, that has detonated a nuclear explosive after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act: Provided further, That 
     notwithstanding section 1(c) of Public Law 103-428, as 
     amended, sections 1(a) and (b) of Public Law 103-428 shall 
     remain in effect through October 1, 2008: Provided further, 
     That not less than 10 percent of the aggregate loan, 
     guarantee, and insurance authority available to the Export-
     Import Bank under this or any prior Act should be used for 
     renewable energy and environmentally beneficial products and 
     services.


                         subsidy appropriation

       For the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, insurance, 
     and tied-aid grants as authorized by section 10 of the 
     Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, $68,000,000, to 
     remain available until September 30, 2011: Provided, That 
     such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall 
     be as defined

[[Page H6851]]

     in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974: 
     Provided further, That such sums shall remain available until 
     September 30, 2026, for the disbursement of direct loans, 
     loan guarantees, insurance and tied-aid grants obligated in 
     fiscal years 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011: Provided further, 
     That none of the funds appropriated by this Act or any prior 
     Act appropriating funds for foreign operations, export 
     financing, and related programs for tied-aid credits or 
     grants may be used for any other purpose except through the 
     regular notification procedures of the Committees on 
     Appropriations: Provided further, That funds appropriated by 
     this paragraph are made available notwithstanding section 
     2(b)(2) of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, in connection 
     with the purchase or lease of any product by any Eastern 
     European country, any Baltic State or any agency or national 
     thereof.


                        administrative expenses

       For administrative expenses to carry out the direct and 
     guaranteed loan and insurance programs, including hire of 
     passenger motor vehicles and services as authorized by 5 
     U.S.C. 3109, and not to exceed $30,000 for official reception 
     and representation expenses for members of the Board of 
     Directors, $78,000,000: Provided, That the Export-Import Bank 
     may accept, and use, payment or services provided by 
     transaction participants for legal, financial, or technical 
     services in connection with any transaction for which an 
     application for a loan, guarantee or insurance commitment has 
     been made: Provided further, That, notwithstanding subsection 
     (b) of section 117 of the Export Enhancement Act of 1992, 
     subsection (a) thereof shall remain in effect until October 
     1, 2008.

                Overseas Private Investment Corporation


                           non-credit account

       The Overseas Private Investment Corporation is authorized 
     to make, without regard to fiscal year limitations, as 
     provided by 31 U.S.C. 9104, such expenditures and commitments 
     within the limits of funds available to it and in accordance 
     with law as may be necessary: Provided, That the amount 
     available for administrative expenses to carry out the credit 
     and insurance programs (including an amount for official 
     reception and representation expenses which shall not exceed 
     $35,000) shall not exceed $47,500,000: Provided further, That 
     project-specific transaction costs, including direct and 
     indirect costs incurred in claims settlements, and other 
     direct costs associated with services provided to specific 
     investors or potential investors pursuant to section 234 of 
     the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, shall not be considered 
     administrative expenses for the purposes of this heading.


                            program account

       For the cost of direct and guaranteed loans, $20,000,000, 
     as authorized by section 234 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 
     1961, to be derived by transfer from the Overseas Private 
     Investment Corporation Non-Credit Account: Provided, That 
     such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall 
     be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act 
     of 1974: Provided further, That such sums shall be available 
     for direct loan obligations and loan guaranty commitments 
     incurred or made during fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010: 
     Provided further, That funds so obligated in fiscal year 2008 
     remain available for disbursement through 2016; funds 
     obligated in fiscal year 2009 remain available for 
     disbursement through 2017; funds obligated in fiscal year 
     2010 remain available for disbursement through 2018: Provided 
     further, That notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
     Overseas Private Investment Corporation is authorized to 
     undertake any program authorized by title IV of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 in Iraq: Provided further, That funds 
     made available pursuant to the authority of the previous 
     proviso shall be subject to the regular notification 
     procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
       In addition, such sums as may be necessary for 
     administrative expenses to carry out the credit program may 
     be derived from amounts available for administrative expenses 
     to carry out the credit and insurance programs in the 
     Overseas Private Investment Corporation Non-Credit Account 
     and merged with said account.

                      Trade and Development Agency

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     section 661 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 
     $50,400,000, to remain available until September 30, 2009.

                TITLE III--BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

                  Funds Appropriated to the President

       For expenses necessary to enable the President to carry out 
     the provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and for 
     other purposes, to remain available until September 30, 2008, 
     unless otherwise specified herein, as follows:


           united states agency for international development

                child survival and health programs fund

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     chapters 1 and 10 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 
     1961, for child survival, health, and family planning/
     reproductive health activities, in addition to funds 
     otherwise available for such purposes, $1,955,150,000, to 
     remain available until September 30, 2009: Provided, That 
     this amount shall be made available for such activities as: 
     (1) immunization programs; (2) oral rehydration programs and 
     pneumonia prevention and treatment programs; (3) health, 
     nutrition, water and sanitation programs which directly 
     address the needs of mothers and children, and related 
     education programs; (4) assistance for children displaced or 
     orphaned by causes other than AIDS; (5) programs for the 
     prevention, treatment, control of, and research on HIV/AIDS, 
     tuberculosis, polio, malaria, and other infectious diseases, 
     and for assistance to communities severely affected by HIV/
     AIDS, including children infected or affected by AIDS; and 
     (6) family planning/reproductive health: Provided further, 
     That none of the funds appropriated under this heading may be 
     made available for nonproject assistance, except that funds 
     may be made available for such assistance for ongoing health 
     activities: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated 
     under this heading, not to exceed $350,000, in addition to 
     funds otherwise available for such purposes, may be used to 
     monitor and provide oversight of child survival, maternal and 
     family planning/reproductive health, and infectious disease 
     programs: Provided further, That the following amounts should 
     be allocated as follows: $374,150,000 for child survival and 
     maternal health; $15,000,000 for vulnerable children; 
     $350,000,000 for HIV/AIDS; $591,000,000 for other infectious 
     diseases; and $375,000,000 for family planning/reproductive 
     health, including in areas where population growth threatens 
     biodiversity or endangered species: Provided further, That of 
     the funds appropriated under this heading, and in addition to 
     funds allocated under the previous proviso, not less than 
     $250,000,000 shall be made available, notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law, except for the United States 
     Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 
     2003 (Public Law 108-25), for a United States contribution to 
     the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the 
     ``Global Fund''), and shall be expended at the minimum rate 
     necessary to make timely payment for projects and activities: 
     Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this 
     heading, $70,000,000 should be made available for a United 
     States contribution to The GAVI Fund, and up to $6,000,000 
     may be transferred to and merged with funds appropriated by 
     this Act under the heading ``Operating Expenses of the United 
     States Agency for International Development'' for costs 
     directly related to international health, but funds made 
     available for such costs may not be derived from amounts made 
     available for contributions under this and preceding 
     provisos: Provided further, That none of the funds made 
     available in this Act nor any unobligated balances from prior 
     appropriations may be made available to any organization or 
     program which, as determined by the President of the United 
     States, supports or participates in the management of a 
     program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization: 
     Provided further, That any determination made under the 
     previous proviso must be made no later than six months after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, and must be accompanied by 
     a comprehensive analysis as well as the complete evidence and 
     criteria utilized to make the determination: Provided 
     further, That none of the funds made available under this Act 
     may be used to pay for the performance of abortion as a 
     method of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person 
     to practice abortions: Provided further, That nothing in this 
     paragraph shall be construed to alter any existing statutory 
     prohibitions against abortion under section 104 of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: Provided further, That none 
     of the funds made available under this Act may be used to 
     lobby for or against abortion: Provided further, That in 
     order to reduce reliance on abortion in developing nations, 
     funds shall be available only to voluntary family planning 
     projects which offer, either directly or through referral to, 
     or information about access to, a broad range of family 
     planning methods and services, and that any such voluntary 
     family planning project shall meet the following 
     requirements: (1) service providers or referral agents in the 
     project shall not implement or be subject to quotas, or other 
     numerical targets, of total number of births, number of 
     family planning acceptors, or acceptors of a particular 
     method of family planning (this provision shall not be 
     construed to include the use of quantitative estimates or 
     indicators for budgeting and planning purposes); (2) the 
     project shall not include payment of incentives, bribes, 
     gratuities, or financial reward to: (A) an individual in 
     exchange for becoming a family planning acceptor; or (B) 
     program personnel for achieving a numerical target or quota 
     of total number of births, number of family planning 
     acceptors, or acceptors of a particular method of family 
     planning; (3) the project shall not deny any right or 
     benefit, including the right of access to participate in any 
     program of general welfare or the right of access to health 
     care, as a consequence of any individual's decision not to 
     accept family planning services; (4) the project shall 
     provide family planning acceptors comprehensible information 
     on the health benefits and risks of the method chosen, 
     including those conditions that might render the use of the 
     method inadvisable and those adverse side effects known to be 
     consequent to the use of the method; and (5) the project 
     shall ensure that experimental contraceptive drugs and 
     devices and medical procedures are provided only in the 
     context of a scientific study in which participants are 
     advised of potential risks and benefits; and, not less than 
     60 days after the date on

[[Page H6852]]

     which the Administrator of the United States Agency for 
     International Development determines that there has been a 
     violation of the requirements contained in paragraph (1), 
     (2), (3), or (5) of this proviso, or a pattern or practice of 
     violations of the requirements contained in paragraph (4) of 
     this proviso, the Administrator shall submit to the 
     Committees on Appropriations a report containing a 
     description of such violation and the corrective action taken 
     by the Agency: Provided further, That in awarding grants for 
     natural family planning under section 104 of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 no applicant shall be discriminated 
     against because of such applicant's religious or 
     conscientious commitment to offer only natural family 
     planning; and, additionally, all such applicants shall comply 
     with the requirements of the previous proviso: Provided 
     further, That for purposes of this or any other Act 
     authorizing or appropriating funds for foreign operations, 
     export financing, and related programs, the term 
     ``motivate'', as it relates to family planning assistance, 
     shall not be construed to prohibit the provision, consistent 
     with local law, of information or counseling about all 
     pregnancy options: Provided further, That to the maximum 
     extent feasible, taking into consideration cost, timely 
     availability, and best health practices, funds appropriated 
     in this Act or prior appropriations Acts that are made 
     available for condom procurement shall be made available only 
     for the procurement of condoms manufactured in the United 
     States: Provided further, That information provided about the 
     use of condoms as part of projects or activities that are 
     funded from amounts appropriated by this Act shall be 
     medically accurate and shall include the public health 
     benefits and failure rates of such use.

                              {time}  1230


                     Amendment Offered by Mr. Payne

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Mr. Payne:
       Page 29, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(decreased by $25,000,000) (increased by $50,000,000)''.
       Page 40, line 26, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(decreased by $25,000,000)''.

  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, June 
20, 2007, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) and a Member 
opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment which 
increases the amounts available in the Foreign Operations 
appropriations bill to fight the global spread of tuberculosis by 
adding an additional $50 million by taking $25 million from the 
Economic Support Funds account and $25 million from within the Child 
Survival and Health Programs account.
  According to the World Health Organization estimates, someone is 
infected with the organism that develops into TB every second. Every 
second. An infected person may not develop full-blown TB, but in 2004, 
of the 9 million people who were newly infected, 2 million died. The 
good news is that it is entirely curable.
  However, the treatment requires patients to be on a drug regimen for 
6 months. If they do not complete the regimen, or if they complete it 
but take an incorrect number of pills during the treatment, the 
infection can develop into what is known as multiple drug resistance or 
MDR-TB. MDR-TB is not responsive to either of the two first-line TB 
drugs, and the treatments that are available take longer and are more 
expensive than regular TB medications.
  But as news headlines earlier this month have shown, there is an even 
more deadly threat: extensively drug-resistant TB. XDR-TB is not only 
resistant to the two first-line drugs but also to three of the six 
second-line drugs. The treatment required to cure a patient can be 
radical, including the removal of part of the lung that has been 
infected.
  Earlier this month, a Georgia man who had been diagnosed with a 
dangerous strain of TB known as extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis, 
or XDR-TB, traveled through four countries, completely unimpeded. If he 
had been infectious at the time, there could have been an outbreak 
across two continents.
  We must also keep in mind that XDR-TB has a deadly linkage with HIV 
and threatens to undermine all of the investments we have made in the 
global fight against HIV/AIDS. The devastating effect of patients with 
HIV first gained global recognition last August with reports of an 
outbreak in a hospital in South Africa where 52 of 53 patients with 
XDR-TB died. Half of them died within a matter of 16 days.
  This tragedy serves as a sobering example of what may happen across 
Africa if we do not act to prevent another outbreak. Given XDR-TB's 
resistance to both the low-cost, first-line anti-TB drugs and to 
several of the classes of second-line drugs used, we are faced with a 
burgeoning epidemic driven by HIV infection that is lethal.
  Since the initial outbreak, South African medical authorities have 
documented some 400 cases in dozens or more hospitals in South Africa. 
What is troubling, however, is that no one knows for sure that these 
400 cases represent the extent of the outbreak because XDR-TB typically 
kills quickly and doctors' ability to identify it is severely limited; 
so many people may have simply died without its even being diagnosed.
  Experts believe that XDR-TB has moved beyond South Africa into other 
countries in the sub-region where the capacity to identify it and 
control it is significantly weaker than in South Africa and where the 
HIV/AIDS rate continues to drive the epidemic. As a matter of fact, 
there are only two laboratories in 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa 
that can determine this disease.
  All of us here today must work together to take the necessary steps 
to enhance the ability of the medical establishments in Africa and 
other developing countries to identify, treat, and stop the spread of 
drug-resistant TB, primarily in Africa, and to head off further 
incursions of XDR-TB into the United States. Failure to do so will 
result in potentially devastating health catastrophes.
  The CHAIRMAN. The time of the gentleman from New Jersey has expired.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed 1 
more minute.
  The CHAIRMAN. Without objection, each side will control 1 additional 
minute.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen was strongly supporting 
this and was hoping to come here, but she is not here at this time.
  So I will just conclude by saying that it is my intent that none of 
the $25 million in this amendment that comes from the Economic Support 
Fund will come out of Economic Support Fund assistance to countries and 
programs in the Middle East or ESF-funded programs that support Afro-
Colombians or ESF-funded programs for Sudan, Liberia, and Congo, ESF 
funds that are to be channeled towards the Trans-Saharan Counter 
Terrorism Initiative, or ESF funds that are for democratic assistance 
programs. So I wanted to make that clear so that we know exactly where 
these funds come from.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  On behalf of Ms. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, she wanted to thank you very 
much for the clarification and she appreciates it very much.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this amendment.
  I agree with the intention of the amendment. And I thank my friend 
for raising this important issue. As we know, tuberculosis is taking a 
terrible toll on men, women, and children in the developing world, with 
approximately 3 million people dying every year. The recent highly 
publicized case of extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis has brought 
this issue to the forefront, and the additional funding of this 
amendment will be used to strengthen the global tuberculosis treatment 
and care network. I appreciate the gentleman's interest in this issue 
and would be happy to accept this amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to yield to my good friend, the vice 
chairman of the committee, Mr. Jackson.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for 
yielding.
  I rise in strong support of the gentlewoman's generosity in 
supporting the Payne amendment.
  I want to just share with the full committee some of the views of the 
members of the subcommittee, because I think their views need to be 
taken into account.
  While we overwhelmingly support the gentleman's amendment for an 
increase in $50 million, the offset does

[[Page H6853]]

have the effect, Mr. Payne, of robbing Peter to pay Paul. The committee 
worked very hard to increase the child survival account, which is 
another health care account that includes maternal health, that 
includes malaria accounts, and we worked very hard to increase the ESF 
account, which does impact profoundly sub-Saharan Africa, Afro-
Colombian programs, and Israel and Egypt. And while these funds are 
extremely important, the subcommittee did the best that it could in the 
original mark to increase funding for tuberculosis, particularly the 
extremely drug-resistant strands of tuberculosis.
  So I rise in strong support of the gentleman's amendment, and I also 
rise in strong support of the committee's initial mark, which did 
everything it could within its power to increase child survival and ESF 
funds.

                              {time}  1245

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, we accept the amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne).
  The amendment was agreed to.


             Amendment Offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas:
       Page 34, line 17, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000) (reduced by $5,000,000)''.
  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, June 
20, 2007, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) and a Member 
opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Texas.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me begin by thanking the chairwoman and 
her staff and the vice chairman of the committee for working with my 
office, and of course the ranking member and their staff.
  It is evident how hard this committee has worked on a very broadband, 
wide-reaching initiative as it relates to appropriations in the foreign 
relations, foreign affairs of this Nation.
  As a member of the authorizing committee, we recognize that this 
committee touches the heartbeat of every aspect of the world's 
business, and the importance of the United States in creating 
internationalism for the greater good of the world.
  As I listened to Mr. Payne, my amendment falls squarely in track of 
improving the health conditions of Africa and recognizing the need for 
hospitals that in fact will respond to a number of issues.
  My amendment reallocates an additional $5 million to the Child 
Survival and Disease Fund to increase the amount of funds appropriated 
for child and maternal health.
  The purpose of this amendment is to direct additional funds for 
technical assistance to provide capacity-building for hospitals in 
Africa that deal with child-surviving and other relevant needs.
  We have been, if you will, screening the research annals across this 
Congress to try to find out how many full-service hospitals are on the 
Continent of Africa. Some have said 200, some say I know that there's 
one in Sierra Leone. Some say they know there's one in South Africa. 
But I can assure you that the plight of women who are pregnant in 
Africa is a severe plight. Take, for example, that every minute 
somewhere in the world, a woman dies from pregnancy-related causes, 
with 95 percent of those deaths occurring in Africa and Asia. 
Worldwide, about 529,000 women die from pregnancy-related causes every 
year. A woman in sub-Saharan Africa has a 1 in 16 chance of dying in 
pregnancy or childbirth. Part of the care and prevention of such is 
preventative care, the money that is in this particular account. But I 
also believe part of it is the importance of building full-capacity 
hospitals that deal with women in the maternal aspect as well as in the 
pregnancy aspect. And so this amendment seeks to provide that 
opportunity.
  And I might cite, as an example, the Mutombo Hospital in Kinshasa, 
Congo. It is a hospital that has 300 beds, three operating rooms, an 
outpatient clinic, an emergency room, a pharmacy. You cannot find that, 
Mr. Chairman, across Africa. Therefore, I believe there is a definitive 
need to provide them technical assistance so that we don't have to 
guess what number of hospitals are in and on the continent, but we will 
know that they look somewhat like this, with operating rooms, with 
expansive facilities to provide treatment for mothers and babies, 
treatment that will be lifesaving.
  Madam Chairwoman, let me simply say that I had an experience in a 
hospital in Africa. One of my first medical experiences was to require 
sutures in an accident in Africa. Let me thank those medical 
professionals who helped me be here today, but I want you to know that 
I was laying out on a wooden slab and looking through tattered curtains 
and looking at the sky as the doctors were working on me. That was the 
hospital that I was in on the continent. I do not say it in degradation 
or insult. What I say is I would venture to say that if we go to Africa 
today, and many other countries, the kinds of facilities that are there 
reflect that kind of lack of resources.
  This will help not only in maternal and child survival because of the 
loss of life of mothers who are pregnant and who give birth with 
facilities that would provide hospital resources, but it will also, if 
you will, give encouragement to the continent, as has been done by the 
hospital in Kinshasa, Congo, Mutombo, who I hope will also be, as they 
say, ``in the mix'' on providing opportunities for others to see what 
can be done.
  I hope that this amendment will be accepted because it will go a long 
way for expanding the lives of mothers and children, but it will also 
go a long way for ensuring that we believe in good hospital care, 
excellent hospital care across the Continent of Africa.
  Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk and I rise to speak in 
support of amendment #2 to H.R. 2764, the State and Foreign Operations 
Act of 2008. I would first like to thank Chairwoman Lowey for her 
extraordinary leadership and guidance in crafting this bill.
  H.R. 2764 will play a crucial role in restoring the global respect to 
this country that many around the world had so eagerly rewarded it in 
the past for its historical humanitarian efforts. America, that beacon 
upon the hill, will shine a little bit brighter amongst those who will 
through this bill, be able to get healthcare, and whose very lives are 
dependent upon such care. Among these spared lives are many, many 
children and women who would needlessly perish from the perils of 
poverty without our support.
  Mr. Chairman, sparing lives of children and women starts with 
ensuring that they have adequate healthcare. That is why I offer my 
amendment which provides: on Page 29, line 1, after the dollar amount, 
insert (increased by $5,000,000) (reduced by $5,000,000). In offering 
this amendment, my intent is to increase the amount of funds 
appropriated for child and maternal health by $5,000,000. The reason 
that I urge support for increased funds for child and maternal health 
is that the greatest threat for the quality of life for our children 
all around the world is lack of health care for the mother and child.
  In the United States, the birth of a child in most instances is a 
time of joy because the mother and baby go home from the hospital 
together, healthy and happy. Sadly, however, in poor countries 
childbirth can be dangerous and potentially tragic for both mother and 
child. Take, for example, that every minute, somewhere in the world a 
woman dies from pregnancy-related causes, with 95 percent of these 
deaths occurring in Africa and Asia. Worldwide, about 529,000 women die 
from pregnancy-related causes every year--about the number of women and 
girls who live in Dallas, Texas or San Diego, California. A woman in 
sub-Saharan Africa has a one in 16 chance of dying in pregnancy or 
childbirth.
  Mr. Chairman, with less than 200 full-service hospitals, Africa 
desperately needs our assistance because without it, Africa will 
continue to fall far short of providing the necessary and proper life 
saving healthcare for its population. About 3.4 million babies die 
every year due to poor maternal health and inadequate delivery care. In 
addition, an estimated 100,000 women a year in poor countries develop 
obstetric fistulas, a condition caused by obstructed labor and creates 
permanent holes in their bladders that cause continual leaking of 
urine.

[[Page H6854]]

  Every year, more than 10 million children under the age of five die 
from totally preventable deaths. Some are directly caused by illness 
such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria. Others are caused by indirect 
causes including conflict and HIV/AIDS. Malnutrition, poor hygiene and 
lack of access to safe water and adequate sanitation contribute to more 
than half of these deaths.

  What is even sadder, Mr. Chairman, is that two thirds of both 
neonatal and young child deaths--over 6 million deaths every year--are 
preventable. Half a million women die in pregnancy each year, most 
during delivery or in the first few days thereafter. Obstructed labor, 
hemorrhaging, and infection, can all be averted provided a woman has 
access to safe and appropriate pre-natal care. Madam Chair, the 
increased funds from my amendment would be dedicated to providing women 
with this vital care. Specifically, these funds would contribute to 
capacity building for hospitals in Africa which engage in child-
survival and maternal health programs. We have seen the positive impact 
that these facilities have made within the health care environment. 
Professional basketball star Dikembe Mutombo established the Biamba 
Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center, a hospital that provides 
desperately needed healthcare to the impoverished population in 
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. At full 
capacity, it will include 300 beds and will offer the following 
services to the population: pediatrics; gynecology/obstetrics/women's 
health; internal medicine; surgery (general and subspecialties); 
emergency medicine; intensive care; outpatient care; laboratory 
services; and radiology.
  Existing low-cost, low-technology and high impact interventions such 
as vaccines, antibiotics, micronutrient supplementation, insecticide-
treated bednets, improved breastfeeding practices and adoption of safe 
hygiene practices can prevent unnecessary maternal and child deaths as 
well as reduce malnutrition. By packaging services and implementing at 
scale, high impact and evidence-based maternal, newborn and child 
survival interventions, we can save millions of lives.
  As I stand here today, I reflect upon my visit to Honduras in 2001, 
and I remember how important the child and maternal health crisis was, 
and now recall how that it was in part the impetus behind my founding 
of the bi-partisan Congressional Children's Caucus in 1997. As I have 
done since 1997, I will continue to make it a priority to support 
initiatives that protect the health and welfare of children worldwide.
  Mr. Chairman, the success in reducing infant and maternal mortality 
and reducing family size and nutrition strongly depends on support from 
this noble nation. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this 
amendment that will go a long way to save the lives of many women and 
children.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I thank my good friend for your important work in Africa 
and for your observations.
  I rise to accept this amendment, and I agree with the intention of 
the amendment. I really do thank my friend for raising this very 
important issue.
  This committee made global health a priority in this fiscal year. We 
provided a total of $6.517 billion for global health. And I do agree 
with the gentlewoman that strengthening the public health 
infrastructure should be central to our global health strategy. So I do 
appreciate the gentlewoman's interest in this issue, and I look forward 
to working with you.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Will the gentlewoman yield?
  Mrs. LOWEY. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I appreciate the accepting of this 
amendment, and I look forward to working with you as we go to 
conference. Laying the groundwork for the infrastructure of health care 
on the continent goes a long way in saving lives.
  I thank you for your leadership and the leadership of the ranking 
member. I ask my colleagues to support the amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:


                         development assistance

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     sections 103, 105, 106, and sections 251 through 255, and 
     chapter 10 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 
     $1,733,760,000, to remain available until September 30, 2009: 
     Provided, That $519,000,000 shall be allocated for basic 
     education: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated 
     under this heading and managed by the United States Agency 
     for International Development Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, 
     and Humanitarian Assistance, not less than $35,000,000 shall 
     be made available only for programs to improve women's 
     leadership capacity in recipient countries: Provided further, 
     That such funds may not be made available for construction: 
     Provided further, That of the funds appropriated in this Act, 
     $300,000,000 shall be made available for access to safe water 
     and water management programs: Provided further, That of the 
     funds appropriated under this heading, $175,000,000 shall be 
     made available for biodiversity and environmental programs: 
     Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this 
     heading that are made available for assistance programs for 
     displaced and orphaned children and victims of war, not to 
     exceed $42,500, in addition to funds otherwise available for 
     such purposes, may be used to monitor and provide oversight 
     of such programs: Provided further, That funds appropriated 
     under this heading should be made available for programs in 
     sub-Saharan Africa to address sexual and gender-based 
     violence.


             Amendment Offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:
       Page 29, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $5,000,000) (reduced by $5,000,000)''.

  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, June 
20, 2007, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) and a Member 
opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Texas.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. To the chairman of the Foreign Affairs, 
Foreign Relations Appropriations Committee, let me thank you for your 
leadership, and to the ranking member as well.
  Mr. Chairman, I think we know the story of Liberia. And I want to 
applaud the new President of Liberia, who has visited us, someone who 
understands economics and is committed to the success of this nation. 
She cannot, however, do it without friends.
  Liberia has an enormously important nexus to the United States. It 
was where slaves were returned back to the Continent of Africa after 
having been enslaved here in the United States. I look forward to 
reenergizing the relationship, not only with the continent, but also, 
particularly with the nation of Liberia after a very troubling and very 
violent time.
  Our new President of Liberia is tracking all of the needs, accounting 
for all of the dollars. My amendment simply seeks to reallocate an 
additional $5 million for the Republic of Liberia of the $365 million 
Development Assistance account. The net effect would be to increase 
developmental assistance to the Republic of Liberia to $35 million. Let 
me explain why this would be a wise investment.
  We have heard recently from Bob Johnson, the former chairman of BET, 
who has taken a special interest, private sector initiative in Liberia. 
And if I recall his remarks correctly, he believes that Liberia can be 
on the precipice of a rebirth. It can be on the precipice, if you will, 
of a renaissance of economic development, educational achievement and 
infrastructure repair.
  In 2003, 14 years of civil war left Liberia in shambles. Nearly 
200,000 civilians have died. Nearly one-third of the population, or 1 
million citizens, have been displaced. And 300,000 have fled the 
country. Women are involved on all sides of the war from combat to 
slavery to rape. Child soldiers were involved in this terrible, 
horrific tragedy. Physical violence often accompanied the rape. A 
highly regarded survey of six selected Liberian counties revealed that 
roughly 7 percent of women have been raped during the war, although 
female minors were frequently targeted.
  The war ended, and as I indicated, we now have a woman President. 
Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, underlines this in her 
statement to the 2006 International Symposium on Sexual Violence. ``In 
studies conducted in many of the countries of Liberia in 2004, a large 
percentage of women and girls reported that they were victims of 
various forms of violence.''
  This reprogramming of dollars will refocus on the need for 
developmental assistance that will be able to assist those who are 
making their first steps,

[[Page H6855]]

their first steps of achievement, both business-wise, education-wise 
and building up the confidence of women, men and families, turning 
child soldiers into constructive, giving adults, and participating with 
President Sirleaf's commitment to moving Liberia forward as a shining 
star on the continent. I know they know how to do it, but we need to 
give them the extra added tools, and to be able to emphasize in this 
bill that their development is key.
  I ask my colleagues to consider where Liberia has been, where Liberia 
is today, and where they will be 20 years from now. I believe in 
President Sirleaf and the commitment of Bob Johnson, the Clinton 
Foundation, and many others who have targeted the Liberian people and 
the Liberian Government as an achievable goal of economic 
developmental, educational, political democracy that can be again the 
shining star.
  I ask my colleagues to support this amendment that will provide this 
extra direction for developmental assistance in Liberia.
   Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk and I rise to speak in 
support of this amendment to H.R. 2764, the State and Foreign 
Operations Appropriations Act of 2008. But before I do, let me commend 
Chairwoman Lowey for her exceptional leadership in shepherding this 
bill through the legislative process.
  The legislation she has so ably crafted is an indispensable measure 
in restoring America's international prestige and leadership position 
in the global community. Equally important, this legislation reflects 
what is good about America: its generosity, its concern for the less 
fortunate, its commitment to protecting the weak and uplifting the 
downtrodden, and the recognition that we live in an interdependent 
world. You will recall the wise counsel of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr., who said, ``we will either live together as brothers or we 
will perish as fools.''
   Mr. Chairman, my amendment is simple. It simply seeks to reallocate 
an additional $5 million for the Republic of Liberia out of the $365 
million Development Assistance account. The net effect would be to 
increase developmental assistance to the Republic of Liberia to $35 
million. Let me explain briefly why this would be a wise investment.
  In 2003, fourteen years of civil war left Liberia in shambles. Nearly 
200,000 civilians had died. Nearly a third of the population, or one 
million citizens, had been displaced, and 300,000 had fled the country.
  Women were involved on all sides of the war from combat to slavery to 
rape. Physical violence often accompanied the rape. A highly regarded 
survey of six selected Liberian counties revealed that roughly 7 
percent of women had been raped during the war. Moreover, female minors 
were frequently targeted.
  The war ended more than 4 years ago but the plight of Liberia's women 
is still problematic. Rape and domestic violence continue to plague 
Liberia. Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf underlines this in 
her statement to the 2006 International Symposium on Sexual Violence in 
Conflict and Beyond: ``In studies conducted in many of the counties of 
Liberia in 2004, a large percentage of women and girls reported that 
they were victims of various forms of violence and abuse. International 
organization reports show that a large percentage of these women were 
raped.''
   Mr. Chairman, traditional Liberian culture stigmatizes rape, so 
victims often choose to stay silent, hiding what they see as a shameful 
and incriminating experience from their family and townspeople. Until 
recently, Liberian government courts had no systems in place to assist 
rape survivors. Traditional culture around rape was one of shame for 
women and acceptance for men. But times are slowly changing. And it 
began with the historic election of President Sirleaf, Liberia's first 
female head of state.
  Raised in Liberia and Harvard-educated, President Sirleaf began her 
long involvement with the Liberian government as its Assistant Minister 
of Finance during the 1970s. She went into exile after a military coup 
destabilized the country in 1980, but returned to Liberia to run for 
Senate 5 years later. When she was running for Senate, she was briefly 
imprisoned for speaking out against Liberia's leader at the time, 
Samuel Doe.

  You will remember how she described her capture and close encounter 
with rape when she addressed a joint session of the Congress on March 
15, 2007: ``In 1985, after challenging the military regime's failure to 
register my political party, I was put in jail with several university 
students who also challenged the military rule. This House came to our 
rescue with a resolution threatening to cut off aid to the country 
unless all political prisoners were released. Months later, I was put 
in jail again, this time in a cell with 15 men. All of them were 
executed a few hours later. Only the intervention of a single soldier 
spared me from rape.''
   Mr. Chairman, I would hope that my amendment would result in 
additional funding to secure women rights and prevent violence against 
women.
  Securing and protecting women's rights is something the Association 
of Female Liberian Lawyers fights for every day. AFELL, an organization 
of female lawyers based in Monrovia, is on a mission to educate and 
represent women nationwide.
  Founded during the first civil war, 1989-1996, AFELL grew in 
prominence during the second conflict, which lasted from 1999 to 2003. 
In November 2000, with fighting still active, AFELL won a state patent 
to prosecute rape cases. Before this, Liberian law only allowed state 
lawyers to prosecute criminal cases. The patent represented a major 
success for AFELL.
  This was the first in a series of victories. AFELL later collaborated 
with the government to increase penalties for rape. Resulting 
legislation led to more punitive rape laws that call for 10 years to 
life imprisonment for rape.
   Mr. Chairman, the Republic of Liberia has made great progress in 
recent years but still much work remains to be done. Listen again to 
the words of President Sirleaf: ``In the campaign months, I traveled to 
every corner of our country. I trudged through mud in high boots, where 
roads did not exist or had deteriorated past repair. I surveyed ruined 
hospitals and collapsed clinics. I held meetings by candlelight, 
because there is no electricity anywhere--including the capital--except 
from private generators. I was forced to drink water from creeks and 
un-sanitized wells all of which made me vulnerable to the diseases from 
which so many of our people die daily.''
   Mr. Chairman, the women and children of Liberia want what we all 
want for those we love. They want to learn. They want to be safe from 
violence. They want to be healthy. They want the same chances that men 
have. They want to be literate. They want their work recognized. They 
want the right to inherit property. They want protection against rape. 
They want clean water that won't sicken and kill their children. They 
want a hopeful future.
  I believe my amendment will help hasten the day when these dreams are 
realized.
  Mr. Chairman, thank you this opportunity to discuss my amendment to 
H.R. 2764. I ask all members to support it. Again, I thank Chairwoman 
Lowey for her fine work in bringing this exceptional legislation to the 
House.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise to accept this amendment.
  I thank the gentlewoman again for raising an important issue. I agree 
with the intention of the amendment. Liberia certainly has been a 
priority for us. And we support the very important work that the 
President is doing there. We provided a total of $30 million in the 
Development Assistance account, $30 million above the President's 
request, and I would be happy to accept the gentlewoman's amendment.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Will the gentlewoman yield?
  Mrs. LOWEY. I will yield.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I believe when we focus the great work that 
you've done on a particular area, it encourages our newly elected woman 
President of Liberia, which we hope and pray for her ultimate success 
for her people and for the Continent of Africa. I thank the gentlelady 
for accepting the amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the gentlewoman.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:


              international disaster and famine assistance

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     section 491 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for 
     international disaster relief, rehabilitation, and 
     reconstruction assistance, $322,350,000, to remain available 
     until expended, of which $20,000,000 should be for famine 
     prevention and relief.


