[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 10]
[House]
[Pages 13874-13892]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



      FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2002

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 199 and rule 
XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House 
on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill, H.R. 2506.

                              {time}  1944


                     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 consideration of the bill 
(H.R. 2506) making appropriations for foreign operations, export 
financing, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 
30, 2002, and for other purposes, with Mr. Thornberry in the chair.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered as having 
been read the first time.
  Under the rule, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) and the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey) each will control 30 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe).

                              {time}  1945

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to present to the Members H.R. 2506, the 
fiscal year 2002 appropriations bill for Foreign Operations, Export 
Financing, and Related Programs. The privilege of managing this bill, 
one that provides the wherewithal for an effective and humane foreign 
policy, means a great deal to me personally. I especially appreciate 
the trust that the Speaker and the gentleman from Florida (Chairman 
Young) have placed in me, and I thank my subcommittee colleagues in 
particular for their advice and support.
  When I became chairman of the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, I 
set out three priorities for myself: first, reversing the spread of 
infectious diseases such as HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; second, 
encouraging economic growth through open trade and transparent laws; 
and, third, improving the accountability of the agencies funded through 
this bill. Making progress on the first two priorities, to at least 
some degree, is contingent on effective management of the Agency for 
International Development.
  Our recommended bill is the product of bipartisan compromise. It 
funds the President's priorities, though there are a few critical 
differences. Above all, the bill promotes interests abroad, while 
improving the prospects for a better life for millions of poor people 
from Latin America to Asia.
  H.R. 2506 appropriates $15.2 billion in new discretionary budget 
authority, approximately $1 million less than the President's request, 
but $304 million more than last year. A major reason for the increase 
over last year is that $676 million is in the bill in new funding for 
the Andean Counterdrug Initiative. Members will remember that the 
initial Plan Colombia adopted by Congress last year was funded by a 
supplemental appropriation bill, which put the spending outside the 
boundaries of the subcommittee's fiscal year 2001 allocation. Now, 
unlike the original Plan Colombia, approximately half of the Andean 
Initiative funds long-term economic development and good governance 
projects.
  The committee recommendation fully funds the military and economic 
aid request for Israel, for Egypt, and for Jordan. Overall, $5.14 
billion is provided for the Middle East, and I will return to that 
region momentarily.
  For export and investment assistance programs, the committee is 
recommending $604 million, which is $137 million below the 2001 level, 
but $118 million above the administration request. The committee 
accepts a portion of the proposed cut from the current appropriations 
for the Export-Import Bank, but provides sufficient funds to maintain 
current program levels.
  For international HIV-AIDS programs, the committee is recommending a 
total of $474 million. That compares with $315 million in fiscal year 
2001. The committee fully funds the President's request of $100 million 
for an international health trust fund, 80 percent of which would be 
allocated for AIDS. The supplemental appropriation bill which we will 
consider tomorrow also includes an additional $100 million from current 
year funds for the international trust fund.
  In addition, no less than $414 million is available for bilateral HIV 
and AIDS programs. This amount exceeds the President's request by $45 
million and the level authorized in law by $114 million. Some of the 
increase is for new programs in vulnerable countries such as Burma, 
where little donor assistance is available to restrict the spread of 
AIDS.

[[Page 13875]]

  I am aware that Members will offer amendments to increase funding 
even further for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Both of these are worthy 
causes. But I would advise them that the committee has been increasing 
HIV funding above the request for many years under the gentle prodding 
from the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the former ranking 
member of the subcommittee.
  Yet our Members are aware that we also need to balance the current 
enthusiasms with longer-term economic growth and governance programs, 
because, Mr. Chairman, I would point out that economic growth is the 
only prescription that enables countries to revive health systems and 
to generate employment, which can improve the standards of living for 
their people.
  In reaching our bipartisan recommendation, the committee also 
recognized the continuing importance of basic education, reproductive 
health, security assistance, export financing. We ask that the Members 
of the House keep these multiple objectives in mind today and in the 
next few days as we proceed with this bill.
  Overall, for assistance programs managed solely by the Agency for 
International Development, the committee recommends a total of $3.63 
billion, of which $1.93 billion is for child survival and health 
programs. This is $126 million over the 2001 level and $177 million 
over the administration request.
  These totals include $120 million for a grant to UNICEF. It does not 
include funding for the proposed Global Development Alliance, but we 
look forward to considering the proposal further as its shape becomes 
more definitive.
  For international financial institutions, the recommendation is $1.17 
billion. That is $23 million over the 2001 level, but $40 million below 
the request.
  The bill also completes funding for the Heavily Indebted Poor Country 
Initiative with a final $224 million, and provides an additional $25 
million from prior year balances for Tropical Forest Debt Relief.
  On Tuesday, President Bush called on the World Bank to dramatically 
increase the share of its funding for health and education in the 
poorest countries on this globe, but to do so using their grant 
authority rather than loans. Over the last few years, this committee 
has urged different administrations to adopt this policy, so I am 
pleased that it has been embraced by President Bush.
  I know many Members have a special interest in the Middle East, so I 
will describe the committee recommendation for that region in a bit 
more detail.
  The bill before the House continues the policy that was begun 3 years 
ago that reduces Israeli and Egyptian economic assistance over a 10-
year period. Israel's economic support is reduced by $120 million, but 
military assistance is increased by $60 million. Israel's funding 
through the Economic Support Fund is $720 million, which will be made 
available within 30 days of enactment or by October 31, 2001, whichever 
date is later. Military assistance totals $2.04 billion, and that is 
also made available on an expedited basis.
  We have also included a couple of new initiatives this year dealing 
with the Middle East. Language in the bill specifies that the PLO and 
the Palestinian Authority must abide by the cease-fire recently 
brokered by CIA Director George Tenet. If they are not in substantial 
compliance, the Secretary of State must impose at least one of three 
sanctions: closure of the Palestinian information office in Washington; 
second, the designation of the PLO or one or more of its constituent 
groups as a terrorist organization; or, third, cutting off all but 
humanitarian aid to the West bank and Gaza.
  The President is allowed to waive these restrictions if he determines 
it is in the national security interests of the United States. Many of 
my colleagues would like to go further in sanctioning the Palestinians, 
and others felt that any language might upset the status of 
negotiations in the Middle East. But I believe this provision strikes a 
middle ground and sends the right message to the Palestinians and their 
leaders, and that is comply with your commitments regarding 
renunciation of terror and violence, and then no sanctions will be 
imposed. We are not going back to the beginning of the current 
violence, but we are saying you must adhere to your commitments that 
are now made under the Tenet cease-fire as we go forward.
  We are also sending a message in our bill to the International 
Committee on the Red Cross. This otherwise noble institution has failed 
to admit the Magen David Adom Society of Israel to the International 
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It is pretty clear that the 
society's use of the Star of David has triggered the usual opposition 
from the usual suspects.
  The American Red Cross has courageously fought to get the society 
admitted to the Red Cross movement. They have withheld their dues to 
the Geneva headquarters of the International Red Cross for the past 2 
years. I am proposing that the United States Government do the same 
until the society is able to fully participate in the activities of the 
International Red Cross. If the IRC can include national societies from 
terrorist states like Iraq and North Korea in its movement, then surely 
Israel is entitled to membership.
  Within the Economic Support Fund, the President's request would 
increase funding for Latin America by $50 million, from $120 million to 
$170 million. There is additional support in the Child Survival and 
Health Fund for efforts to restrict the spread of AIDS in the Caribbean 
region. The bill also includes an additional $100 million to assist El 
Salvador in its recovery from two devastating earthquakes earlier this 
year.
  I am pleased that the President's request follows through on his 
pledge to focus additional resources in the Western Hemisphere. This is 
one reason I strongly oppose amendments that would cut funding from the 
Economic Support Fund. We cannot afford to cut funding for Latin 
America or other sensitive regions such as Lebanon.
  For the International Fund for Ireland, we are recommending $25 
million, the same as last year, but $5 million above the President's 
request. This program is designed to support the peace process in 
Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland.
  Our funding for economic assistance to Central and Eastern Europe 
totals $600 million, and that corresponds to the amount appropriated 
last year, excluding emergency funding. Funding for Bosnia would 
decline from $80 million to $65 million. Funding for Kosovo is reduced 
from $150 million to $120 million.
  Our bill anticipates a continuation of the $5 million allocation for 
the Baltic states to continue our very modest but important assistance 
programs in those countries. We also strongly support, I might add, 
funding through the Foreign Military Financing Program for those same 
Baltic states. The President requested $21 million for these three 
countries, and the committee has endorsed this request. Again, I 
strongly oppose amendments that would cut funding for our new 
democratic friends in the Baltic states, Poland and Hungary.
  For the states in the former Soviet Union, funding would decline only 
slightly, from $810 million to $767 million. The committee continues 
its support to find a peaceful settlement in the Southern Caucasus 
region, by providing $82.5 million for both Armenia and for Georgia. 
For Armenia this recommendation is $12.5 million above the President's 
request. While the committee does not set aside a specific amount for 
Azerbaijan, the bill would retain exemptions in current law from a 
statutory restriction on assistance to its government.
  The committee supports the struggle for a better life by the people 
of the Ukraine. Under this bill, Ukraine will continue to receive $125 
million, one of our largest aid programs anywhere. Depending on 
subsequent events in the Ukraine, the committee is willing to consider 
additional funding for Ukraine at later stages in the appropriations 
process.
  Assistance for South and Southeast Asia is a relatively small part of 
our bill, but its importance is far more substantial. Ongoing economic 
growth and