                         transition initiatives

       For necessary expenses for international disaster 
     rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance pursuant to 
     section 491 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 
     $40,000,000, to remain available until expended, to support 
     transition to democracy and to long-term development of 
     countries in crisis: Provided, That such support may include 
     assistance to develop, strengthen, or preserve democratic 
     institutions and processes, revitalize basic

[[Page H6856]]

     infrastructure, and foster the peaceful resolution of 
     conflict: Provided further, That the United States Agency for 
     International Development shall submit a report to the 
     Committees on Appropriations at least 5 days prior to 
     beginning a new program of assistance.


                      development credit authority

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For the cost of direct loans and loan guarantees provided 
     by the United States Agency for International Development, as 
     authorized by sections 256 and 635 of the Foreign Assistance 
     Act of 1961, up to $21,000,000 may be derived by transfer 
     from funds appropriated by this Act to carry out part I of 
     such Act and under the heading ``Assistance for Eastern 
     Europe and the Baltic States'': Provided, That such funds 
     shall be made available only for micro and small enterprise 
     programs, urban programs, and other programs which further 
     the purposes of part I of the Act: Provided further, That 
     such costs, including the cost of modifying such direct and 
     guaranteed loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the 
     Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as amended: Provided 
     further, That funds made available by this paragraph may be 
     used for the cost of modifying any such guaranteed loans 
     under this Act or prior Acts, and funds used for such costs 
     shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of 
     the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That the 
     provisions of section 107A(d) (relating to general provisions 
     applicable to the Development Credit Authority) of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as contained in section 306 
     of H.R. 1486 as reported by the House Committee on 
     International Relations on May 9, 1997, shall be applicable 
     to direct loans and loan guarantees provided under this 
     heading: Provided further, That these funds are available to 
     subsidize total loan principal, any portion of which is to be 
     guaranteed, of up to $700,000,000.
       In addition, for administrative expenses to carry out 
     credit programs administered by the United States Agency for 
     International Development, $7,400,000, which may be 
     transferred to and merged with the appropriation for 
     Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for 
     International Development: Provided, That funds made 
     available under this heading shall remain available until 
     September 30, 2010.


   operating expenses of the united states agency for international 
                              development

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     section 667 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 
     $625,700,000, of which up to $25,000,000 may remain available 
     until September 30, 2009: Provided, That none of the funds 
     appropriated under this heading and under the heading 
     ``Capital Investment Fund'' may be made available to finance 
     the construction (including architect and engineering 
     services), purchase, or long-term lease of offices for use by 
     the United States Agency for International Development, 
     unless the Administrator has identified such proposed 
     construction (including architect and engineering services), 
     purchase, or long-term lease of offices in a report submitted 
     to the Committees on Appropriations at least 15 days prior to 
     the obligation of these funds for such purposes: Provided 
     further, That the previous proviso shall not apply where the 
     total cost of construction (including architect and 
     engineering services), purchase, or long-term lease of 
     offices does not exceed $1,000,000: Provided further, That 
     contracts or agreements entered into with funds appropriated 
     under this heading may entail commitments for the expenditure 
     of such funds through fiscal year 2009: Provided further, 
     That none of the funds in this Act may be used to open or 
     close an overseas mission of the United States Agency for 
     International Development without the prior written 
     notification to the Committees on Appropriations: Provided 
     further, That the authority of sections 610 and 109 of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 may be exercised by the 
     Secretary of State to transfer funds appropriated to carry 
     out chapter 1 of part I of such Act to ``Operating Expenses 
     of the United States Agency for International Development'' 
     in accordance with the provisions of those sections: Provided 
     further, That none of the funds appropriated by this Act or 
     any prior Act making appropriations for foreign operations, 
     export financing, or related programs may be used by the 
     United States Agency for International Development for the 
     rent of buildings and space in buildings in the United States 
     pursuant to the authority of section 636(a)(1) of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961: Provided further, That the previous 
     proviso shall not apply to any lease, agreement, or other 
     instrument executed for the purpose of maintaining United 
     States Agency for International Development continuity of 
     operations and to the cost of terminating the domestic lease 
     executed on September 30, 2005.


 capital investment fund of the united states agency for international 
                              development

       For necessary expenses for overseas construction and 
     related costs, and for the procurement and enhancement of 
     information technology and related capital investments, 
     pursuant to section 667 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 
     1961, $87,300,000, to remain available until expended: 
     Provided, That this amount is in addition to funds otherwise 
     available for such purposes: Provided further, That funds 
     appropriated under this heading shall be available for 
     obligation only pursuant to the regular notification 
     procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided 
     further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading, 
     not to exceed $75,144,500 may be made available for the 
     purposes of implementing the Capital Security Cost Sharing 
     Program.


   operating expenses of the united states agency for international 
                development office of inspector general

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     section 667 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 
     $38,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2009, 
     which sum shall be available for the Office of the Inspector 
     General of the United States Agency for International 
     Development.

                  Other Bilateral Economic Assistance


                         economic support fund

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     chapter 4 of part II, $2,656,506,000, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2009: Provided, That of the funds 
     appropriated under this heading, not less than $415,000,000 
     shall be available only for Egypt, which sum shall be 
     provided on a grant basis, and of which sum cash transfer 
     assistance shall be provided with the understanding that 
     Egypt will undertake significant economic and political 
     reforms which are additional to those which were undertaken 
     in previous fiscal years: Provided further, That with respect 
     to the provision of assistance for Egypt for democracy and 
     governance activities, the organizations implementing such 
     assistance and the specific nature of that assistance shall 
     not be subject to the prior approval by the Government of 
     Egypt: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under 
     this heading for assistance for Egypt, not less than 
     $135,000,000 shall be made available for project assistance, 
     of which not less than $50,000,000 shall be made available 
     for democracy, human rights and governance programs and not 
     less than $50,000,000 shall be used for education programs: 
     Provided further, That $11,000,000 of the funds appropriated 
     under this heading should be made available for Cyprus to be 
     used for scholarships, administrative support of the 
     scholarship program, bicommunal projects, and measures aimed 
     at reunification of the island and designed to reduce 
     tensions and promote peace and cooperation between the two 
     communities on Cyprus: Provided further, That of the funds 
     appropriated under this heading, not less than $263,547,000 
     should be made available only for assistance for Jordan: 
     Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this 
     heading not more than $63,500,000 may be made available for 
     assistance for the West Bank and Gaza: Provided further, That 
     $45,000,000 of the funds appropriated under this heading 
     shall be made available for assistance for Lebanon, of which 
     not less than $10,000,000 should be made available for 
     scholarships and direct support of American educational 
     institutions in Lebanon: Provided further, That not more than 
     $300,000,000 of the funds made available for assistance for 
     Afghanistan under this heading may be obligated for such 
     assistance until the Secretary of State certifies to the 
     Committees on Appropriations that the Government of 
     Afghanistan at both the national and provincial level is 
     cooperating fully with United States funded poppy eradication 
     and interdiction efforts in Afghanistan: Provided further, 
     That the President may waive the previous proviso if he 
     determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations 
     that to do so is vital to the national security interests of 
     the United States: Provided further, That such report shall 
     include an analysis of the steps being taken by the 
     Government of Afghanistan, at the national and provincial 
     level, to cooperate fully with United States funded poppy 
     eradication and interdiction efforts in Afghanistan: Provided 
     further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading, 
     not less than $218,500,000 is available only to carry out 
     programs in Colombia and may be transferred to ``DEVELOPMENT 
     ASSISTANCE'' to continue programs administered by the United 
     States Agency for International Development: Provided 
     further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading 
     that are available for assistance for the Democratic Republic 
     of Timor-Leste, up to $1,000,000 may be available for 
     administrative expenses of the United States Agency for 
     International Development: Provided further, That 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, funds 
     appropriated under this heading may be made available for 
     programs and activities for the Central Highlands of Vietnam: 
     Provided further, That funds appropriated under this heading 
     that are made available for a Middle East Financing Facility, 
     Middle East Enterprise Fund, or any other similar entity in 
     the Middle East shall be subject to the regular notification 
     procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.


                     Amendment Offered by Mr. Shays

  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Mr. Shays:
       Page 40, line 26, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $50,000,000) (reduced by $50,000,000)''.

  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, June

[[Page H6857]]

20, 2007, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) and a Member 
opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Connecticut.
  Mr. SHAYS. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and again, Mrs. Lowey, 
thank you for a well-drafted bill, but this is an area in which I have 
some concern.
  Mr. Chairman, my amendment would designate $50 million in Economic 
Support Funds for the Community Action Programs, also known as CAP in 
Iraq. The CAP program directly engages Iraqis in reconstructing their 
own communities while building a nationwide grassroots constituency for 
democracy. Typical CAP projects use both U.S. and Iraqi funds and 
resources to rebuild schools, repair water and sewage lines, build 
health clinics, as well as a host of other infrastructure and 
development projects.

                              {time}  1300

  The CAP agencies are Mercy Corps; IRD, International Relief and 
Development; CHF International; ACDI/VOCA Counterpart; and in the past, 
Save the Children. Since 2003, six of USAID's NGO partners have 
implemented this program in all 18 governorates of Iraq. In order to 
maintain the security of staff and win the trust of Iraqi communities, 
the implementers and USAID have largely run the program under the 
radar. As a result, not enough people are aware of the remarkable 
success story that CAP represents.
  Here are just a few highlights: CAP has successfully managed more 
than 6,000 reconstruction and development projects and created more 
than 2.7 million days of employment and 34,000 long-term jobs with 43 
percent of those jobs going to women, Iraqi women.
  A January 2005 audit report from the USAID regional inspector 
general, Baghdad, stated: ``Based on tests performed on 89 
statistically selected sample projects, the CAP achieved 98 percent of 
its intended outputs.''
  I am going to read that again: ``Based on tests performed on 89 
statistically selected sample projects, the CAP achieved 98 percent of 
its intended outputs.''
  Communities are contributing between 15 and 25 percent of the value 
of each project. That is Iraqis contributing. This contribution is 
often in the form of labor, in-kind materials, or other provisions.
  In my travels to Iraq, I have seen firsthand how the CAP program 
improves the lives of Iraqis and most importantly how it helps us 
accomplish our mission of creating a secure environment for the Iraqi 
people so democracy can prosper.
  It would be a terrible waste to turn our backs on such a great 
investment. In fact, this is exactly the time to nurture and build on 
the relationships CAP partners have forged with communities. 
Furthermore, CAP provides the foundation and the constituency at the 
community level that will help ensure the success of other State 
Department civil society programs.
  The CAP program has enjoyed strong support from the Appropriations 
Committee, Republicans and Democrats alike, in the past. An amendment 
we offered during last year's supplemental appropriations act to 
increase CAP funding by $10 million was accepted by the committee.
  The committee noted in its report last year that ``CAP provides a 
vehicle for empowering communities, building community cohesion and 
providing evidence that the U.S. is committed to improving the lives of 
Iraqis.''
  We are asking for $50 million to be designated within Economic 
Support Funds to ensure the agencies can expand and improve the 
valuable projects they've been implementing for the last several years.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge all my colleagues to support this amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  Mr. Chairman, I reluctantly rise in opposition to this amendment 
because, as I have explained to Mr. Shays, I believe this is a really 
critical program. I would love to work with you on it.
  This amendment would provide $50 million in funding for Community 
Action Programs. There is no funding in this particular bill for Iraqi 
operations and reconstruction. As I explained to the gentleman, the 
reason there is no funding in this bill is because of the $2.8 billion 
in the supplemental and the $2.8 billion requested in September for the 
supplemental.
  I want to make it very clear that I agree with the gentleman that the 
Community Action Program and NGO partnership with USAID does really 
good work. In fact, CAP is the only program of its kind to operate 
outside the Green Zone in Iraq. I have been a strong supporter of their 
efforts. I have met with them repeatedly. I know of their good work.
  By working from the community level up and assisting Iraqi moderates 
who have eschewed sectarian and insurgent violence, the CAP partners 
directly engage Iraqis in reconstructing their own communities. They 
create employment. They build nationwide grass-roots constituency for 
democracy.
  Congress identified CAP as a priority when it appropriated $100 
million specifically for CAP in the fiscal year 2006 supplemental. 
Additionally, we just provided $95 million for CAP in the 2000 
supplemental. I want to make it clear to my good friend from 
Connecticut that we put the money in after I met personally with 
representatives of CAP.
  I understand the important work that they are doing. I have spoken to 
the CAP partners. They agreed that they do not need any additional 
funding in the regular fiscal year 2008 bill. They tell me they have 
enough to continue operations. As difficult as it is there, they are 
continuing operations through fiscal year 2008 at the current pace of 
operation.
  They also noted that they worked very hard to stay under the radar in 
Iraq, which is what makes their great achievements possible. I want to 
make it clear that they have no interest, from my conversations with 
them, they don't want to be the foil in an Iraq funding debate. We have 
made it clear.
  Mr. Chairman, I want to make it clear once again that the reason we 
are not providing additional funding and we cannot provide additional 
funding to the CAP in this bill is because of the $2.8 billion in the 
supplemental, the $2.8 billion that is being requested. The CAPs have 
made it clear they don't need the money now. They are operating under 
the radar. If we are providing zero funding for Iraq in this bill, they 
don't want to be part of this debate.
  This is not a partisan issue. They are doing very important work. It 
has nothing to do with any of the other debate on Iraq. It is what is 
needed now. There are tremendous needs around the world that we are 
trying to fill in this bill.
  So, again, with great respect for my good friend, Mr. Shays, we have 
worked together on many issues. I appreciate your concerns. I agree 
with your concerns, but not in this bill; and I look forward to 
continuing to work with you as we move ahead.
  I thank the gentleman.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I just want to say to you, there is no money in the 
2008 budget, fiscal year 2008 budget. The challenge we have is that 
this is the one program, more than any others, that works. It shouldn't 
be tied to any benchmarks because implementing this program, expanding 
it actually, will make it easier for all those benchmarks to be 
realized.
  I am not trying to bring more attention to this program. I just think 
it needs to be funded and expanded and this is the vehicle to do it.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Wolf).
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman.
  Mr. Chairman, Mr. Shays has made a good case, and the Chair has made 
a good case for this. Without mentioning the groups, so we don't call 
any attention to them, we know the good work that they are doing. Mr. 
Shays lived with one of the groups for a period of time. You saw the 
schools they were building. So I am just concerned we are getting 
wrapped up into process that since nothing is in, we are not going to 
put things in.
  This is something that would actually work and have success in Iraq 
from the civilian side. It would be a

[[Page H6858]]

great boost to have this in. So I strongly support the amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman from New York is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, in closing, just to address my good friend, Mr. Shays, 
I agree with everything you said. I agree with all the good work that 
the CAPs are doing.
  That is why we appropriated $100 million and then another $95 
million. But I want to make it clear, at least from my interaction from 
the CAPs, and I have had many discussions with the CAPs, they don't 
need the money now. They are operating under the radar. They are doing 
good work. And with the supplemental in 2008 that is coming up in 
September, they don't need the money now. They certainly welcome, if it 
is necessary, some additional funding to them.
  Mr. Chairman, I would be happy to yield to the gentleman from 
Connecticut.

                              {time}  1315

  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, just so the debate is a little more 
accurate, and we will see how the vote turns out whether I ask for a 
roll call vote or not, would it not be fair to say that they can live 
with the money they have, but they would like to have more and they 
could use more and do more with it? This is not a trick question, but I 
want to make sure for the record we don't make it seem like they have 
all that they need and can use well.
  If the answer to that first question is yes, my second question would 
be, would it be the intent of the gentlewoman from New York to consider 
funding this program at an amount that will enable them to do at least 
what they are doing now in fiscal year 2008, and possibly more?
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, and again with great 
respect to the gentleman from Connecticut, in my discussions with the 
CAP, they made it clear that they don't need money now. This is now 
June. We just passed a supplemental. In September there will be another 
supplemental. They are doing great work, and we both admire their work.
  Given the tremendous needs around the world, which I know you 
support, be it clean water or HIV-AIDS or peacekeeping, and we can go 
on and on, the CAP made it clear to me that they do not need the money 
now. Therefore, I must reluctantly oppose this amendment, because I do 
not want to take the money from any other urgent needs that exist in 
the world today.
  Mr. SHAYS. If the gentlewoman will yield further, you are making me 
more concerned rather than less by your honesty. Could I ask the 
gentlewoman to respond to her intent on how she will be looking to fund 
this issue? This is the one program that is in fact working in Iraq. No 
one disputes it. We can dispute everything else, but not this. My 
interest is what your intentions are in the future as it relates not to 
Iraq in general or military forces, but the CAP agency program?
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I would like to make it 
very clear to my good friend from Connecticut, just as they had $100 
million and then an additional $95 million in the last supplemental, I 
certainly would intend to fund this outstanding program in the next 
supplemental that will be before us in September to continue their 
important work.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).
  The amendment was rejected.


                    Amendment Offered by Mr. Tierney

  Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Mr. Tierney:
       Page 40, line 26, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $75,000,000) (reduced by $75,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, 
June 20, 2007, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney) and a 
Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts.
  Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, today I rise to ask support for a rather 
straightforward budget-neutral amendment that will meaningfully 
contribute to our campaign against international terrorism and serve 
the long-term national securities interests of the United States.
  My amendment would provide an additional $75 million for basic 
education programs directly reaching Pakistani children through the 
U.S. Agency for International Development or provided through local and 
international nongovernmental organizations offering reliable and 
effective basic education services. In doing so, the amendment serves 
long-term United States national security interests by helping to give 
Pakistani children an educational alternative to extremist, jihadi-
teaching madrassas.
  I am pleased that the Chair of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee 
has agreed to accept this amendment. In their bill and committee 
report, the gentlewoman from New York and the rest of the members of 
the committee have recognized the importance of basic education 
assistance to our country's long-term national security interests. This 
amendment would complement and build off of those important efforts, 
and I thank the gentlewoman from New York for her willingness to work 
with me and accept my amendment.
  The 9/11 Commission described a ``generational struggle'' against 
international terrorism, stressing the importance that any offensive 
efforts ``be accompanied by a preventative strategy.'' They also noted, 
``It is hard to overstate the importance of Pakistan in the struggle 
against Islamic terrorism'' and urged the United States Government to 
support in Pakistan ``a comprehensive effort that extends from military 
aid to support for better education.'' Unfortunately, we have not yet 
gone far enough in that regard.
  In December of 2005, the 9/11 Commission's Public Discourse Project 
gave the United States Government a D grade for not doing enough to 
support secular education. It noted, ``United States assistance to 
Pakistan has not moved sufficiently beyond security assistance to 
include significant funding for education efforts.'' And just a few 
months ago, our own State Department concluded, ``Pakistan remains a 
major source of Islamic extremism.''
  This is precisely the time that we should be spending substantially 
more on education, where we should be broadening and deepening our 
relationship with the Pakistani people with aid that reaches directly 
into the Pakistani homes.
  This amendment is an important first step in this endeavor by 
providing an extra $785 million infusion for basic education directly 
to Pakistani children, an extra $75 million that would come on top of 
Pakistani education funding already in the bill and what we have 
provided for before.
  This amendment provides this additional $75 million for basic 
education by reprogramming existing funds within the Economic Support 
fund account; $50 million of the total $75 million will be drawn from 
that part of the Economic Support fund that provides direct budgetary 
support for the Pakistani Government.
  Over the last several years, the Pakistani Government has been 
receiving hundreds of millions of dollars per year in a cash transfer. 
This amendment would ensure that $50 million of those funds be 
reprogrammed to ensure they reach Pakistani children and not simply be 
handed over to the Pakistani Government without direction. The other 
$25 million of the $75 million total would come from the nonbudgetary 
support component of the Economic Support fund.
  All of us hope to support the Pakistani people in their efforts to 
achieve a stable, prosperous and free nation. But our national security 
interests here are much more acute. Will we be safe over the next 5, 10 
or 20 years as thousands of more young people learn jihad at extremist 
madrassas instead of learning real-world skills to become productive 
citizens in their communities and in our shared world?
  When asked about this amendment, former 9/11 Commission Vice Chairman

[[Page H6859]]

Lee Hamilton responded, ``Increased U.S. funding for basic education 
provided by the Tierney Pakistan Education Assistance Amendment will 
send a powerful message that we are committed to a better future for 
young Pakistanis and to supporting alternatives to radical Islamic 
education. Sending this kind of a message is hugely important to the 
future of America's relationship with the people of Pakistan and our 
efforts to combat radical Islam.''
  It is past time to heed the 9/11 Commission's warning by fighting 
terrorism at its source, by stopping the process of extremism before it 
can begin, by helping the children of Pakistan to have an alternative 
to extreme madrassas. That should be at the core of our long-term 
national security strategy, that is what this amendment is all about.
  Again I thank the gentlewoman from New York for accepting this 
amendment. I look forward to working with her to see that this 
additional funding for basic education programs directly reaching 
Pakistani children is retained in conference.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise to accept this amendment. I thank the gentleman 
for his interest in basic education in Pakistan. As the gentleman 
knows, I have been a firm believer in basic education for a long time. 
The bill includes a total of $750 million for basic education programs.
  The gentleman recently went to Pakistan. I had the privilege of going 
to Pakistan and visited the earthquake zones, and in fact I had the 
privilege of opening a school in the earthquake zone. These beautiful 
young girls looked at me and said, can you send us science teachers? 
Can you send us computers? We know this experience can be replicated 
thousands of times around the world.
  So I really do appreciate the gentleman's commitment to basic 
education, and I look forward to working with the gentleman and accept 
his amendment.
  Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Chairman, if the chairwoman will yield, I want to 
again say I was in Pakistan at the same time that you were, 
approximately, and you witnessed, as did we, exactly what you are 
talking about. This is a great effort, to be able to go in the right 
direction, to put in public education as an alternative to the 
madrassas.
  I thank you for the fine work you have done, and your committee as 
well.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cardoza) 
for the purpose of a colloquy.
  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentlelady from New 
York for her work with me on this.
  Mr. Chairman, by way of brief background, there is a strong and 
vibrant minority community of Christians in Iraq. Some the oldest 
Christians in the world are these various sects: The Assyrian Church of 
the East, the Assyrian Church of the East Ancient, the Assyrian 
Evangelical, the Syriac Orthodox, the Syriac Catholic, the Coptic 
Church, the Armenian Catholic, the Armenian Evangelical, the Armenian 
Orthodox, and the Chaldean have their origins in Iraq and other Middle 
Eastern countries such as Iran, Turkey and Syria.
  Like other ethnic minorities residing in the Middle East, throughout 
their history these various sects have been used as pawns by major 
powers in the region. Unfortunately, their Christian faith has made 
them targets and they frequently have been subjected to harassment and 
violence throughout the region.
  In particular, the regime of Saddam Hussein was particularly brutal 
in their treatment of Christians. Because of their religion and because 
the majority of Christians opposed Saddam's regime, many of their 
leaders were assassinated and subjected to arbitrary detention.
  The war in Iraq exacerbated this situation and further endangers the 
faith of this group. It is estimated that as many as 40,000 Iraqi 
Christians, 5 percent of the faithful, have left the country since the 
war has begun. While Iraqi Christians make up just 3 percent of the 
overall population, reports are that Christians make up more than 20 
percent of the refugee exodus to Syria, and there are mounting fears 
that if Iraq becomes an Islamic theocracy, the exodus will accelerate.
  My congressional district, the 18th District of California, happens 
to be home to a large Assyrian population. I have heard the horror 
stories from some in my district, and I am committed to ensuring that 
the interests of the Assyrians and the broader Christian community are 
well protected in the new Iraq.
  I have taken numerous steps to protect the rights of the minority. In 
particular I have written a letter on the subject to Secretary Rice and 
have implored her to use all means available to ensure that the rights 
of this group are respected.
  To further enhance our ability to protect these people, it is my 
understanding that there is report language in this bill which urges 
that $10 million in the recently enacted supplemental be targeted 
towards helping the Christian community in Iraq. I want to work with 
the chairwoman and the rest of the members of the committee to ensure 
that this money goes for its intended purpose of protecting this 
community and does not get diverted to other issues.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend from California (Mr. 
Cardoza) for bringing this important matter to the attention of the 
committee. This type of government-sponsored terrorism was a hallmark 
of Saddam Hussein's rule and cannot continue. It was endemic. 
Unfortunately, it seems that the practice continues, and I continue to 
worry that our assistance may not be benefiting the intended 
recipients.
  I too am concerned about the plight of the Christian minority, and I 
am dedicated to using whatever tools we have available to ensure their 
rights are given due consideration.
  Furthermore, I want to note for my colleagues that the recent 
supplemental included a requirement for a report on the ethnic and 
geographic distribution of the United States assistance programs 
reaching the Nineveh Plain region, which should give us a clearer 
picture of the situation facing Iraqi Christians.
  I want to assure my friend that I, and I know my ranking member, who 
cares passionately about these issues, will work closely with the 
Congressman to ensure that this $10 million does go for its intended 
purpose of protecting the Christian minority in Iraq.
  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for her help on 
this issue and for her agreement to work towards ensuring that the 
money goes to alleviate the suffering of the Christian community in 
Iraq. This community has lived in this part of the world for over 1,000 
years, and we must do our part to ensure that they live there for 1,000 
more.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of 
words.
  Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo is 
interested in this and a lot of others, and I thank the Chair for 
accepting the Kirk amendment in the full committee.
  I looked for you yesterday. What I wanted to ask you to do was to 
offer an amendment on the floor, and I know the gentlewoman would have 
accepted it, of another $100,000, or $1 million, for the Chaldean 
Christians, and get a roll call vote on it; because colloquies are 
colloquies, but a roll call vote is a roll call vote.
  AID has failed to address this issue. We have asked them a number of 
times. They tell us that we can't be targeting with regard to certain 
ethnic groups, and it has never been a satisfactory answer. So it is 
too late now, but it would have been a good thing to do. In fact, this 
Congress and this government, we have abandoned the Christians in the 
Middle East. We have pretty much walked away and the Christian 
community in the Middle East is declining.
  So you are on to something, and hopefully you can find a way in 
another bill or in the supplemental perhaps to offer to work with the 
gentlewoman to have an amendment, and then you offer an added $100,000 
or $1 million or whatever you think is appropriate, and then ask for a 
roll call vote so the entire Congress is on record, because you are 
right on target.

[[Page H6860]]

  I want to thank you, and we will work with you and help you in any 
way possible. But a roll call vote of 435-0 would send a message to the 
AID people that they would have to face and focus on.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I would like to assure my good friend from 
California, and, of course, my ranking member, that we together will 
make it clear that this is an urgent issue, and the amendment in the 
committee validated the urgency of the issue. I know we will continue 
to work together to address this.
  I thank the gentleman for bringing this up, and, of course, I respect 
the interest and passion of my ranking member. We will be following up, 
and there will be attention given to this issue.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman. I think that comment 
really sends a message. Obviously AID is watching this debate right 
now, and for the Chair of the committee to say that, they have actually 
gotten the message. So I thank the Chair.
  Mr. CARDOZA. If the gentleman would yield briefly, I would say I did 
look for the gentleman on the floor yesterday as well, but we must have 
missed each other in our search. I thank the gentleman for his comments 
in the Rules Committee where I raised this issue initially. I look 
forward to working with the gentleman in the future. I will look for 
opportunities, together we will look for opportunities, to send a 
continuing message that this population is important, not just to the 
Middle East, but to this country as well, and it is important for us to 
assist and invest in this community.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to yield to my good friend, the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks) for an important statement.
  Mr. MEEKS of New York. Madam Chairman, I don't have any amendment at 
the desk, but I do wish to rise in support of the 2008 State and 
Foreign Operations Appropriations Act and to commend the committee, 
particularly the chairwoman from New York, for the fine work that has 
been done to get the bill to this point.
  I want to bring attention to a very important aspect of the bill: 
funding for trade capacity building. This bill raises the Federal 
appropriation level to $214 million. That is $87 million more than the 
administration requested.
  Obviously there are many different points of view on trade in this 
body, but I think all of us can agree that we must do everything 
possible to enable developing countries to facilitate trade with the 
world.
  Most people think of trade infrastructure projects when they think of 
trade capacity. But facilitating trade goes well beyond that. These 
funds will help developing countries with labor and environmental law 
enforcement and provide technical assistance for better trade access in 
remote areas.
  Trade capacity assistance is a relatively new tool in the trade 
arena, but it has recently played an important role in the 
implementation of trade and will continue to play a critical role as we 
consider several free trade agreements with developing countries that 
are eligible to receive capacity building from our Nation.
  I thank the chairwoman for maintaining the commitment to trade 
capacity funds in recent agreements, and I hope to work closely with 
the committee on follow-up and oversight of trade capacity funds, past 
and in the present.
  Hopefully, in the near future, we will have the opportunity to 
consider this on the floor with countries such as Peru, Panama and 
Colombia. All of these nations need trade capacity assistance, but 
Colombia is arguably the country with the most intense and persistent 
challenges.
  I look forward to working closely with the committee and USAID to see 
that we dedicate some of the increased funds in this bill to help 
Colombia meet critical needs, like assistance for its Fiscalia, the 
Office of the Attorney General. The Fiscalia bears the overwhelming 
responsibility of continuing the progress towards security and peace in 
Colombia, with investigations of murders and kidnappings, particularly 
those of labor leaders, and managing the legal process of the 
demobilization of paramilitaries and the FARC. The Fiscalia needs as 
much support as we can offer it if it is going to expeditiously carry 
out the hundreds of investigations and legislative demands that it must 
meet as an independent agency of justice.
  I hope my colleagues who share my concern over violence in Colombia, 
particularly in remote areas populated by African Colombians and 
attacks against labor leaders, will support the 2008 Foreign Operations 
bill and join me in calling for trade capacity funds specifically 
dedicated to those countries who are cooperating with us to make 
strides toward a more secure hemisphere.