[[Page 13876]]

health programs in India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Indonesia 
provide the framework for subsequent investment by the private sector 
and multilateral development banks. As we did last year, AID is 
encouraged to use the Economic Support Fund to renew a basic education 
program in Pakistan. It is a modest but important start toward renewing 
our economic assistance program in this country.
  We also provide funding for several smaller programs that do not get 
enough attention, including $38 million for anti-terrorism assistance 
and $40 million for humanitarian demining programs around the world. 
Both of these programs help save lives. The Peace Corps is another 
example, another program that has made an enormous difference in this 
globe that we all share. We recognize its value and importance, and we 
support the full request of funding of $275 million.
  Mr. Chairman, before I conclude, I want to pay special tribute to my 
ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), for her 
cooperation in bringing this bill to the floor and developing the 
recommendations that we have. I cannot say it strongly enough that she 
has been a true delight to work with. We have, I think, a very positive 
relationship; and I think both of us feel that way. But I do not want 
my expressions of personal regard in this for the gentlewoman from New 
York (Mrs. Lowey) to somehow leave the impression among her colleagues 
on her side of the aisle that she is not doing everything humanely 
possible to make sure we reduce roles in the 108th Congress. 
Nonetheless, I hope that is not the case.
  Mr. Chairman, I would not want to end my comments without also paying 
special tribute to the staff members who have helped to make this 
possible. Our subcommittee staff is led by the able Mr. Charlie 
Flickner, whose number of years here has given him a special insight 
into this legislation. He is joined by our professional assistants, 
John Shank and Alice Grant, and our subcommittee clerk, Laurie Mays. My 
own personal staff person, Sean Mulvaney, who has worked hard on this 
bill, has helped to make it possible that we are here tonight.

                              {time}  2000

  On the other side, of course, we have Mark Murray and the 
gentlewoman's from New York (Ms. Lowey) personal staff person, Beth 
Tritter, who I think have contributed tremendously to this legislation; 
and I thank them personally for their contributions to this 
legislation.
  Mr. Chairman, I am proud of this bill. By the time I think the 
Committee of the Whole completes its consideration, I am optimistic 
that an overwhelming majority of the House will endorse the committee's 
recommendations.
  Mr. Chairman, I include the following tables for the Record.

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[[Page 13880]]

  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume, 
and I rise in strong support of the fiscal year 2002 Foreign Operations 
Appropriations Act.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill, which is the product of 
close cooperation between the majority and the minority. I have always 
said that the United States draws its strength as a global leader from 
the consistent bipartisanship of our foreign policy. The bill we have 
before us today represents the very best that bipartisanship and 
compromise can achieve, and I am very proud to support it.
  The bill provides the entire amount requested by the President for 
Foreign Operations, which is nearly $2 billion above the level we had 
achieved at this point in the process last year. I have stood here 
during the debate over this measure in past years disappointed that we 
did not have the resources to adequately address our foreign policy 
priorities. Unfortunately, I still believe that this is true. We have 
done a good job of prioritizing resources within our $15.2 billion 
allocation, but we can do better, and I am hopeful we will eventually 
achieve a level closer to the Senate's $15.5 billion allocation for 
fiscal year 2002, and I hope that we will have more resources to 
disburse in future years.
  I am pleased that the bill provides a total $474 million for HIV/
AIDS. Of this amount, our bilateral HIV/AIDS funding totals $414 
million, nearly $100 million above last year's level; and we fully fund 
the President's request for a $100 million down payment to a global 
HIV/AIDS trust fund. The other $100 million of this initial commitment 
was requested from the Labor-HHS bill, and I look forward to working on 
that subcommittee to make sure we provide these funds as well.
  HIV/AIDS is an international crisis, as we know; and the United 
States has a responsibility to lead the way on everything from 
treatment to prevention, to caring for AIDS orphans, to crafting a 
coordinated global strategy. I am proud that this bill has 
significantly ramped up its support for these initiatives in recent 
years, and I hope that we can continue this trend.
  The gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) and I also worked together to 
achieve an overall level of $150 million for basic education. 
Development initiatives like education are the keystones to achieving 
stable, healthy societies around the world. Education is one of the 
most cost-effective of all of our foreign assistance investments; and 
the collateral effects of educating children, and especially girls, are 
profound. I am pleased that we could provide increases over the 
President's request for education and for other development assistance 
priorities.
  The bill significantly increases the President's request for the 
Export-Import Bank, which I know is a top priority for our chairman and 
for many of our colleagues. We were able to increase United States 
funding for UNICEF by $10 million and the United Nations Development 
Program by $10 million. Both of these organizations do excellent work, 
complementing United States bilateral programs in the developing world 
and maximizing the impact of our foreign assistance dollars.
  It is significant that the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) and I 
took our first trip together as chairman and ranking member to the 
Middle East, and I am pleased that we worked together to make some 
strong statements in this bill in support of the United States-Israel 
relationship and the quest for peace and stability in that region.
  We fully fund Israel's aid package, reinforcing our commitment to 
maintaining strong ties between our two countries and ensuring that 
Israel, our closest ally in the region, will maintain its qualitative 
military edge. We continue assisting in the resettlement in Israel of 
refugees from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. We send an 
unequivocal signal to Chairman Arafat that we expect him to take 
concrete steps to end the violence and terrorism that has gripped the 
region, and we signal to the International Committee of the Red Cross 
that we expect the pattern of prejudice against Magen David Adom to 
end.
  Mr. Chairman, despite our successes, I do not believe that this bill 
will adequately fund all of our foreign assistance priorities; and 
there are some key areas where it needs substantial improvement. The 
bill includes $425 million for bilateral international family planning 
assistance and $25 million for the UNFPA. I had hoped we could increase 
our contribution to the lifesaving work of the UNFPA and that we could 
return to the 1995 level of $541.6 million for bilateral family 
planning assistance. The need for these programs far outpaces the 
supply, and I believe we should be providing more resources to help 
women plan their pregnancies and give birth to healthy children.
  I remain deeply disappointed that the President chose to reimpose the 
global gag rule restrictions on our bilateral family planning 
assistance and that this bill is silent on this important issue. As 
long as the global gag rule remains in place, we limit the impact of 
the assistance we provide in almost every part of this bill; and I can 
assure my colleagues that I will work hard during conference both to 
boost our family planning assistance and to repeal the global gag rule.
  There is not enough money in this bill to address the scourge of 
infectious diseases such as TB and malaria, which cause complications 
and deaths among the HIV positive population; and I strongly believe 
that funding for HIV/AIDS and funding for other priorities must go hand 
in hand. Any realistic development strategy must take into account that 
there are a host of activities in which we must engage, and we must 
carefully balance our resources among various priorities, because 
progress in each area bolsters the others.
  Our success in combating the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa and around the 
world will depend upon our continued commitment to eradicating other 
infectious diseases, increasing support for maternal health, educating 
boys and girls, supporting micro credit and other financial services, 
giving women the tools to become leaders in promoting democracy. 
Fulfilling our potential to contribute to so many of these initiatives 
will take a far larger investment than we provide today.
  I also remain disappointed that the bill before us does not 
adequately address the devastation that El Salvador has endured from 
two major earthquakes. We have invested billions of dollars in 
encouraging stability in that country, and I fear our past successes 
will be reversed if we do not act quickly and decisively. Given this 
body's past commitments to helping Latin America recover from horrible 
disasters, given the importance of that region to our country, our 
paltry commitment is troubling; and I sincerely hope we can address 
this issue in conference.
  I also share the concern of many of my colleagues on both sides of 
the aisle about the Andean Regional Initiative, the successor program 
to Plan Colombia. When Congress supported $1.3 billion and mostly 
military assistance to Colombia and other countries in the region last 
year, we believed that our funds would be supplemented by a substantial 
investment of economic assistance on the part of our European friends. 
Well, not only did the European contribution not come to fruition, but 
our own economic assistance has moved extremely slowly.
  We have begun a campaign of fumigation without giving farmers ample 
opportunity to voluntarily eradicate coca crops. We have realized no 
benefits from our programs in terms of increased stability and 
prosperity in Colombia, and I think we need to take a careful look at 
this program before we allow it to continue. Mr. Chairman, I look 
forward to having a thorough debate on this topic as this bill 
proceeds.
  It is truly an honor and a privilege, Mr. Chairman, for me to serve 
as ranking member of this subcommittee; and I am resolute in my belief 
that our foreign assistance is both a moral imperative and a national 
security necessity. As a fortunate Nation, we cannot turn our backs on 
the terrible heartbreak

[[Page 13881]]

and suffering in the world; and we must live up to our responsibility 
to help those who have been left behind. As a global leader, we must 
recognize that the United States will reap the benefits from the 
stability nurtured by our aid.
  I must say, in conclusion, that it is a true honor for me to serve 
with the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), the chairman of the 
subcommittee who, I believe, shares my commitment to a robust foreign 
assistance program. Since we both assumed our new positions in the 
107th Congress, we have addressed the extraordinary challenges and 
opportunities of this bill together. I sincerely appreciate our close 
cooperation. I look forward to continuing to doing good work together. 
It is a real honor, I say to the gentleman, to serve with him and to 
work on these important issues.
  I also want to thank the members of the subcommittee and the staff 
who have been so instrumental in putting this bill together. I 
particularly appreciate the hard work of Mark Murray, Charlie Flickner, 
John Shank, Alice Grant, Lori Maes, Sean Mulvaney, Beth Tritter, and 
all of the associate staffers for the majority and minority members.
  In conclusion, it is truly a privilege for me to serve in this 
capacity, working with the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe).
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for her kind 
remarks.
  It is my great privilege to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Knollenberg), a very able member of this subcommittee and 
a very knowledgeable member and one who takes the work very seriously.
  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman very 
kindly for those kind words; and I also want to rise in strong support 
of this appropriations bill. I want to suggest that my colleagues on 
both sides of the aisle rallied in support of this bill because this 
year, I think especially, we have an extraordinary bill.
  I must commend the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) for his hard 
work and leadership as chairman of this subcommittee. He has 
consistently sought to accommodate all members, and I want to include 
myself in that group, because we all have different thoughts about how 
to prepare, how to put this bill together. But he has remained focused 
on bringing about a responsible and effective bill before us here 
today. Not an easy task, but one he has accomplished, I believe, with 
skill.
  I want to additionally thank my good friend, the gentlewoman from New 
York (Mrs. Lowey), our ranking member, for her leadership and her 
effort. As we have in years past, members from both sides of the aisle 
have once again worked together to make important progress on a number 
of foreign assistance issues. I thank the gentlewoman for her 
friendship and cooperation.
  Obviously, the staff, the extraordinary staff needs a great deal of 
thanks here, too, because they have been performing great work for us, 
a contribution that frankly has resulted in a bill that would not have 
been without their efforts, so I thank them, all of them, for their 
efforts.
  Foreign assistance remains an inseparable element of our Nation's 
overall foreign policy, including national security and economic 
interests. This is a responsible bill that effectively allocates the 
foreign assistance that we have available, while providing vital 
support for our Nation's interests.
  This bill provides, as my colleagues probably already know, $753 
million in export financing for the Export-Import Bank, which is $120 
million greater than the President's request. With this funding, I hope 
the bank will be able to maintain at least the level of activity 
experienced this year.
  The Export-Import Bank, sometimes looked upon as an unnecessary item, 
really has a critical role to play in support of American exports and 
the businesses and the workers who supply those products. Without 
support from Ex-Im, billions of dollars in American exports simply 
would not go forward. Ex-Im is especially important for small 
businesses. Small businesses benefit from over 80 percent of the bank's 
transactions. These exports remain crucial to our economy, and I will 
continue to support Ex-Im throughout the appropriations process. And I 
again want to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), the 
chairman, for his leadership in this effort to get more money into this 
account.

                              {time}  2015

  One of the most important elements of U.S. foreign policy in this 
legislation is the annual assistance package to the Middle East.
  The United States has a vital role and has played a vital role in the 
Middle East for several decades. That role should and will continue. 
Congress has a responsibility to help shape our policy toward the 
Middle East through the financial assistance provided in this bill. 
Decisions regarding this funding must be carefully considered to ensure 
that a proper balance is maintained.
  I am also pleased that this bill fully supports the administration's 
request for assistance to our ally, Israel, the only democracy in the 
Middle East.
  I am also pleased that this bill continues funding for the excellent 
U.S. aid mission in Lebanon, as well as important programs in Egypt, 
Jordan, the West Bank, and Gaza.
  Together, these programs play a key role in advancing U.S. interests 
in the Middle East, including fostering credibility and stability at 
this crucial time. These programs should be continued, and this bill 
appropriately maintains them.
  The bill also strengthens our relationship to our friend and ally, 
Armenia. This year we have seen some progress in efforts to resolve the 
conflict among Armenia and Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabagh. During this 
time, Armenia has consistently shown its commitment toward a lasting 
peace, and has made notable progress with its economy and its effort to 
eliminate corruption.
  The assistance we provide remains important to these efforts. 
Therefore, I am pleased that this bill increases assistance there by 
$12.5 million over the President's request. I should note, however, 
that this is still a little less than last year. I look forward to 
working with the chairman in conference to develop some additional 
assistance on that issue.
  The legislation contains language directing the administration to 
release the remainder of the $20 million provided in 1998 for victims 
of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict. There is great need in Nagorno-
Karabagh, and USAID has an obligation to commit this money immediately.
  Mr. Chairman, there are other important programs in this bill, 
including microenterprise loans, foreign military financing for the 
Baltic countries, the resettlement of refugees in Israel, and, of 
course, also significant funding beyond the President's request to 
continue the fight against HIV/AIDS and the crisis in Africa and around 
the world.
  This is a good bill. I recommend that everyone get behind this bill 
and support it. Both sides I think will realize so much has been done 
with so little money.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson).
  Mr. LAMPSON. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to me.
  Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Kolbe) and I have 
agreed to a colloquy on my amendment to transfer $60,000 from title III 
relating to the Foreign Military Financing Program account to title IV 
relating to International Organizations and Programs account.
  Mr. Chairman, this $60,000 is intended to cover the cost of expenses 
relating to the development of a Guide to Best Practice by the 
Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law 
to cover the application of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects 
of International Child Abduction.

[[Page 13882]]

  Many of my colleagues have heard my drumbeat over the past years 
regarding problems with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of 
International Child Abduction. We must encourage uniform application of 
exceptions identified in the Hague Convention.
  This is jeopardizing the Hague Convention's effectiveness and 
perverting its original intent. A best practice guide might discuss 
training for legal professionals, encourage implementation of more 
effective civil enforcement systems, support for victim families, and 
improved access to noncustodial or left-behind parents.
  The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) and I attended the Fourth 
Special Commission on the Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of 
International Child Abduction this past March. The special commission 
recommended that a best practice guide be developed. The Hague 
Conference on Private International Law is seeking voluntary 
contributions from member states to assist in funding this best 
practice guide, which would cost approximately $60,000 for the United 
States's portion.
  The completion of a best practice guide would be an inventory of 
existing central authority practices and procedures that is a practical 
know-how-to guide to help practitioners, judges, central authorities to 
implement the Hague Convention in a better way and as it was originally 
intended. It will draw upon materials published and otherwise provided 
by the central authorities themselves, in addition to the National 
Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the International Center for 
Missing and Exploited Children, and other nongovernmental 
organizations.
  My request is driven by the need to bring about greater consistency, 
but more importantly, to provide a mechanism for bringing more American 
children home. Unless urgent and rapid action is taken, more and more 
children will be denied their most basic human right, that of having 
access to both their parents.
  The challenge is now to find commitment at both the national and 
international levels to implement these actions. Abducting a child 
across border is never in a child's best interests. In the meantime, 
the Hague Convention must be applied uniformly, fairly, and above all, 
swiftly.
  Only when countries accept that child abduction is not to be 
tolerated will it become a thing of the past. Family disputes and 
divorce will never go away. Parental child abduction, however, must be 
eradicated.
  Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Arizona for all his good 
work. I appreciate his offer to work with me as the foreign operations 
bill moves forward and goes to conference with the Senate to do 
everything in his power to make sure that $60,000 is designated for the 
purpose of developing and disseminating a best practice guide.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. LAMPSON. I yield to the gentleman from Arizona.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Texas for 
yielding to me.
  I appreciate very much the comment he has made here this evening and 
his interest in this program and bringing this to our attention.
  As the gentleman said, this is a very small amount of money in the 
grand scheme of things. It would accomplish the goal of creating more 
consistency across-the-board with regard to the Hague Convention on the 
Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
  I would say to the gentleman that it is certainly my intention to 
work with him to accommodate his request as the foreign operations 
appropriations bill moves forward. As we go to conference, I do suspect 
that there may be more funds that are available to us that will be 
added to the International Organization and Programs Account, so we 
hope this would be possible to do that.
  I thank the gentleman again for bringing this to our attention.
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I will withdraw my amendment, and thank 
the chairman for his good work.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nussle), the distinguished chairman of the 
Committee on the Budget.
  Mr. NUSSLE. I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me, Mr. 
Chairman.
  I rise in support of H.R. 2506, a bill providing the appropriations 
for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs. As 
chairman of the Committee on the Budget, I am pleased to report to my 
colleagues that this bill is within the appropriate levels of the 
budget resolution and complies with the Congressional Budget Act.
  H.R. 2506 provides $15.2 billion in budget authority and $15.1 
billion in outlays for fiscal year 2002. The bill does not provide any 
advanced appropriations or designate any emergency appropriations.
  The amount of the new budget authority provided in this bill is 
within the 302(b) allocation of the subcommittee, and is also compliant 
with section 301(f) of the Budget Act, which prohibits consideration of 
measures that exceed the reporting subcommittee's 302(b) allocations.
  In summary, this bill is consistent with the budget resolution that 
the Congress has agreed to earlier. On that basis, as well as for the 
content therein, it is worthy of our support.
  I support the bill, and I congratulate the gentleman from Arizona 
(Chairman Kolbe) on his fine work, as well as the other subcommittee 
members, in bringing this bill to the floor.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley).
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time 
to me.
  Mr. Chairman, I want to commend the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman 
Kolbe) and the ranking member, my good friend, the gentlewoman from New 
York (Mrs. Lowey), for crafting a fair and comprehensive bill that 
addresses the needs of many nations throughout our world.
  As conflicts continue around the globe, from Northern Ireland to the 
Middle East, this bill has taken the appropriate steps to provide the 
tools for future prosperity and the potential for true reconciliation.
  The Middle East package includes balanced funding for Israel and 
Egypt, as well as essential funding for Jordan and Lebanon.
  Furthermore, the funding provided for the International Fund for 
Ireland in the amount of $25 million is a crucial element in 
facilitating an environment in Northern Ireland in which all sides can 
live together and prosper for a common good.
  Though I strongly support the passage of this bill, I have many 
concerns regarding the Andean Initiative. In spite of the fact that 
this funding is a vast improvement over Plan Colombia, I believe it 
fails to address the need of countries such as Ecuador to effectively 
battle in combat the spillover effect from the drug war and conflict in 
Colombia.
  Ecuador has been a true friend and ally, and deserves better 
treatment from us in this bill. It is my hope that these funding 
deficiencies will be addressed and rectified in conference.
  Having said that, I want to congratulate the gentleman from Arizona 
(Mr. Kolbe) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey) for their 
diligent work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support its 
passage.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Ballenger), a very distinguished 
senior member of the Committee on International Relations, and probably 
the leading expert in the House of Representatives on Central America 
and on Latin America. His devotion to that region is tremendous.
  Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Chairman, first I would like to thank the 
gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Kolbe) for allowing me to speak on 
this bill.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the foreign operations bill, 
and especially the provisions that fund the U.S. support of the war on 
drugs in the Andes.
  Over the years, I have traveled to the Andean region a number of 
times to see firsthand the efforts being made to