                              {time}  1330

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my friend from New York for 
bringing attention to these important issues. As you know, the former 
Chair of this committee, Mr. Kolbe, has been a leader on trade, and 
continues to share with us the importance of trade as we move forward 
in this process.
  I thank you very much for focusing on his very important legacy. He 
was a great partner for me working together on this committee, and I 
also appreciate your mentioning Colombia and the fact that we changed 
the balance of funding in this bill, putting more resources in the 
Fiscalia. When I was there, it was clear to me that they didn't have 
enough people to enforce the law to go after the narcotraffickers, so 
this was an important area, in addition to increasing funding for 
interdiction. Justice, rule of law, interdiction, and funding for the 
Afro-Colombians, and we know there has been a tremendous need. Thank 
you for your work. I look forward to working together. I know that my 
colleagues realize how important these issues are as well.
  Mr. MEEKS of New York. I thank the gentlewoman.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  I rise to enter into a colloquy about the need for increased funding 
for the United States contribution to the Comprehensive Test Ban 
Organization with the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher).
  Mrs. TAUSCHER. If the gentlewoman would yield?
  Mrs. LOWEY. I am happy to yield.
  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to enter into a colloquy with the 
distinguished chairwoman of the Foreign Ops appropriations bill about 
the need for increased funding for the United States contribution to 
the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization called CTBTO.
  I had planned to offer an amendment to fund the CTBTO at least to the 
administration's request of $18 million for fiscal year 2008; but I 
would just like to make a few points for the record.
  As you know, the administration's fiscal year 2008 budget request 
calls for $18 million for the U.S. contribution to the CTBTO. 
Unfortunately, the Foreign Operations appropriations bill would shift 
$8 million of the administration's already inadequate request to 
another account, leaving only $10 million for U.S. funding for CTBTO 
test ban monitoring.
  The administration's request already falls well short of what is 
necessary to make up for past funding shortfalls that threaten to slow 
or stop the construction and operation of the test ban treaty 
organization's international monitoring system.
  In 2002, the Bush administration unilaterally decided not to support 
the U.S. portion, approximately $800,000 per year, of the on-site 
inspection component of the CTBTO verification activities. The 
administration, which does not support ratification and entry into 
force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, argues that because the on-
site inspection will only be available upon the entry into force of the 
treaty, the United States should not contribute.
  For fiscal year 2006, the Bush administration requested and Congress 
approved only $14.4 million for the CTBTO, which was $7 million short 
of the $22 million assessed by the organization.
  The continuing resolution covering most fiscal year 2007 spending set 
U.S. funding for the CTBTO at the fiscal year 2006 level, which was $9 
million short of the United States $23.4 million assessment.
  Compounding the problem last month, the Bush administration 
unilaterally decided to obligate only $10

[[Page H6861]]

million of the $14.4 million appropriated by Congress. As a result, the 
U.S. is now in arrears to a total of $28.3 million.
  We are the single largest contributor to CTBTO, and our shortfalls 
will have a significant impact. The United States failure to pay its 
share will directly affect the CTBTO's ability to complete construction 
and certify for use the remaining stations in the international 
monitoring system, including those in more remote and strategic regions 
such as Turkmenistan, which lies just north of Iran.
  I am sure that the gentlewoman from New York (Chairman Lowey) shares 
my deep concern that the United States is underfunding the CTBTO as the 
danger of Iran's nuclear program grows as these fundings continue to 
deplete and we are not able to keep up with our obligations.
  Unless Congress increases funding for the U.S. contribution, these 
shortfalls that have accumulated over the last 7 years will continue to 
undermine the effort to complete a global monitoring network and 
conduct data analysis designed to detect and deter nuclear weapons test 
explosions.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased that my good friend from 
California brought this issue to our attention.
  I really want to thank you for your work on CTBTO, and I agree with 
you that the United States should show leadership and pay our full 
share of obligations that it owes to the CTBTO.
  The bill tries to draw balance between the various programs funded 
within the nonproliferation antiterrorism account, but I understand the 
concerns my friend has raised and these are concerns of the committee. 
There are many members of the committee who are working very hard on 
this issue, and it is my intention to continue to work with you as the 
bill moves through the process.
  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the chairwoman's attention 
to this matter and her distinguished and significant leadership on this 
issue, and I look forward to working with her on this as the bill goes 
forward and in the conference.
  Once again, I appreciate having a colloquy. I think these are very 
important issues, especially since I hope we will get to ratify the 
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and our obligations are significant to 
make sure that we have this global monitoring effort.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:
       (c) The provisions of section 628 of this Act shall apply 
     to funds appropriated under this heading: Provided, That 
     notwithstanding any provision of this or any other Act, 
     including provisions in this subsection regarding the 
     application of section 628 of this Act, local currencies 
     generated by, or converted from, funds appropriated by this 
     Act and by previous appropriations Acts and made available 
     for the economic revitalization program in Bosnia may be used 
     in Eastern Europe and the Baltic States to carry out the 
     provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the 
     Support for East European Democracy SEED Act of 1989.


                     international fund for ireland

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 
     $15,000,000, which shall be available for the United States 
     contribution to the International Fund for Ireland and shall 
     be made available in accordance with the provisions of the 
     Anglo-Irish Agreement Support Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-
     415): Provided, That such amount shall be expended at the 
     minimum rate necessary to make timely payment for projects 
     and activities: Provided further, That funds made available 
     under this heading shall remain available until September 30, 
     2009.


          assistance for eastern europe and the baltic states

       (a) For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Support for East 
     European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989, $297,332,000, to 
     remain available until September 30, 2009, which shall be 
     available, notwithstanding any other provision of law, for 
     assistance and for related programs for Eastern Europe and 
     the Baltic States.
       (b) Funds appropriated under this heading shall be 
     considered to be economic assistance under the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 for purposes of making available the 
     administrative authorities contained in that Act for the use 
     of economic assistance.
       (c) The provisions of section 628 of this Act shall apply 
     to funds appropriated under this heading: Provided, That 
     notwithstanding any provision of this or any other Act, 
     including provisions in this subsection regarding the 
     application of section 628 of this Act, local currencies 
     generated by, or converted from, funds appropriated by this 
     Act and by previous appropriations Acts and made available 
     for the economic revitalization program in Bosnia may be used 
     in Eastern Europe and the Baltic States to carry out the 
     provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the 
     Support for East European Democracy SEED Act of 1989.
       (d) The President is authorized to withhold funds 
     appropriated under this heading made available for economic 
     revitalization programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, if he 
     determines and certifies to the Committees on Appropriations 
     that the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has not 
     complied with article III of annex 1-A of the General 
     Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina 
     concerning the withdrawal of foreign forces, and that 
     intelligence cooperation on training, investigations, and 
     related activities between state sponsors of terrorism and 
     terrorist organizations and Bosnian officials has not been 
     terminated.


    assistance for the independent states of the former soviet union

       (a) For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     chapters 11 and 12 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 
     1961 and the FREEDOM Support Act, for assistance for the 
     Independent States of the former Soviet Union and for related 
     programs, $397,585,000, to remain available until September 
     30, 2009: Provided, That the provisions of such chapters 
     shall apply to funds appropriated by this paragraph: Provided 
     further, That funds made available for the Southern Caucasus 
     region may be used, notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, for confidence-building measures and other activities in 
     furtherance of the peaceful resolution of the regional 
     conflicts, especially those in the vicinity of Abkhazia and 
     Nagorno-Karabagh: Provided further, That notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law, funds appropriated under this heading 
     in this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for foreign 
     operations, export financing, and related programs, that are 
     made available pursuant to the provisions of section 807 of 
     Public Law 102-511 shall be subject to a 6 percent ceiling on 
     administrative expenses.
       (b) Of the funds appropriated under this heading, not less 
     than $52,200,000 should be made available, in addition to 
     funds otherwise available for such purposes, for assistance 
     for child survival, environmental and reproductive health, 
     and to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other infectious 
     diseases, and for related activities.
       (c)(1) Of the funds appropriated under this heading that 
     are allocated for assistance for the Government of the 
     Russian Federation, 60 percent shall be withheld from 
     obligation until the President determines and certifies in 
     writing to the Committees on Appropriations that the 
     Government of the Russian Federation--
       (A) has terminated implementation of arrangements to 
     provide Iran with technical expertise, training, technology, 
     or equipment necessary to develop a nuclear reactor, related 
     nuclear research facilities or programs, or ballistic missile 
     capability; and
       (B) is providing full access to international non-
     governmental organizations providing humanitarian relief to 
     refugees and internally displaced persons in Chechnya.
       (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to--
       (A) assistance to combat infectious diseases, child 
     survival activities, or assistance for victims of trafficking 
     in persons; and
       (B) activities authorized under title V (Nonproliferation 
     and Disarmament Programs and Activities) of the FREEDOM 
     Support Act.
       (d) Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act shall not apply 
     to--
       (1) activities to support democracy or assistance under 
     title V of the FREEDOM Support Act and section 1424 of Public 
     Law 104-201 or non-proliferation assistance;
       (2) any assistance provided by the Trade and Development 
     Agency under section 661 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 
     1961 (22 U.S.C. 2191 et seq.);
       (3) any activity carried out by a member of the United 
     States and Foreign Commercial Service while acting within his 
     or her official capacity;
       (4) any insurance, reinsurance, guarantee or other 
     assistance provided by the Overseas Private Investment 
     Corporation under title IV of chapter 2 of part I of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2191 et seq.);
       (5) any financing provided under the Export-Import Bank Act 
     of 1945; or
       (6) humanitarian assistance.

                          Independent Agencies


                       inter-american foundation

       For necessary expenses to carry out the functions of the 
     Inter-American Foundation in accordance with the provisions 
     of section 401 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969, 
     $19,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2009.


                     african development foundation

       For necessary expenses to carry out title V of the 
     International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 
     1980, Public Law 96-533, $30,000,000, to remain available 
     until September 30, 2009: Provided, That funds made available 
     to grantees may be invested pending expenditure for project 
     purposes when authorized by the Board of Directors of the 
     Foundation: Provided further, That interest earned shall be 
     used only for the purposes for which the grant was made: 
     Provided further, That notwithstanding section 505(a)(2) of 
     the African Development Foundation Act, (1) in exceptional 
     circumstances the Board of Directors of the Foundation may 
     waive the

[[Page H6862]]

     $250,000 limitation contained in that section with respect to 
     a project and (2) a project may exceed the limitation by up 
     to $10,000 if the increase is due solely to foreign currency 
     fluctuation: Provided further, That the Foundation shall 
     provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations after 
     each time such waiver authority is exercised.


                              peace corps

                     (including transfer of funds)

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the 
     Peace Corps Act (75 Stat. 612), including the purchase of not 
     to exceed five passenger motor vehicles for administrative 
     purposes for use outside of the United States, $333,500,000, 
     to remain available until September 30, 2009: Provided, That 
     none of the funds appropriated under this heading shall be 
     used to pay for abortions: Provided further, That the 
     Director may transfer to the Foreign Currency Fluctuations 
     Account, as authorized by 22 U.S.C. 2515, an amount not to 
     exceed $2,000,000: Provided further, That funds transferred 
     pursuant to the previous proviso may not be derived from 
     amounts made available for Peace Corps overseas operations.


                    millennium challenge corporation

       For necessary expenses for the ``Millennium Challenge 
     Corporation'', $1,800,000,0000, to remain available until 
     expended: Provided, That of the funds appropriated under this 
     heading, up to $95,000,000 may be available for 
     administrative expenses of the Millennium Challenge 
     Corporation: Provided further, That up to 10 percent of the 
     funds appropriated under this heading may be made available 
     to carry out the purposes of section 616 of the Millennium 
     Challenge Act of 2003 for candidate countries for fiscal year 
     2008: Provided further, That none of the funds available to 
     carry out section 616 of such Act may be made available until 
     the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge 
     Corporation provides a report to the Committees on 
     Appropriations listing the candidate countries that will be 
     receiving assistance under section 616 of such Act, the level 
     of assistance proposed for each such country, a description 
     of the proposed programs, projects and activities, and the 
     implementing agency or agencies of the United States 
     Government: Provided further, That section 605(e)(4) of the 
     Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 shall apply to funds 
     appropriated under this heading: Provided further, That funds 
     appropriated under this heading may be made available for a 
     Millennium Challenge Compact entered into pursuant to section 
     609 of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 only if such 
     Compact obligates, or contains a commitment to obligate 
     subject to the availability of funds and the mutual agreement 
     of the parties to the Compact to proceed, the entire amount 
     of the United States Government funding anticipated for the 
     duration of the Compact.

                          Department of State


                       global hiv/aids initiative

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for the prevention, treatment, 
     and control of, and research on, HIV/AIDS, including 
     administrative expenses of the Office of the Global AIDS 
     Coordinator, $4,450,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended, of which $300,000,000 shall be made available, 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, except for the 
     United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and 
     Malaria Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-25) for a United States 
     contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis 
     and Malaria, and shall be expended at the minimum rate 
     necessary to make timely payment for projects and activities: 
     Provided further, That funds made available under this 
     heading and under the heading ``Child Survival and Health 
     Programs Fund'' shall be made available notwithstanding the 
     second sentence of section 403(a) of Public Law 108-25: 
     Provided further, That up to 5 percent of the aggregate 
     amount of funds made available to the Global Fund in fiscal 
     year 2008 may be made available to the Office of the United 
     States Global AIDS Coordinator for technical assistance 
     related to the activities of the Global Fund.


                     Amendment Offered by Mr. Pitts

  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Mr. Pitts:
       In the item relating to ``Global HIV/AIDS Initiative'', 
     strike ``Provided Further, That funds made available under 
     this heading and under the heading `Child Survival and Health 
     Programs Fund' shall be made available notwithstanding the 
     second sentence of section 403(a) of Public Law 108-25:''.

  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, June 
20, 2007, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts) and a Member 
opposed each will control 15 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, United Nations program on HIV/AIDS report estimates 
that there are 40 million people infected with HIV/AIDS worldwide, and 
like everyone else, I am deeply saddened by this reality.
  However, I am also filled with hope because recent evidence indicates 
that the current prevention strategy is helping to produce behavioral 
change that has significantly decreased people's risk of contracting 
this deadly disease.
  The current HIV/AIDS prevention strategy was carefully crafted in the 
PEPFAR authorization bill to reflect a balanced approach, and the good 
news is that this balanced approach is working.
  The PEPFAR authorization bill, which became law in 2003, included a 
provision that required one-third of the 20 percent for prevention 
funding, that is approximately 7 percent of the total PEPFAR funds, to 
be spent on abstinence and fidelity programs.
  Prior to the implementation of this spending directive, the U.S. 
promoted an unbalanced condoms-only approach. The U.S. remains the 
largest distributor of condoms in the world. But for the first time the 
behavior factor is getting real attention under the current program 
rules. And the result: falling HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in 7 of the 15 
focus countries.
  The current prevention strategy is based on the comprehensive ABC 
model, first established in Uganda, developed by Uganda. The ABC model 
stands for A, abstinence; B, be faithful; C, condoms. A comprehensive, 
balanced approach.
  After implementation of this model in Uganda, the number of young 
males age 15 to 24 reporting premarital sex decreased from 60 percent 
in 1989 to 23 percent in 1995. For females, the decline was 53 percent 
to 16 percent. The program actually helped change the behavior in women 
and men, a fact I hope my colleagues take seriously.
  Opponents of this approach claim that behavioral change is 
unrealistic. Dr. Edward Green, a researcher at Harvard University, was 
an opponent of the ABC model and in particular of abstinence until he 
saw what happened in Uganda. He testified before the Energy and 
Commerce Committee saying: ``Many of us in the AIDS and public health 
communities did not believe that abstinence or delay and faithfulness 
were realistic goals. It now seems we were wrong.''
  Not only has Uganda seen a society transformed by behavioral change, 
we can now add Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia 
to the list of countries that are experiencing a decrease in HIV/AIDS 
prevalence rates.
  Experts continue to testify to the fact that behavioral change 
continues to be the key indicator of HIV/AIDS prevention. Yet for some 
reason, some of my colleagues have decided to make a crucial provision 
of this successful strategy optional. This crucial provision ensures 
that the ``abstinence'' and ``be faithful'' components are incorporated 
into the approach. Never mind the fact that PEPFAR is expected to be 
reauthorized later this year, and never mind the fact that the 
reauthorization might be the more appropriate forum to debate this 
critical component that was agreed to.
  Some of my colleagues argue that we need a comprehensive approach, 
but I remind them that abstinence and fidelity education are 
fundamental to the comprehensive ABC approach.
  Some of my colleagues argue that we need an approach that saves 
lives. I remind them that the ABC model, with the A and the B spending 
requirement intact, is continuing to save more and more lives. In 
countries that have relied predominantly on condom distribution, HIV/
AIDS prevalence rates have not improved. Meanwhile, countries that 
promote behavioral change have seen significant improvement.
  Mr. Chairman, a balanced, evidence-based approach is essential if we 
are going to effectively fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. The current policy 
is the balanced approach. It is the evidence-based approach. It is the 
approach that is working. Why change what works?
  I urge my colleagues to vote for my amendment and keep abstinence and 
fidelity in the AIDS program, and in doing so, to vote for an approach 
that is saving lives.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's 
amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman from New York is recognized for 15 
minutes.

[[Page H6863]]

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, despite the best efforts of our prevention 
programs, the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to grow. In 2006, 4.3 million 
people were infected with the virus; and for every new treatment 
patient in 2006, six additional people became infected with HIV. If we 
do not slow the pandemic, treatment costs alone in 2010 could be as 
high as $11 billion. Unless this trend is reversed, global efforts to 
expand treatment will falter and our global effort to address the 
pandemic will fail.
  That is why it is so critical to maximize the effectiveness of the 
$5.062 billion for HIV/AIDS programs provided in this bill and make 
sure that our prevention programs work.
  A recently released Institute of Medicine report entitled, ``PEPFAR 
Implementation,'' stated: ``The earmark has greatly limited the ability 
of country teams to develop and implement comprehensive prevention 
programs that are well integrated with each other and with testing, 
care, and treatment programs.'' These congressionally mandated funding 
restrictions are hampering our overall prevention efforts.

                              {time}  1345

  Therefore, and I want to make it very clear to my colleague, the bill 
allows the President to provide funding for HIV/AIDS prevention at his 
discretion. It does not change the underlying PEPFAR law, nor does it 
require that the President change the amount of funding for any 
particular prevention programs. In fact, it doesn't require the 
President to change the programs at all. The language simply provides 
flexibility to design the most effective prevention programs.
  Effective HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives must be designed to respond 
to the local social and cultural conditions. These efforts should 
include all available options, including abstinence programs, 
comprehensive prevention programs, condom distribution, and medical 
interventions such as male circumcision and mother-to-child prevention 
programs to ensure that we use every tool at our disposal to stop this 
deadly disease.
  We know that the only solution to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS is 
expanded and effective prevention programs. Our bill language again 
provides the administration with the flexibility to respond to the 
ever-changing pandemic in the most effective ways without the 
restrictions of arbitrary numerical targets.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Walberg).
  Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the amendment 
offered by my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania 
(Mr. Pitts), and in support of this evidence-based approach to reducing 
the spread of HIV and AIDS.
  The AIDS epidemic in Africa is a serious problem that demands serious 
results. However, I also had the privilege of seeing firsthand the 
success of Uganda's ABC program when I traveled to Uganda a couple of 
years ago to visit my daughter who's a missionary there and also a 
health educator dealing specifically with HIV/AIDS. Also meeting with 
who has now become adopted into our family, Mama Nabali, who is a young 
woman with three children who has HIV as a result of behavior issues 
related specifically to a husband who was unfaithful in many, many 
ways.
  It has been interesting to note that in Uganda as well as other 
countries that are now using the ABC program authorized and pushed by 
the First Lady and the President, President Museveni of Uganda, in each 
of those cases there is a significant decline in reported numbers of 
sexual partners, that's the behavior portion of it, and a significant 
decline in the numbers of unmarried youth who are sexually active, 
which is the abstinence portion of it.
  Authorizing legislation that requires 33 percent of prevention funds 
to be spent in abstinence-until-marriage programming is the best way to 
address this problem because it's a proven, successful method of 
reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS. There is growing evidence that partner 
reduction is the single most important factor in reducing HIV/AIDS 
prevalence rates.
  According to the PEPFAR Third Report to Congress, ``Of the countless 
developments taking place in the global fight against the AIDS 
pandemic, perhaps the single most important in recent years is the 
growing number of nations in which there is clear evidence of declining 
HIV prevalence as a result of changes in sexual behavior.''
  Furthermore, no country with a generalized epidemic that has relied 
on condom prevention alone has reported a decline in HIV/AIDS 
prevalence rates. Because studies have shown that the abstinence-until-
marriage method is producing the best results, I urge my colleagues to 
consider the merits of the Pitts amendment and support this important 
and, need I say, life-changing and lifesaving legislation.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from New Jersey, an expert on Africa and so 
many of the issues that are critical, Mr. Payne.
  Mr. PAYNE. Thank you very much.
  I rise to urge my colleagues to oppose the Pitts amendment that would 
strike the underlying language that provides flexibility to the 
President on designing his HIV/AIDS programs.
  In 2003, Congress and the President came together to establish the 
Global HIV/AIDS Initiative. Five years ago, the world was optimistic 
that we could, with additional funding, start to turn the pandemic 
around. As we have heard, success has not been as easy as we would have 
hoped, and over 4 million people were newly infected last year. That is 
why, in addition to increasing the amount of money we are spending to 
combat HIV/AIDS, we must take every effort to ensure that we are 
spending money as wisely as possible.
  The chairwoman's bill contains language which gives the President 
maximum flexibility. There is no empirical data to my knowledge which 
supports the abstinence-only earmark in P.L. 108-25, the original 
PEPFAR authorizing legislation. The earmark calls for one-third of all 
prevention funds to be spent on abstinence-only until marriage. No one 
has ever explained the rationale for that figure. The provision of 
flexibility to the President to determine how much money to spend on 
abstinence-only is way overdue.
  I urge my colleagues to vote against the Pitts amendment and to 
support the chairperson in this endeavor.
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Chairman, at this time I yield to the distinguished 
gentleman from Florida, Dr. David Weldon, 2 minutes.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much 
time exists on both sides, please.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Pennsylvania has 8\1/2\ minutes. The 
gentlewoman from New York has 9\1/2\ minutes.
  Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Pitts 
amendment. I am concerned with the change in the abstinence policy in 
the PEPFAR budget to permissive authority for the administration to 
give grants to abstinence-based programs. I fear that this is a setback 
to the work we are doing overseas with AIDS relief.
  The best way to stop AIDS is to encourage people to abstain from 
sexual behavior outside of marriage. Last July, southern African AIDS 
experts and officials listed, and I'm quoting here, reducing multiple 
concurrent partnerships as their number one priority for preventing the 
spread of HIV.
  I used to treat AIDS patients. I used to practice infectious disease. 
The reason AIDS exploded through the gay community in this country in 
the late seventies and the early eighties was because of this 
phenomenon, having multiple concurrent sexual partners. And the reason 
Uganda, and you're going to hear Uganda quoted over and over again, was 
successful in lowering their AIDS incidence from 18 percent to 6 
percent, and there was very little foreign aid going in the country at 
the time they did this, is because they established an education 
program.
  People are rising on the floor today acting like there is no money 
for anything other than abstinence education. This is a very modest 
component of the bill. We have a lot of money for prevention. We have 
money for mother-to-child prevention. We are simply requiring that a 
third of the money go to what I think is the most cost-effective venue 
that we could be using.
  I would highly encourage my colleagues to support this amendment. I 
believe right now under the current

[[Page H6864]]

law, the President has the authority to waive this requirement if the 
country team asks for it and as I understand some countries have and 
they have waived the authority. I believe that this language that they 
changed in PEPFAR is authorizing and this should have been left to the 
authorizing debate.
  I strongly encourage my colleagues to support the Pitts amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson).
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, the language in the bill 
provides the President flexibility, not mandates. The gentleman's 
amendment seems to be more interested in bean-counting than saving and 
treating those with HIV/AIDS. Is it more important to make sure that 33 
cents out of every dollar, according to the gentleman's amendment, go 
to abstinence or that we give the President some flexibility if, that 
is if, he needs it?
  We all know that HIV/AIDS prevention programs must be targeted to the 
group that we are seeking to influence and when abstinence programs may 
be appropriate for some groups, including the very young. I want to 
raise to my colleagues' attention that the underlying language in the 
bill that provides flexibility enjoys broad support from groups that 
are working on the ground.
  I have a letter from the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatrics AIDS Foundation 
urging a ``no'' vote on the Pitts amendment.
  I have a letter from CARE, one of the world's leading NGOs providing 
AIDS care and prevention services, urging a ``no'' vote on the Pitts 
amendment.
  I have a letter from the General Board of Church and Society of the 
United Methodist Church urging a ``no'' vote on the Pitts amendment.
  I urge my colleagues and their counsel and to vote ``no'' on the 
Pitts amendment.
  In fact, Mr. Chairman, I would like to quote the distinguished 
ranking Republican member who said this on the floor last night:
  ``I believe this bill has the potential to do a lot of good, and I 
want to say that this bill will help save a lot of lives not only here 
but around the world. This is the work of the Lord. And I know Members 
are going to come down here and they're going to be against this bill. 
And I hope that we can change some of the things to prevent a veto, but 
this bill eventually when it passes, and it will pass, assuming it will 
be vetoed, is really about feeding the poor, the hungry, the naked and 
the sick. Almost a better title would be the Matthew 25 bill. So it has 
the potential to do a lot of good and I hope to work with the 
chairwoman to ensure the State Department has what it needs to do these 
things.''
  Matthew 25 is very clear, Mr. Chairman:
  Then the king will say to those on his right, ``Come you who are 
blessed by my father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for 
you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me 
something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I 
was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed 
me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came 
after me.''
  Then the righteous will answer him, ``Lord, when did we see you 
hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? When 
did we see a stranger and invite you in? Or needing clothes and clothe 
you? When did we see you sick or in prison or did we go visit you?''
  The king will reply, ``I will tell you the truth, whatever you did 
for one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it unto me.''
  Mr. Chairman, the people need medicine, not self-righteousness. 
Reject the Pitts amendment.
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Chairman, I didn't know I was going to get a biblical 
lesson here, but I would just ask the man rhetorically, is abstinence 
biblical? Is faithfulness biblical? That's what we're speaking on 
behalf of.
  I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska who is a member of 
the Africa Subcommittee, Mr. Fortenberry.
  Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in favor of the Pitts 
amendment. This amendment will save lives. The President's Emergency 
Plan for AIDS Relief, commonly known as PEPFAR, is the largest 
bilateral foreign assistance program dedicated to mitigating the HIV/
AIDS crisis worldwide. The plan places special emphasis on the 15 
countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean which account for 
approximately 50 percent of the world's HIV infections.
  If the U.S. is to remain the world's leader in saving lives from the 
devastation of AIDS, it's time to look at the track record and see what 
works well. Demographic and health surveys show that HIV/AIDS 
prevalence rates in at least 7 of the 15 PEPFAR focus countries is 
declining. Countries such as Uganda, Zambia and Senegal have success 
stories to showcase and something to teach us. In these nations and 
others experiencing declines in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, it is 
through indigenous programming that respects the local cultural milieu 
and social norms that figure prominently.
  In Uganda, for example, prevalence rates among pregnant women fell 
from approximately 20 percent in 1991 to 6 percent in the year 2000. 
Between 1991 and 1998, HIV prevalence rates among 15- to 19-year-olds 
fell by 75 percent, from approximately 21 percent to 5 percent.
  While causal factors behind the prevalence declines are complex and 
should not be oversimplified, it is clear that the success stories in 
Uganda, Zambia, Senegal and elsewhere all incorporate the same common 
denominator, an emphasis on abstinence and fidelity, as critical 
elements in successful interventions.

                              {time}  1400

  As it stands, this appropriations bill would potentially reverse the 
most significant element of this success by diminishing the emphasis on 
abstinence and fidelity. This issue is much too serious to prevent the 
outright dismissal of compelling clinical evidence that in-country 
programming emphasizing abstinence and fidelity can effectively reduce 
the prevalence of HIV and AIDS.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
member of the committee, the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).
  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to urge my 
colleagues to oppose the Pitts amendment.
  HIV/AIDS is devastating Africa and other parts of the developing 
world. We all share that. We share that knowledge. We can be proud that 
the United States is leading the way in addressing the global AIDS 
pandemic. We are providing support for millions of people through 
treatment, care and prevention programs.
  But we need to take a very practical approach, and the bill before us 
does that by including the language that gives the President 
flexibility to implement prevention programs that fit the country's 
current AIDS pandemic.
  I thought it was very compelling to hear the story that was just 
shared on the floor by my Republican colleague about how a wife had 
become infected, not because of her behavior, but because of her 
husband's behavior.
  I am particularly concerned about the 40 percent of new HIV/AIDS 
infections in youth between the ages of 15 and 24. Women and girls make 
up 60 percent of all the infections, and 76 percent of the infections 
among those are between the ages of 15 and 24. Now, abstinence could be 
an option, but we know that marriage is not a protective factor.
  Listen carefully to this: over the next 10 years, more than 100 
million girls in the developing countries will be married before their 
18th birthday, some as young as age 14, mostly to older men, often 
against their will. These are forced child brides.
  These girls will have a significantly higher rate of HIV infection 
than their peers who are sexually active and their unmarried peers.
  We should give these young girls the opportunity to protect 
themselves, to save their own lives. I believe that we must make sure 
that our prevention programs address their needs and provide 
alternatives. For these young girls and women, abstinence is just not 
an option. They need programs that provide them with full information 
to protect themselves. We, in Congress, must do all that we can to stop 
child marriage; but, in the meantime, we need to protect these young 
women.

[[Page H6865]]

  I urge my colleagues to oppose the Pitts amendment.
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), who is ranking member of the 
Africa Subcommittee.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of 
the Pitts amendment.
  As an original cosponsor of the President's $15 billion, 5-year law 
to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa, I rise in strong opposition to the 
language in the bill that undermines and dismisses the successful HIV/
AIDS prevention spending requirement in the PEPFAR legislation.
  Where the epidemic has spread among the general population, the only 
successful evidence-based approach to HIV/AIDS prevention is that which 
emphasizes abstinence before marriage and faithfulness in 
relationships, and, lastly, where necessary, condoms.
  The success of the ABC approach depends on the proper balance between 
these three elements. The spending requirement is necessary to attain 
that balance.
  The vast majority of PEPFAR's focus countries have generalized 
epidemics; and those that have emphasized A and B, abstinence and being 
faithful programming, have experienced significant increases in the 
number of youth and adults who are either abstaining or being mutually 
faithful, and, at the same time, they have seen significant drops in 
those countries, in the percentage of their population infected with 
HIV/AIDS.
  Examples of countries that have aggressively promoted abstinence and 
fidelity at the national level, backed by real resources, and have 
experienced decreased HIV rates include Uganda, Senegal, Jamaica, 
Thailand, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Dominican Republic and Kenya.
  On the other hand, no country with a generalized epidemic that has 
relied primarily on condom promotion has reported a decline in HIV 
rates. Southern Africa is a tragic example of this.
  The Washington Post on March 2 pointed out that ``researchers 
increasingly attribute the resilience of HIV in Botswana, and in 
Southern Africa generally, to the high incidence of multiple sexual 
relationships . . . [Western AIDS experts] brought not just ideas, but 
money, and soon billboards in Botswana touted condoms. Schoolchildren 
sang about them. Cadres of young women demonstrated how to roll them 
out. The anti-AIDS partnership between the . . . Gates Foundation and 
drugmaker Merck budgeted $13.5 million for condom promotion, 25 times 
the amount dedicated to curbing dangerous sexual behavior. But soaring 
rates of condom use,'' The Washington Post went on, ``have not brought 
down high HIV rates. Instead, they rose together until both were among 
the highest in Africa.''
  As indicated in The Washington Post report, those who are considered 
AIDS experts in the West, including some of those who directed U.S. 
prevention funding prior to PEPFAR, imposed their narrow-minded condom 
promotion mentality on Africa.
  The PEPFAR coordinator, on the other hand, Ambassador Mark Dybul, 
testified last fall that the 33 percent prevention spending requirement 
``has helped support PEPFAR's field personnel in appropriately 
broadening the range of prevention efforts . . . In addition, the 
directive has helped PEPFAR to align itself with the strategies of the 
host nations, of which ABC is a key element.''
  In a letter to the editor of Lancet, June 2006, the Minister of 
Health of Namibia noted that PEPFAR support for AB, abstinence and 
faithful, is needed to ensure the balance of the ABC programs that 
Namibia seeks. That is because, he goes on to say, other international 
donors support only condoms but not abstinence or being faithful 
programs.
  Finally, let me say that even with the spending requirement, the 
United States remains by far the largest condom distributor in the 
world.
  If our goal here is to save lives by implementing the strongest 
evidence-based prevention programs possible, we should be at least 
maintaining, and I would suggest increasing, the percentage of funding 
directed to abstinence and to being faithful programs. It works, it has 
proven that it works, and I support the Pitts amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to my distinguished 
friend from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).
  Mr. SHAYS. I thank the gentlelady for yielding to me.
  I oppose the Pitts amendment. I support strongly the attempt by the 
subcommittee to give the President flexibility to implement prevention 
programs that fit the countries' current AIDS epidemic. I salute the 
President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief. I have been to Africa, 
Uganda, and Tanzania to see how the program works.
  Everyone I spoke with pleaded with us to make sure that there was 
more emphasis on not A, B, but on C, condoms. Young children were 
asking that this be a factor in their schools. They said sex is going 
to happen no matter what you say. No matter what you say about 
abstinence or be faithful, it's going to happen. It is particularly 
disconcerting to think that someone who has chosen one partner and 
loves that partner, not knowing that that partner has been unfaithful, 
and, in fact, has AIDS, transmitting that disease to, in most cases, a 
young woman.
  This makes eminent sense. I would like to think that we could get our 
religious beliefs out of this issue, not talking practically, but 
talking realistically. If you want to prevent deaths, you need to allow 
more condoms.
  If you want to save lives, you need to allow more condoms. If you 
want to prevent pregnancies, you need to allow more condoms. If you 
don't want so much interest on other things like whether there should 
be abortion, you need to have condoms.
  I weep thinking young kids go to school without teachers and go home 
without parents. We need to be doing more in Africa to spend our money 
better.
  Thank you, Mrs. Lowey, for what you have done to give the President 
of these United States the flexibility with his team that puts PEPFAR 
into operation.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of 
words.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Pitts amendment.
  First of all there is the flexibility; there is ability to waive. I 
hope Mr. Pitts will cover that.
  Let me read you what Ambassador Mark Dybul said. He said recent data 
from Kenya, Zimbabwe and urban Haiti show decline in HIV prevalence. A 
new study has concluded that these reductions and prevalence do not 
simply represent the natural course of these nations' epidemics, but 
can only be explained by changes in sexual behavior. This demonstrates 
the power of behavior changes to save lives and the importance of 
support for effective behavior change intervention.
  If people from my old neighborhood back in southwest Philadelphia 
heard this debate that the Congress was debating ``faithful'' in this, 
is it a good idea or a bad idea, they would say, what is going on?
  As Mr. Pitts said, I would argue too that he is right. I think 
Biblical faithfulness is a Biblical principle. Faithfulness is a very 
good principle. Does anyone disagree? Now we are debating abstinence? 
We are saving lives.
  So there is flexibility. So there is a fake argument here. There is 
the ability to waive; and what we are doing here, we could talk about 
different things, they are underlying agendas. We are talking about 
basically are we going to save lives. Are we going to save lives.
  I will stipulate that Mark Dybul has forgotten more about this than 
this Congress knows. Because of that, I will urge an ``aye'' vote for 
the Pitts amendment to save lives.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to my friend from 
Pennsylvania.
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Chairman, there is flexibility in the existing 
program. Countries can apply for a waiver. Every country that has 
applied has received a waiver. Our friends say that all they want to do 
is provide flexibility and more condoms.
  Well, for 20 years of fighting AIDS, the bureaucrats who run these 
programs tried the same approach over and over again. It never worked. 
When Uganda came up with a comprehensive approach that would, they 
still opposed it.

[[Page H6866]]

  Well, the buck stops here in Congress, and we told them in 2003 to do 
what works, and it's working. Without this amendment, this bill will 
allow them to go back to the failed policies of the passed. So many on 
the other side are saying we need to listen to the other experts on the 
ground; we need to follow their advice.
  That's true. They even raise this point with the Centers for Disease 
Control in a letter signed by several of my colleagues on the other 
side of the aisle, including the distinguished subcommittee chairwoman, 
Mrs. Lowey. That letter highlighted the report that was written by the 
world's leading HIV/AIDS experts, was endorsed by more than 100 leaders 
from 36 countries, people like the President of Uganda, people like 
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the HIV/AIDS director of the World Health 
Organization, researchers from Johns Hopkins and other leading medical 
institutions.
  Allow me to quote from what these people, the experts, are saying 
about what's working to reduce AIDS prevalence: ``When targeting young 
people for those who have not started sexual activity, the first 
priority should be to encourage abstinence or delay of sexual onset, 
hence emphasizing risk avoidance as the best way to prevent HIV and 
other sexually transmitted infections, as well as unwanted 
pregnancies.'' Abstinence, behavior change, that is what the experts 
are stressing. I agree, the experts know best.
  They are saying that a comprehensive approach that includes 
behavioral change is crucial to winning the fight against AIDS.
  Mr. WOLF. Would the gentleman yield?
  Mr. PITTS. I would yield.
  Mr. WOLF. Would the gentleman be saying Archbishop Desmond Tutu would 
be basically supporting your amendment?
  Mr. PITTS. That's the quote that I read from the statement he signed.
  Mr. WOLF. Nobel Prize winner Bishop Tutu from South Africa supports 
the amendment.
  Mr. PITTS. That's correct.
  Mr. WOLF. I mean, is there a greater expert, from both moral and 
understanding than that?
  Did the gentleman say there have been waivers granted?
  Mr. PITTS. That's correct. Every country that requested waivers has 
received one.

                              {time}  1415

  Mr. WOLF. Every single country. I think the gentleman has made the 
case.
  I yield to the gentleman.
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Chairman, I submit for the Record the copies of the 
letters and the statement.