[[Page 13883]]

stop drug trafficking. Although these efforts are nothing short of 
heroic, the war has yet to be won.
  Last year I worked with the gentleman from Illinois (Speaker Hastert) 
and many other colleagues to develop and pass Plan Colombia, an aid 
package which so far has done much to fight the production and 
trafficking of illegal drugs in the region's biggest producer, 
Colombia.
  During my visits, I met with officials of the Columbian National 
Police and the U.S.-trained army counternarcotics battalions who are 
now stationed at the front of this drug war.
  I am convinced that the tide is finally rising to our advantage. This 
is a credit to the bravery of the Colombians and the support of the 
United States. Changing course now, as some of my colleagues have 
proposed, would be a fatal mistake for Colombia, the Andean region, and 
the United States, and especially our children.
  Mr. Chairman, let us face it, illegal drugs are killing our children. 
In every congressional district in America, hospital emergency rooms 
are treating young children who overdose on illegal drugs. Some of 
these kids die.
  Recent statistics show that 90 percent of the cocaine and 70 percent 
of the heroin seized in the U.S. originated in Colombia. So why are 
there amendments being offered to cut funding for the Andean 
Counterdrug Initiative and the drug crop eradication programs when it 
appears that the counternarcotics effort in the region is just starting 
to have some success?
  I have long supported the U.S. efforts to support the brave work of 
the Columbian National Police and the newly-formed counternarcotics 
battalions of the Colombian Army to fight the drug trafficking. Plan 
Colombia is a sound policy which is only now beginning to be fully 
implemented. The counternarcotics initiative contained in this bill 
will ensure that work being done under Plan Colombia will continue.
  With time, the appropriate equipment, and continued support from the 
United States, Colombia and its Andean neighbors will be able to strike 
a blow to drug trafficking in their own countries, and thereby greatly 
reduce the amount of illegal drugs ending up in our streets with our 
children.
  I believe that fighting the drug trafficking is in the national 
interest of the United States. We must fully support Colombia and its 
neighbors for as long as it takes to win this drug war. Cutting funding 
for the Andean Counterdrug Initiative now is wrongheaded, dangerous, 
and could jeopardize the future of the democracy in the Andes, as well 
as the lives of American children.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I am happy to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder), who has been an outstanding person 
working on drug interdiction issues and the task force on that.
  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this bill for a number of 
reasons. I would also like to initially say that I appreciate the 
strong support for Israel in its present crisis, surrounded by people 
desiring its destruction. It is very important in these times that we 
stand with our friends.
  Also, I have talked with the chairman about the support for 
Macedonia, another friend of ours in the Balkans crisis, which has now 
been driven into internal conflict because they stood with us, and it 
is important as we watch this conflict, and I am sure in Macedonia, 
that as it develops, if additional funds are needed through this 
process, that they will be there.

                              {time}  2030

  But tonight I would like to specifically speak to the appropriations 
on the Andean initiative. I think it is very important to put some 
perspective on the cost of the Andean initiative in the overall cost of 
our narcotics strategy.
  International programs cost just 5 percent of the national drug 
control budget. Let me say that again, because I think it is critical 
to this debate and will be very much confused. International programs 
cost just 5 percent of our drug control budget. Demand reduction 
accounts for 33 percent of that budget, over six times the amount we 
spend on international programs, and domestic law enforcement 51 
percent. Reducing the small amount of spending for international 
programs would clearly have a devastating effect on the flow of illegal 
drugs into the United States.
  Our international programs have achieved significant success. In 
Bolivia, coca cultivation has decreased by more than 70 percent due to 
the commitment of President Banzer, who I wish well as he continues to 
fight cancer. His fight against the drug lords will forever honor his 
name. Also, Vice President Quiroga, and the numerous Bolivian soldiers 
who used American assistance to go into the jungle and uproot almost 
every coca plant in their country one by one, by hand. American-
sponsored development programs are beginning to provide meaningful 
alternatives to the drug trade to everyday Bolivians.
  When I visited there with the Speaker a number of times, we went into 
the coca fields with the people and looked at the alternative 
development. It has taken us 4 years. This is not easy. In Peru, coca 
cultivation decreased by more than 70 percent between 1995 and 2000.
  I also ask my colleagues to consider the critical impact of the 
Andean Regional Initiative on the overall stability of our allies in 
Central and South America. As we all know, Colombia is at a precarious 
and crucial point in its democracy, which is one of the oldest in the 
Western Hemisphere. Without our help, there is a significant likelihood 
that it will become an outright narcostate effectively under the 
control of armed terrorists and narcolords.
  Likewise, in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and other vulnerable 
nations, we will provide assistance not only to bolster their fight 
against narcotics but also to help build democracies. But they have to 
get control of their narcotics to help build the democracy, the rule of 
law, and follow human rights. We will also promote alternative economic 
development programs and provide reasonable levels of assistance for 
economic development.
  We must also acknowledge that the Andean initiative presents 
significant challenges, which will have to be closely monitored and 
followed every step of the way. It is nearly as fraught with 
possibility for failure as it is with hope for success, but we have no 
alternatives.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
New York (Mrs. Maloney).
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the bill 
and commend the chairman, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), and 
my good friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. 
Lowey), for her great leadership.
  Mr. Chairman, this is a strong bill that recognizes and includes our 
national security and our national interests; that funds our allies in 
the Middle East, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon; and it funds the 
important International Fund for Ireland, Cyprus and many other 
important allies. In addition, it funds the child survival account, 
USAID, UNFPA, and takes into account and funds the AIDS crisis.
  But in this bill we are being asked to consider a substantial 
increase in aid for Peru. Peru has made substantial advances in recent 
years in democratizing its system and improving its economy. These 
improvements certainly deserve our support and assistance. But Peru has 
imprisoned an American citizen, Lori Berenson, a constituent of mine, 
under anti-terrorism laws that have been condemned by the international 
human rights organizations.
  Lori served 5\1/2\ years in prison under extremely harsh conditions 
for a crime that Peru now agrees she did not commit. At her recent 
civilian trial, Lori was acquitted of the leadership or membership of a 
terrorist organization. For more than 5 years, Peru insisted that Lori 
was the leader in a terrorist movement. For that crime she was 
imprisoned in Peru's highest security