                                Congress of the United States,

                                  Washington, DC, January 7, 2005.
     Hon. Julie Gerberding,
     Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Clifton 
         Road, Atlanta, GA.
       Dear Dr. Gerberding: On November 27, 2004, the Lancet 
     published a statement entitled ``The Time Has Come for Common 
     Ground on Preventing Sexual Transmission of HIV.'' Signed by 
     more than 100 religious, political, health and scientific 
     leaders from across the developed and developing world, this 
     statement called for an end to ``polarizing debate'' and 
     urged the international community ``to unite around an 
     inclusive evidence-based approach to slow the spread of 
     sexually transmitted HIV.'' We are writing to ask whether you 
     support this statement.
       The statement describes key elements of successful HIV 
     prevention. These include:
       1. Ensuring prevention activities are grounded in the 
     science of epidemiology, supported at the local level, and 
     respectful of human rights;
       2. Promoting abstinence among those young people who are 
     not yet sexually active, encouraging mutual monogamy among 
     sexually active adults, and helping individuals who engage in 
     high-risk activities to stop;
       3. Encouraging correct and consistent condom use among 
     individuals who are engaging in high-risk activities and 
     those who are sexually active with a partner whose HIV status 
     is unknown;
       4. Expanding prevention programs for young people both in 
     and out of school, supporting parents ``in communicating 
     their values and expectations about sexual behavior''; and
       5. Employing community-based approaches that involve 
     religious organizations, women's and men's organizations, 
     care groups, youth organizations, health workers, local 
     media, and traditional and governmental leadership.
       The statement also notes that expanding access to services 
     for testing, counseling and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other 
     sexually transmitted infections, preventing mother-to-child 
     transmission, and enhancing access to family planning 
     services are all essential in order to achieve the 
     prevention, care and treatment objectives of the President's 
     Emergency Plan for AIDS and other global initiatives. It 
     endorses continuing review of potential interventions such 
     as microbicides, new antibiotic treatments, and vaccines.
       The statement was written by several of the world's leading 
     HIV experts, and endorsed by more than 100 leaders in the 
     fight against AIDS from 36 countries across a range of 
     disciplines. Notable endorsers include: Uganda's President 
     Yoweri Museveni, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of the Anglican 
     Church of Southern Africa, UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in 
     Africa Stephen Lewis, and HIV/AIDS Director at the World 
     Health Organization Jim Kim.
       The statement has also been endorsed by representatives 
     from the World Bank; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, 
     Tuberculosis, and Malaria; and the heads of HIV/AIDS programs 
     in several countries including Ethiopia, India, Jamaica, and 
     Uganda. Leaders and representatives from major faith- and 
     community-based nongovernmental organizations from the United 
     States and around the world also back the statement.
       Given the broad international and domestic support for the 
     Lancet statement and the importance of collaboration in AIDS 
     prevention efforts worldwide, we would like to know whether 
     you, as a key leader in this administration in combating HIV/
     AIDS, support this statement.
       We would appreciate a response by January 24, 2005.
           Sincerely,
         Henry A. Waxman, Ranking Minority Member, Committee on 
           Government Reform, House of Representatives; Nita M. 
           Lowey, Ranking Minority Member, Subcommittee on Foreign 
           Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs, 
           Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives; 
           Fortney Pete Stark, Ranking Minority Member, 
           Subcommittee on Health, Committee on Ways and Means, 
           House of Representatives; Sherrod Brown, Ranking 
           Minority Member, Subcommittee on Health, Committee on 
           Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives; Barbara 
           Lee, Chair, Global AIDS Initiative, Congressional Black 
           Caucus, House of Representatives.
         Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., Member of Congress; Betty 
           McCollum, Member of Congress; Howard L. Berman, Member 
           of Congress; Lois Capps, Member of Congress; Richard J. 
           Durbin, U.S. Senator.
                                  ____

                                                    June 18, 2007.
       Dear Representative: We are writing on behalf of the United 
     States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic 
     Relief Services (CRS) to express deep concern regarding two 
     provisions in the State/Foreign Operations appropriations 
     bill, which the full House may soon debate. First, the bill 
     would nullify the current 7 percent allocation (one-third of 
     HIV and AIDS prevention funds) for abstinence-before-marriage 
     programs in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief 
     (PEPFAR). These programs have proven to be very effective in 
     Africa as part of a larger strategy that focuses on overall 
     behavior change. We consider it unwise to abandon this 
     strategy through the Appropriations process and urge you to 
     support any effort to reverse this provision.
       The other fundamental defect is language in Section 622 
     rescinding the Mexico City Policy, which prevents U.S. family 
     planning assistance from being channeled through groups that 
     perform and promote abortion as family planning. On this 
     issue we urge you to follow the counsel by our Bishops' 
     Conference offered in a companion letter.
       The Catholic Church is deeply committed to U.S. leadership 
     on the issue of HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment. At 
     home and around the world, and particularly through the 
     experience of Catholic Relief Services in 12 of the 15 PEPFAR 
     focus countries and many others, principally in Africa, the 
     Church is deeply involved in offering life-saving help to 
     people threatened by HIV and AIDS. This is not about 
     ideology; it is about saving lives. In this common effort, we 
     would urge the following steps to advance the U.S. commitment 
     to address the spread of HIV and AIDS: Do not abandon the 
     consensus that underpins U.S. leadership.
       PEPFAR, at its heart, is about coming to the aid of some of 
     our most vulnerable sisters and brothers. PEPFAR legislation 
     was carefully negotiated and reflects a consensus on how best 
     to proceed and on what works in HIV and AIDS prevention. By 
     setting aside the requirement that 33 percent of prevention 
     funding focus on ``abstinence-before-marriage,'' Congress is 
     summarily rejecting sound evidence and experience of what 
     actually works in reducing HIV and AIDS.
       Abandoning this approach through the Appropriations 
     process, rather than through the process of reauthorizing 
     PEPFAR, is also unwise, premature and counter-productive. 
     This is an important issue that requires careful 
     consideration of evidence and experience accumulated over a 
     period of years. We and others on the front lines look 
     forward to making our full case about the effectiveness of 
     abstinence, behavior change, and partner reduction as ways to 
     help save lives through the regular authorization process of 
     hearings and deliberation. This is where decisions should be 
     made in the interest of sound policy and on behalf of the 
     lives and dignity of those who are most affected by HIV and 
     AIDS.
       USCCB and CRS were major supporters of the PEPFAR 
     initiative when it was first announced in 2003. Since then, 
     we have been actively engaged in education and advocacy to 
     support major new investments in the U.S. commitment to fight 
     the global pandemic. As we prepare for the reauthorization of

[[Page H6867]]

     PEPFAR legislation, attempts to abandon the current approach 
     will seriously threaten consensus needed to expand U. S. 
     leadership on this issue. It would be tragic if efforts 
     to abandon this effective approach put at risk the 
     consensus and momentum for increased U.S. commitment and 
     investment in this life-saving initiative.
       We strongly urge the Committee to retain designated funding 
     for prevention of sexually transmitted HIV through abstinence 
     and fidelity education.
       PEPFAR included a 7 percent allocation (one-third of HIV 
     and AIDS prevention funds) for abstinence-before-marriage 
     programs. The State/Foreign Operations appropriations bill 
     abandons this commitment, even though there is a global 
     shortage of funding available for this critical and effective 
     method for preventing sexually-transmitted HIV.
       Since 2003, CRS has been one of the largest and most 
     successful partners in PEPFAR. In its extensive experience 
     and in the documented experience of others, only an approach 
     to sexually transmitted HIV prevention that has sufficient 
     funding for a behavior change strategy based on abstinence, 
     partner reduction, and faithfulness education has yielded 
     meaningful advances in stopping the spread of HIV. Educating 
     youth on the risks they may face and providing them with good 
     ``life skills'' so that they can make good, sound decisions, 
     actually saves lives. Evidence shows that the HIV and AIDS 
     prevalence rates in at least 7 of the 15 PEPFAR Focus 
     Countries are declining--and in every such case, there is a 
     significant decline in the reported numbers of sexual 
     partners and in the number of unmarried youth aged 15-24 who 
     are sexually active.
       There is no evidence that an increase in the use of condoms 
     alone, without abstinence and behavior change interventions, 
     has reduced the rate of AIDS cases. Our experience leads us 
     to strongly reaffirm the need for designated funding for 
     abstinence-until-marriage, funding that was virtually non-
     existent before PEPFAR. Without funding for such programs, 
     human lives, particularly in Africa, may be further 
     threatened. A recent Washington Post article presents 
     concrete evidence in this regard, affirming that in the case 
     of Botswana, ``soaring rates of condom use have not brought 
     down high HIV rates. Instead, they rose together, until both 
     were among the highest in Africa'' (``Speeding HIV's Deadly 
     Spread,'' Washington Post, March 2, 2007; p. A1).
       Congress has responded to the health needs of the poor 
     around the world with generosity. We ask that you support any 
     effort to restore the PEPFAR-mandated allocation for 
     ``abstinence-until-marriage'' funding. In addition, we urge 
     you to fully fund this important investment in preventing HIV 
     infections and saving lives, and not let it be side-tracked 
     into diversionary battles. Now is the time for new 
     investment, not re-fighting old battles.
       With appreciation for your continued support for addressing 
     the critical health needs of the poor around the world, we 
     remain,
           Sincerely yours,
     Thomas G. Wenski,
       Bishop of Orlando, Chairman, Committee on International 
     Policy.
     Ken Hackett,
       President, Catholic Relief Services.

  Mrs. LOWEY. Will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. WOLF. I yield to the gentlewoman.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I would just like to clarify and ask either the ranking 
member or the gentleman a question. Number one, I'm puzzled that you 
don't trust the President of the United States and give him the 
discretion. We're not changing the law. We're just giving the President 
the discretion. Now, that's Number one.
  Number two, I believe both gentlemen said that waivers can be issued. 
Of course waivers can be issued. I believe the gentlemen know that when 
a waiver is granted the other countries may make up the difference. So, 
for example, if waivers are granted to 50 percent of the countries, I 
think of my trip to Arusha, Tanzania. And there was a hut right in the 
middle of this community, a Masai village, and there were 15 huts 
around it. And the chief of that village went from hut to hut to hut to 
hut, spreading HIV/AIDS.
  Now, I'd be interested to know how this would work if the waivers are 
granted, and many of the other communities around the world have to 
make up for that waiver, how would this be done.
  And the gentleman, Number three, has also talked about a 
comprehensive program. Well, we may agree. I believe in abstinence. I 
think it's great. And if it can be implemented in Africa and Asia and 
all the other countries that are spreading HIV/AIDS like wildfire, I'm 
perfectly in support. But we're talking about comprehensive programs, 
including abstinence. And I'm glad the gentleman agrees that this 
should be comprehensive programs including abstinence. Would you like 
to respond?
  Mr. WOLF. I will yield to the gentleman first.
  Mr. PITTS. The only thing your amendment would do is remove the A and 
the B from the ABC model.
  Mrs. LOWEY. No, excuse me. There's confusion in the amendment. My 
amendment would give the President the authority, the President of 
these United States, with Ambassador Dybul, to make these decisions. 
We're not removing anything.
  Mr. PITTS. And the President could remove the A and the B, and just 
have the C. And when Ambassador Dybul was asked if any of the countries 
wanted waivers, they all said no.
  Mrs. LOWEY. May I inquire of the Chair how much time is remaining?
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman has 30 seconds remaining on her time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I move to strike the last word. And I'm pleased to yield 
2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).
  Ms. LEE. Let me thank our chairwoman for yielding and for her 
leadership, and just say, as one of the authors of the PEPFAR 
legislation, I actually helped write the majority of this legislation. 
I can tell you that while I did not agree nor support the 33 percent 
earmark, I know for a fact that this does not undo that earmark.
  Let me just tell you a couple of things. You probably have heard, and 
you know that over the next 10 years, more than 100 million girls in 
developing countries will be married before their 18th birthday, and 
often against their will.
  As currently written, the bill does not change the underlying 
abstinence-until-marriage earmark. For me that's unfortunate, but it 
doesn't change that. And it does not require the President to make any 
changes to current prevention funds. The current language merely 
provides the President with the flexibility to plan the most 
appropriate and sensitive and required program for countries per their 
request.
  The fact is, the administration has already waived, you're right, 
application of the abstinence earmark for certain countries receiving 
assistance under our global AIDS programs. But I want you to remember, 
ABC does mean abstinence, be faithful, use condoms.
  For many of these young girls, abstinence is not an option. And we 
must provide them with what they need to protect themselves. ABC is 
ABC.
  The Lowey language provides a very practical, commonsense, 1-year 
fix, mind you, 1 year. And it gives the President the authority to 
program global AIDS funding according to local country needs. 
Ultimately, it will be up to the President to determine whether to 
exercise this flexibility.
  This amendment, Mr. Pitts, it really does render a death sentence to 
millions of girls and their children and their babies.
  So I urge my colleagues to vote against restricting the ability of 
the President to save lives. And that's what this amendment would do. 
And so I hope that all of the posturing and all of the ideological 
debate today really comes down to the fact that we believe, all of us 
believe in ABC: Abstinence, be faithful, use condoms.
  And as I said, I helped write this bill. And I was much opposed to 
this earmark, but, believe me, I know that this does not remove it.
  And so I urge my colleagues to oppose the Pitts amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I'm very pleased to yield 1 minute to the 
distinguished gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps).
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment, and 
I thank the chairwoman of the Foreign Operations Committee for her 
leadership in this area.
  My life has been devoted to public health, to bettering it. And this 
amendment is bad public policy wherever it will affect lives. It 
forces, actually, bad public health policy and removes the flexibility 
to opt for better allocation of public health services.
  PEPFAR is extremely important to our fight against the transmission 
of HIV/AIDS and our treatment of the 40 million people living worldwide 
with this disease. But as the Institutes of Medicine and GAO have both 
reported, country teams have been greatly limited in their ability to 
provide effective lifesaving services by the restriction

[[Page H6868]]

that has been placed for the past several years.
  I applaud Chairwoman Lowey for lifting this restriction by allowing 
PEPFAR funds to be spent where they are actually needed in order to 
accomplish the program's goal.
  We spent all last week listening to complaints about a lack of 
responsible spending. Quite frankly, making the amount of funds 
available for proven effective public health programs dependent upon 
spending for unproven, ineffective programs is the epitome of 
irresponsible spending.
  So I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, to support 
responsibility.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the gentlelady. I believe I have 2 minutes, Mr. 
Chairman?
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman has 30 seconds under the 5-minute rule, 
and an additional 30 seconds under her original 15 minutes, a total of 
1 minute.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I just want to clarify for my distinguished 
ranking member and my colleague from Pennsylvania that what this does 
is give the President of the United States of America the authority, 
the flexibility.
  I believe in ABC, abstinence, be faithful, use condoms. But I want to 
make it very clear to my colleagues, when the administration uses the 
waiver, then the other countries of the world still have to meet that 
one-third percent when it comes to prevention, abstinence. All we're 
saying, again, is abstinence, be faithful, use condoms.
  We have to prevent unnecessary abortions. We have to save lives. We 
have to make sure that we do whatever we can to prevent the spread of 
HIV/AIDS.
  The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts).
  The question was taken; and the Chairman announced that the noes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings 
on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania will be 
postponed.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word for the 
purpose of a colloquy with the distinguished former Speaker, Mr. 
Hastert.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage in a colloquy with 
Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Wolf.
  I thank the gentlelady and Ranking Member Wolf for working with me 
throughout this process on an important issue that I have worked on for 
many years and that's Plan Colombia.
  As you know, Colombia is a critical U.S. ally in the region, and it's 
in our interest to cultivate this partnership to ensure that Colombia 
remains strong.
  I sincerely appreciate the chairwoman's efforts to address my 
concerns about the overall cuts to the program, particularly given the 
constraints of the bill. However, I still have concerns about funding 
levels provided for the Colombian aviation programs, as well as some of 
the certification requirements contained in the bill.
  Alternative livelihood, which the chairwoman is very interested in, 
and I am too, and other developmental projects are certainly vital to 
our overall effort in Colombia, but they can only be successful in 
areas where the Colombian Government maintains territorial control.
  That being said, I would like to continue working with the chairwoman 
and ranking member to address some of these issues as we move forward 
to conference.
  Madam Chairman, once again, I thank you and I look forward to working 
with you as the process continues.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Reclaiming my time, to my friend the former Speaker, I 
want to thank you for the collaborative way you have worked with me and 
our ranking member, Mr. Wolf. I would like to commend you for your many 
years of dedicated and unyielding work on Colombia.
  I, as you, have long been deeply concerned about the situation facing 
us in the war on drugs. We agree that increasing drug interdiction 
efforts is necessary. We also agree that Colombia is a vital partner 
and ally of the United States.
  I want to say again that I fully recognize the strategic importance 
of Colombia. In no way does this bill reduce our steadfast support to 
our friends in Colombia.
  I've tried, in this bill, working with my good friend, Mr. Wolf, to 
strike a more balanced strategy that shifts the aid from the military 
and strengthens civilian governments, humanitarian assistance and rural 
development.
  I continue to believe that we need to attack the underlying and 
pervasive poverty that is at the root of the problems in Colombia, as 
well as the region. I've attempted to increase the social component in 
our assistance to Colombia and begin Colombianization of the the 
military package and place a greater emphasis on interdiction rather 
than eradication.
  This bill also increases funding for judges, prosecutors and rule of 
law and creates jobs in the legal economy.
  Again, I say to my good friend from Illinois, I greatly appreciate 
your advice, the give-and-take you have provided as we drafted this 
bill. I want to assure the gentleman that the committee will continue 
to pay close attention to his concerns as we work through the next 
stages of the process.
  Mr. WOLF. Would the gentlelady yield?
  Mrs. LOWEY. I would be happy to yield to the gentleman from Virginia.
  Mr. WOLF. I want to join my colleagues in continuing to work on the 
important issue. U.S. assistance to Colombia has been directly 
responsible for bringing stability to the country. The people of 
Colombia couldn't travel freely, but now they can. The security is due 
to Plan Colombia. I appreciate the Speaker's hard work over the years 
on this issue.
  I want to thank Mrs. Lowey, Chairwoman Lowey for really being very 
open and taking all the time to kind of work this out.
  Mr. HASTERT. If the gentlewoman would continue to yield. I too would 
just like to say thank you for your hard work, and I'm honored to 
continue to work with you on this issue. Thank you very much.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the gentleman. And it was a pleasure working with 
you, and I look forward to continuing to work together on this 
important issue.


                      Announcement By the Chairman

  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, proceedings will 
now resume on those amendments on which further proceedings were 
postponed, in the following order:
  An amendment by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida.
  An amendment by Mr. Wolf of Virginia.
  An amendment by Mr. Shays of Connecticut.
  An amendment by Mr. Garrett of New Jersey.
  An amendment by Ms. Foxx of North Carolina.
  An amendment by Mr. Pitts of Pennsylvania.
  The Chair will reduce to 2 minutes the time for any electronic vote 
after the first vote in this series.

                              {time}  1430


        Amendment Offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida

  The CHAIRMAN. The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded 
vote on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. 
Lincoln Diaz-Balart) on which further proceedings were postponed and on 
which the noes prevailed by voice vote.
  The Clerk will redesignate the amendment.
  The Clerk redesignated the amendment.


                             Recorded Vote

  The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has been demanded.
  A recorded vote was ordered.
  The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 254, 
noes 170, not voting 13, as follows:

                             [Roll No. 527]

                               AYES--254

     Aderholt
     Akin
     Alexander
     Altmire
     Andrews
     Arcuri
     Baca
     Bachmann
     Bachus
     Baker
     Barrett (SC)
     Barrow
     Bartlett (MD)
     Barton (TX)
     Bean
     Berkley
     Biggert
     Bilbray
     Bilirakis
     Bishop (UT)
     Blackburn
     Blunt
     Boehner
     Bono

[[Page H6869]]


     Boozman
     Bordallo
     Boren
     Boustany
     Boyd (FL)
     Brady (TX)
     Braley (IA)
     Brown (SC)
     Brown, Corrine
     Brown-Waite, Ginny
     Buchanan
     Burgess
     Burton (IN)
     Butterfield
     Buyer
     Calvert
     Camp (MI)
     Campbell (CA)
     Cannon
     Cantor
     Capito
     Cardoza
     Carnahan
     Carney
     Carter
     Castle
     Castor
     Chabot
     Chandler
     Clyburn
     Coble
     Cole (OK)
     Conaway
     Crenshaw
     Cuellar
     Culberson
     Davis (AL)
     Davis (KY)
     Davis, David
     Davis, Tom
     Deal (GA)
     Dent
     Diaz-Balart, L.
     Diaz-Balart, M.
     Donnelly
     Doolittle
     Drake
     Dreier
     Duncan
     Edwards
     Ehlers
     Ellsworth
     Engel
     English (PA)
     Everett
     Faleomavaega
     Fallin
     Feeney
     Ferguson
     Forbes
     Fortenberry
     Fossella
     Foxx
     Franks (AZ)
     Frelinghuysen
     Gallegly
     Garrett (NJ)
     Gerlach
     Giffords
     Gilchrest
     Gillibrand
     Gillmor
     Gingrey
     Gohmert
     Goode
     Goodlatte
     Graves
     Green, Gene
     Gutierrez
     Hall (TX)
     Hare
     Hastert
     Hastings (FL)
     Hastings (WA)
     Hayes
     Heller
     Hensarling
     Herger
     Higgins
     Hobson
     Hoekstra
     Hulshof
     Inglis (SC)
     Issa
     Jefferson
     Jindal
     Johnson, Sam
     Jones (OH)
     Jordan
     Keller
     Kennedy
     King (IA)
     King (NY)
     Kingston
     Kirk
     Klein (FL)
     Kline (MN)
     Knollenberg
     Kuhl (NY)
     LaHood
     Lamborn
     Latham
     LaTourette
     Lewis (CA)
     Lewis (KY)
     Linder
     Lipinski
     LoBiondo
     Lofgren, Zoe
     Lucas
     Lungren, Daniel E.
     Mack
     Mahoney (FL)
     Manzullo
     Marchant
     Marshall
     McCarthy (CA)
     McCaul (TX)
     McCotter
     McCrery
     McHenry
     McHugh
     McIntyre
     McKeon
     McMorris Rodgers
     Meek (FL)
     Melancon
     Mica
     Miller (FL)
     Miller (MI)
     Miller (NC)
     Miller, Gary
     Mitchell
     Murphy, Patrick
     Murphy, Tim
     Musgrave
     Myrick
     Neugebauer
     Nunes
     Pallone
     Pascrell
     Payne
     Pearce
     Pence
     Perlmutter
     Peterson (PA)
     Petri
     Pitts
     Platts
     Poe
     Porter
     Price (GA)
     Pryce (OH)
     Putnam
     Radanovich
     Ramstad
     Regula
     Rehberg
     Reichert
     Renzi
     Reynolds
     Rogers (AL)
     Rogers (KY)
     Rogers (MI)
     Rohrabacher
     Ros-Lehtinen
     Roskam
     Rothman
     Royce
     Ryan (OH)
     Ryan (WI)
     Salazar
     Sali
     Saxton
     Schiff
     Schmidt
     Sensenbrenner
     Sessions
     Sestak
     Shadegg
     Shays
     Sherman
     Shimkus
     Shuler
     Shuster
     Simpson
     Sires
     Skelton
     Smith (NE)
     Smith (NJ)
     Smith (TX)
     Souder
     Space
     Spratt
     Stearns
     Tancredo
     Terry
     Thornberry
     Tiahrt
     Tiberi
     Turner
     Upton
     Walberg
     Walden (OR)
     Walsh (NY)
     Wamp
     Wasserman Schultz
     Weldon (FL)
     Weller
     Westmoreland
     Wexler
     Whitfield
     Wicker
     Wilson (NM)
     Wilson (OH)
     Wilson (SC)
     Wolf
     Wu
     Young (AK)
     Young (FL)

                               NOES--170

     Ackerman
     Allen
     Baird
     Baldwin
     Becerra
     Berman
     Berry
     Bishop (GA)
     Bishop (NY)
     Blumenauer
     Boswell
     Boucher
     Boyda (KS)
     Brady (PA)
     Capps
     Capuano
     Carson
     Christensen
     Clarke
     Clay
     Cleaver
     Cohen
     Conyers
     Cooper
     Costa
     Costello
     Courtney
     Crowley
     Cummings
     Davis (CA)
     Davis (IL)
     Davis, Lincoln
     DeFazio
     DeGette
     Delahunt
     DeLauro
     Dicks
     Dingell
     Doggett
     Doyle
     Ellison
     Emanuel
     Emerson
     Eshoo
     Etheridge
     Farr
     Fattah
     Filner
     Flake
     Frank (MA)
     Gonzalez
     Gordon
     Green, Al
     Grijalva
     Hall (NY)
     Harman
     Herseth Sandlin
     Hill
     Hinchey
     Hinojosa
     Hirono
     Hodes
     Holden
     Holt
     Honda
     Hooley
     Hoyer
     Inslee
     Israel
     Jackson (IL)
     Jackson-Lee (TX)
     Johnson (GA)
     Johnson (IL)
     Johnson, E. B.
     Jones (NC)
     Kagen
     Kanjorski
     Kaptur
     Kildee
     Kilpatrick
     Kind
     Kucinich
     Lampson
     Langevin
     Lantos
     Larsen (WA)
     Larson (CT)
     Lee
     Levin
     Lewis (GA)
     Loebsack
     Lowey
     Lynch
     Maloney (NY)
     Markey
     Matheson
     Matsui
     McCarthy (NY)
     McCollum (MN)
     McDermott
     McGovern
     McNerney
     McNulty
     Meehan
     Meeks (NY)
     Michaud
     Miller, George
     Mollohan
     Moore (KS)
     Moore (WI)
     Moran (KS)
     Moran (VA)
     Murphy (CT)
     Murtha
     Nadler
     Napolitano
     Neal (MA)
     Norton
     Oberstar
     Obey
     Olver
     Pastor
     Paul
     Peterson (MN)
     Pomeroy
     Price (NC)
     Rahall
     Rangel
     Reyes
     Rodriguez
     Ross
     Roybal-Allard
     Ruppersberger
     Rush
     Sanchez, Linda T.
     Sarbanes
     Schakowsky
     Schwartz
     Scott (GA)
     Scott (VA)
     Serrano
     Shea-Porter
     Slaughter
     Smith (WA)
     Snyder
     Solis
     Stark
     Stupak
     Sutton
     Tanner
     Tauscher
     Taylor
     Thompson (CA)
     Thompson (MS)
     Tierney
     Towns
     Udall (CO)
     Udall (NM)
     Van Hollen
     Velazquez
     Visclosky
     Walz (MN)
     Waters
     Watson
     Watt
     Weiner
     Welch (VT)
     Woolsey
     Wynn
     Yarmuth

                             NOT VOTING--13

     Abercrombie
     Bonner
     Cramer
     Cubin
     Davis, Jo Ann
     Fortuno
     Granger
     Hunter
     Ortiz
     Pickering
     Sanchez, Loretta
     Sullivan
     Waxman

                              {time}  1456

  Mr. BERMAN and Mr. CONYERS changed their vote from ``aye to ``no.''
  Messrs. HIGGINS, CARNEY, MILLER of North Carolina, JEFFERSON, 
GUTIERREZ, SCHIFF, MELANCON, RYAN of Ohio, KENNEDY and SPRATT, and Mrs. 
JONES of Ohio, Ms. BORDALLO and Ms. GIFFORDS changed their vote from 
``no'' to ``aye.''
  So the amendment was agreed to.
  The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.


                     Amendment Offered by Mr. Wolf

  The CHAIRMAN. The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded 
vote on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) 
on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the noes 
prevailed by voice vote.
  The Clerk will redesignate the amendment.
  The Clerk redesignated the amendment.


                             Recorded Vote

  The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has been demanded.
  A recorded vote was ordered.
  The CHAIRMAN. This will be a 2-minute vote.
  The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 205, 
noes 219, not voting 13, as follows:

                             [Roll No. 528]

                               AYES--205

     Aderholt
     Akin
     Alexander
     Bachmann
     Bachus
     Baker
     Barrett (SC)
     Barrow
     Bartlett (MD)
     Barton (TX)
     Biggert
     Bilbray
     Bilirakis
     Bishop (UT)
     Blackburn
     Blunt
     Boehner
     Bono
     Boozman
     Boren
     Boustany
     Brady (TX)
     Brown (SC)
     Brown-Waite, Ginny
     Buchanan
     Burgess
     Burton (IN)
     Buyer
     Calvert
     Camp (MI)
     Campbell (CA)
     Cannon
     Cantor
     Capito
     Carney
     Carter
     Castle
     Chabot
     Chandler
     Coble
     Cole (OK)
     Conaway
     Crenshaw
     Culberson
     Davis (KY)
     Davis, David
     Davis, Tom
     Deal (GA)
     Dent
     Diaz-Balart, L.
     Donnelly
     Doolittle
     Drake
     Dreier
     Ehlers
     Ellsworth
     Emerson
     English (PA)
     Everett
     Fallin
     Feeney
     Ferguson
     Flake
     Forbes
     Fortenberry
     Fossella
     Foxx
     Franks (AZ)
     Frelinghuysen
     Gallegly
     Garrett (NJ)
     Gerlach
     Giffords
     Gilchrest
     Gillibrand
     Gillmor
     Gingrey
     Gohmert
     Goode
     Goodlatte
     Granger
     Graves
     Hall (TX)
     Hastert
     Hastings (WA)
     Hayes
     Heller
     Hensarling
     Herger
     Hobson
     Hoekstra
     Hulshof
     Inglis (SC)
     Issa
     Jindal
     Johnson (IL)
     Johnson, Sam
     Jordan
     Keller
     King (IA)
     King (NY)
     Kingston
     Kirk
     Kline (MN)
     Knollenberg
     Kuhl (NY)
     LaHood
     Lamborn
     Lampson
     Latham
     LaTourette
     Lewis (CA)
     Lewis (KY)
     Linder
     Lipinski
     LoBiondo
     Lucas
     Lungren, Daniel E.
     Mack
     Mahoney (FL)
     Manzullo
     Marchant
     Marshall
     McCarthy (CA)
     McCaul (TX)
     McCotter
     McCrery
     McHenry
     McHugh
     McKeon
     McMorris Rodgers
     Mica
     Miller (FL)
     Miller, Gary
     Moran (KS)
     Murphy, Patrick
     Musgrave
     Myrick
     Neugebauer
     Nunes
     Pearce
     Pence
     Peterson (PA)
     Petri
     Pitts
     Platts
     Poe
     Porter
     Price (GA)
     Pryce (OH)
     Putnam
     Radanovich
     Ramstad
     Regula
     Rehberg
     Reichert
     Renzi
     Reynolds
     Rogers (AL)
     Rogers (KY)
     Rogers (MI)
     Rohrabacher
     Ros-Lehtinen
     Roskam
     Royce
     Ryan (WI)
     Sali
     Saxton
     Schmidt
     Sensenbrenner
     Sessions
     Shadegg
     Shays
     Sherman
     Shimkus
     Shuler
     Shuster
     Simpson
     Smith (NE)
     Smith (NJ)
     Smith (TX)
     Souder
     Stearns
     Stupak
     Tancredo
     Terry
     Thornberry
     Tiahrt
     Tiberi
     Turner
     Upton
     Walberg
     Walden (OR)
     Walsh (NY)
     Wamp
     Weldon (FL)
     Weller
     Westmoreland
     Whitfield
     Wicker
     Wilson (NM)
     Wilson (SC)
     Wolf
     Young (AK)
     Young (FL)

                               NOES--219

     Ackerman
     Allen
     Altmire
     Andrews
     Arcuri
     Baca
     Baird
     Baldwin
     Bean
     Becerra
     Berkley
     Berman
     Berry
     Bishop (GA)
     Bishop (NY)
     Blumenauer
     Bordallo
     Boswell
     Boucher
     Boyd (FL)
     Boyda (KS)
     Brady (PA)
     Braley (IA)
     Brown, Corrine
     Butterfield
     Capps
     Capuano
     Cardoza
     Carnahan
     Carson
     Castor
     Christensen
     Clarke
     Clay
     Cleaver
     Clyburn
     Cohen
     Conyers
     Cooper
     Costa
     Costello
     Courtney
     Crowley
     Cuellar
     Cummings
     Davis (AL)
     Davis (CA)
     Davis (IL)
     Davis, Lincoln
     DeFazio
     DeGette
     Delahunt
     DeLauro
     Dicks
     Dingell
     Doggett
     Doyle
     Duncan
     Edwards
     Ellison
     Emanuel
     Engel
     Eshoo
     Etheridge
     Faleomavaega
     Farr
     Fattah
     Filner
     Frank (MA)
     Gonzalez
     Gordon
     Green, Al
     Green, Gene
     Grijalva
     Gutierrez
     Hall (NY)
     Hare
     Harman
     Hastings (FL)
     Herseth Sandlin
     Higgins
     Hill
     Hinchey
     Hinojosa
     Hirono
     Hodes
     Holden
     Holt
     Honda
     Hooley
     Hoyer
     Inslee
     Israel

[[Page H6870]]


     Jackson (IL)
     Jackson-Lee (TX)
     Jefferson
     Johnson (GA)
     Johnson, E. B.
     Jones (NC)
     Jones (OH)
     Kagen
     Kanjorski
     Kaptur
     Kennedy
     Kildee
     Kilpatrick
     Kind
     Klein (FL)
     Kucinich
     Langevin
     Lantos
     Larsen (WA)
     Larson (CT)
     Lee
     Levin
     Lewis (GA)
     Loebsack
     Lofgren, Zoe
     Lowey
     Lynch
     Maloney (NY)
     Markey
     Matheson
     Matsui
     McCarthy (NY)
     McCollum (MN)
     McDermott
     McGovern
     McIntyre
     McNerney
     McNulty
     Meehan
     Meek (FL)
     Meeks (NY)
     Melancon
     Michaud
     Miller (MI)
     Miller (NC)
     Miller, George
     Mitchell
     Mollohan
     Moore (KS)
     Moore (WI)
     Moran (VA)
     Murphy (CT)
     Murphy, Tim
     Murtha
     Nadler
     Napolitano
     Neal (MA)
     Norton
     Oberstar
     Obey
     Olver
     Pallone
     Pascrell
     Pastor
     Paul
     Payne
     Perlmutter
     Peterson (MN)
     Pomeroy
     Price (NC)
     Rahall
     Rangel
     Reyes
     Rodriguez
     Ross
     Rothman
     Roybal-Allard
     Ruppersberger
     Rush
     Ryan (OH)
     Salazar
     Sanchez, Linda T.
     Sarbanes
     Schakowsky
     Schiff
     Schwartz
     Scott (GA)
     Scott (VA)
     Serrano
     Sestak
     Shea-Porter
     Sires
     Skelton
     Slaughter
     Smith (WA)
     Snyder
     Solis
     Space
     Spratt
     Stark
     Sutton
     Tanner
     Tauscher
     Taylor
     Thompson (CA)
     Thompson (MS)
     Tierney
     Towns
     Udall (CO)
     Udall (NM)
     Van Hollen
     Velazquez
     Visclosky
     Walz (MN)
     Wasserman Schultz
     Waters
     Watson
     Watt
     Weiner
     Welch (VT)
     Wexler
     Wilson (OH)
     Woolsey
     Wu
     Wynn
     Yarmuth

                             NOT VOTING--13

     Abercrombie
     Bonner
     Cramer
     Cubin
     Davis, Jo Ann
     Diaz-Balart, M.
     Fortuno
     Hunter
     Ortiz
     Pickering
     Sanchez, Loretta
     Sullivan
     Waxman


                      Announcement by the Chairman

  The CHAIRMAN. There is 1 minute remaining on this vote.

                              {time}  1501

  Mr. BUYER changed his vote from ``no'' to ``aye.''
  So the amendment was rejected.
  The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.


                     Amendment Offered by Mr. Shays

  The CHAIRMAN. The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded 
vote on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. 
Shays) on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the 
ayes prevailed by voice vote.
  The Clerk will redesignate the amendment.
  The Clerk redesignated the amendment.


                             Recorded Vote

  The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has been demanded.
  A recorded vote was ordered.
  The CHAIRMAN. This will be a 2-minute vote.
  The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 355, 
noes 69, not voting 13, as follows:

                             [Roll No. 529]

                               AYES--355

     Ackerman
     Aderholt
     Alexander
     Allen
     Altmire
     Andrews
     Arcuri
     Baca
     Bachmann
     Bachus
     Baird
     Baldwin
     Barrow
     Bartlett (MD)
     Barton (TX)
     Bean
     Becerra
     Berkley
     Berman
     Berry
     Biggert
     Bilbray
     Bilirakis
     Bishop (GA)
     Bishop (NY)
     Blumenauer
     Blunt
     Bono
     Boozman
     Bordallo
     Boren
     Boswell
     Boucher
     Boustany
     Boyd (FL)
     Boyda (KS)
     Brady (PA)
     Braley (IA)
     Brown (SC)
     Brown, Corrine
     Buchanan
     Burgess
     Butterfield
     Calvert
     Camp (MI)
     Campbell (CA)
     Capito
     Capps
     Capuano
     Cardoza
     Carnahan
     Carney
     Carson
     Carter
     Castle
     Castor
     Chabot
     Chandler
     Christensen
     Clarke
     Clay
     Clyburn
     Cohen
     Cole (OK)
     Conaway
     Conyers
     Cooper
     Costa
     Costello
     Courtney
     Crenshaw
     Crowley
     Cuellar
     Culberson
     Cummings
     Davis (AL)
     Davis (CA)
     Davis (IL)
     Davis (KY)
     Davis, Lincoln
     Davis, Tom
     DeFazio
     DeGette
     Delahunt
     DeLauro
     Dent
     Diaz-Balart, L.
     Diaz-Balart, M.
     Dicks
     Doggett
     Donnelly
     Doolittle
     Doyle
     Dreier
     Edwards
     Ehlers
     Ellison
     Ellsworth
     Emanuel
     Emerson
     Engel
     English (PA)
     Eshoo
     Etheridge
     Faleomavaega
     Fallin
     Farr
     Ferguson
     Filner
     Fortenberry
     Foxx
     Frank (MA)
     Frelinghuysen
     Gallegly
     Garrett (NJ)
     Gerlach
     Giffords
     Gilchrest
     Gillibrand
     Gillmor
     Gingrey
     Gohmert
     Gonzalez
     Goodlatte
     Gordon
     Granger
     Graves
     Green, Al
     Green, Gene
     Grijalva
     Hall (NY)
     Hall (TX)
     Hare
     Harman
     Hastert
     Hastings (FL)
     Hastings (WA)
     Herseth Sandlin
     Higgins
     Hill
     Hinchey
     Hirono
     Hobson
     Hodes
     Hoekstra
     Holden
     Holt
     Honda
     Hooley
     Hoyer
     Hulshof
     Inglis (SC)
     Inslee
     Issa
     Jackson (IL)
     Jackson-Lee (TX)
     Jefferson
     Jindal
     Johnson (GA)
     Johnson (IL)
     Johnson, E. B.
     Johnson, Sam
     Jones (NC)
     Jones (OH)
     Kagen
     Kanjorski
     Kaptur
     Keller
     Kennedy
     Kildee
     Kilpatrick
     Kind
     King (NY)
     Kirk
     Klein (FL)
     Kline (MN)
     Knollenberg
     Kucinich
     Kuhl (NY)
     LaHood
     Lampson
     Langevin
     Lantos
     Larsen (WA)
     Larson (CT)
     Latham
     LaTourette
     Lee
     Levin
     Lewis (CA)
     Lewis (GA)
     Lewis (KY)
     Lipinski
     LoBiondo
     Loebsack
     Lowey
     Lucas
     Lungren, Daniel E.
     Lynch
     Mack
     Mahoney (FL)
     Maloney (NY)
     Manzullo
     Marchant
     Markey
     Marshall
     Matheson
     Matsui
     McCarthy (CA)
     McCarthy (NY)
     McCaul (TX)
     McCollum (MN)
     McDermott
     McGovern
     McHenry
     McHugh
     McIntyre
     McKeon
     McMorris Rodgers
     McNerney
     McNulty
     Meehan
     Meek (FL)
     Meeks (NY)
     Melancon
     Michaud
     Miller (MI)
     Miller (NC)
     Miller, Gary
     Miller, George
     Mitchell
     Mollohan
     Moore (KS)
     Moore (WI)
     Moran (KS)
     Moran (VA)
     Murphy (CT)
     Murphy, Tim
     Murtha
     Musgrave
     Myrick
     Nadler
     Napolitano
     Neal (MA)
     Neugebauer
     Norton
     Nunes
     Oberstar
     Obey
     Olver
     Pallone
     Pascrell
     Pastor
     Paul
     Payne
     Pearce
     Perlmutter
     Peterson (MN)
     Peterson (PA)
     Petri
     Platts
     Pomeroy
     Porter
     Price (GA)
     Price (NC)
     Pryce (OH)
     Rahall
     Ramstad
     Rangel
     Regula
     Reichert
     Renzi
     Reyes
     Reynolds
     Rodriguez
     Rogers (KY)
     Rogers (MI)
     Ros-Lehtinen
     Roskam
     Ross
     Rothman
     Roybal-Allard
     Ruppersberger
     Rush
     Ryan (OH)
     Ryan (WI)
     Salazar
     Sanchez, Linda T.
     Sarbanes
     Saxton
     Schakowsky
     Schiff
     Schmidt
     Schwartz
     Scott (GA)
     Scott (VA)
     Serrano
     Sessions
     Sestak
     Shays
     Shea-Porter
     Sherman
     Shimkus
     Shuler
     Simpson
     Sires
     Skelton
     Slaughter
     Smith (NE)
     Smith (NJ)
     Smith (TX)
     Smith (WA)
     Snyder
     Solis
     Space
     Spratt
     Stark
     Stearns
     Stupak
     Sutton
     Tancredo
     Tanner
     Tauscher
     Taylor
     Terry
     Thompson (CA)
     Thompson (MS)
     Thornberry
     Tiahrt
     Tiberi
     Towns
     Turner
     Udall (CO)
     Udall (NM)
     Upton
     Van Hollen
     Velazquez
     Visclosky
     Walberg
     Walden (OR)
     Walsh (NY)
     Walz (MN)
     Wamp
     Watt
     Weiner
     Weller
     Wexler
     Whitfield
     Wicker
     Wilson (OH)
     Wolf
     Woolsey
     Wynn
     Yarmuth
     Young (AK)

                                NOES--69

     Akin
     Baker
     Barrett (SC)
     Bishop (UT)
     Blackburn
     Boehner
     Brady (TX)
     Brown-Waite, Ginny
     Burton (IN)
     Buyer
     Cannon
     Cantor
     Cleaver
     Coble
     Davis, David
     Deal (GA)
     Dingell
     Drake
     Duncan
     Everett
     Fattah
     Feeney
     Flake
     Forbes
     Fossella
     Franks (AZ)
     Goode
     Gutierrez
     Hayes
     Hensarling
     Herger
     Hinojosa
     Israel
     Jordan
     King (IA)
     Kingston
     Lamborn
     Linder
     Lofgren, Zoe
     McCotter
     McCrery
     Mica
     Miller (FL)
     Murphy, Patrick
     Pence
     Pitts
     Poe
     Putnam
     Radanovich
     Rehberg
     Rogers (AL)
     Rohrabacher
     Royce
     Sali
     Sensenbrenner
     Shadegg
     Shuster
     Souder
     Tierney
     Wasserman Schultz
     Waters
     Watson
     Welch (VT)
     Weldon (FL)
     Westmoreland
     Wilson (NM)
     Wilson (SC)
     Wu
     Young (FL)

                             NOT VOTING--13

     Abercrombie
     Bonner
     Cramer
     Cubin
     Davis, Jo Ann
     Fortuno
     Heller
     Hunter
     Ortiz
     Pickering
     Sanchez, Loretta
     Sullivan
     Waxman


                      Announcement by the Chairman

  The CHAIRMAN (during the vote). There is 1 minute remaining in the 
vote.

                              {time}  1505

  So the amendment was agreed to.
  The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.


             Amendment Offered by Mr. Garrett of New Jersey

  The CHAIRMAN. The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded 
vote on the amendment offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Garrett) on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the 
noes prevailed by voice vote.
  The Clerk will redesignate the amendment.
  The Clerk redesignated the amendment.


                             Recorded Vote

  The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has been demanded.
  A recorded vote was ordered.
  The CHAIRMAN. This will be a 2-minute vote.
  The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 192, 
noes 232, not voting 13, as follows:

                             [Roll No. 530]

                               AYES--192

     Akin
     Alexander
     Altmire
     Bachmann
     Bachus
     Baker
     Barrett (SC)
     Barrow
     Bartlett (MD)
     Barton (TX)
     Berkley
     Bilbray
     Bilirakis
     Bishop (UT)
     Blackburn
     Blunt
     Boehner
     Bono

[[Page H6871]]


     Boren
     Boustany
     Brady (TX)
     Brown (SC)
     Brown-Waite, Ginny
     Buchanan
     Burgess
     Burton (IN)
     Buyer
     Calvert
     Camp (MI)
     Campbell (CA)
     Cannon
     Cantor
     Capito
     Carter
     Chabot
     Coble
     Cole (OK)
     Conaway
     Cuellar
     Culberson
     Davis (AL)
     Davis (KY)
     Davis, David
     Deal (GA)
     Dent
     Diaz-Balart, L.
     Diaz-Balart, M.
     Donnelly
     Doolittle
     Drake
     Dreier
     Duncan
     Ehlers
     Ellsworth
     Fallin
     Feeney
     Ferguson
     Flake
     Forbes
     Fossella
     Foxx
     Franks (AZ)
     Frelinghuysen
     Gallegly
     Garrett (NJ)
     Gerlach
     Giffords
     Gillibrand
     Gingrey
     Gohmert
     Goode
     Goodlatte
     Granger
     Graves
     Green, Gene
     Hall (NY)
     Hall (TX)
     Hastert
     Hastings (WA)
     Hayes
     Heller
     Hensarling
     Hoekstra
     Hulshof
     Inglis (SC)
     Issa
     Jindal
     Johnson (IL)
     Johnson, Sam
     Jones (NC)
     Jordan
     Keller
     King (IA)
     King (NY)
     Kingston
     Kline (MN)
     Kuhl (NY)
     Lamborn
     Lampson
     Latham
     Lewis (KY)
     Linder
     LoBiondo
     Lucas
     Lungren, Daniel E.
     Lynch
     Mack
     Mahoney (FL)
     Marchant
     Marshall
     Matheson
     McCarthy (CA)
     McCaul (TX)
     McCotter
     McCrery
     McHenry
     McHugh
     McIntyre
     McKeon
     McMorris Rodgers
     Melancon
     Mica
     Miller (FL)
     Miller (MI)
     Miller, Gary
     Moran (KS)
     Murphy (CT)
     Murphy, Patrick
     Murphy, Tim
     Musgrave
     Myrick
     Neugebauer
     Nunes
     Paul
     Pearce
     Pence
     Peterson (PA)
     Petri
     Pitts
     Platts
     Poe
     Porter
     Price (GA)
     Pryce (OH)
     Putnam
     Radanovich
     Ramstad
     Rehberg
     Reichert
     Renzi
     Reynolds
     Rogers (AL)
     Rogers (KY)
     Rogers (MI)
     Rohrabacher
     Ros-Lehtinen
     Roskam
     Royce
     Ryan (WI)
     Sali
     Saxton
     Schmidt
     Sensenbrenner
     Sessions
     Shadegg
     Sherman
     Shimkus
     Shuler
     Shuster
     Smith (NE)
     Smith (TX)
     Souder
     Space
     Stearns
     Tancredo
     Taylor
     Terry
     Thornberry
     Tiahrt
     Tiberi
     Upton
     Walberg
     Walden (OR)
     Wamp
     Weldon (FL)
     Weller
     Westmoreland
     Whitfield
     Wicker
     Wilson (NM)
     Wilson (SC)
     Wu

                               NOES--232

     Ackerman
     Aderholt
     Allen
     Andrews
     Arcuri
     Baca
     Baird
     Baldwin
     Bean
     Becerra
     Berman
     Berry
     Biggert
     Bishop (GA)
     Bishop (NY)
     Blumenauer
     Boozman
     Bordallo
     Boswell
     Boucher
     Boyd (FL)
     Boyda (KS)
     Brady (PA)
     Braley (IA)
     Brown, Corrine
     Butterfield
     Capps
     Capuano
     Cardoza
     Carnahan
     Carney
     Carson
     Castle
     Castor
     Chandler
     Christensen
     Clarke
     Clay
     Cleaver
     Clyburn
     Cohen
     Conyers
     Cooper
     Costa
     Costello
     Courtney
     Crenshaw
     Crowley
     Cummings
     Davis (CA)
     Davis (IL)
     Davis, Lincoln
     Davis, Tom
     DeFazio
     DeGette
     Delahunt
     DeLauro
     Dicks
     Dingell
     Doggett
     Doyle
     Edwards
     Ellison
     Emanuel
     Emerson
     Engel
     English (PA)
     Eshoo
     Etheridge
     Everett
     Faleomavaega
     Farr
     Fattah
     Filner
     Fortenberry
     Frank (MA)
     Gilchrest
     Gillmor
     Gonzalez
     Gordon
     Green, Al
     Grijalva
     Gutierrez
     Hare
     Harman
     Hastings (FL)
     Herger
     Herseth Sandlin
     Higgins
     Hill
     Hinchey
     Hinojosa
     Hirono
     Hobson
     Hodes
     Holden
     Holt
     Honda
     Hooley
     Hoyer
     Inslee
     Israel
     Jackson (IL)
     Jackson-Lee (TX)
     Jefferson
     Johnson (GA)
     Johnson, E. B.
     Jones (OH)
     Kagen
     Kanjorski
     Kaptur
     Kennedy
     Kildee
     Kilpatrick
     Kind
     Kirk
     Klein (FL)
     Knollenberg
     Kucinich
     LaHood
     Langevin
     Lantos
     Larsen (WA)
     Larson (CT)
     LaTourette
     Lee
     Levin
     Lewis (CA)
     Lewis (GA)
     Lipinski
     Loebsack
     Lofgren, Zoe
     Lowey
     Maloney (NY)
     Manzullo
     Markey
     Matsui
     McCarthy (NY)
     McCollum (MN)
     McDermott
     McGovern
     McNerney
     McNulty
     Meehan
     Meek (FL)
     Meeks (NY)
     Michaud
     Miller (NC)
     Miller, George
     Mitchell
     Mollohan
     Moore (KS)
     Moore (WI)
     Moran (VA)
     Murtha
     Nadler
     Napolitano
     Neal (MA)
     Norton
     Oberstar
     Obey
     Olver
     Pallone
     Pascrell
     Pastor
     Payne
     Perlmutter
     Peterson (MN)
     Pomeroy
     Price (NC)
     Rahall
     Regula
     Reyes
     Rodriguez
     Ross
     Rothman
     Roybal-Allard
     Ruppersberger
     Rush
     Ryan (OH)
     Salazar
     Sanchez, Linda T.
     Sarbanes
     Schakowsky
     Schiff
     Schwartz
     Scott (GA)
     Scott (VA)
     Serrano
     Sestak
     Shays
     Shea-Porter
     Simpson
     Sires
     Skelton
     Slaughter
     Smith (NJ)
     Smith (WA)
     Snyder
     Solis
     Spratt
     Stark
     Stupak
     Sutton
     Tanner
     Tauscher
     Thompson (CA)
     Thompson (MS)
     Tierney
     Towns
     Turner
     Udall (CO)
     Udall (NM)
     Van Hollen
     Velazquez
     Visclosky
     Walsh (NY)
     Walz (MN)
     Wasserman Schultz
     Waters
     Watson
     Watt
     Weiner
     Welch (VT)
     Wexler
     Wilson (OH)
     Wolf
     Woolsey
     Wynn
     Yarmuth
     Young (AK)
     Young (FL)

                             NOT VOTING--13

     Abercrombie
     Bonner
     Cramer
     Cubin
     Davis, Jo Ann
     Fortuno
     Hunter
     Ortiz
     Pickering
     Rangel
     Sanchez, Loretta
     Sullivan
     Waxman


                      Announcement by the Chairman

  The CHAIRMAN (during the vote). One minute remains in this vote.

                              {time}  1509

  Mr. BOUSTANY changed his vote from ``no'' to ``aye.''
  So the amendment was rejected.
  The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.


                     Amendment Offered by Ms. Foxx

  The CHAIRMAN. The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded 
vote on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from North Carolina 
(Ms. Foxx) on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the 
noes prevailed by voice vote.
  The Clerk will redesignate the amendment.
  The Clerk redesignated the amendment.


                             Recorded Vote

  The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has been demanded.
  A recorded vote was ordered.
  The CHAIRMAN. This will be a 2-minute vote.
  The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 137, 
noes 287, not voting 13, as follows:

                             [Roll No. 531]

                               AYES--137

     Akin
     Alexander
     Bachmann
     Baker
     Barrett (SC)
     Bartlett (MD)
     Barton (TX)
     Biggert
     Bilbray
     Bilirakis
     Bishop (UT)
     Blackburn
     Blunt
     Boehner
     Brady (TX)
     Brown (SC)
     Brown-Waite, Ginny
     Buchanan
     Burgess
     Burton (IN)
     Buyer
     Camp (MI)
     Campbell (CA)
     Cannon
     Cantor
     Chabot
     Coble
     Conaway
     Culberson
     Davis (KY)
     Davis, David
     Deal (GA)
     Diaz-Balart, L.
     Diaz-Balart, M.
     Doolittle
     Drake
     Dreier
     Duncan
     Everett
     Feeney
     Flake
     Forbes
     Fossella
     Foxx
     Franks (AZ)
     Gallegly
     Garrett (NJ)
     Gerlach
     Gingrey
     Gohmert
     Goode
     Goodlatte
     Granger
     Graves
     Hall (TX)
     Hastert
     Hastings (WA)
     Hayes
     Heller
     Hensarling
     Herger
     Hoekstra
     Inglis (SC)
     Issa
     Johnson (IL)
     Johnson, Sam
     Jones (NC)
     Jordan
     King (IA)
     Kingston
     Kline (MN)
     Kuhl (NY)
     Lamborn
     Lewis (KY)
     Linder
     LoBiondo
     Lungren, Daniel E.
     Mack
     Manzullo
     Marchant
     McCarthy (CA)
     McCaul (TX)
     McCrery
     McHenry
     McKeon
     McMorris Rodgers
     Mica
     Miller (FL)
     Miller (MI)
     Miller, Gary
     Moran (KS)
     Murphy, Tim
     Musgrave
     Myrick
     Neugebauer
     Nunes
     Paul
     Pence
     Peterson (PA)
     Petri
     Pitts
     Poe
     Price (GA)
     Putnam
     Radanovich
     Rehberg
     Renzi
     Reynolds
     Rogers (AL)
     Rogers (KY)
     Rogers (MI)
     Rohrabacher
     Roskam
     Royce
     Ryan (WI)
     Sali
     Saxton
     Schmidt
     Sensenbrenner
     Sessions
     Shadegg
     Shuster
     Smith (NE)
     Smith (TX)
     Stearns
     Tancredo
     Taylor
     Terry
     Thornberry
     Tiahrt
     Upton
     Walberg
     Walden (OR)
     Wamp
     Weldon (FL)
     Westmoreland
     Wilson (SC)

                               NOES--287

     Ackerman
     Aderholt
     Allen
     Altmire
     Andrews
     Arcuri
     Baca
     Baird
     Baldwin
     Barrow
     Bean
     Becerra
     Berkley
     Berman
     Berry
     Bishop (GA)
     Bishop (NY)
     Blumenauer
     Bono
     Boozman
     Bordallo
     Boren
     Boswell
     Boucher
     Boustany
     Boyd (FL)
     Boyda (KS)
     Brady (PA)
     Braley (IA)
     Brown, Corrine
     Butterfield
     Calvert
     Capito
     Capps
     Capuano
     Cardoza
     Carnahan
     Carney
     Carson
     Carter
     Castle
     Castor
     Chandler
     Christensen
     Clarke
     Clay
     Cleaver
     Clyburn
     Cohen
     Cole (OK)
     Conyers
     Cooper
     Costa
     Costello
     Courtney
     Crenshaw
     Crowley
     Cuellar
     Cummings
     Davis (AL)
     Davis (CA)
     Davis (IL)
     Davis, Lincoln
     Davis, Tom
     DeFazio
     DeGette
     Delahunt
     DeLauro
     Dent
     Dicks
     Dingell
     Doggett
     Donnelly
     Doyle
     Edwards
     Ehlers
     Ellison
     Ellsworth
     Emanuel
     Emerson
     Engel
     English (PA)
     Eshoo
     Etheridge
     Faleomavaega
     Fallin
     Farr
     Fattah
     Ferguson
     Filner
     Fortenberry
     Frank (MA)
     Frelinghuysen
     Giffords
     Gilchrest
     Gillibrand
     Gillmor
     Gonzalez
     Gordon
     Green, Al
     Green, Gene
     Grijalva
     Gutierrez
     Hall (NY)
     Hare
     Harman
     Hastings (FL)
     Herseth Sandlin
     Higgins
     Hill
     Hinchey
     Hinojosa
     Hirono
     Hobson
     Hodes
     Holden
     Holt
     Honda
     Hooley
     Hoyer
     Hulshof
     Inslee
     Israel
     Jackson (IL)
     Jackson-Lee (TX)
     Jefferson
     Jindal
     Johnson (GA)
     Johnson, E. B.
     Jones (OH)
     Kagen
     Kanjorski
     Kaptur
     Keller
     Kennedy
     Kildee
     Kilpatrick
     Kind
     King (NY)
     Kirk
     Klein (FL)
     Knollenberg
     Kucinich
     LaHood
     Lampson
     Langevin
     Lantos
     Larsen (WA)
     Larson (CT)
     Latham
     LaTourette
     Lee
     Levin
     Lewis (CA)
     Lewis (GA)
     Lipinski
     Loebsack
     Lofgren, Zoe
     Lowey
     Lucas
     Lynch
     Mahoney (FL)
     Maloney (NY)
     Markey
     Marshall
     Matheson
     Matsui
     McCarthy (NY)
     McCollum (MN)
     McCotter

[[Page H6872]]


     McDermott
     McGovern
     McHugh
     McIntyre
     McNerney
     McNulty
     Meehan
     Meek (FL)
     Meeks (NY)
     Melancon
     Michaud
     Miller (NC)
     Miller, George
     Mitchell
     Mollohan
     Moore (KS)
     Moore (WI)
     Moran (VA)
     Murphy (CT)
     Murphy, Patrick
     Murtha
     Nadler
     Napolitano
     Neal (MA)
     Norton
     Oberstar
     Obey
     Olver
     Pallone
     Pascrell
     Pastor
     Payne
     Pearce
     Perlmutter
     Peterson (MN)
     Platts
     Pomeroy
     Porter
     Price (NC)
     Pryce (OH)
     Rahall
     Ramstad
     Rangel
     Regula
     Reichert
     Reyes
     Rodriguez
     Ros-Lehtinen
     Ross
     Rothman
     Roybal-Allard
     Ruppersberger
     Rush
     Ryan (OH)
     Salazar
     Sanchez, Linda T.
     Sarbanes
     Schakowsky
     Schiff
     Schwartz
     Scott (GA)
     Scott (VA)
     Serrano
     Sestak
     Shays
     Shea-Porter
     Sherman
     Shimkus
     Shuler
     Simpson
     Sires
     Skelton
     Slaughter
     Smith (NJ)
     Smith (WA)
     Snyder
     Solis
     Souder
     Space
     Spratt
     Stark
     Stupak
     Sutton
     Tanner
     Tauscher
     Thompson (CA)
     Thompson (MS)
     Tiberi
     Tierney
     Towns
     Turner
     Udall (CO)
     Udall (NM)
     Van Hollen
     Velazquez
     Visclosky
     Walsh (NY)
     Walz (MN)
     Wasserman Schultz
     Waters
     Watson
     Watt
     Weiner
     Welch (VT)
     Weller
     Wexler
     Whitfield
     Wicker
     Wilson (NM)
     Wilson (OH)
     Wolf
     Woolsey
     Wu
     Wynn
     Yarmuth
     Young (AK)
     Young (FL)

                             NOT VOTING--13

     Abercrombie
     Bachus
     Bonner
     Cramer
     Cubin
     Davis, Jo Ann
     Fortuno
     Hunter
     Ortiz
     Pickering
     Sanchez, Loretta
     Sullivan
     Waxman


                      Announcement by the Chairman

  The CHAIRMAN (during the vote). One minute remains in this vote.

                              {time}  1514

  Mr. McINTYRE and Mrs. JONES of Ohio changed their vote from ``aye'' 
to ``no.''
  So the amendment was rejected.
  The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.


                     Amendment Offered by Mr. Pitts

  The CHAIRMAN. The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded 
vote on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Pitts) on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the 
noes prevailed by voice vote.
  The Clerk will redesignate the amendment.
  The Clerk redesignated the amendment.


                             Recorded Vote

  The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has been demanded.
  A recorded vote was ordered.
  The CHAIRMAN. This will be a 2-minute vote.
  The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 200, 
noes 226, not voting 12, as follows:

                             [Roll No. 532]

                               AYES--200

     Aderholt
     Akin
     Alexander
     Bachmann
     Bachus
     Baker
     Barrett (SC)
     Barrow
     Bartlett (MD)
     Barton (TX)
     Bilbray
     Bilirakis
     Bishop (UT)
     Blackburn
     Blunt
     Boehner
     Bono
     Boozman
     Boren
     Boustany
     Brady (TX)
     Brown (SC)
     Brown-Waite, Ginny
     Buchanan
     Burgess
     Burton (IN)
     Buyer
     Calvert
     Camp (MI)
     Campbell (CA)
     Cannon
     Cantor
     Capito
     Carter
     Chabot
     Coble
     Cole (OK)
     Conaway
     Crenshaw
     Cuellar
     Culberson
     Davis (KY)
     Davis, David
     Davis, Lincoln
     Davis, Tom
     Deal (GA)
     Diaz-Balart, L.
     Diaz-Balart, M.
     Donnelly
     Doolittle
     Drake
     Dreier
     Duncan
     Ehlers
     Ellsworth
     Emerson
     English (PA)
     Everett
     Fallin
     Feeney
     Ferguson
     Flake
     Forbes
     Fortenberry
     Fossella
     Foxx
     Franks (AZ)
     Gallegly
     Garrett (NJ)
     Gerlach
     Gillmor
     Gingrey
     Gohmert
     Goode
     Goodlatte
     Granger
     Graves
     Hall (TX)
     Hastert
     Hastings (WA)
     Hayes
     Heller
     Hensarling
     Herger
     Hoekstra
     Holden
     Hulshof
     Inglis (SC)
     Issa
     Jindal
     Johnson (IL)
     Johnson, Sam
     Jones (NC)
     Jordan
     Keller
     King (IA)
     King (NY)
     Kingston
     Kline (MN)
     Knollenberg
     Kuhl (NY)
     LaHood
     Lamborn
     Latham
     LaTourette
     Lewis (CA)
     Lewis (KY)
     Linder
     LoBiondo
     Lucas
     Lungren, Daniel E.
     Mack
     Manzullo
     Marchant
     Marshall
     McCarthy (CA)
     McCaul (TX)
     McCotter
     McCrery
     McHenry
     McHugh
     McIntyre
     McKeon
     McMorris Rodgers
     Mica
     Miller (FL)
     Miller (MI)
     Miller, Gary
     Mollohan
     Moran (KS)
     Murphy, Tim
     Musgrave
     Myrick
     Neugebauer
     Nunes
     Paul
     Pearce
     Pence
     Peterson (MN)
     Peterson (PA)
     Petri
     Pitts
     Platts
     Poe
     Porter
     Price (GA)
     Pryce (OH)
     Putnam
     Radanovich
     Rahall
     Regula
     Rehberg
     Reichert
     Renzi
     Reynolds
     Rogers (AL)
     Rogers (KY)
     Rogers (MI)
     Rohrabacher
     Ros-Lehtinen
     Roskam
     Royce
     Ryan (WI)
     Sali
     Saxton
     Schmidt
     Sensenbrenner
     Sessions
     Shadegg
     Shimkus
     Shuler
     Shuster
     Simpson
     Smith (NE)
     Smith (NJ)
     Smith (TX)
     Souder
     Stearns
     Stupak
     Tancredo
     Taylor
     Terry
     Thornberry
     Tiahrt
     Tiberi
     Turner
     Upton
     Walberg
     Walden (OR)
     Walsh (NY)
     Wamp
     Weldon (FL)
     Weller
     Westmoreland
     Whitfield
     Wicker
     Wilson (NM)
     Wilson (SC)
     Wolf
     Young (FL)

                               NOES--226

     Ackerman
     Allen
     Altmire
     Andrews
     Arcuri
     Baca
     Baird
     Baldwin
     Bean
     Becerra
     Berkley
     Berman
     Berry
     Biggert
     Bishop (GA)
     Bishop (NY)
     Blumenauer
     Bordallo
     Boswell
     Boucher
     Boyd (FL)
     Boyda (KS)
     Brady (PA)
     Braley (IA)
     Brown, Corrine
     Butterfield
     Capps
     Capuano
     Cardoza
     Carnahan
     Carney
     Carson
     Castle
     Castor
     Chandler
     Christensen
     Clarke
     Clay
     Cleaver
     Clyburn
     Cohen
     Conyers
     Cooper
     Costa
     Costello
     Courtney
     Crowley
     Cummings
     Davis (AL)
     Davis (CA)
     Davis (IL)
     DeFazio
     DeGette
     Delahunt
     DeLauro
     Dent
     Dicks
     Dingell
     Doggett
     Doyle
     Edwards
     Ellison
     Emanuel
     Engel
     Eshoo
     Etheridge
     Faleomavaega
     Farr
     Fattah
     Filner
     Frank (MA)
     Frelinghuysen
     Giffords
     Gilchrest
     Gillibrand
     Gonzalez
     Gordon
     Green, Al
     Green, Gene
     Grijalva
     Gutierrez
     Hall (NY)
     Hare
     Harman
     Hastings (FL)
     Herseth Sandlin
     Higgins
     Hill
     Hinchey
     Hinojosa
     Hirono
     Hobson
     Hodes
     Holt
     Honda
     Hooley
     Hoyer
     Inslee
     Israel
     Jackson (IL)
     Jackson-Lee (TX)
     Jefferson
     Johnson (GA)
     Johnson, E. B.
     Jones (OH)
     Kagen
     Kanjorski
     Kaptur
     Kennedy
     Kildee
     Kilpatrick
     Kind
     Kirk
     Klein (FL)
     Kucinich
     Lampson
     Langevin
     Lantos
     Larsen (WA)
     Larson (CT)
     Lee
     Levin
     Lewis (GA)
     Lipinski
     Loebsack
     Lofgren, Zoe
     Lowey
     Lynch
     Mahoney (FL)
     Maloney (NY)
     Markey
     Matheson
     Matsui
     McCarthy (NY)
     McCollum (MN)
     McDermott
     McGovern
     McNerney
     McNulty
     Meehan
     Meek (FL)
     Meeks (NY)
     Melancon
     Michaud
     Miller (NC)
     Miller, George
     Mitchell
     Moore (KS)
     Moore (WI)
     Moran (VA)
     Murphy (CT)
     Murphy, Patrick
     Murtha
     Nadler
     Napolitano
     Neal (MA)
     Norton
     Oberstar
     Obey
     Olver
     Pallone
     Pascrell
     Pastor
     Payne
     Pelosi
     Perlmutter
     Pomeroy
     Price (NC)
     Ramstad
     Rangel
     Reyes
     Rodriguez
     Ross
     Rothman
     Roybal-Allard
     Ruppersberger
     Rush
     Ryan (OH)
     Salazar
     Sanchez, Linda T.
     Sarbanes
     Schakowsky
     Schiff
     Schwartz
     Scott (GA)
     Scott (VA)
     Serrano
     Sestak
     Shays
     Shea-Porter
     Sherman
     Sires
     Skelton
     Slaughter
     Smith (WA)
     Snyder
     Solis
     Space
     Spratt
     Stark
     Sutton
     Tanner
     Tauscher
     Thompson (CA)
     Thompson (MS)
     Tierney
     Towns
     Udall (CO)
     Udall (NM)
     Van Hollen
     Velazquez
     Visclosky
     Walz (MN)
     Wasserman Schultz
     Waters
     Watson
     Watt
     Weiner
     Welch (VT)
     Wexler
     Wilson (OH)
     Woolsey
     Wu
     Wynn
     Yarmuth
     Young (AK)

                             NOT VOTING--12

     Abercrombie
     Bonner
     Cramer
     Cubin
     Davis, Jo Ann
     Fortuno
     Hunter
     Ortiz
     Pickering
     Sanchez, Loretta
     Sullivan
     Waxman


                      Announcement by the Chairman

  The CHAIRMAN (during the vote). One minute remains in this vote.