[[Page 13884]]

prison for leaders of terrorist movements. Now they concede that she 
was not even a member. At all times Lori has maintained her innocence 
of the charges against her, and during her recent trial she publicly 
denounced all forms of terrorism and violence.
  Lori's health has been damaged, and I will submit for the Record a 
complete record of all the health problems that she now suffers from.
  From the beginning, Members of Congress have supported her. And 
recently over 142 Members joined me in a letter to the current 
president asking him to pardon Lori before he leaves office. In his 
recent meeting with President-elect Toledo, President Bush said that 
humanitarian factors should be taken into account in the final 
resolution of Lori's case. President Bush's conversation with 
President-elect Toledo sends a very important message to Peru: the 
United States will not forget Lori Berenson.
  We should send Peru another message. It is troubling to me that we 
are giving so much nonhumanitarian aid to Peru when they have treated 
an American citizen so badly. If she is not released on humanitarian 
grounds, Congress should take appropriate action.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, how much time is remaining?
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey) has 10\1/2\ 
minutes remaining.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
California Ms. Pelosi), an outstanding member of the committee, the 
former ranking member of the committee.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman from New York, our 
distinguished ranking member, for yielding me this time, and commend 
her for her tremendous leadership as ranking member, and really over 
time on the issues that are in this bill and so many more. I also want 
to join in commending our distinguished chairman, who, as has been 
acknowledged, is a very agreeable chairman to work with, in the 
tradition of bipartisanship of this subcommittee.
  I think they did a great job with what they had to work with. The 
priorities are good. And of course the gentlewoman from New York Mrs. 
Lowey) has been our champion on so many of the issues in the bill, and 
I want to associate myself with the remarks she made in her opening 
statement because I think it was a fine presentation, as always, on her 
part.
  I do have some areas of disagreement with the general bill, not with 
the gentlewoman from New York but with the general bill, so I wanted to 
take a few moments to express those. I will have an amendment, which is 
not going to be in order, but at least I want to talk about it for a 
moment.
  I do not think that the bill gives sufficient resources, sufficient 
to match the compassion of the American people or the needs of the 
people of El Salvador in response to the earthquakes in El Salvador. It 
is hard to imagine, Mr. Chairman, that the earthquakes in El Salvador 
caused more damage in El Salvador than all of Hurricane Mitch did, 
combined, in Central America. First, there was one earthquake, where 
hundreds of people were killed and hundreds of thousands of homes 
destroyed and people made homeless in January. And then, as fate would 
have it, in February another earthquake struck, compounding the tragedy 
enormously.
  Traditionally, we, the United States, have provided 40 percent of the 
outside international assistance to meet these needs. We do not come 
anywhere near that in this bill. In any event, I am hopeful that at the 
end of the legislative process, the appropriating process, that there 
will be more funds, because there certainly is tremendous need.
  Another area of disagreement I have in the bill is with, what are we 
calling it now, Plan Colombia? The Andean Drug Initiative, I believe is 
what it is called now. I opposed it when President Clinton proposed it 
in his supplemental bill when he was in office, and I have opposed it 
in supplemental this time, in subcommittee, full committee, and I will 
on the floor as well when now the McGovern amendment will be presented 
next week.
  But let me just say this briefly. For us to say that we need to send 
billions of dollars, billions of dollars, to Colombia in order to 
reduce demand on drugs in the United States just simply does not make 
sense. Now, if we have another agenda in Colombia and we want to help 
the Colombian people, then I think we can find a better way than 
sending military assistance to Colombia. But getting back to the 
justification, which was to reduce demand in the United States, I want 
to remind my colleagues that the RAND report tells us that to reduce 
demand by 1 percent in the U.S. by using treatment on demand, it costs 
about $32 million. To do so by eradication of the coca leaf in the 
country of origin, it costs 23 times more than that, over $700 million, 
to reduce demand by 1 percent.
  There are 5\1/2\ million addicts in the country. Two million have 
treatment; 3\1/2\ million do not. The money we send to El Salvador 
would take care of about 10 percent only of those addicts to reduce 
demand. However, we are not even matching domestically what we are 
sending to El Salvador. We will talk, when the McGovern amendment comes 
up, about particulars as far as the military is concerned.
  I seem to have dwelled on areas of disagreement; yet I wish to 
commend the distinguished chairman and the ranking member for the 
increase in international AIDS funding both on a bilateral basis and 
through the trust fund. I would like to see more money in for 
infectious diseases, which the McGovern amendment strives to do, but I 
do want to commend the chairman and the ranking member once again for 
the spirit of cooperation that they brought to this very important 
bill.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished 
gentlewoman from New York, and I would like to thank both the chairman 
and the ranking member for a very strong commitment of the United 
States to its foreign policy through this legislation.
  I would like to engage both the ranking member and the chairman in a 
colloquy. I appreciate the opportunity to share our common concern for 
the continuing human rights violations committed by the Ethiopian 
Government. I have frequently voiced my serious concerns about the 
human rights practices of the Ethiopian Government.
  Recently, I was very concerned to learn of an indiscriminate attack 
by police forces on the campus of Addis Ababa University on April 11, 
2001, in the wake of peaceful demonstrations. I understand that as many 
as 41 brave individuals were killed on or near the Addis Ababa 
University, while another 250 persons were injured in an inhuman attack 
by police forces. I hope my colleagues will join me in denouncing such 
human rights violations.
  As an aside, my colleagues know that my predecessor, Mickey Leland, 
died in Ethiopia trying to help the starving Ethiopians at that time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I yield to the gentlewoman from New York.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I share the concerns enunciated by my 
colleague, and I hope the Congress continues to monitor the human 
rights situation in Ethiopia closely.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Reclaiming my time, I thank the 
gentlewoman; and as I indicated, I want to thank the chairman for his 
concern as well and particularly his concern about human rights abuses.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from Arizona.
  Mr. KOLBE. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I thank her for 
her interest and her involvement in this issue. I am also concerned, as 
is the ranking member, when Ethiopia is cited for human rights 
violations. And I can assure the gentlewoman from Texas that we will 
continue to monitor the situation in that country.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I look forward to working 
with both of my colleagues; and as I indicated, I know Mickey Leland, 
who

[[Page 13885]]

served in this body, would be very proud that we would carry on his 
tradition of protecting the human rights of all citizens, and 
particularly those in Ethiopia.