                              {time}  1518

  Mr. ALTMIRE changed his vote from ``aye'' to ``no.''
  So the amendment was rejected.
  The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. 
Lynch).
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairwoman, and I rise for the 
purpose of engaging in a colloquy with the gentlewoman from New York.
  First of all, Madam Chairman, I would like to thank you for your 
efforts to increase funding for nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, 
demining and related programs.
  My amendment would have targeted a specific increase for the 
counterterrorism program within the nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, 
demining and related programs account. This vital program was only 
funded at the President's request of $6 million, which is actually a 
reduction from the $7.4 million in last year's budget.
  I appreciate the good work done by the chairwoman and by the 
committee in meeting the President's request. I understand that. But 
the President has not done a sufficient job in the area of 
counterterrorism, and there has been actually a reduction in this area.
  As the cochair of the Task Force on Terrorism and Proliferation 
Financing,

[[Page H6873]]

I have joined many of my colleagues, including the Chair, in meetings 
and hearings facing the challenges that we confront in the United 
States Government in battling terrorist financing.
  Since the attacks on 9/11 Congress and this committee have taken 
significant steps towards utilizing investigation and data collection 
regarding terrorist financing as a viable intelligence tool for 
disrupting the financing of terrorist activities. Nevertheless, 
terrorists' proven ability to move money through innovative means 
necessitates continued progress in this critical counterterrorism area.
  Al Qaeda's strength, for example, rests in its ability to continually 
adapt to U.S. tactics, and thus it requires greater innovation and 
greater resources in order to develop new strategies to counter those 
efforts.
  In April, I had an opportunity to organize a trip to the Middle East 
where we met with high-ranking banking officials to discuss the issue 
of anti-terrorism financing in Jordan, in Afghanistan, in Iraq and in 
Istanbul, Turkey. I believe that through international financial 
pressure, we can effect real change in the policies of other countries 
towards these terrorist groups.
  In the parts of the world where financial restrictions would have the 
greatest impact, unfortunately, U.S. influence is at its lowest. On the 
other hand, however, I know from our own experience that these 
countries do want to participate in the global economy. Thus, we have 
seen that these countries are more likely to adopt transparency in 
their finance laws for the purpose of gaining legitimacy in the eyes of 
global investors rather than simply responding to U.S. pressure. By 
allocating more resources to induce anti-money-laundering compliance 
and transparency, we can make significant gains in tracking terrorists 
and cutting off their funding.
  While we made some progress, considerable work remains to be done in 
regulating, for instance, the hawala system, which is an informal 
transfer system used extensively in the Middle East, because anytime 
you have a lack of transparency and a lack of accountability regarding 
the movement of funds, there is a great likelihood that terrorists and 
criminals can harness the system for their own gain.
  By closing off legitimate financial markets for terrorists, we force 
them to change tactics that are less secure and oftentimes easier to 
track. A perfect example is the example of December 14 and the arrest 
of Palestinian Prime Minister Haniyeh at the border crossing into Gaza 
from Egypt carrying an estimated $30 million in cash in suitcases for 
the Palestinian Authority and for Hamas. The reason that Hamas has to 
operate that way is because financial markets were not available to 
them. Instances like these highlight the importance and indeed the 
benefit of focusing on counterterrorism financing efforts.
  In essence, I am greatly concerned that the President is not doing 
enough and that by meeting the President's request, we here are not 
doing enough to stop the financing of terrorist operations.
  Mr. Chairman, I would yield back to the gentlewoman from New York for 
a response.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the gentleman. I 
agree that the counterterrorism financing program is a vital tool in 
assisting foreign countries' efforts to identify, freeze and prevent 
the use of financial institutions, businesses and charitable 
organizations as conduits for money to terrorist organizations, 
including giving countries an investigative ability to follow the money 
trail and arrest terrorists preemptively.
  I support the work of the Department of State, the Department of 
Justice and the Department of Treasury in assisting countries who are 
at risk to terrorist financing. However, overall budgetary constraints 
did not provide sufficient opportunity for us to increase the requested 
funding level at this time.
  However, I want to assure you, this is a priority of this committee. 
This is a priority of this Congress. In fact, I have been a member for 
years of this same task force, the same committee of which you are 
cochair, I believe, and I look forward to working with you as the bill 
moves through this Congress to conference to see if we can bolster 
those funds.
  I really do thank you for bringing this issue to our attention.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairwoman for the courtesy that 
has been extended to me, and I also look forward to working together on 
this very important issue.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:


          international narcotics control and law enforcement

       For necessary expenses to carry out section 481 of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, $568,475,000, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2010: Provided, That during 
     fiscal year 2008, the Department of State may also use the 
     authority of section 608 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 
     1961, without regard to its restrictions, to receive excess 
     property from an agency of the United States Government for 
     the purpose of providing it to a foreign country under 
     chapter 8 of part I of that Act subject to the regular 
     notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: 
     Provided further, That the Secretary of State shall provide 
     to the Committees on Appropriations not later than 45 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act and prior to the 
     initial obligation of funds appropriated under this heading, 
     a report on the proposed uses of all funds under this heading 
     on a country-by-country basis for each proposed program, 
     project, or activity: Provided further, That of the funds 
     appropriated under this heading, not less than $15,000,000 
     shall be made available for training programs and activities 
     of the International Law Enforcement Academies: Provided 
     further, That none of the funds provided under this heading 
     for counter narcotics activities in Afghanistan shall be made 
     available for eradication programs through the spraying of 
     herbicides: Provided further, That $12,000,000 of the funds 
     appropriated under this heading shall be made available for 
     demand reduction and drug awareness programs: Provided 
     further, That not less than $8,000,000 shall be made 
     available for programs to combat transnational crime and 
     criminal youth gangs: Provided further, That of the funds 
     appropriated under this heading, not more than $38,000,000 
     may be available for administrative expenses.


                     andean counterdrug initiative

       For necessary expenses to carry out section 481 of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to support counterdrug 
     activities in the Andean region of South America, 
     $312,460,000, to remain available until September 30, 2010: 
     Provided, That the Secretary of State, in consultation with 
     the Administrator of the United States Agency for 
     International Development, shall provide to the Committees on 
     Appropriations not later than 45 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act and prior to the initial obligation of 
     funds appropriated under this heading, a report on the 
     proposed uses of all funds under this heading on a country-
     by-country basis for each proposed program, project, or 
     activity: Provided further, That section 482(b) of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 shall not apply to funds 
     appropriated under this heading: Provided further, That 
     assistance provided with funds appropriated under this 
     heading that is made available notwithstanding section 482(b) 
     of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 shall be made available 
     subject to the regular notification procedures of the 
     Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That of the 
     funds available under this heading for assistance for the 
     Colombian National Police Support for Eradication program, 
     not less than $5,000,000 shall be made available for program 
     assistance to protect biodiversity, indigenous reserves and 
     Afro-Colombian lands subject to spraying in Colombia: 
     Provided further, That of the funds available for the 
     Colombian national police support for eradication program for 
     the procurement of chemicals for aerial coca and poppy 
     fumigation programs, exclusive of funds made available 
     pursuant to the previous proviso, not more than 10 percent of 
     such funds may be made available for such fumigation programs 
     unless the Secretary of State certifies to the Committees on 
     Appropriations that (A) the herbicide is being used in 
     accordance with label requirements of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency for comparable use in the United States and 
     with Colombian laws; (B) the aerial fumigation program does 
     not pose unreasonable risks or adverse effects to humans or 
     the environment including endemic species; (C) the social 
     dislocation and changes in vegetative cover caused by the 
     geographic shifts in coca and poppy cultivation resulting 
     from the aerial spraying program have been thoroughly 
     assessed on a regional level, and effective measures are 
     being taken to minimize adverse impacts; (D) all 
     certification reports on the aerial eradication program are 
     being made available to the public in a timely manner in both 
     English and Spanish; (E) complaints of harm to health or 
     licit crops caused by such spraying are being thoroughly 
     evaluated and fair compensation is being provided in a timely 
     manner for meritorious claims; (F) all claims, evaluations, 
     and compensation reports will be disclosed biannually to the 
     public in both English and Spanish; (G) a minimum of 15 
     percent of sprayed fields will be subject to independent and 
     randomly selected off-target damage assessments; (H) programs 
     are being implemented by the United States Agency for 
     International Development, the

[[Page H6874]]

     Government of Colombia, or other organizations, in 
     consultation and coordination with local communities and 
     existing local development initiatives, to provide 
     alternative sources of income in municipalities where 
     security permits for small-acreage growers whose illicit 
     crops are targeted for fumigation; (I) programs to provide 
     food security to affected families are operative in areas 
     where security does not permit alternative development 
     programs: Provided further, That funds may not be used for 
     aerial fumigation in Colombia's national parks or reserves 
     unless the Secretary of State determines that there are no 
     effective alternatives to reduce drug cultivation in these 
     areas and that the spraying is conducted in accordance with 
     current Colombian laws: Provided further, That of funds 
     provided for interdiction under this heading, not less than 
     10 percent of airtime allocated for aerial assets, (both 
     fixed and rotary wing aircraft), shall be used annually for 
     major drug interdiction operations, including assaults on 
     large drug processing labs and high value narcotics related 
     targets: Provided further, That no United States Armed Forces 
     personnel or United States civilian contractor employed by 
     the United States shall participate in any combat operation 
     in connection with assistance made available by funds 
     provided in this Act for Colombia: Provided further, That 
     funds appropriated under this heading that are made available 
     for assistance for the Bolivian military may be made 
     available for such purposes only if the Secretary of State 
     certifies that the Bolivian military is respecting human 
     rights, and civilian judicial authorities are investigating 
     and prosecuting, with the military's cooperation, military 
     personnel who have been implicated in gross violations of 
     human rights: Provided further, That of the funds 
     appropriated under this heading, not more than $17,000,000 
     may be available for administrative expenses of the 
     Department of State, and not more than $7,800,000 may be 
     available, in addition to amounts otherwise available for 
     such purposes, for administrative expenses of the United 
     States Agency for International Development.


                    migration and refugee assistance

       For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary to 
     enable the Secretary of State to provide, as authorized by 
     law, a contribution to the International Committee of the Red 
     Cross, assistance to refugees, including contributions to the 
     International Organization for Migration and the United 
     Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and other activities 
     to meet refugee and migration needs; salaries and expenses of 
     personnel and dependents as authorized by the Foreign Service 
     Act of 1980; allowances as authorized by sections 5921 
     through 5925 of title 5, United States Code; purchase and 
     hire of passenger motor vehicles; and services as authorized 
     by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, $829,900,000, 
     to remain available until expended: Provided, That not more 
     than $22,500,000 may be available for administrative 
     expenses: Provided further, That not less than $40,000,000 of 
     the funds made available under this heading shall be made 
     available for refugees from the former Soviet Union and 
     Eastern Europe and other refugees resettling in Israel.


     united states emergency refugee and migration assistance fund

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     section 2(c) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 
     1962, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2601(c)), $45,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended.


    nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining and related programs

       For necessary expenses for nonproliferation, anti-
     terrorism, demining and related programs and activities, 
     $467,000,000, to carry out the provisions of chapter 8 of 
     part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for anti-
     terrorism assistance, chapter 9 of part II of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961, section 504 of the FREEDOM Support 
     Act, section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act or the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 for demining activities, the clearance 
     of unexploded ordnance, the destruction of small arms, and 
     related activities, notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, including activities implemented through nongovernmental 
     and international organizations, and section 301 of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for a voluntary contribution 
     to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and for a 
     United States contribution to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test 
     Ban Treaty Preparatory Commission: Provided, That of this 
     amount not to exceed $38,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended, may be made available for the Nonproliferation and 
     Disarmament Fund, notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     to promote bilateral and multilateral activities relating to 
     nonproliferation and disarmament: Provided further, That such 
     funds may also be used for such countries other than the 
     Independent States of the former Soviet Union and 
     international organizations when it is in the national 
     security interest of the United States to do so: Provided 
     further, That funds appropriated under this heading may be 
     made available for the International Atomic Energy Agency 
     only if the Secretary of State determines (and so reports to 
     the Congress) that Israel is not being denied its right to 
     participate or being otherwise discriminated against in any 
     of the activities of that Agency: Provided further, That of 
     the funds made available for demining and related activities, 
     not to exceed $700,000, in addition to funds otherwise 
     available for such purposes, may be used for administrative 
     expenses related to the operation and management of the 
     demining program: Provided further, That funds appropriated 
     under this heading that are available for ``Anti-terrorism 
     Assistance'' and ``Export Control and Border Security'' shall 
     remain available until September 30, 2009.

                       Department of the Treasury


               international affairs technical assistance

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     section 129 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 
     $18,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2010, 
     which shall be available notwithstanding any other provision 
     of law that restricts assistance to foreign countries.


                           debt restructuring

       For the cost, as defined in section 502 of the 
     Congressional Budget Act of 1974, of modifying loans and loan 
     guarantees, as the President may determine, for which funds 
     have been appropriated or otherwise made available for 
     programs within the International Affairs Budget Function 
     150, including the cost of selling, reducing, or canceling 
     amounts owed to the United States as a result of concessional 
     loans made to eligible countries, pursuant to parts IV and V 
     of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, of modifying 
     concessional credit agreements with least developed 
     countries, as authorized under section 411 of the 
     Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, as 
     amended, of concessional loans, guarantees and credit 
     agreements, as authorized under section 572 of the Foreign 
     Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs 
     Appropriations Act, 1989 (Public Law 100-461), and of 
     canceling amounts owed, as a result of loans or guarantees 
     made pursuant to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, by 
     countries that are eligible for debt reduction pursuant to 
     title V of H.R. 3425 as enacted into law by section 
     1000(a)(5) of Public Law 106-113, $200,300,000, to remain 
     available until September 30, 2010: Provided, That not less 
     than $20,000,000 of the funds appropriated under this heading 
     shall be made available to carry out the provisions of part V 
     of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: Provided further, That 
     amounts paid to the HIPC Trust Fund may be used only to fund 
     debt reduction under the enhanced HIPC initiative by--
       (1) the Inter-American Development Bank;
       (2) the African Development Fund;
       (3) the African Development Bank; and
       (4) the Central American Bank for Economic Integration:

     Provided further, That funds may not be paid to the HIPC 
     Trust Fund for the benefit of any country if the Secretary of 
     State has credible evidence that the government of such 
     country is engaged in a consistent pattern of gross 
     violations of internationally recognized human rights or in 
     military or civil conflict that undermines its ability to 
     develop and implement measures to alleviate poverty and to 
     devote adequate human and financial resources to that end: 
     Provided further, That on the basis of final appropriations, 
     the Secretary of the Treasury shall consult with the 
     Committees on Appropriations concerning which countries and 
     international financial institutions are expected to benefit 
     from a United States contribution to the HIPC Trust Fund 
     during the fiscal year: Provided further, That the Secretary 
     of the Treasury shall inform the Committees on Appropriations 
     not less than 15 days in advance of the signature of an 
     agreement by the United States to make payments to the HIPC 
     Trust Fund of amounts for such countries and institutions: 
     Provided further, That the Secretary of the Treasury may 
     disburse funds designated for debt reduction through the HIPC 
     Trust Fund only for the benefit of countries that--
       (1) have committed, for a period of 24 months, not to 
     accept new market-rate loans from the international financial 
     institution receiving debt repayment as a result of such 
     disbursement, other than loans made by such institutions to 
     export-oriented commercial projects that generate foreign 
     exchange which are generally referred to as ``enclave'' 
     loans; and
       (2) have documented and demonstrated their commitment to 
     redirect their budgetary resources from international debt 
     repayments to programs to alleviate poverty and promote 
     economic growth that are additional to or expand upon those 
     previously available for such purposes:

     Provided further, That any limitation of subsection (e) of 
     section 411 of the Agricultural Trade Development and 
     Assistance Act of 1954 shall not apply to funds appropriated 
     under this heading: Provided further, That none of the funds 
     made available under this heading in this or any other 
     appropriations Act shall be made available for Sudan or Burma 
     unless the Secretary of the Treasury determines and notifies 
     the Committees on Appropriations that a democratically 
     elected government has taken office.

                     TITLE IV--MILITARY ASSISTANCE

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


             international military education and training

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     section 541 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 
     $85,076,000, of which up to $3,000,000 may remain available 
     until expended: Provided, That funds under this heading shall 
     not be available for Equatorial Guinea: Provided further, 
     That funds appropriated under this heading that are made

[[Page H6875]]

     available for assistance for Guatemala, other than for 
     expanded international military education and training, shall 
     be available only for the Guatemalan Air Force, Navy and Army 
     Corps of Engineers: Provided further, That assistance 
     provided under this heading for the Guatemalan Army Corps of 
     Engineers is only available for training to improve disaster 
     response capabilities and to participate in international 
     peacekeeping operations: Provided further, That funds 
     appropriated under this heading that are made available for 
     assistance for the Guatemalan military, other than for 
     expanded international military education and training, may 
     be made available only if the Secretary of State certifies 
     that the Guatemalan Air Force, Navy and Army Corps of 
     Engineers are respecting human rights, and civilian judicial 
     authorities are investigating and prosecuting, with the 
     military's cooperation, military personnel who have been 
     implicated in gross violations of human rights: Provided 
     further, That funds appropriated under this heading for 
     military education and training for Libya and Angola may only 
     be made available for expanded international military 
     education and training: Provided further, That the civilian 
     personnel for whom military education and training may be 
     provided under this heading may include civilians who are not 
     members of a government whose participation would contribute 
     to improved civil-military relations, civilian control of the 
     military, or respect for human rights: Provided further, That 
     funds made available in the previous proviso and funds made 
     available for Haiti, Libya, Angola, the Democratic Republic 
     of the Congo, Guatemala, and Nigeria may only be provided 
     through the regular notification procedures of the Committees 
     on Appropriations and any such notification shall include a 
     detailed description of the proposed activities: Provided 
     further, That the Secretary of State shall submit to the 
     Committees on Appropriations, no later than 60 days after 
     enactment of this Act, a report addressing how the Western 
     Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation IMET program 
     for fiscal year 2008 contributes to the promotion of human 
     rights, respect for civilian authority and the rule of law, 
     the establishment of legitimate judicial mechanisms for the 
     military, and achieving the goal of right sizing military 
     forces.


                   foreign military financing program

       For expenses necessary for grants to enable the President 
     to carry out the provisions of section 23 of the Arms Export 
     Control Act, $4,509,236,000: Provided, That of the funds 
     appropriated under this heading, not less than $2,400,000,000 
     shall be available for grants only for Israel, and not less 
     than $1,300,000,000 shall be made available for grants only 
     for Egypt: Provided further, That the funds appropriated by 
     this paragraph for Israel shall be disbursed within 30 days 
     of the enactment of this Act: Provided further, That to the 
     extent that the Government of Israel requests that funds be 
     used for such purposes, grants made available for Israel by 
     this paragraph shall, as agreed by Israel and the United 
     States, be available for advanced weapons systems, of which 
     not less than $631,200,000 shall be available for the 
     procurement in Israel of defense articles and defense 
     services, including research and development: Provided 
     further, That of the funds appropriated by this paragraph, 
     $200,000,000 shall be made available for assistance for 
     Jordan: Provided further, That funds appropriated or 
     otherwise made available by this paragraph shall be 
     nonrepayable notwithstanding any requirement in section 23 of 
     the Arms Export Control Act: Provided further, That funds 
     made available under this paragraph shall be obligated upon 
     apportionment in accordance with paragraph (5)(C) of title 
     31, United States Code, section 1501(a): Provided further, 
     That $5,000,000 of the funds provided under this heading 
     shall remain available until expended and shall not be 
     subject to the sixth proviso of this paragraph: Provided 
     further, That none of the funds appropriated pursuant to the 
     previous proviso shall be made available except pursuant to 
     the regular notification procedures of the Committees on 
     Appropriations.
       None of the funds made available under this heading shall 
     be available to finance the procurement of defense articles, 
     defense services, or design and construction services that 
     are not sold by the United States Government under the Arms 
     Export Control Act unless the foreign country proposing to 
     make such procurements has first signed an agreement with the 
     United States Government specifying the conditions under 
     which such procurements may be financed with such funds: 
     Provided, That all country and funding level increases in 
     allocations shall be submitted through the regular 
     notification procedures of section 615 of this Act: Provided 
     further, That none of the funds appropriated under this 
     heading shall be available for assistance for Sudan: Provided 
     further, That none of the funds appropriated under this 
     heading shall be available for assistance for the Guatemalan 
     Army: Provided further, That funds appropriated under this 
     heading that are made available for assistance for the 
     Guatemalan military may be made available only if the 
     Secretary of State certifies that (1) the Guatemalan Air 
     Force, Navy and Army Corps of Engineers are respecting human 
     rights; (2) civilian judicial authorities are investigating 
     and prosecuting, with the military's cooperation, military 
     personnel who have been implicated in gross violations of 
     human rights; and (3) the Guatemalan Congress has adopted and 
     the President has signed the International Commission Against 
     Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG): Provided further, That none of 
     the funds appropriated under this heading may be made 
     available for assistance for Haiti and Guatemala except 
     pursuant to the regular notification procedures of the 
     Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That funds 
     made available under this heading may be used, 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, for demining, the 
     clearance of unexploded ordnance, and related activities, and 
     may include activities implemented through nongovernmental 
     and international organizations: Provided further, That only 
     those countries for which assistance was justified for the 
     ``Foreign Military Sales Financing Program'' in the fiscal 
     year 1989 congressional presentation for security assistance 
     programs may utilize funds made available under this heading 
     for procurement of defense articles, defense services or 
     design and construction services that are not sold by the 
     United States Government under the Arms Export Control Act: 
     Provided further, That funds appropriated under this heading 
     shall be expended at the minimum rate necessary to make 
     timely payment for defense articles and services: Provided 
     further, That not more than $41,900,000 of the funds 
     appropriated under this heading may be obligated for 
     necessary expenses, including the purchase of passenger motor 
     vehicles for replacement only for use outside of the United 
     States, for the general costs of administering military 
     assistance and sales: Provided further, That not more than 
     $395,000,000 of funds realized pursuant to section 
     21(e)(1)(A) of the Arms Export Control Act may be obligated 
     for expenses incurred by the Department of Defense during 
     fiscal year 2008 pursuant to section 43(b) of the Arms Export 
     Control Act, except that this limitation may be exceeded only 
     through the regular notification procedures of the Committees 
     on Appropriations: Provided further, That foreign military 
     financing program funds estimated to be outlayed for Egypt 
     during fiscal year 2008 shall be transferred to an interest 
     bearing account for Egypt in the Federal Reserve Bank of New 
     York within 30 days of enactment of this Act.


                        peacekeeping operations

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     section 551 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 
     $293,200,000: Provided, That none of the funds appropriated 
     under this heading shall be obligated or expended except as 
     provided through the regular notification procedures of the 
     Committees on Appropriations.

                              {time}  1530

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver) for the 
purpose of a colloquy.
  Mr. OLVER. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  Mr. Chairman, I want to thank first of all Chairwoman Lowey and 
Ranking Member Wolf for their good work in bringing this good bill to 
the floor. But I rise today particularly to commend Chairwoman Lowey, 
Ranking Member Wolf, and the subcommittee for their efforts to relieve 
the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. By providing over $200 million for 
peacekeeping and humanitarian aid to Darfur, this bill will provide 
desperately needed support for the 2.5 million people driven from 
Darfur or displaced within Darfur by the Sudanese's deliberate actions.
  Yet even as I acknowledge the significant resources that have been 
included in this bill, I cannot contain my outrage and frustration that 
the genocide in Darfur continues. Hundreds of villages and small towns 
have been razed, burned to the ground, and obliterated, the men killed, 
the women systematically raped, children slaughtered as if they were 
vermin, survivors fleeing for their lives into the squalor of refugee 
camps.
  A common tactic of this horror has been to stuff the villages' water 
wells with the bodies of the dead so there will be no water for people 
who try to return to their ancestral homes.
  Just last week, Sudanese President Omar Bashir agreed, yet again, to 
the deployment of a joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping 
force in Darfur. This proposal calls for 20,000 African Union 
peacekeepers to be led and paid for by the United Nations. President 
Bashir has apparently offered his unconditional acceptance to the plan.
  But do we have any reason to believe that this latest agreement is 
anything but one more delaying tactic? After all, President Bashir 
already agreed to a joint U.N.-A.U. peacekeeping force in November only 
to renege a couple of months later. Each time the international 
community moves even timidly towards imposing punitive measures against 
Sudan, President Bashir briefly acquiesces and then promptly resumes 
his unconscionable obstruction of peacekeeping efforts. How are

[[Page H6876]]

we to know if this latest concession is any different?
  Just last week, activists representing 36 organizations addressed a 
letter to the U.N. Security General, Ban Ki-moon, decrying the 
escalating attacks in Darfur and documenting the flight of aid 
organizations from the region. The conference on Darfur to occur next 
week in Paris will provide one more opportunity for the United States, 
France and other nations to join together in outlining tough 
consequences for Sudanese failure to accept prompt deployment of the 
twice-agreed-upon U.N.-A.U. peacekeeping force.
  We know that the Sudanese Government responds to international 
pressure, but it must be fierce and sustained if it is to finally end 
the vicious and senseless slaughter of the people of Darfur.
  I would like to ask simply five questions, Mr. Chairman. How many 
times in this Congress have we and will we congratulate ourselves for 
passing virtually unanimously powerless resolutions condemning the 
Bashir regime's actions in Darfur?
  Second, Will President Bush build on the study provision in the 
House-passed Armed Services authorization for fiscal year 2008 to 
develop a robust base in Chad for the deployment of peacekeeping forces 
and for the delivery of food and services to the millions of refugees?
  Or three, Is this administration so committed to other dealings with 
Sudan that all of President Bush's statements about the genocide in 
Darfur are just words?
  Four, Why should America participate in the 2008 Olympic Games in 
China when China repeatedly obstructs U.N. action on Darfur?
  Finally, When will America's 4-year demonstrated impotence be 
perceived as complicity in the horror of Darfur?
  It is time to stop the shilly-shallying, stop the attacks on 
civilians, and bring peace to Darfur. Today as we again provide funding 
for humanitarian assistance, let us remember that our lack of more 
effective action will be judged harshly by future generations who will 
wonder why we didn't act decisively to stop the genocide in Darfur.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the gentleman and I appreciate your constancy and 
your passion on this issue. I know you are aware that our committee put 
in over $100 million above the President's request to assist the 
financing of the African Union mission. And I do hope that at some 
point in the near future we can talk with equal passion about what is 
being done to address this disaster.
  I yield to the gentleman.
  Mr. OLVER. I understand and applaud you and the ranking member for 
that $100 million above the President's request. That is very 
commendable, but the atrocity and the genocide continue.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Absolutely. I thank you very, very much.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:

               TITLE V--MULTILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

                  Funds Appropriated to the President


                  international financial institutions

                      global environment facility

       For the United States contribution for the Global 
     Environment Facility, $106,763,000 to the International Bank 
     for Reconstruction and Development as trustee for the Global 
     Environment Facility (GEF), by the Secretary of the Treasury, 
     to remain available until expended.


       contribution to the international development association

       For payment to the International Development Association by 
     the Secretary of the Treasury, $950,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended.


contribution to the enterprise for the americas multilateral investment 
                                  fund

       For payment to the Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral 
     Investment Fund by the Secretary of the Treasury, for the 
     United States contribution to the fund, $25,000,000, to 
     remain available until expended.


               contribution to the asian development fund

       For the United States contribution by the Secretary of the 
     Treasury to the increase in resources of the Asian 
     Development Fund, as authorized by the Asian Development Bank 
     Act, as amended, $115,306,000, to remain available until 
     expended.


              contribution to the african development bank

       For payment to the African Development Bank by the 
     Secretary of the Treasury, $2,037,000, for the United States 
     paid-in share of the increase in capital stock, to remain 
     available until expended.


              limitation on callable capital subscriptions

       The United States Governor of the African Development Bank 
     may subscribe without fiscal year limitation for the callable 
     capital portion of the United States share of such capital 
     stock in an amount not to exceed $31,919,000.


              contribution to the african development fund

       For the United States contribution by the Secretary of the 
     Treasury to the increase in resources of the African 
     Development Fund, $135,684,000, to remain available until 
     expended.


  contribution to the international fund for agricultural development

       For the United States contribution by the Secretary of the 
     Treasury to increase the resources of the International Fund 
     for Agricultural Development, $18,072,000, to remain 
     available until expended.


                international organizations and programs

       For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of 
     section 301 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and of 
     section 2 of the United Nations Environment Program 
     Participation Act of 1973, $333,400,000: Provided, That 
     section 307(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act shall not apply 
     to contributions to the United Nations Democracy Fund.


                 Amendment Offered by Ms. Ros-Lehtinen

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Ms. Ros-Lehtinen:
       Page 72, line 5, after the dollar amount, insert the 
     following: ``(increased by $20,000,000) (reduced by 
     $20,000,000)''.

  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, June 
20, 2007, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and a Member 
opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I want to begin by thanking Chairman Lowey, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Obey, and 
Mr. Lewis for their great cooperation and working with me to find an 
acceptable compromise on the important issues in this amendment. I am 
grateful for their agreement to support the amendment text before us 
today.
  This amendment serves two basic purposes. First, it seeks to restore 
funding for two initiatives: it restores funding for the U.N. Democracy 
Fund at the administration's requested $14 million level, which had 
been zeroed out in the committee report.
  The Democracy Fund, an initiative proposed by President Bush in 2004, 
increases cooperation between democratic countries and supports new and 
transitional democracies. It has been successful in making grants to 
programs in more than 100 countries around the world to support civil 
education, voter registration, access to information, and democratic 
dialogue.
  In recent weeks, I have been working with the chairman of Foreign 
Affairs, Chairman Lantos, and his staff to ensure that a $14 million 
authorization for the Democracy Fund stays intact in preconference 
meetings with the Senate on H.R. 1 and H.R. 982, the Advanced Democracy 
Act.
  I am glad that this amendment provides us with another opportunity to 
continue our bipartisan support for this critical work. The amendment 
also would restore $6 million out of the $10 million requested by the 
administration for the U.N. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative.
  This initiative, modeled on the Democracy Fund, is designed as a 
voluntarily funded, freestanding trust that will make technical 
assistance grants to promote positive environments for business and 
innovation around the world.
  Second, in addition to restoring those deleted funds, this amendment 
will strike $20 million from the proposed U.S. contributions to the 
U.N. Development Program. The past 6 months have brought a series of 
very serious revelations and questions about the UNDP activities in 
North Korea, Mr. Chairman, a rogue regime under sanctions by the U.N. 
Security Council.
  While we appreciate the fact that the program has been terminated in 
North Korea, there has not been sufficient investigation and 
cooperation from UNDP in answering questions that bear on the 
fundamental issues that are of national security interest to the United 
States.

[[Page H6877]]

  The $20 million cut proposed in my amendment will send a clear signal 
about our demands and expectations for greater transparency and 
accountability from the United Nations Development Program while also 
continuing to make a substantial contribution to UNDP's core programs.
  Again I thank my colleagues for their bipartisan support for this 
important amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Would the gentlelady yield?
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield to the chairwoman.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I understand the intent of this amendment, and we have 
worked to craft an amendment we both can accept.
  As you know, I believe that the United Nations Development Program is 
a key partner in our efforts to address global poverty. Their programs 
work to spread democracy, to address global HIV/AIDS, to improve the 
environment, and to respond to natural disasters and crises. All of 
these programs are critically important and they are working.
  Because of their broad mandate, they often work under very difficult 
circumstances, and it is their work in North Korea that has led to the 
recent allegations of inadequate controls on funds to North Korea. 
These are serious concerns and need to be addressed.
  However, I want to point out to my colleagues that UNDP has reacted 
swiftly to these concerns by suspending its program and closing the 
office in North Korea. In addition, UNDP is working with its executive 
board to put new accountability and transparency measures in place.
  In light of congressional concerns that have been raised on both 
sides of the aisle, I worked with the gentlelady to negotiate this 
agreement which reduces UNDP resources in order to provide support to 
the U.N. Democracy Fund and the U.N. Entrepreneurship Fund. I 
appreciate the gentlewoman's interest in this issue and accept her 
amendment.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran).
  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairwoman of the 
subcommittee, and I want to express my support for the bill and express 
my appreciation specifically for the significant increases in funding 
for global health issues, peacekeeping, and trade capacity building, 
especially in Colombia. And I know that the chairlady shares the 
frustration that was articulated by the preceding speaker, Mr. Olver, 
on Darfur. We wish we could do far more than we are able to on the 
horrific situation in Darfur.

                              {time}  1545

  But I also want to express my support for the work of an 
international nongovernmental organization, the International 
Commission on Missing Persons, otherwise known as the ICMP. The ICMP is 
an organization whose work in Bosnia, Iraq, Vietnam and the tsunami-
affected areas has brought relief to thousands of families with missing 
relatives resulting from armed conflict and natural disaster. This 
commission, which was established in 1996 from the Dayton Peace 
Accords, has received U.S. Government support in the past and is widely 
acclaimed throughout the international community. But is in desperate 
need of funds in Iraq today.
  I would strongly urge the committee to consider this organization for 
possible congressional support in this year's conference or in future 
appropriations.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the gentleman for his passion. I know you're 
concerned with so many issues in this bill. I appreciate your comments 
and I look forward to continue working together.
  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. I thank the gentlelady for her support.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the bill, 
through page 95, line 9, be considered as read, printed in the Record, 
and open to amendment at any point.
  The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman 
from New York?
  There was no objection.
  The text of that portion of the bill is as follows:

                      TITLE VI--GENERAL PROVISIONS


  compensation for united states executive directors to international 
                         financial institutions

       Sec. 601. (a) No funds appropriated by this Act may be made 
     as payment to any international financial institution while 
     the United States Executive Director to such institution is 
     compensated by the institution at a rate which, together with 
     whatever compensation such Director receives from the United 
     States, is in excess of the rate provided for an individual 
     occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule 
     under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, or while 
     any alternate United States Director to such institution is 
     compensated by the institution at a rate in excess of the 
     rate provided for an individual occupying a position at level 
     V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, 
     United States Code.
       (b) For purposes of this section ``international financial 
     institutions'' are: the International Bank for Reconstruction 
     and Development, the Inter-American Development Bank, the 
     Asian Development Bank, the Asian Development Fund, the 
     African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, the 
     International Monetary Fund, the North American Development 
     Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and 
     Development.


   restrictions on voluntary contributions to united nations agencies

       Sec. 602. None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be 
     made available to pay any voluntary contribution of the 
     United States to the United Nations if the United Nations 
     implements or imposes any taxation on any United States 
     persons.


                    limitation on residence expenses

       Sec. 603. Of the funds appropriated or made available 
     pursuant to title III of this Act, not to exceed $100,500 
     shall be for official residence expenses of the United States 
     Agency for International Development during the current 
     fiscal year: Provided, That appropriate steps shall be taken 
     to assure that, to the maximum extent possible, United 
     States-owned foreign currencies are utilized in lieu of 
     dollars.


                      unobligated balances report

       Sec. 604. Any Department or Agency to which funds are 
     appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act shall 
     provide to the Committees on Appropriations a quarterly 
     accounting of cumulative balances by program, project, and 
     activity of the funds received by such Department or Agency 
     in this fiscal year or any previous fiscal year that remain 
     unobligated and unexpended.


               limitation on representational allowances

       Sec. 605. Of the funds appropriated or made available 
     pursuant to titles II through V of this Act, not to exceed 
     $250,000 shall be available for representation and 
     entertainment allowances, of which not to exceed $2,500 shall 
     be available for entertainment allowances, for the United 
     States Agency for International Development during the 
     current fiscal year: Provided, That no such entertainment 
     funds may be used for the purposes listed in section 647 of 
     this Act: Provided further, That appropriate steps shall be 
     taken to assure that, to the maximum extent possible, United 
     States-owned foreign currencies are utilized in lieu of 
     dollars: Provided further, That of the funds made available 
     by this Act for general costs of administering military 
     assistance and sales under the heading ``Foreign Military 
     Financing Program'', not to exceed $4,000 shall be available 
     for entertainment expenses and not to exceed $130,000 shall 
     be available for representation allowances: Provided further, 
     That of the funds made available by this Act under the 
     heading ``International Military Education and Training'', 
     not to exceed $55,000 shall be available for entertainment 
     allowances: Provided further, That of the funds made 
     available by this Act for the Inter-American Foundation, not 
     to exceed $2,000 shall be available for entertainment and 
     representation allowances: Provided further, That of the 
     funds made available by this Act for the Peace Corps, not to 
     exceed a total of $4,000 shall be available for entertainment 
     expenses: Provided further, That of the funds made available 
     by this Act under the heading ``Trade and Development 
     Agency'', not to exceed $4,000 shall be available for 
     representation and entertainment allowances: Provided 
     further, That of the funds made available by this Act under 
     the heading ``Millennium Challenge Corporation'', not to 
     exceed $115,000 shall be available for representation and 
     entertainment allowances.


          prohibition on taxation of united states assistance

       Sec. 606. (a) Prohibition on Taxation.--None of the funds 
     appropriated under titles II through V of this Act may be 
     made available to provide assistance for a foreign country 
     under a new bilateral agreement governing the terms and 
     conditions under which such assistance is to be provided 
     unless such agreement includes a provision stating that 
     assistance provided by the United States shall be exempt from 
     taxation, or reimbursed, by the foreign government, and the 
     Secretary of State shall expeditiously seek to negotiate 
     amendments to existing bilateral agreements, as necessary, to 
     conform with this requirement.

[[Page H6878]]

       (b) Reimbursement of Foreign Taxes.--An amount equivalent 
     to 200 percent of the total taxes assessed during fiscal year 
     2008 on funds appropriated by this Act by a foreign 
     government or entity against commodities financed under 
     United States assistance programs for which funds are 
     appropriated by this Act, either directly or through 
     grantees, contractors and subcontractors shall be withheld 
     from obligation from funds appropriated for assistance for 
     fiscal year 2009 and allocated for the central government of 
     such country and for the West Bank and Gaza Program to the 
     extent that the Secretary of State certifies and reports in 
     writing to the Committees on Appropriations that such taxes 
     have not been reimbursed to the Government of the United 
     States.
       (c) De Minimis Exception.--Foreign taxes of a de minimis 
     nature shall not be subject to the provisions of subsection 
     (b).
       (d) Reprogramming of Funds.--Funds withheld from obligation 
     for each country or entity pursuant to subsection (b) shall 
     be reprogrammed for assistance to countries which do not 
     assess taxes on United States assistance or which have an 
     effective arrangement that is providing substantial 
     reimbursement of such taxes.
       (e) Determinations.--
       (1) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any 
     country or entity the Secretary of State determines--
       (A) does not assess taxes on United States assistance or 
     which has an effective arrangement that is providing 
     substantial reimbursement of such taxes; or
       (B) the foreign policy interests of the United States 
     outweigh the policy of this section to ensure that United 
     States assistance is not subject to taxation.
       (2) The Secretary of State shall consult with the 
     Committees on Appropriations at least 15 days prior to 
     exercising the authority of this subsection with regard to 
     any country or entity.
       (f) Implementation.--The Secretary of State shall issue 
     rules, regulations, or policy guidance, as appropriate, to 
     implement the prohibition against the taxation of assistance 
     contained in this section.
       (g) Definitions.--As used in this section--
       (1) the terms ``taxes'' and ``taxation'' refer to value 
     added taxes and customs duties imposed on commodities 
     financed with United States assistance for programs for which 
     funds are appropriated by this Act; and
       (2) the term ``bilateral agreement'' refers to a framework 
     bilateral agreement between the Government of the United 
     States and the government of the country receiving assistance 
     that describes the privileges and immunities applicable to 
     United States foreign assistance for such country generally, 
     or an individual agreement between the Government of the 
     United States and such government that describes, among other 
     things, the treatment for tax purposes that will be accorded 
     the United States assistance provided under that agreement.


        prohibition against direct funding for certain countries

       Sec. 607. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available pursuant to this Act shall be obligated or expended 
     to finance directly any assistance or reparations to Cuba, 
     Libya, North Korea, Iran, or Syria: Provided, That for 
     purposes of this section, the prohibition on obligations or 
     expenditures shall include direct loans, credits, insurance 
     and guarantees of the Export-Import Bank or its agents: 
     Provided further, That for purposes of this section, the 
     prohibition shall not include activities of the Overseas 
     Private Investment Corporation in Libya: Provided further, 
     That the prohibition shall not include direct loans, credits, 
     insurance and guarantees made available by the Export-Import 
     Bank or its agents for or in Libya: Provided further, That 
     the prohibition shall not apply to funds made available under 
     the heading ``INTERNATIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING'' 
     for Libya.


                             military coups

       Sec. 608. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made 
     available pursuant to titles II through V of this Act shall 
     be obligated or expended to finance directly any assistance 
     to the government of any country whose duly elected head of 
     government is deposed by military coup or decree: Provided, 
     That assistance may be resumed to such government if the 
     President determines and certifies to the Committees on 
     Appropriations that subsequent to the termination of 
     assistance a democratically elected government has taken 
     office: Provided further, That the provisions of this section 
     shall not apply to assistance to promote democratic elections 
     or public participation in democratic processes: Provided 
     further, That funds made available pursuant to the previous 
     provisos shall be subject to the regular notification 
     procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.


                           transfer authority

       Sec. 609. (a) Department of State and Broadcasting Board of 
     Governors.--Not to exceed 5 percent of any appropriation made 
     available for the current fiscal year for the Department of 
     State under title I of this Act may be transferred between 
     such appropriations, but no such appropriation, except as 
     otherwise specifically provided, shall be increased by more 
     than 10 percent by any such transfers: Provided, That not to 
     exceed 5 percent of any appropriation made available for the 
     current fiscal year for the Broadcasting Board of Governors 
     under title I of this Act may be transferred between such 
     appropriations, but no such appropriation, except as 
     otherwise specifically provided, shall be increased by more 
     than 10 percent by any such transfers: Provided further, That 
     any transfer pursuant to this section shall be treated as a 
     reprogramming of funds under section 615 (a) and (b) of this 
     Act and shall not be available for obligation or expenditure 
     except in compliance with the procedures set forth in that 
     section.
       (b) Export Financing Transfer Authorities.--Not to exceed 5 
     percent of any appropriation other than for administrative 
     expenses made available for fiscal year 2008, for programs 
     under title II of this Act may be transferred between such 
     appropriations for use for any of the purposes, programs, and 
     activities for which the funds in such receiving account may 
     be used, but no such appropriation, except as otherwise 
     specifically provided, shall be increased by more than 25 
     percent by any such transfer: Provided, That the exercise of 
     such authority shall be subject to the regular notification 
     procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
       (c)(1) Limitation on Transfers Between Agencies.--None of 
     the funds made available under titles II through V of this 
     Act may be transferred to any department, agency, or 
     instrumentality of the United States Government, except 
     pursuant to a transfer made by, or transfer authority 
     provided in, this Act or any other appropriation Act.
       (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in addition to transfers 
     made by, or authorized elsewhere in, this Act, funds 
     appropriated by this Act to carry out the purposes of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 may be allocated or 
     transferred to agencies of the United States Government 
     pursuant to the provisions of sections 109, 610, and 632 of 
     the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
       (d) Transfers Between Accounts.--None of the funds made 
     available under titles II through V of this Act may be 
     obligated under an appropriation account to which they were 
     not appropriated, except for transfers specifically provided 
     for in this Act, unless the President, not less than 5 days 
     prior to the exercise of any authority contained in the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to transfer funds, consults 
     with and provides a written policy justification to the 
     Committees on Appropriations.
       (e) Audit of Inter-Agency Transfers.--Any agreement for the 
     transfer or allocation of funds appropriated by this Act, or 
     prior Acts, entered into between the United States Agency for 
     International Development and another agency of the United 
     States Government under the authority of section 632(a) of 
     the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or any comparable 
     provision of law, shall expressly provide that the Office of 
     the Inspector General for the agency receiving the transfer 
     or allocation of such funds shall perform periodic program 
     and financial audits of the use of such funds: Provided, That 
     funds transferred under such authority may be made available 
     for the cost of such audits.


                 commercial leasing of defense articles

       Sec. 610. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and 
     subject to the regular notification procedures of the 
     Committees on Appropriations, the authority of section 23(a) 
     of the Arms Export Control Act may be used to provide 
     financing to Israel, Egypt and NATO and major non-NATO allies 
     for the procurement by leasing (including leasing with an 
     option to purchase) of defense articles from United States 
     commercial suppliers, not including Major Defense Equipment 
     (other than helicopters and other types of aircraft having 
     possible civilian application), if the President determines 
     that there are compelling foreign policy or national security 
     reasons for those defense articles being provided by 
     commercial lease rather than by government-to-government sale 
     under such Act.


                         availability of funds

       Sec. 611. (a) No part of any appropriation contained in 
     this Act shall remain available for obligation after the 
     expiration of the current fiscal year unless expressly so 
     provided in this Act.
       (b) Funds appropriated for the purposes of chapters 1, 8, 
     11, and 12 of part I, section 667, chapters 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 
     of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, section 23 
     of the Arms Export Control Act, and funds provided under the 
     heading ``ASSISTANCE FOR EASTERN EUROPE AND THE BALTIC 
     STATES'', shall remain available for an additional four years 
     from the date on which the availability of such funds would 
     otherwise have expired, if such funds are initially obligated 
     before the expiration of their respective periods of 
     availability contained in this Act: Provided, That, 
     notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, any funds 
     made available for the purposes of chapter 1 of part I and 
     chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 
     which are allocated or obligated for cash disbursements in 
     order to address balance of payments or economic policy 
     reform objectives, shall remain available until expended.


            limitation on assistance to countries in default

       Sec. 612. No part of any appropriation provided under 
     titles II through V in this Act shall be used to furnish 
     assistance to the government of any country which is in 
     default during a period in excess of one calendar year in 
     payment to the United States of principal or interest on any 
     loan made to the government of such country by the United 
     States pursuant to a program for which funds are appropriated 
     under this Act unless the President determines, following

[[Page H6879]]

     consultations with the Committees on Appropriations, that 
     assistance to such country is in the national interest of the 
     United States.


                           commerce and trade

       Sec. 613. (a) None of the funds appropriated or made 
     available pursuant to titles II through V of this Act for 
     direct assistance and none of the funds otherwise made 
     available to the Export-Import Bank and the Overseas Private 
     Investment Corporation shall be obligated or expended to 
     finance any loan, any assistance or any other financial 
     commitments for establishing or expanding production of any 
     commodity for export by any country other than the United 
     States, if the commodity is likely to be in surplus on world 
     markets at the time the resulting productive capacity is 
     expected to become operative and if the assistance will cause 
     substantial injury to United States producers of the same, 
     similar, or competing commodity: Provided, That such 
     prohibition shall not apply to the Export-Import Bank if in 
     the judgment of its Board of Directors the benefits to 
     industry and employment in the United States are likely to 
     outweigh the injury to United States producers of the same, 
     similar, or competing commodity, and the Chairman of the 
     Board so notifies the Committees on Appropriations.
       (b) None of the funds appropriated by this or any other Act 
     to carry out chapter 1 of part I of the Foreign Assistance 
     Act of 1961 shall be available for any testing or breeding 
     feasibility study, variety improvement or introduction, 
     consultancy, publication, conference, or training in 
     connection with the growth or production in a foreign country 
     of an agricultural commodity for export which would compete 
     with a similar commodity grown or produced in the United 
     States: Provided, That this subsection shall not prohibit--
       (1) activities designed to increase food security in 
     developing countries where such activities will not have a 
     significant impact on the export of agricultural commodities 
     of the United States; or
       (2) research activities intended primarily to benefit 
     American producers.


                          surplus commodities

       Sec. 614. The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the 
     United States Executive Directors of the International Bank 
     for Reconstruction and Development, the International 
     Development Association, the International Finance 
     Corporation, the Inter-American Development Bank, the 
     International Monetary Fund, the Asian Development Bank, the 
     Inter-American Investment Corporation, the North American 
     Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and 
     Development, the African Development Bank, and the African 
     Development Fund to use the voice and vote of the United 
     States to oppose any assistance by these institutions, using 
     funds appropriated or made available pursuant to titles II 
     through V of this Act, for the production or extraction of 
     any commodity or mineral for export, if it is in surplus on 
     world markets and if the assistance will cause substantial 
     injury to United States producers of the same, similar, or 
     competing commodity.


                reprogramming notification requirements

       Sec. 615. (a) None of the funds made available in this Act, 
     or in prior appropriations Acts to the agencies and 
     departments funded by this Act that remain available for 
     obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2008, or provided 
     from any accounts in the Treasury of the United States 
     derived by the collection of fees or of currency reflows or 
     other offsetting collections, or made available by transfer, 
     to the agencies and departments funded by this Act, shall be 
     available for obligation or expenditure through a 
     reprogramming of funds that: (1) creates new programs; (2) 
     eliminates a program, project, or activity; (3) increases 
     funds or personnel by any means for any project or activity 
     for which funds have been denied or restricted; (4) relocates 
     an office or employees; (5) closes or opens a mission or 
     post; (6) reorganizes or renames offices; (7) reorganizes 
     programs or activities; or (8) contracts out or privatizes 
     any functions or activities presently performed by Federal 
     employees; unless the Committees on Appropriations are 
     notified 15 days in advance of such reprogramming of funds.
       (b) For the purposes of providing the executive branch with 
     the necessary administrative flexibility, none of the funds 
     provided under title I of this Act, or provided under 
     previous appropriations Acts to the agencies or department 
     funded under title I of this Act that remain available for 
     obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2008, or provided 
     from any accounts in the Treasury of the United States 
     derived by the collection of fees available to the agencies 
     or department funded by title I of this Act, shall be 
     available for obligation or expenditure for activities, 
     programs, or projects through a reprogramming of funds in 
     excess of $750,000 or ten percent, whichever is less, that: 
     (1) augments existing programs, projects, or activities; (2) 
     reduces by 10 percent funding for any existing program, 
     project, or activity, or numbers of personnel by ten percent 
     as approved by Congress; or (3) results from any general 
     savings, including savings from a reduction in personnel, 
     which would result in a change in existing programs, 
     activities, or projects as approved by Congress; unless the 
     Committees on Appropriations are notified 15 days in advance 
     of such reprogramming of funds.
       (c) For the purposes of providing the executive branch with 
     the necessary administrative flexibility, none of the funds 
     made available in this Act for the headings ``CHILD SURVIVAL 
     AND HEALTH PROGRAMS FUND'', ``DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE'', 
     ``INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS'', ``TRADE AND 
     DEVELOPMENT AGENCY'', ``INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND 
     LAW ENFORCEMENT'', ``ANDEAN COUNTERDRUG INITIATIVE'', 
     ``ASSISTANCE FOR EASTERN EUROPE AND THE BALTIC STATES'', 
     ``ASSISTANCE FOR THE INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER SOVIET 
     UNION'', ``ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND'', ``GLOBAL HIV/AIDS 
     INITIATIVE'', ``PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS'', ``CAPITAL 
     INVESTMENT FUND'', ``OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE UNITED STATES 
     AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT'', ``OPERATING EXPENSES 
     OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 
     OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL'', ``NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-
     TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS'', ``MILLENNIUM 
     CHALLENGE CORPORATION'' (by country only), ``FOREIGN MILITARY 
     FINANCING PROGRAM'', ``INTERNATIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION AND 
     TRAINING'', ``PEACE CORPS'', and ``MIGRATION AND REFUGEE 
     ASSISTANCE'', shall be available for obligation for 
     activities, programs, projects, type of materiel assistance, 
     countries, or other operations not justified or in excess of 
     the amount justified to the Committees on Appropriations for 
     obligation under any of these specific headings unless the 
     Committees on Appropriations are notified 15 days in advance: 
     Provided, That the President shall not enter into any 
     commitment of funds appropriated for the purposes of section 
     23 of the Arms Export Control Act for the provision of major 
     defense equipment, other than conventional ammunition, or 
     other major defense items defined to be aircraft, ships, 
     missiles, or combat vehicles, not previously justified to 
     Congress or 20 percent in excess of the quantities justified 
     to Congress unless the Committees on Appropriations are 
     notified 15 days in advance of such commitment: Provided 
     further, That this paragraph shall not apply to any 
     reprogramming for an activity, program, or project for which 
     funds are appropriated under title III or title IV, of this 
     Act of less than 10 percent of the amount previously 
     justified to the Congress for obligation for such activity, 
     program, or project for the current fiscal year.
       (d) The requirements of this section or any similar 
     provision of this Act or any other Act, including any prior 
     Act requiring notification in accordance with the regular 
     notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, 
     may be waived if failure to do so would pose a substantial 
     risk to human health or welfare: Provided, That in case of 
     any such waiver, notification to the Congress, or the 
     appropriate Congressional committees, shall be provided as 
     early as practicable, but in no event later than 3 days after 
     taking the action to which such notification requirement was 
     applicable, in the context of the circumstances necessitating 
     such waiver: Provided further, That any notification provided 
     pursuant to such a waiver shall contain an explanation of the 
     emergency circumstances.


limitation on availability of funds for international organizations and 
                                programs

       Sec. 616. Subject to the regular notification procedures of 
     the Committees on Appropriations, funds appropriated under 
     titles II through V of this Act or any previously enacted Act 
     making appropriations for foreign operations, export 
     financing, and related programs, which are returned or not 
     made available for organizations and programs because of the 
     implementation of section 307(a) of the Foreign Assistance 
     Act of 1961, shall remain available for obligation until 
     September 30, 2009.


             independent states of the former soviet union

       Sec. 617. (a) None of the funds appropriated under the 
     heading ``ASSISTANCE FOR THE INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER 
     SOVIET UNION'' shall be made available for assistance for a 
     government of an Independent State of the former Soviet Union 
     if that government directs any action in violation of the 
     territorial integrity or national sovereignty of any other 
     Independent State of the former Soviet Union, such as those 
     violations included in the Helsinki Final Act: Provided, That 
     such funds may be made available without regard to the 
     restriction in this subsection if the President determines 
     that to do so is in the national security interest of the 
     United States.
       (b) None of the funds appropriated under the heading 
     ``ASSISTANCE FOR THE INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER SOVIET 
     UNION'' shall be made available for any state to enhance its 
     military capability: Provided, That this restriction does not 
     apply to demilitarization, demining or nonproliferation 
     programs.
       (c) Funds appropriated under the heading ``ASSISTANCE FOR 
     THE INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION'' for the 
     Russian Federation, Armenia, and Uzbekistan shall be subject 
     to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on 
     Appropriations.
       (d) Funds made available in this Act for assistance for the 
     Independent States of the former Soviet Union shall be 
     subject to the provisions of section 117 (relating to 
     environment and natural resources) of the Foreign Assistance 
     Act of 1961.

[[Page H6880]]

       (e) In issuing new task orders, entering into contracts, or 
     making grants, with funds appropriated by this Act or prior 
     appropriations Acts under the heading ``ASSISTANCE FOR THE 
     INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION'' and under 
     comparable headings in prior appropriations Acts, for 
     projects or activities that have as one of their primary 
     purposes the fostering of private sector development, the 
     Coordinator for United States Assistance to Europe and 
     Eurasia and the implementing agency shall encourage the 
     participation of and give significant weight to contractors 
     and grantees who propose investing a significant amount of 
     their own resources (including volunteer services and in-kind 
     contributions) in such projects and activities.


   prohibition on funding for abortions and involuntary sterilization

       Sec. 618. None of the funds made available to carry out 
     part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, may 
     be used to pay for the performance of abortions as a method 
     of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to 
     practice abortions. None of the funds made available to carry 
     out part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 
     may be used to pay for the performance of involuntary 
     sterilization as a method of family planning or to coerce or 
     provide any financial incentive to any person to undergo 
     sterilizations. None of the funds made available to carry out 
     part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, may 
     be used to pay for any biomedical research which relates in 
     whole or in part, to methods of, or the performance of, 
     abortions or involuntary sterilization as a means of family 
     planning. None of the funds made available to carry out part 
     I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, may be 
     obligated or expended for any country or organization if the 
     President certifies that the use of these funds by any such 
     country or organization would violate any of the above 
     provisions related to abortions and involuntary 
     sterilizations.

                               STATEMENT

       Sec. 619. (a) Funds provided in this Act for the following 
     accounts shall be made available for programs and countries 
     in the amounts contained in the respective tables included in 
     the report accompanying this Act:
       ``ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND'';
       ``ASSISTANCE FOR EASTERN EUROPE AND THE BALTIC STATES'';
       ``ASSISTANCE FOR THE INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER 
     SOVIET UNION'';
       ``ANDEAN COUNTERDRUG INITIATIVE'';
       ``NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED 
     PROGRAMS'';
       ``FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM''; and
       ``INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS''.
       (b) Any proposed increases or decreases to the amounts 
     contained in such tables in the accompanying report shall be 
     subject to the regular notification procedures of the 
     Committees on Appropriations and section 634A of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961.


                   special notification requirements

       Sec. 620. None of the funds appropriated under titles II 
     through V of this Act shall be obligated or expended for 
     assistance for Liberia, Serbia, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, or 
     Cambodia except as provided through the regular notification 
     procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.


              Amendment Offered by Ms. Moore of Wisconsin

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the 
desk.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Ms. Moore of Wisconsin:
       In section 620 of the bill (relating to special 
     notification requirements), strike ``Liberia,''.

  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, June 
20, 2007, the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore) and a Member 
opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Wisconsin.
  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  My amendment would repeal a section of U.S. law that requires a 
report to Congress 15 days before any U.S. assistance can be obligated 
for Liberia. The obligating agency, whether State or USAID, would be 
required to submit this paperwork in addition to information they may 
have already provided in their annual budget documents.
  I should note that the only other countries that are currently 
subjected to this requirement are Sudan, Zimbabwe, Serbia, Pakistan and 
Cambodia.
  Mr. Chairman, as you and many of my colleagues know, for over 20 
years, the people of Liberia have been subjected to the ravages of 
poverty, conflict, coups, and corruption. As one observer put it, 
``seldom has a country sunk as far as Liberia did under the leadership 
of Charles Taylor and his predecessors.'' I do think I need to recount 
the number of casualties from wars, including the last civil war which 
only a few years ago with the assistance of U.S. leadership, which 
killed a quarter of a million of the country's 3 million people and 
displaced most of the rest.
  In 2005, the people of the Republic of Liberia had the opportunity to 
go to the polls, some lining up for many hours, and open a new chapter 
in that country's tortuous history. When it was all said and done, 
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was elected President, becoming the first female 
president of any African country. In recognition of this historic 
election and the tremendous opportunity presented by these elections, 
last March, the House welcomed President Johnson-Sirleaf on her visit 
to the U.S. during which she addressed Congress, the U.N. Security 
Council, and met with President Bush.
  In the year and a half since then, President Johnson-Sirleaf has been 
busy trying to rebuild the nation's education and health system, 
devastated by years of war, oversee the deactivation and reintegration 
of the old security forces and ex-combatants, and accommodate the 
return of thousands who fled the country during the wars.
  Today, I am offering a very small and simple amendment which I 
believe would help make a difference in helping President Johnson-
Sirleaf succeed in the monumental task--and it is monumental--that lays 
before her.
  My amendment would repeal a section of U.S. law that requires a 
report to Congress 15 days before any U.S. assistance can be obligated 
for Liberia for any purpose. The obligating agency (whether State or 
USAID) must submit paperwork for all obligated funds in addition to any 
information they may have already provided to Congress about these 
projects in the annual budget documents. I should note the only other 
countries that are currently subjected to this requirement are Sudan, 
Zimbabwe, Serbia, Pakistan, and Cambodia.
  According to State Department and USAID officials, such requirements 
impose reporting, program review, and other requirements that, in some 
cases, substantially slow the disbursement of reconstruction assistance 
to Liberia. This requirement was placed on Liberia funds beginning in 
the early 1990's and were put in place to give Congress the ability to 
exercise additional oversight when the ruthless and corrupt Charles 
Taylor and his predecessors ran Liberia and when U.S. assistance was 
relatively small. From 1996-2003, U.S. assistance ranged from $3 to $6 
million.
  As you know, in light of the recent elections and optimism about the 
future of Liberia, Congress in the last few years has significantly 
increased U.S. assistance to Liberia. However, some have expressed 
concerns, including President Johnson Sirleaf, that the current laws 
notification requirements are delaying the receipt of these funds for 
important projects to help rebuild Liberia as it emerges from conflict. 
According to the State Department, these delays can be as long as 4 to 
6 weeks and dependent on the Appropriations Committee being available 
to receive them--such as in the middle of the August recess. Given 
Liberia's 6-month rainy season (May to October) when much work cannot 
be done on many projects, these delays could push projects on the 
ground much farther behind schedule in reality.
  My amendment would prevent U.S. assistance from Liberia from being 
subjected to these additional reporting requirements in FY 2008. The 
State Department supports removing Liberia, noting that it will speed 
up the obligation of U.S. funds to this important country. The State 
Department notes, as do I, that these reporting requirements have 
outlived their usefulness with respect to Liberia. In the past, when we 
were dealing with the regime of Charles Taylor, they were absolutely 
useful and necessary.
  Today, as Congress continues to express its support to President 
Johnson-Sirleaf and the people of Liberia, including $100 million more 
in aid in the bill before the House, let us support efforts to speed 
up--and likewise remove obstacles that would hinder--the establishment 
in Liberia of social and economic conditions that foster reintegration, 
economic growth, and rebuilding of infrastructure--including access to 
basic education and health services.
  In these crucial but surprisingly fast moving first few months of 
President Sirleaf Johnson's administration, it is critical that we not 
only support her with words of encouragement, but remove bureaucratic 
obstacles that help prevent needed aid from being timely delivered to 
implement reforms and show that a democratically elected government can 
meet the people's needs.
  Removal of Liberia would not set a new precedent. Over the years. the 
following countries have been under and then removed from this 
reporting requirement: Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, 
Colombia, Panama, Peru, Nicaragua, Jordan, and Uganda, just to name a 
few. It can hardly be argued that Congress exercises less oversight

[[Page H6881]]

over assistance to those countries now than it did when they were 
subject to the obligation reporting requirement. Additionally, the FY 
2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations bill that was passed by the 
House removed Liberia from this provision.
  Why would we want to delay development assistance such as education 
funds to a country where more than half of the people today cannot read 
or write? Where male life expectancy at birth is slightly under 38 
years and for females, slightly under 42 years. Infant mortality: 157 
infants per 1,000 live births die before there first birthday.
  I certainly appreciate the need for Congress to retain and exercise 
oversight over these funds to ensure that they are being properly used, 
just as we do with the other nations receiving under this bill. Indeed, 
most of the countries receiving funding in this bill are not subjected 
to this reporting requirement. Once removed from these requires, the 
same regular Congressional Notification process would apply to Liberia 
that applies to all other countries.
  Let me be clear. Removing this requirement does not mean that Liberia 
is somehow a perfect country without problems or challenges. In fact, 
removing this requirement would recognize those challenges and serve to 
remove one more obstacle to ensure that this country and its new 
leaders have every opportunity to succeed.
  As President Sirleaf-Johnson said in her address before Congress last 
March: ``They (the Liberian people) are counting on me and my 
administration to create the conditions that will guarantee the 
realization of their dreams. We must not betray their trust. All the 
children I meet, when I ask what they want most, say, ``I want to 
learn.'' ``I want to go to school.'' ``I want an education.'' We must 
not betray their trust.
  I know that the gentlewoman from New York, the chairperson of the 
subcommittee, Ms. Lowey has been keenly aware of this issue. I 
certainly appreciate the efforts made by her, her staff, and Members of 
the Committee as they put together this very important bill and note 
the Committee's appropriate role in oversight and ensuring that funds 
are properly spent.
  I would like to yield to the distinguished gentleman from North 
Carolina, Mr. David Price, for 2 minutes.
  (Mr. PRICE of North Carolina asked and was given permission to revise 
and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of 
Representative Moore's amendment striking the requirement of 
congressional notification for foreign assistance to Liberia.
  I joined Ms. Moore on a recent delegation to Liberia under the 
auspices of the House Democracy Assistance Commission, which has an 
ongoing partnership with the Liberian Congress. We are working to 
support the new democratic government in Liberia, under the leadership 
of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a government that is attempting to 
lift Liberia from the wreckage of its recent history of civil war and 
dictatorship.
  We met with President Sirleaf, and she told us that the window of 
opportunity for this democratic government to demonstrate progress is 
brief. Liberia is facing enormous challenges: intractable poverty, an 
unemployment rate of 85 percent, crumbling infrastructure, and a public 
health crisis. The Liberian government simply must find a way to 
deliver significant advances if it is to convince its citizens that 
democracy is a viable option.
  Our foreign assistance is critical to helping President Sirleaf show 
rapid progress. It is supporting the development of the economy, the 
strengthening of the government, the provision of basic services like 
electricity, and the reintegration of civil war combatants into 
productive roles in society.
  But the biggest hindrance to our assistance efforts in Liberia is an 
outdated notification requirement that sets up a series of bureaucratic 
hurdles, delaying the delivery of our aid, often by several months. 
With time so critical in accomplishing progress, we cannot afford these 
delays. I urge my colleagues to support Representative Moore's well-
designed and well-considered amendment to eliminate this outdated 
requirement and to give Liberia the chance it deserves to succeed.
  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Thank you so much, sir.
  I just want to acknowledge that this administration has done a great 
deal for Liberia. Certainly Chairwoman Lowey has been exceptional. 
Liberia is a huge priority for her. I noted that my colleague, Ms. 
Sheila Jackson-Lee, earlier, Mr. Chairman, added money to this bill, 
and as my colleague, Mr. Price, has said, this will make or break, I 
think, this administration that we are all so hopeful of the beautiful 
democracy that is budding in Liberia. This would be a precedent-setting 
form of assistance that will cost us no extra money.
  Thank you so much.
  I yield to the gentlewoman from New York.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. I 
agree with the intention of this amendment and thank my friend for 
raising this very important issue. As you know, the subcommittee agrees 
with you that Liberia should be a priority. We support the efforts 
currently under way by President Johnson Sirleaf to move her country 
out of poverty. We provided a total of $40 million in the fiscal year 
2007 supplemental and in this bill we provide a total of $106.5 million 
for Liberia.
  We look forward to continuing to work with the gentlewoman and others 
in Congress to support Liberia. I appreciate the gentlewoman's interest 
in this issue and would be happy to accept this amendment.
  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Thank you so much.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:


              definition of program, project, and activity

       Sec. 621. For the purpose of titles II through V of this 
     Act ``program, project, and activity'' shall be defined at 
     the appropriations Act account level and shall include all 
     appropriations and authorizations Acts funding directives, 
     ceilings, and limitations with the exception that for the 
     following accounts: ``ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND'' and ``FOREIGN 
     MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM'', ``program, project, and 
     activity'' shall also be considered to include country, 
     regional, and central program level funding within each such 
     account; for the development assistance accounts of the 
     United States Agency for International Development ``program, 
     project, and activity'' shall also be considered to include 
     central, country, regional, and program level funding, either 
     as:
       (1) justified to the Congress; or
       (2) allocated by the executive branch in accordance with a 
     report, to be provided to the Committees on Appropriations 
     within 30 days of the enactment of this Act, as required by 
     section 653(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.


                  child survival and health activities

       Sec. 622. Up to $13,500,000 of the funds made available by 
     this Act in title III for assistance under the heading 
     ``CHILD SURVIVAL AND HEALTH PROGRAMS FUND'' account, may be 
     used to reimburse United States Government agencies, agencies 
     of State governments, institutions of higher learning, and 
     private and voluntary organizations for the full cost of 
     individuals (including for the personal services of such 
     individuals) detailed or assigned to, or contracted by, as 
     the case may be, the United States Agency for International 
     Development for the purpose of carrying out activities under 
     that heading: Provided, That up to $3,500,000 of the funds 
     made available by this Act for assistance under the heading 
     ``DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE'' may be used to reimburse such 
     agencies, institutions, and organizations for such costs of 
     such individuals carrying out other development assistance 
     activities: Provided further, That funds appropriated by 
     titles III and IV of this Act that are made available for 
     assistance for child survival activities or disease programs 
     including activities relating to research on, and the 
     prevention, treatment and control of, HIV/AIDS may be made 
     available notwithstanding any other provision of law except 
     for the provisions under the heading ``CHILD SURVIVAL AND 
     HEALTH PROGRAMS FUND'' and the United States Leadership 
     Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 (117 
     Stat. 711; 22 U.S.C. 7601 et seq.), as amended: Provided 
     further, That of the funds appropriated under title III and 
     IV of this Act, not less than $441,000,000 shall be made 
     available for family planning/reproductive health: Provided 
     further, That, in order to prevent unintended pregnancies, 
     abortions, and the transmission of sexually transmitted 
     infections, including HIV/AIDS, no contract or grant which 
     includes funding for the provision of contraceptives in 
     developing countries, shall be denied to any nongovernmental 
     organization solely on the basis of the policy contained in 
     the President's March 28, 2001, Memorandum to the 
     Administrator of the United States Agency for International 
     Development with respect to providing contraceptives in 
     developing countries, or any comparable administration policy 
     regarding the provision of contraceptives.