                              {time}  2045

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Roemer).
  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my good friend, the 
gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Pelosi), and those in the majority party 
who have been helpful on the Microenterprise Loans for the Poor 
Program.
  Certainly this is one of the most important programs that the United 
States engages in which primarily benefits not only the poorest of the 
poor and the most vulnerable of the vulnerable out there in the world, 
but it also helps grow small businesses, and it helps primarily women. 
We want to continue to show our very strong support for this program 
and do it by making sure that these programs have the sufficient amount 
of money. I believe this bill has $155 million. Last year, we 
authorized the bill at $167 million.
  I would hope this bill would continue to move forward in 
appropriating even more money for the Microenterprise Loans for the 
Poor Program and also provide the microcredit programs with the poverty 
assessment tools, the ability for the microenterprise programs to work 
with USAID and target these funds to the poorest people that are 
eligible in the different parts of the world where this program really 
benefits growing small businesses, helping families, and targets aid to 
help our allies all across the world.
  Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. 
Lowey) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) for their 
strong help. I want to continue to encourage the gentleman from Arizona 
(Mr. Kolbe), the chairman, to fund and conference this program at the 
authorized level. I think we could go about $12 million higher and also 
work with the microcredit programs to work on this poverty assessment 
tool.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston).
  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman and the ranking 
member of the subcommittee for their good work on a bipartisan basis in 
crafting out this bill.
  I think it is important for us to remember a lesson from the gospel 
of John in which we are told ``to those who much have been given, much 
is expected.''
  That is why the United States of America is engaged in so many 
different areas around the globe. We have been a very affluent country. 
We are the most affluent country in the world. Therefore, it is 
incumbent upon us to be involved with the rest of the world.
  This bill makes many, many statements about our values. Values about 
health care as we have addressed problems with land mines and displaced 
children and AIDS around the globe. Values about peace, military 
assistance, nonproliferation assistance, the Western Hemisphere School 
for Peace in Latin America. Values about jobs as we work through trade 
in Ex-Im Bank and USAID and various financing mechanisms. Values about 
drugs as our anti-narcotics control and our cooperation for them, our 
efforts. Values about the environment, the debt for development, saving 
the tropical rain forests around the globe. International assistance 
because of disasters.
  Mr. Chairman, one of things people back home ask me is, why do we 
have a foreign aid bill? I say, just think about Rwanda. Several years 
ago we saw the picture of the children, of 300,000 people dying. What 
did we, as Americans, want to do? We wanted to respond to our natural 
goodness, to go out and give aid and assistance to the people in that 
poor country.
  That is what we are doing with the foreign aid bill, this Foreign 
Operations Appropriations bill here tonight. We are saying we are going 
to act proactively so we can act reactively a little bit less and help 
the rest of the world enjoy all of the fruits and benefits that we as 
an American people have so enjoyed in this century. We are going to 
continue that involvement.
  Mr. Chairman, I look forward to the debate on this bill and look 
forward to its final passage.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to commend the 
efforts of several Florida-based institutions who are working to 
address the too-often ignored problem of Mother-to-Child-Transmission 
of HIV-AIDS in Africa.
  We have spoken much about the overall crisis of HIV-AIDS in Africa, 
but the aspect of innocent children on the Continent contracting HIV-
AIDS has not been as widely discussed. According to the most recent 
statistics from UNAIDS, the rates of HIV infection among African women 
are high. In several countries, more than 15 percent of women of 
reproductive age have contracted the virus. As high as 35 percent of 
these women will pass on the virus to their children curing pregnancy, 
during labor and delivery or during breast-feeding.
  Already, more than 600,000 African children age 14 or below have died 
from HIV-AIDS, and an additional one million African children are now 
living with the disease.
  Mr. Chairman, the Foundation for Democracy in Africa, through its 
Institute for Democracy in Africa based in Miami, Florida, is leading 
efforts to enhance the capacity of African medical personnel to 
properly handle HIV-positive mothers so that their babies do not join 
the growing list of victims of this merciless killer disease. The 
Foundation is currently working with the University of Miami's Jackson 
Memorial Hospital to develop a comprehensive HIV-AIDS treatment 
strategy for African nations. This collaboration is being encouraged 
and facilitated by Miami-Dade County.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to encourage their own local and 
state institutions to put in place efforts to use their resources and 
expertise in the fight against the scourge of HIV-AIDS in Africa.
  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2506, the 
Foreign Operations Appropriations bill for FY 2002. I commend the 
efforts of my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee who worked 
hard to guarantee that this bill adequately funds U.S. programs in the 
Middle East that help facilitate peace. I am particularly pleased that 
H.R. 2506 allocates $35 million in funding for economic and educational 
programs in Lebanon. This bill also provides needed assistance to Egypt 
and Jordan, key allies in this troubled region who have worked 
diligently with the U.S. to bring about an immediate cessation of 
violence and a comprehensive, permanent peace agreement between 
Israelis and Palestinians.
  While overall I am pleased with the funding provided H.R. 2506, I am 
troubled the language of this legislation that blames the Palestinian 
Authority--and solely the Palestinian Authority--for the violence that 
has consumed the Occupied Territories and Israel since September 28, 
2000. It was on that date, I would note, that the Al Aqsa Intifada was 
sparked by the reckless, provocative act of a desperate Israeli 
politician, Ariel Sharon, who has since become Israeli Prime Minister.
  I believe the United States must be engaged and committed to bringing 
about a fair and lasting peace to this troubled land. The U.S. must act 
as a fair and unbiased arbiter in the peace process. If we take biased 
positions and pass one-sided pieces of legislation, we hinder our 
ability to broker peace. The United States is the only nation who can 
broker peace between the Palestinians and Israelis. However, when we 
take sides, hope wavers and desperation increases. Desperation leads to 
fear and anger, which in the Middle East begets violence between the 
Israelis and Palestinians. This, in turn, raises tension in the region 
and increases the likelihood of the outbreak of a larger regional war.
  Mr. Chairman, Section 563 of this bill requires the President to 
submit a report to Congress determining whether the Palestinian 
Authority has taken steps to comply with the 1993 Oslo Agreement and 
prevent attacks on Israelis. If the President does not determine that 
the Palestinians have fully complied, this section would not only cut 
off U.S. assistance to the Palestinians--none of which, incidentally, 
is given directly to the Palestinian Authority or the PLO--but also 
shut down their Washington office and insure that the American people 
hear only one side of this 53 year-old conflict.
  On April 30, 2001, the Sharm el-Sheikh Fact-Finding Committee, headed 
by George Mitchell, issued its report on the current conflict. The 
Mitchell Report highlights the fact that both the Palestinian and 
Israeli governments can and should do more to halt the bloodshed. It 
concludes that neither government is beyond reproach for their conduct 
in

[[Page 13886]]

this sustained confrontation. It notes that both the Israeli and 
Palestinian populations have lost faith that the negotiating process 
will meet their goals. For Israelis, ongoing violence has led many to 
believe that the security of Israel will not be guaranteed through 
negotiations. For Palestinians, settlement expansion and property 
confiscation is seen as a demonstration that Israel never will 
relinquish control of the West Bank and Gaza. The Report also notes 
that both settlement activity and terrorist attacks must end if 
confidence in the peace process is to be restored on both sides.
  Accordingly, Mr. Chairman, in the spirit of the Mitchell Report, I 
would gladly support Section 563 if it also required the President to 
make a report determining if Israel has complied with Oslo and taken 
steps in the interest of peace.
  Congress must act responsibly on issues affecting the Middle East, 
particularly since the Bush Administration continues its policy of 
disengagement. Already, the violence, economic turmoil, and diplomatic 
stalemate that exists today has generated disillusionment with the 
peace process among Israelis and Palestinians. However, these feelings 
are growing much more pronounced due to the Bush Administration's tepid 
commitment to the peace process. Apathy is not an option, because 
without American leadership, the current conflict will escalate and 
engulf the region. Our allies, such as Egypt and Jordan, and millions 
of people in the region rely heavily on the American commitment to 
brokering a fair peace and preventing such as war from occurring.
  Mr. Chairman, in my hand I have a resolution that expresses the sense 
of the House that, in absence of an Israeli-Palestinian agreement 
brokered by themselves or the United States to halt this current round 
of bloodshed, the United Nations should consider sending peacekeeping 
forces into the West Bank and Gaza Strip. I believe that it is in the 
interests of all parties to explore any reasonable avenue that could 
lead to a permanent peace agreement between the Palestinians and 
Israelis. I believe U.N. peacekeepers would help cool tensions on the 
ground, monitor any cease-fire agreement including that recommended by 
the Mitchell Report, and make the climate more conducive for peace. 
Peace, after all, is in the interest of Israel, the Palestinian 
Authority, the United States, the Middle East region, and the world. 
This resolution does not blame the ongoing violence on the 
Palestinians, nor does it blame the Israelis. It simply states that 
this body is in favor of a reasonable, fair policy that promotes peace.
  Mr. Chairman, hope in the peace process cannot become a casualty of 
this ongoing conflict. I urge my colleagues to oppose one-sided 
policies that help no one but harm everyone, including Israel. I urge 
them instead to join me as a cosponsor of a constructive piece of 
legislation that, if passed, will demonstrate that America is a fair 
arbiter of peace who is more interested in ending this deep, bitter 
conflict rather than sustaining it.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time in 
general debate.
  The CHAIRMAN. All time for general debate has expired.
  Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment 
under the 5-minute rule, and the amendments printed in House Report 
107-146 are adopted.
  Pursuant to the order of the House of today, no amendment to the bill 
may be offered on the legislative day of July 19, 2001, except pro 
forma amendments offered by the chairman or ranking minority member of 
the Committee on Appropriations or their designees for the purpose of 
debate and amendments printed in the Congressional Record and numbered 
4, 8, 17, 21, 22, 25, 28, 29, 30, 32, 35, and 37.
  Each such amendment may be offered after the Clerk reads through page 
1, line 6, and may amend portions of the bill not yet read.
  No further amendment to the bill may be offered after that 
legislative day except pro forma amendments offered by the chairman or 
ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their 
designees for the purpose of debate and amendments printed in the 
Congressional Record on that legislative day, or any record before that 
date.
  The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H. R. 2506

       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, 2002, and for other purposes, namely:


           Amendment No. 28 Offered by Ms. Millender-McDonald

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

       Amendment No. 28 offered by Ms. Millender-McDonald:
       In title II of the bill under the heading ``child survival 
     and health programs fund'', insert before the period at the 
     end the following: ``: Provided further, That of the amount 
     made available under this heading for HIV/AIDS, $5,000,000 
     shall be for assistance to prevent mother-to-child HIV/AIDS 
     transmission through effective partnerships with 
     nongovernmental organizations and research facilities 
     pursuant to section 104(c)(5) of the Foreign Assistance Act 
     of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151b(c)(5))''.

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Chairman, this amendment earmarks at a 
minimum $5 million to prevent mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission. 
For two Congresses, the 106th and the 107th Congress, I have led the 
fight on the issue of mother-to-child transmission prevention. Mother-
to-child transmission is by far the largest source of HIV infection in 
children under the age of 15 worldwide.
  One year ago, the United Nations estimated that 600,000 infants were 
infected with the virus, bringing the total number of young children 
living with HIV to over 1 million. Of the 5 million infants infected 
with HIV since the beginning of the pandemic, about 90 percent have 
been born in Africa due to a combination of high fertility rates and 
high HIV prevalence in pregnant women.
  Mr. Chairman, we should not lose sight of the fact that the number of 
cases in India, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean are rising at alarming 
rates.
  Mr. Chairman, the virus may be transmitted during pregnancy, labor, 
delivery or breast feeding after a child's birth. Among infected 
infants who are not breast fed, most mother-to-child transmission 
occurs around the time of delivery just before or during labor and 
delivery. In populations where breast feeding is the norm, breast 
feeding accounts for more than one-third of all cases of the mother-to-
child transmission. In sub-Saharan Africa, mother-to-child transmission 
is contributing substantially to rising child mortality rates.
  AIDS is the biggest single cause of child death in a number of 
countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS from 
mother-to-child is one of the most important prevention programs on 
which we need to focus. No HIV agenda is complete without programs to 
enable a mother to prevent perinatal infection of her child. The most 
effective means of doing so today is anti-drugs for pregnant women and 
providing mothers with practical alternatives to breast feeding.
  Although in theory we can make promising new treatments available to 
every pregnant woman in the developing world, the challenge does not 
stop there. Treatment must be done in an ethical and humanistic manner. 
Counseling and voluntary testing are critical services necessary to 
help infected women accept their HIV status and the risk it poses to 
their unborn child. Confidentiality is paramount in counseling and when 
providing voluntary services programs where women identified as HIV 
positive may face discrimination, violence and death.
  Replacement feeding is an important part of the strategy but should 
not undermine decades of promoting breast feeding as the best possible 
nutrition for infants. HIV-infected mothers must have access to 
information, follow-up clinical care and support.
  Therefore, Mr. Chairman, the United States Agency of International 
Development has examined the astounding numbers of children affected by 
HIV/AIDS and has stated time and time again that effective intervention 
can drastically reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
  They recognize that the effectiveness of simple and low-cost 
treatments can be effectively implemented in developing nations, and 
they are prepared to place among their highest priorities