[[Page H6882]]

                    Amendment Offered by Mrs. Lowey

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment offered by Mrs. Lowey:
       Page 97, beginning on line 10, strike ``: Provided 
     further,'' and all that follows through line 21 and insert 
     the following: ``: Provided further, That, in order to 
     prevent unintended pregnancies, abortions, and the 
     transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including 
     HIV/AIDS, no contract or grant for the exclusive purpose of 
     providing donated contraceptives in developing countries 
     shall be denied to any nongovernmental organization solely on 
     the basis of the policy contained in the President's March 
     28, 2001, Memorandum to the Administrator of the United 
     States Agency for International Development with respect to 
     providing contraceptives in developing countries, or any 
     comparable administration policy regarding the provision of 
     contraceptives.''.

  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, June 
20, 2007, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey) and the gentleman 
from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) each will control 22\1/2\ minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, under current law, the global gag rule, 
also known as the Mexico City policy, prohibits foreign nongovernmental 
organizations, NGOs, from receiving any U.S. assistance unless they 
agree not to use their own funds to perform or refer patients for 
abortion or to even advocate the legalization of abortion. This policy 
applies even when abortion is illegal in a country or when NGOs promote 
the legalization of abortion for cases of rape and incest.
  The bill before us keeps the global gag rule intact with one 
important exception. It would allow for the provision of 
contraceptives, not direct funding, the provision of contraceptives to 
foreign NGOs to help reduce abortion, unintended pregnancy and the 
spread of HIV/AIDS.
  Let me repeat that. The intent of the bill is to provide 
international NGOs U.S.-donated contraceptives, not funds for millions 
of men and women who desperately need them. The provision provides 
absolutely no assistance for abortion. It is strictly prohibited in 10 
other sections of this bill.
  While I have made clear my intent to allow only for the provision of 
donated contraceptives, some of my colleagues have brought to my 
attention concerns that the language as currently written could be 
interpreted more broadly than intended. Therefore, to make it 
absolutely clear to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who may 
have concerns about the language, I am offering this amendment to my 
own bill to clarify the existing language by narrowing the provision in 
question by replacing it with the following language beginning on page 
97, line 10 of the bill:
  ``That, in order to prevent unintended pregnancies, abortions, and 
the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/
AIDS, no contract or grant award exclusively for the purpose of 
providing donated contraceptives in developing countries shall be 
denied to any nongovernmental organization solely on the basis of the 
policy contained in the President's March 28, 2001 Memorandum to the 
Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development 
with respect to providing contraceptives in developing countries, or 
any comparable administration policy regarding the provision of 
contraceptives.''
  This amendment, which replaces the current provision in the bill with 
the one I just read, can leave no doubt in any reasonable individual's 
mind that the provision will provide contraceptives. It will not 
provide funding to foreign NGOs. In fact, this amendment would advance 
the Bush administration's stated goal of the Mexico City policy ``to 
make abortion more rare'' and protect women and children.
  Filling the unmet need for contraceptives could prevent 52 million 
unwanted pregnancies, an estimated 29 million abortions, 142,000 
pregnancy-related deaths, and 505,000 children from losing their 
mothers in just 1 year. These are statistics. How much more evidence do 
my colleagues need to be convinced that contraception reduces abortion, 
saves lives? It is simply not enough to say that you support family 
planning as long as the current restrictions remain in law, denying 
millions of the poorest men and women around the world access to 
contraceptives.
  In my judgment, support for my amendment represents a good-faith 
effort to find common ground on this issue. I really do hope that we 
can all agree that voting against family planning and the provision of 
contraceptives, which my colleague from New Jersey will ask you to do 
in a later amendment, and against the opportunity to provide more than 
200 million men and women in developing countries with access to 
contraceptives is the most extreme vote any of us can take.
  I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts).
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the Lowey amendment because 
it does not address the underlying problem. Whether we support pro-
abortion organizations through cash donations or items of cash value, 
the result is the same. The amendment before us today attempts to 
undermine the Mexico City policy. The Mexico City policy exists to draw 
a bright line between U.S. family planning policy and abortion. 
However, it appears that there are some out there who wish to blur this 
line. Mr. Chairman, a blurred line is what leads to coercive abortions 
and forced sterilizations.
  The Mexico City policy is critical for several reasons. First, money 
is fungible. Every U.S. tax dollar or commodity that goes to an 
abortion provider frees up funds to pay for more abortions and more 
pro-abortion lobbying. Secondly, our population grantees are seen as 
representatives of the United States in the countries in which we 
operate. When organizations prominently associated with United States 
family planning programs perform and promote abortions, people in these 
countries logically associate these activities with the United States.
  It is important to note that this policy does not in any way reduce 
funds for family planning. As this chart shows, before Smith-Stupak, 
there are $441 million for international family planning, including 
contraceptive commodities. After Smith-Stupak, there will still be $441 
million for international family planning, including contraceptive 
commodities. It simply requires that any foreign nongovernmental 
organizations that receive taxpayer dollars agree not to perform or 
actively promote abortions.

                              {time}  1600

  I urge my colleagues to oppose the Lowey amendment, support the 
Smith-Stupak amendment to restore the Mexico City policy and to protect 
the taxpayers' rights to neither directly nor indirectly fund abortion.
  Mrs. LOWEY. It is such a pleasure for me to yield 2\1/2\ minutes to 
the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan).
  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. I thank the gentlelady.
  I just want to make a comment. The money will not change; there is 
not going be an increase or a decrease with regard to the amendment. 
This is about where the money is going to go, and there are 20 
countries at least where we are not able to get contraceptives to women 
and men in these countries who need it. This is not about increase or 
decrease. This is about getting the money to where it needs to be.
  The gentleman before me stated, how can we support coercive 
abortions. There are many prolife Republicans and prolife Democrats who 
voted for trade with China, to increase investment in China. We all 
don't have to rehash what China does with their pro- abortion policy. 
So the coercive argument needs to at least be consistent.
  I just want to share with my friends, I am a prolife Democrat, but I 
believe that this will reduce the number of

[[Page H6883]]

abortions around the world. This is the only way to do it.
  The example I want to share with my colleagues is Ghana, where 
abortion is illegal. The oldest and the largest family planning 
organization in Ghana previously provided a third of the contraceptives 
in the nation with no abortion services. It has received no U.S. 
assistance for family planning, which has decreased access to 
contraceptives by 56 percent.
  This has led to an increase of almost 500 abortions in Ghana because 
we were not providing prevention. The abortion debate in the 21st 
century needs to be about prevention. That is exactly what this bill 
does, this amendment does, and what Ms. Lowey is trying to do.
  I also want to share with our colleagues, because we seem to get 
mixed information, prevention and family planning does reduce the 
number of abortions. We have many countries where we have implemented 
this, and it has worked.
  In the last two decades, in the last two decades, there have been 
significant declines in abortion rates in a number of countries like 
Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Chile, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, 
Romania, Russia and Turkey. In Russia the abortion rate declined by 61 
percent between 1988 and 2001 because of an increase of 74 percent of 
preventive and contraceptive use.
  We know prevention works. If you want to reduce abortion, we need to 
provide the prevention. Mrs. Lowey just went to great lengths to say we 
are just shipping the product. This is not money; this is not funds. We 
are going to ship the product, and then those organizations will be 
able to take the money they save and buy more contraceptives, not 
provide abortion, especially in these countries where abortion is 
already illegal.
  I want to support the amendment from the Chair.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank my good friend for yielding.
  Mr. Chairman, the Lowey amendment reiterates the unambiguous 
intention of the underlying language in the bill that Mr. Stupak and I 
will seek to strike later on, that, if enacted, provides in-kind U.S. 
taxpayer assistance to pro-abortion organizations around the world. 
That's what's happening here, nothing more and nothing less.
  Prolife Members, especially some of my colleagues on the other side 
of the aisle, know and fully understand that in-kind contributions are 
of no less value than money. In-kind or cash, it is a distinction 
without a difference.
  The intended recipients of the Lowey amendment are precisely those 
pro- abortion organizations that have refused to divest themselves of 
abortion and agree to the Mexico City provisions. The Mexico City 
policy, separates family planning from abortion. The Mexico City policy 
helps to ensure that foreign nongovernment organizations that want U.S. 
grants, be they in the form of cash or in-kind commodities 
contraceptives, only engage themselves in family planning, as 
advertised.
  It stands to reason, if we support pro-abortion organizations, unborn 
children and their mothers, and the laws that today protect them, will 
be put into jeopardy; and the violence of abortion will increase and 
not be diminished.
  Let me just note that neither the Mexico City policy, nor the 
amendment that Mr. Stupak and I will offer today, reduces family 
planning by so much as a penny. It simply strikes the language in the 
bill that carves out an exception to the Mexico City policy for who? 
The pro-abortion organizations.
  As a matter of fact, since the restoration of the Mexico City policy, 
several countries, including Ethiopia, DR Congo, Nigeria, Uganda, 
Haiti, Pakistan, have gotten huge increases in contraceptives and 
family planning assistance. Ethiopia, for example, went from $4.9 
million to $19.5 million in 2007 under the Mexico City policy, almost a 
300 percent increase.
  Congo went from $1 million to $9 million. Pakistan for 1.4 to 16.5. 
U.S. funding to Nigeria and Uganda doubled while Haiti tripled. USAID 
has made it clear that it targets what its analysts say is unmet need. 
Even Ghana has seen its average annual contraception shipment rise, 
from $1.5 million in calendar years 1998-2001 to $2.3 million for 
calendar years 2002-2003.
  Under the Mexico City policy, the U.S. has remained the largest donor 
nation by far to international family planning. We just insist and 
direct that those funds are used in a way and go to the groups that are 
about family planning and are not double hatted, trying to enable 
abortionists and abortion lobbyists overseas.
  I would point out, as Mrs. Lowey stated earlier when she talked about 
lobbying, the Mexico City policy, I have a copy for anybody to read, 
makes it very clear that when it comes to lobbying, we are only talking 
about lobbying for abortion as a method for birth control. Exempted 
explicitly, unlike what she said earlier, are rape, incest and life-of-
the-mother provision.
  I hope she will correct the record. It is clearly false.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Rhode Island.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentlelady for yielding for the purpose of 
engaging in a colloquy with Chairwoman Lowey and the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Cuellar).
  Madam Chairman, thank you for engaging in this discussion to clarify 
the language related to international family planning and abortion 
restrictions in the bill. I understand that you have included a 
provision in the underlying bill that makes certain exemptions for 
contraceptives from the Mexico City policy.
  I further understand that the intent of this provision is to allow 
international nongovernmental organizations, otherwise known as NGOs, 
to receive U.S.-donated contraceptives for distribution to the poorest 
men and women in the poorest regions of the world.
  As the chairwoman knows, I do not support providing direct funding to 
international NGOs that do not adhere to the Mexico City policy. I have 
concerns that the language, as it is currently drafted, could be 
interpreted more broadly than intended and could be construed to permit 
not only the provision of contraceptives, but also the provision of 
funding directly to organizations that perform or advocate for 
abortions.
  I yield to the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. CUELLAR. Thank you for yielding. I would like to associate myself 
with the gentleman's remarks and his concerns that the language could, 
in fact, be interpreted to have a broader application, not only 
allowing for the provision of contraceptives.
  Would the chairwoman explain her provision and clarify her 
legislative intent?
  Mrs. LOWEY. Will the gentleman from Texas yield?
  Mr. CUELLAR. I yield to the chairwoman.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I do thank my two friends and colleagues for their work 
on this important issue and for this opportunity to clarify the intent 
of the provision. I want to be very clear. The intent of this provision 
is only to allow for the donation of the contraceptives and not to 
provide funding.
  While I disagree with broader interpretations of this language, I 
wanted to offer an amendment to clarify this provision. My amendment is 
crystal clear. It would only allow NGOs to receive U.S.-donated 
contraceptives, not funds, for distribution to millions of men and 
women across the globe in desperate need of these products.
  I hope that our discussion and my clarifying amendment that I intend 
to offer will alleviate any concerns that you or other Members have 
about the intent behind this provision.
  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Chairwoman, does your amendment do anything to 
alter or weaken the 15 provisions currently in the underlying bill that 
bans U.S. funding for abortions abroad or places restrictions on the 
use of family-planning funds?
  Mrs. LOWEY. Absolutely not. My amendment would not alter or weaken 
these long-standing provisions which I chose to retain in the fiscal 
year 2008 bill, 15 different provisions that were offered by various 
Members of Congress. Every provision is still in this bill that 
prohibits the use of U.S. tax dollars for abortion or restricts family 
planning.
  Mr. CUELLAR. I thank the chairwoman for clarification and her 
legislative intent that her amendment would only allow donated 
contraceptives to be provided to international

[[Page H6884]]

NGOs and that no funds, no funds in this bill, will be used to provide 
or advocate for abortions overseas.
  I also would like to be clear that I support your decision to retain 
the long-standing provisions in the bill to prohibit U.S. funds from 
being used to provide or advocate for abortions overseas and place 
reasonable restrictions on the use of family planning funds.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentleman. I would like to thank the 
chairwoman for her comments and her willingness to offer this 
clarifying amendment and to make it absolutely clear that the bill 
would only allow for the provision of contraceptives and not for direct 
funding.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 3 minutes.
  Mr. Chairman, the question here is who really gets the money. That's 
the question. I think that it hasn't been addressed adequately.
  I want to say at the outset, I support, I, Frank Wolf, support family 
planning, period.
  A May 22 Washington Post article described a recent crackdown on 
Chinese families that have violated China's one-child policy. The 
article stated that Chinese birth control bureaucrats showed up in a 
half-dozen towns in Guangxi Province carrying sledgehammers and 
electric cattle prods to destroy the homes and businesses of those who 
had failed to pay their fines under China's coercive one-child policy. 
The article described family-planning officials as ransacking 
businesses owned by parents of more than one child. Those who protested 
were bloodied in the struggle, and villages reported people being 
killed in the violence.
  Now, I heard that on NPR too. It was brutal. So that's really what we 
are talking about, because the United States-Mexico City policy 
prevents funding from going to international organizations that promote 
abortion as a means of family planning, including in China.
  Two prime examples of these organizations are the International 
Planned Parenthood Federation and Marie Stopes International, both of 
which are closely tied to the Chinese one-child policy. They are, in 
essence, the ones that will get this. They never, ever speak out.
  In fact, China was the second country to become ``officially 
recognized as a qualified member of the International Planned 
Parenthood Federation.'' On its Web site, International Planned 
Parenthood Foundation recently touted, saluted, just said it was a 
great thing, China's effort to exploit, its exploitation policy, 
family-planning policy regime worldwide.
  I don't want to get off too far on this, but this is a country 
getting aid for these groups that are poisoning your toothpaste, 
poisoning your pets, and, if you read the article the other day, 
painting Thomas the Tank Engine trains with lead paint that most people 
here, their children and grandchildren have. This country is the 
country.
  We restrict UNFPA funds to China expressly because China is coercive 
and this is a coercive government. This is a government that single-
handedly could be stopping the genocide in Darfur today.

                              {time}  1615

  Organizations that will receive funds under the new family planning 
language in this bill will be able to help China continue these 
unconscionable, and, I would say, immoral activities.
  I support family planning, but I can't support, will not support 
giving family planning taxpayer funds to these kind of organizations 
that not only never speak out, but actually participate.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. WOLF. I'd be glad to yield.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman's time has expired.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I offer a unanimous consent 
request to give the gentleman an additional minute.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman still controls time.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. I'd like to offer a unanimous consent 
request to yield the gentleman an additional minute on both sides, and 
if the gentleman will accept my UC, to yield a minute.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman has 14 minutes remaining on his time. He 
yielded himself 3 minutes. That has expired.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. I asked a unanimous consent request to yield 
both sides an additional minute in the debate.
  The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from 
Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. If the gentleman would be so kind as to 
yield.
  Mr. WOLF. I yield to the gentleman from Illinois.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Would the gentleman please share with the 
committee the specific provision in Ms. Lowey's amendment that says 
funds are being used for this purpose, the specific provision.
  Mr. WOLF. These groups that I just referenced, and Mr. Jackson, if 
you could have heard the NPR, I will get you the text of the NPR story. 
In fact, I will get it and I will insert it in the Record.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. If the gentleman would continue to yield. 
I'm asking specifically about the language in the statute that the 
gentlelady is advancing in her amendment. Could you show us the 
specific language in the statute, the recommended statute?
  Mr. WOLF. Yes. These groups, under this provision would be allowed to 
get the support that are now active doing this in China.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I just would like to respond quickly, before I recognize 
Mr. Kirk, to my good friend, Mr. Wolf. As Mr. Wolf knows, no money is 
going to China. China has no participation in this debate at all. It's 
very clear. In fact, not only did we not address UNFPA in this bill, we 
strengthened the prohibition so that not a dime would be spent in 
China. So I just wanted to clarify that China has nothing to do with 
this debate on contraceptives.
  I am delighted to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Kirk).
  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Chairman, I want to rise and maybe remove some of the 
partisan tension as a Republican Member in support of this amendment 
that otherwise, without action, the global gag rule would cut off 
critical providers of family planning assistance.
  In this Congress the issue of illegal immigration is at the top of 
our agenda. And women in developing countries consistently report that 
they would like to have two to three children rather than five to 
seven.
  As population pressures rise, so does the move to enter the United 
States, legally or illegally. To reduce the illegal immigration 
pressure on our borders, we need short-term solutions like border 
enforcement, and long-term solutions like backing voluntary family 
planning to help women in developing counties have the smaller family 
that they want.
  The global gag rule has been used to cut off the International 
Planned Parenthood Federation because it used less than 1 percent of 
its own privately raised funds for abortion-related services. And when 
we cut off IPPF, we might have another provider of family planning 
assistance to the women of Mexico for example, like the UNFPA, but we 
cut them off too.
  Mr. Chairman, I would argue that the American people would strongly 
agree with the principle that if Mexican women wanted to have fewer 
children, then we should help them.
  Voluntary family planning would boost child survival rates. It would 
also lower the rate of growth of Mexico's population. A slower rate of 
growth of Mexico's population would improve the economy of Mexico. It 
would also reduce the environmental pressure on Mexico's ecosystem. But 
a slower rate of growth would also reduce the long-term illegal 
immigration pressure on America's borders.
  We should adopt this bipartisan amendment. We should help women in 
developing countries have the smaller families that they want. We 
should also adopt policies which reduce the population pressure on our 
own borders with a policy that supports the rights of women and lowers 
the pressure on our environment.
  I commend the Chair for offering this amendment.

[[Page H6885]]

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Gingrey).
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. And I 
want to say that I, Doctor, Representative Phil Gingrey as a pro-life 
OB-GYN, in the interest of full disclosure, I want to say that I'm very 
supportive of family planning, but not family planning that includes 
definition of abortion as part of family planning.
  In the Lowey amendment, which I'm opposed to, I'm not questioning her 
integrity or intent in what she says in explanation, but I think it's a 
very confusing amendment. And when we just heard the two Democratic 
Members engaging in a colloquy with the chairwoman, the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Cuellar) and the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin), 
as they said that they were very much in favor of the Mexico City 
policy and wanted to make sure that no money would be spent, and I 
think the chairlady tried to explain that.
  But then just a second ago, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Jackson), stood up to ask our ranking member if there was anything in 
the Lowey amendment that spoke to the issue of funding.
  But I would say to the gentleman, Mr. Chairman, and my colleagues, 
funding versus commodity. If you tell me that you're going to give me 
$75, that's funding, I guess. If you're going to say, no, I'm not going 
to give you $75, I'm going to give you a tank of gas, it's the same 
value.
  And I think as the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) was 
explaining earlier with his poster, that you ultimately take money away 
from the countries that need it. And we don't want to do that.
  If you really want to make sure that we don't export abortion to 
another country, then we're going to have an amendment coming up 
momentarily, the Stupak-Chris Smith amendment, that strikes the 
language and restores the Mexico City policy.
  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. GINGREY. I'll be glad to yield to my friend from Ohio.
  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. I'd just like some clarification. You said this 
money is going to come from countries that need it, and it's going to 
go to other countries. Are you suggesting that those other countries do 
not need this kind of contraceptives and the preventative care?
  Mr. GINGREY. Reclaiming my time, I will quote USAID on this, Mr. 
Ryan. Twenty countries that currently do not receive USAID family 
planning would not receive donations under this amendment because the 
countries in question that you're talking about, have comparatively low 
need for family planning. And furthermore, they lack USAID presence 
necessary to monitor compliance with other statutory provisions.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. GINGREY. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. USAID has done, I think, a remarkable job in 
focusing on unmet needs, not just in the area of family planning, but 
child survival, microcredit lending and a whole host of other very 
important interventions that help poor people.
  It's all about prioritization. I showed you earlier one country after 
another that has had a doubling and a tripling of their money and 
commodities and contraceptives since the Mexico City policy was 
reinstated in 2001. It's all about prioritization.
  Let me also say, because Ghana was mentioned earlier today, just 
because Planned Parenthood of Ghana is so obsessed with abortion 
promotion that it won't sign the policy, other NGOs and other providers 
have stepped into the breach and provide family planning and abortions 
to the people of Ghana.
  Mrs. LOWEY. I'm very pleased to yield 2 minutes to my good friend, a 
distinguished Member of this Congress from New York, Mr. Joseph 
Crowley.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the amendment 
offered by my good friend from New York, Ms. Lowey, the chair of the 
Subcommittee on the State Foreign Operations Committee.
  And I think we have to make something really clear, perfectly clear; 
that in this bill, in this bill there are 10 provisions, 10 provisions 
that specifically outlaw or prohibit the use of U.S. funds in foreign 
assistance for abortion or the promotion of abortion. We have it right 
here on these charts. Ten provisions, in total, that prohibit the 
spending of any U.S. funds on the promotion of abortion or abortion.
  This amendment and this legislation is not about abortion. It is 
about prevention. And there's an opportunity here for our colleagues to 
support prevention. Here we have the gentlelady from New York, what 
she's trying to do is prevent 52 million unplanned pregnancies each 
year, 29 million abortions each year, 1.4 million infant deaths each 
year, 142,000 pregnancy-related deaths each year, and over a half a 
million children from losing their mothers each year. That's what this 
amendment is about. That's what the gentlelady is trying to accomplish.
  The other side of the aisle is saying that they're for family 
planning. Well, here is your opportunity to demonstrate that. Here is 
your opportunity to show, not only the Congress, but the United States 
and the world, and especially the developing world, that you are for 
family planning and helping to extend not only life, but the quality of 
life in many of these countries.
  I think we ought to be applauding what the gentlelady from New York 
is trying to do today, as opposed to trying to derail that. If you are 
for family planning, here is your opportunity. If you're for prevention 
of transmittable sexual diseases here is your opportunity to stand up. 
Stand up for family planning and support the gentlelady from New York 
in her motion, in her amendment and the underlying bill as well.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Burton).
  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I've always supported the right-
to-life position. And I've listened to this debate with great interest.
  Money is fungible. Tens of millions of dollars are going to go to 
NGOs. And these NGOs can take money that they already have and use it 
for abortions, because they'll have money that they can use for the 
family planning that they're talking about tonight. They'll be able to 
free up money to do what we don't want them to do.
  Intent is one thing Mrs. Lowey's talking about. What happens is quite 
sometimes another.
  The American taxpayers who are for abortion, and who are pro-life, 
don't want their tax dollars used for abortion, across the spectrum. 
They just don't want it to happen.
  No tax dollars can be or should be used for abortion. I've had town 
meetings, and people who are pro-choice have come up to me and said 
they don't want their tax dollars used for it. They're pro-choice, but 
they want people to do it with their own dollars.
  I'd just like to say to my colleague, money is fungible, and this 
will be tax dollars used for abortion.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 10 seconds to the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Ryan).
  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Just to clarify the record, Mr. Chairman, this is 
not money. This is a product that will be shipped. And the other side 
keeps distorting the debate. This is about the product going over 
there.
  You can't say you're for family planning and then we provide some of 
the contraceptives to ship over, and then they vote against it.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I would also suggest before I yield to the 
gentleman, Mr. Levin, that these provisions, the charts disappeared. If 
you would like to refresh your memory, there are 15 provisions that I 
left in this bill that make it absolutely clear that no U.S. dollars 
may go for abortion.
  I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin).
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Chairman, over 25 years ago I was assistant 
administrator of AID, running the population program. This issue of 
fungibility came up. We were assiduously implementing the Hyde 
amendment. So we tried through accounting mechanisms to address the 
fungibility issue.
  So then it was said that's not enough. So then Mexico City was 
proposed and implemented.
  This is not a repeal of the Mexico City policy. Whatever one thinks 
of it, it is not.

[[Page H6886]]

                              {time}  1630

  This isn't about abortion, and it really isn't about fungibility.
  Mr. Wolf, if you take your position far enough, we should give no 
military assistance to any country that has a policy on family planning 
that you don't like because in that sense it is fungible. But that 
carries it beyond a rule of reason. And what this proposal does is to 
apply a rule of reason, as has been said, to contraceptives provided in 
kind to people who need these contraceptives. That is the long and the 
short of this. And, essentially, you are the ones who are blurring the 
issue, not us. And if you take your logic to the extreme, you will tie 
this appropriation process for numerous countries into knots. This is 
trying to untie a knot, if you want to put it that way, only in the 
sense of providing products in kind to people who need them. And if you 
say you are for family planning and you vote otherwise, you are voting 
against family planning.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield 15 seconds to Mr. Burton to respond 
to something that was said.
  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I would like to say to my 
colleagues I understand what you have been saying. You are going to 
give product to them. But when you give them product, that frees up 
money that they have for abortions. So you are indirectly going to be 
funding abortions. That is what I said. And the American taxpayers 
don't want their money in any way to be used, indirectly or directly, 
for abortions.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Ohio 
(Mrs. Schmidt).
  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Lowey 
amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, the Mexico City policy was first promulgated in 1984 
and renewed by the current administration in 2001. This policy simply 
requires that, as a condition for receipt of U.S. family-planning aid, 
whether commodities or cash, foreign nongovernmental and international 
organizations certify that they neither perform nor actively promote 
abortion as a method of family planning. This is a sound policy, and we 
should not undermine it in any way.
  The Lowey amendment is an attempt to blur this line by diverting 
contraceptive commodities from organizations that do not promote or 
provide abortion to those that do.
  Abortion is a tragic loss of life not only to the child but to the 
mother. We know from the affidavits that were produced from the 
Gonzales v. Carhart case, 180 post-abortive women, what they had to 
say. Let me give you an example of one:
  ``How has abortion affected you?''
  ``My life is worthless to me. There is nothing in it. Shame, guilt, 
and regret is hard to live with. I am 50 years old now.''
  Mr. Chairman, the Mexico City policy at issue here establishes a 
bright line between noncontroversial family planning activities and 
abortion. We should not blur this line with the Lowey amendment in any 
way.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, how much time does each side have?
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Virginia has 8\1/4\ minutes, and the 
gentlewoman from New York has 4 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1\1/4\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran).
  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, what we should be doing here is 
eliminating the gag rule. But that is not what we are doing. All that 
this amendment does is to allow family-planning organizations to 
receive free donations of contraceptives and condoms.
  Now, instead, the opposition wants to prohibit even this, even though 
you suggest that you are for family planning. You would never do this 
to the women of America because they have control over their lives. But 
the women of the Third World don't have control over their lives, and 
you know that.
  What is going to happen without access to contraceptives is that 52 
million unwanted pregnancies will occur, and there will be almost 30 
million abortions as a result. Where is the sense in that?
  We have got to find a way for women to control their lives in the 
Third World. The fact is a vast majority of women in the Third World 
don't have any control over when the sex act is performed. That is not 
their choice. Most of them are married and most of them are in faithful 
relationships irregardless of their husband's conduct. They are 
overwhelmed by the number of children they have to provide for. But you 
want to deny them the ability to control the number of children in 
their family?
  Not to pass this amendment is punitive. This is punishing of those 
women. It is wrong. It is immoral, in fact. This moderate amendment 
certainly should be passed by this Congress in the 21st century.


                         Parliamentary Inquiry

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I have a parliamentary inquiry 
about the remaining time on both sides.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Illinois may inquire.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Specifically, Mr. Chairman, under my 
unanimous consent request, an additional minute was given to their side 
and an additional minute to our side, and I wanted to make sure that 
the additional minute has been calculated in the remaining time.
  The CHAIRMAN. The additional time has been added. The time remaining 
is 8\1/4\ minutes for the gentleman from Virginia and 2\3/4\ minutes 
for the gentlewoman from New York.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. I thank the Chairman.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, before I recognize the gentlewoman from 
Oklahoma (Ms. Fallin), I would say to my friend, my very good friend, I 
would increase the funding for family planning. I would gladly increase 
it. So I think the question is how much money would be good if we could 
actually increase it with that.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Ms. 
Fallin).
  Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Chairman, I am listening to this debate today, and it 
seems to me that the question is not if there is money going to family 
planning. I understand there is $441 million already allocated, U.S. 
money, that goes to foreign countries for family planning. But the 
question is whom is the money going to and do the organizations that 
receive the money for family planning promote abortion as a method of 
family planning. And that is what this whole debate is on our side.
  And the way I see it, if we supplement the budgets of other 
organizations in foreign countries who use abortion as family planning 
by giving them contraceptives, which we already do, by the way, $441 
million worth of family-planning help, then we are supplementing their 
budgets so that they can have freed-up money to continue down the route 
of doing abortions for family planning. So it is just kind of logical 
that that is what we are doing here by changing this policy. And that 
is why I support the Smith-Stupak amendment.
  And the gentlewoman has been kind to say that she wants to work in 
good faith and find common ground, and she has said it is her goal to 
get contraceptives to other countries. So if that is our goal and our 
goal is not to help other countries with abortions for family planning, 
then let's accept this amendment, the Smith-Stupak amendment, and let's 
pass it and let's show that the United States will not be in the 
business of exporting abortions to foreign countries.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to Marilyn Musgrave of 
Colorado.
  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Chairman, as we are debating this, I think that 
one thing we have to be mindful of is every Member of Congress knows 
what an in-kind contribution is. And I would just like to say that we 
know that we have to account for in-kind contributions and we have to 
consider this in the Lowey amendment.
  I oppose this because I really feel that we need to protect the 
international family planning integrity. We know what the Mexico City 
policy was put in effect to do. We know that people in this country do 
not want their taxpayer dollars used to provide for abortion as a means 
of family planning.
  Another thing that has not been brought into this debate is this 
amendment really is a poison pill. I think that it undermines the 
Mexico City

[[Page H6887]]

policy, and I think that it could possibly subject this bill to a veto. 
And I think we need to be very mindful of that as we engage in this 
debate.
  And we need to be mindful that this amendment doesn't increase USAID 
funding for contraceptives. It simply diverts contraceptive commodities 
from organizations that do not promote or provide abortions as a method 
of family planning.
  So I rise in opposition to the Lowey amendment. I understand the 
intention. But, again, we all know what an in-kind contribution does, 
and we know what it does to the budgets of those organizations that 
promote abortion as a method of family planning.
  The Smith-Stupak amendment is the only amendment that removes the 
poison pill, restores the Mexico City policy, and allows the USAID to 
continue to direct the U.S. family-planning resources to organizations 
that are not engaged in pro-abortion activities.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Sires).
  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Lowey amendment.
  This amendment would clarify existing language in the Foreign 
Operations bill that would only, and I repeat, only allow for NGOs to 
receive U.S.-donated contraceptives. This amendment makes it clear that 
only contraceptives will be donated and made available to millions of 
men and women around the world. Not funding.
  By increasing global contraceptive supplies, this will help many 
women and men overseas plan their families, protect against sexually 
transmitted diseases, and minimize at-risk pregnancies.
  Mr. Chairman, since the administration reinstated this policy in 
2001, 20 nations have stopped receiving U.S. shipments of 
contraceptives. Women and children in these countries often suffer from 
high maternal and child mortality rates because of a lack of adequate 
health care and access to family planning. I believe we must give hope 
to these women and families by providing them with the contraceptives 
they need to make their own decisions regarding their families. And I 
also think it is essential to provide individuals with the tools they 
need to protect themselves against the spread of HIV/AIDS.
  I rise in support, and I urge all the Members to support this 
amendment.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Pence).
  (Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  I rise in opposition to the Lowey amendment, although I do want to 
express my appreciation to Chairman Lowey for preserving, as she 
indicated, the 15 different restrictions that are in this bill on the 
use of American taxpayer dollars overseas to directly fund abortion.
  But I want to say respectfully to my colleagues on the other side of 
the aisle, come on. Legislation that disallows contributions to fund 
abortions in family-planning organizations around the globe ought to 
also disallow in-kind contributions to those same organizations.
  Money is fungible. We know that. Organizations that receive 
commodities can take the resources that they would have used to 
purchase those commodities and use it to promote abortion. We all know. 
We are adults in this room. We all know that we are seeing here a 
concerted, sincere, and I would like to say respectfully creative 
legislative effort to undermine a policy known as the Mexico City 
policy that I think my colleagues on the other side of the aisle know 
is broadly supported by the American people.
  Whatever the view is on abortion in this country, the American people 
don't want to see their taxpayer dollars used to fund abortions at home 
or abroad. They don't want to see their taxpayer dollars used through 
the foreign aid program to fund organizations that promote abortion as 
a means of family planning. And the possibility of making tens of 
millions, if not hundreds of millions, of dollars available to 
organizations that promote abortion around the globe, making it 
available in the form of commodities is still making resources 
available to organizations that promote abortion.