[[Page 13887]]

specific mother-to-child projects to women worldwide to enable them to 
rescue their babies from certain death as a result of HIV/AIDS.
  It is my hope, Mr. Chairman, that a minimum of $5 million cited in 
this amendment be taken from the HIV account. It will substantially 
impact mother-to-child programs. This by no means should be seen as 
affecting the core programs of the Child Survival Account.
  With these facts in mind, I offer this important amendment. We can 
save millions of children's lives if we act on this amendment. I ask my 
fellow colleagues their support to make this amendment adopted, and 
hopefully the conferees can reach an agreement to increase the funding.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  Mr. Chairman, I support the amendment that is offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald). I think she very 
well explained the importance of this program, and I think her 
amendment does represent good public policy.
  Mr. Chairman, I accept the amendment.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of 
words.
  Mr. Chairman, I join the Chair in congratulating the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) on her excellent amendment, and we 
look forward to working with her on these very important issues.
  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Chairman, today I rise in support of this 
critical amendment offered by my colleague, the gentlewoman from 
California, Juanita Millender-McDonald.
  I would like to commend the gentlewoman for her leadership in the 
area of HIV/AIDS mother-to-child prevention, and recognize her 3-year 
fight to get this language included into law.
  Mr. Chairman, ten percent of all individuals who become infected with 
HIV/AIDS Virus worldwide are children. Mother-to-children infection is 
the largest source of HIV infection in children under the age of 15 and 
the only source of transmission for babies.
  Each year, the total number of births to HIV-infected pregnant women 
in developing countries is approximately 3.2 million. Last year, the 
United Nations estimated that 600,000 children age 14 or younger were 
infected with HIV. 90% of those 600,000 children were babies born to 
HIV positive mothers. Mr. Speaker, that is 540,000 children who never 
have a chance.
  There has been much discussion recently throughout the developed 
world that although these is no cure for HIV or AIDS, it can be 
controlled with the right combination of drugs. This is just not true 
in developing countries. Drugs are too expensive and the infection rate 
has reached pandemic proportions. This amendment will appropriate $5 
million toward mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission prevention in 
developing countries. Mr. Speaker, this is a very small price to pay to 
fight this terminal disease before, during, and after birth, giving 
these children a fighting chance for survival instead of no change for 
survival.
  I know the gentlewoman from California will continue to fight for 
funding for mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission prevention so we may 
save millions of yet unborn children's lives.
  The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                 Amendment No. 35 Offered by Mr. Souder

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

       Amendment No. 35 offered by Mr. Souder:
       Page 25, line 2, insert before the period at the end the 
     following: ``: Provided further, That of the funds 
     appropriated under this heading, $27,000,000 shall be for 
     assistance to the Colombian National Police for the purchase 
     of two Buffalo transport/supply aircraft, $12,000,000 shall 
     be for assistance to the Colombian Navy to purchase six Huey-
     II patrol helicopters, and $5,000,000 shall be for assistance 
     for operating fuel to enhance drug interdiction efforts along 
     the north coast of Colombia and inland rivers''.

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman reserves a point of order.
  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Chairman, Colombia is critical to our efforts to keep 
the devastation of narcotics from American streets but just as 
importantly to the overall security of our hemisphere. I chair the 
Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources, 
which is the authorizing subcommittee for the Office of National Drug 
Control Policy and the oversight committee for all anti-drug efforts in 
all branches of our Federal Government.
  Mr. Chairman, I want to clear up as we begin this debate a key point. 
I have also worked on the Drug-Free Schools Program in the Committee on 
Education and the Workforce. We authorize the Drug-Free Communities Act 
through our committee. I support efforts to boost drug treatment 
funding. I have worked in the student loan area with the drug-free 
student loan amendment. I have worked across the board on treatment, on 
prevention, on interdiction, on law enforcement, on eradication, and 
alternative development.

                              {time}  2100

  But we cannot have a fair debate if we continue to have a distortion 
of where our expenditures go. Five percent go to international. Thirty-
three percent to prevention and treatment. We can argue whether the 
ratio should be 7, 10 times for prevention treatment as opposed to the 
5 percent international, but let us not get this false impression that 
we are spending more. Not only in Colombia but in all of our 
international we spend 5 percent according to the Office of Drug 
Control Policy.
  Now, my amendment specifically addresses something that we have 
worked with in cooperation with other committees, the Department of 
State and the Government of Colombia to ensure that Colombia receives 
effective aid from the United States and that these programs are 
administered to ensure maximum support to the Government of Colombia in 
its extremely difficult and challenging fight against narcotics 
traffic.
  This amendment deals with two very specific needs which have been 
identified by our oversight activities. This reflective of a request 
which was endorsed by holdover members of the Speaker's Task Force for 
a Drug Free America, several members of the Committee on International 
Relations, including Chairman Hyde, Chairman Emeritus Gilman, and 
Subcommittee Chairman Ballenger as well as Chairman Burton of the full 
Committee on Government Reform.
  This amendment would provide $27 million to the Colombian National 
Police for the purchase of two Buffalo transport/supply aircraft, $12 
million to the Colombian Navy to purchase six Huey-II patrol 
helicopters to enhance drug interdiction efforts along the north coast 
of Colombia and inland rivers, and $5 million to the Colombian Navy for 
operating fuel for the same purpose.
  Our oversight activities have strongly suggested that these pieces of 
equipment are urgently needed to fill important unmet needs in 
Colombia. The Colombian National Police continues to require airlift 
capability in support of interdiction and law enforcement activities 
which is capable of providing significant lift at high altitude where 
the heroin poppy grows and the ability to land at remote and short-
field airstrips.
  Without this type of equipment, there are parts of the country which 
are extremely difficult to reach and that are effectively under the 
control of narcotics traffickers. The House committees who have studied 
this issue believe that the aircraft which have been recommended by the 
State Department will not be sufficient for this purpose and that the 
planes will not be forthcoming without congressional action.
  Similarly, the Colombian Navy requires assistance and suitable 
equipment to patrol the north coast of Colombia and inland rivers which 
are extremely difficult to access and often left to narcotics traffic 
because of the lack of suitable equipment to enforce the rule of law. 
Again this particular assistance has not to date been provided by the 
United States and needs to be supported by congressional action.

[[Page 13888]]

  Mr. Chairman, my colleagues and I have looked very carefully at this 
issue and believe that these particular pieces of equipment will make a 
significant and meaningful contribution to narcotics control. 
Colombians continue to put their lives on the line every day under 
extremely volatile circumstances to fight a narcotics problem which is 
caused, to a great extent, by American demand as well as European 
demand but, to a great extent, by our demand. We are undertaking a 
comprehensive approach to address all facets of this problem, including 
reducing that demand. But it is certainly the least we can do to help 
with basic equipment needs.
  I understand that this amendment is subject to a point of order. I 
look forward to continuing to work with the chairman as do the other 
sponsors of this amendment and with the State Department in these 
specifics.
  Mr. Chairman, I withdraw the amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the amendment is withdrawn.
  There was no objection.


                Amendment No. 17 Offered by Mr. Delahunt

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

       Amendment No. 17 offered by Mr. Delahunt:
       Page 112, after line 22, insert the following:


  report on implementation of colombian national security legislation

       Sec. __. (a) Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the 
     Secretary of State, after consultation with representatives 
     from internationally recognized human rights organizations, 
     shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a 
     report on the implementation of the Colombian national 
     security legislation passed by the Colombian Congress on June 
     20, 2001.
       (b) Each such report shall provide a description of the 
     effects of the security legislation on human rights in 
     Colombia and efforts to defend human rights in Colombia, 
     focusing particularly on--
       (1) incidents of arbitrary and incommunicado detention by 
     members of the Colombian Armed Forces and the Colombian 
     National Police, and whether those incidents have increased 
     since the submission of the previous report;
       (2) the status of investigations into allegations of human 
     rights abuses by members of the Colombian Armed Forces and 
     the Colombian National Police;
       (3) the effectiveness of certain investigations conducted 
     by military personnel, as provided for in the security 
     legislation, as opposed to those carried out by appropriate 
     civilian authorities; and
       (4) the effects of the security legislation on Colombia's 
     commitments under international treaties.
       (c) The requirement to submit a report under this section 
     shall not apply with respect any period of time during with 
     the security legislation is not in effect.
       (d) In this section, the term ``appropriate congressional 
     committees'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on 
     International Relations of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations of the Senate.

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order against this 
amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman reserves a point of order.
  Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Chairman, let me begin by echoing the sentiments 
that have been expressed by others regarding the hard work and the 
dedication of both the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) and the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey). The bill is a good product. I 
think all of us wish that there were more resources to work with. 
Having said that, it is a reflection of what I believe to be the 
priorities and values of the vast majority of Members in this House.
  My amendment, Mr. Chairman, would require the State Department to 
report to the United States Congress on the implementation of 
legislation that was passed in the Colombian Congress last month. That 
bill will soon be officially transmitted to President Pastrana. It is 
anticipated that he will sign this particular proposal.
  Although much improved from its earlier versions, this legislation 
still contains ambiguous provisions that could threaten civilian 
oversight of the military in Colombia and place at risk the progress 
that has been made toward reforming the military under the leadership 
of President Pastrana and Armed Forces Chief Fernando Tapias over the 
course of the past several years.
  Continued progress towards genuine and permanent reform should be a 
prerequisite for American assistance to Colombia's security forces. 
Only a few years ago, the Colombian military had the worst human rights 
record in the hemisphere. Until the military is professional and free 
from links to so-called paramilitary groups, it will be a part of the 
problem in Colombia rather than the solution.
  No military force should be entrusted with the kinds of extraordinary 
powers that could be interpreted by some to be included in the current 
draft of this legislation. And while the current leadership is reform-
minded, Colombia will elect a new government next May. So it is 
impossible to predict who will interpret and implement this legislation 
in the future. Will it be those who insist on continued reform or those 
who would return to the days of impunity on the part of the military?
  The United States has made a massive commitment in the Colombian 
military predicated in part on its commitment to reform. This 
legislation pending before the chief executive of Colombia could 
imperil that commitment. It is imperative that we closely track its 
implementation if it should become law.
  I know this amendment that I propose to offer was not protected under 
the rule and the gentleman has made a point of order against it. I have 
had discussions with the gentleman from Arizona and understand that he 
is willing to work together to include a reporting requirement in 
conference.
  At this time I would like to engage in a colloquy with the gentleman 
from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) to confirm my understanding of our agreement.
  I would ask the gentleman whether he agrees with the intent of this 
amendment and will work with me to have the reporting requirement 
included in the conference report.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. DELAHUNT. I yield to the gentleman from Arizona.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate his comments and his question. 
I commend the gentleman from Massachusetts for bringing this matter to 
the attention of the House. I think what he is proposing to do is a 
good amendment. I would be very happy to work with him to be sure that 
we have some kind of reporting requirement included in the conference 
report.
  Mr. DELAHUNT. I thank the gentleman and look forward to working with 
him in this matter.
  Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be 
withdrawn.
  The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from 
Massachusetts?
  There was no objection.


          Amendment No. 22 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 No. 22 offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas:
       Page 11, line 12, insert before the period the following: 
     ``: Provided, That of the amount made available under this 
     heading, $10,000,000 shall be for disaster relief and 
     rehabilitation for India with respect to the earthquake in 
     India in January 2001''.

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order against this 
amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman reserves a point of order.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I know that this is an issue 
that both the chairman and the ranking member are very much aware of.
  I am offering today an amendment to the Foreign Operations 
appropriations bill that will provide much needed support to those in 
need in India. Just a few months ago as the Indo-American community was 
celebrating the anniversary of the democracy of India, the Republic of 
India, on that very day the country was experiencing a very devastating 
earthquake, January 26, 2001,

[[Page 13889]]

which struck the western part of India causing enormous human 
suffering. Five days later, the House passed H. Con. Res. 15, a 
resolution supporting the joint efforts of our government, the World 
Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the international community to 
provide assistance to the Government of India and to the private 
voluntary organizations that are engaged in relief efforts. Might I 
add, Mr. Chairman, that in addition, the excellent work of the Indo-
American community in advocating for their friends and relatives in 
India and joining with those of us here in the United States of like 
concern. I have wanted very much to be able to provide the assistance 
that this devastation warranted.
  Despite a decisive show of support from Congress through its passage 
of H. Con. Res. 15, relief efforts have been severely hampered by 
insufficient resources. Therefore, on June 18 I introduced H. Con. Res. 
151, a resolution which reaffirmed the deepest sympathies of Congress 
to the citizens of India for the losses suffered as a result of the 
earthquake. More importantly, it expresses Congress' support for 
continuing and substantially increasing the amount of disaster 
assistance being provided by the United States Agency for International 
Development and other relief agencies. In that resolution, I stated 
that $100 million is the minimum needed amount for recovery from the 
earthquake. Here today I am only asking that we earmark in the 
international disaster assistance account $10 million for these 
recovery efforts.
  As the most populous democracy on the Earth and a strategic partner 
of the United States, we have ample reason to support India. This 
amount would be a mere recognition of our commitment to assisting them. 
The international community must develop a donor strategy that uses 
rehabilitation efforts as an opportunity to improve village life, 
including sanitation facilities, safer design of homes and 
neighborhoods, improved land drainage and waste disposal. Having just 
come through a very terrible storm in Houston and knowing what tragedy 
is and how it changes lives, I can tell you when I saw the devastation 
in India through media reports, I was immediately drawn to their 
tragedy, having traveled to India with the President in the last year.
  I would urge my colleagues and urge the consideration of the waiver 
of the point of order, but in essence, Mr. Chairman, and to the 
chairman and the ranking member, I would like to see us work through 
this issue. I will look forward to working with an amendment next week, 
the Crowley amendment, but this amendment would add an additional $10 
million, and I would hope that possibly we could resolve this as we 
look to continue our friendship and support for the people of India.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to the Foreign 
Operations Appropriations bill that will provide some much needed 
support to those in need in India.
  Today, many of our friends in India are still wondering when they 
will obtain the needed assistance to rebuild their society. On January 
26, 2001, a devastating earthquake struck western India, causing 
enormous human suffering. Five days later, the House passed H. Con. 15, 
a resolution supporting the joint efforts of our government, the World 
Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the international community to 
provide assistance to the government of India and to the private 
voluntary organizations that are engaged in relief efforts.
  Despite a decisive show of support from Congress through its passage 
of H. Con. 15, relief efforts have been severely hampered by 
insufficient resources. Therefore, on June 18, I introduced H. Con. 
Res. 151, a resolution which reaffirms the deepest sympathies of 
Congress to the citizens of India for the losses suffered as a result 
of the earthquake. More importantly, it expresses Congress' support for 
continuing and substantially increasing the amount of disaster 
assistance being provided by the United States Agency for International 
Development and other relief agencies. In that resolution, I stated 
that $100 million is the minimum needed amount for recovery from he 
earthquake. Here today, I am only asking that we earmark in the 
International Disaster Assistance Account $10 million for these 
recovery efforts.
  As the most populous democracy on the earth and a strategic partner 
of the United States, we have ample reason to support India. This 
amount would be a token of recognition of this partnership.
  The international community must develop a donor strategy that uses 
rehabilitation efforts as an opportunity to improve village life, 
including sanitation facilities, safer design of homes and 
neighborhoods, improved land drainage and waste disposal systems. We 
must also find innovative ways to assist the poor and marginalized who 
have the fewest resources to recover from the disaster.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, which 
contains a modest earmark request. This amendment will reflect the 
symbiotic relationship that Americans have with the people of India. 
Your continued support for these relief activities will help make the 
rebuilding process in India a reality.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  Mr. Chairman, let me just say briefly to the gentlewoman from Texas 
that I was in India 6 weeks ago, and I had an opportunity to meet with 
a number of government officials, including those that have been 
responsible for responding to the terrible disaster in Gujarat. We 
heard from them an expression of support for the efforts that have been 
made by the United States, both by the government and by the NGOs, to 
respond; but explicitly we were told that India as a very large country 
had sufficient resources to deal with this problem and they were not 
specifically asking us for additional funds, at least not at that time.
  I would also note that we have never, never earmarked money in the 
disaster relief account for specific disasters. It is there, as it 
suggests, for disasters. If you start earmarking for specific 
disasters, you have lost the point of what that account is for. 
However, I am quite certain that the USAID would be prepared to 
entertain any request from the Indian government that might come for 
some funds from that account.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. KOLBE. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding. I appreciate very much the gentleman's opportunity to have 
visited with the leadership in India. As he well knows, many of us 
represent very strong and vibrant Indo-American communities who have 
worked to raise moneys to assist their friends and relatives in India. 
I would ask the gentleman if he would continue to work with me in 
monitoring the needs of the government of India, working with AID. As 
we do that and monitor the circumstances, I would be encouraged to 
withdraw this amendment at this time so that we could work together and 
ensure that as India may raise its issues of need, that we would be 
prepared to address it to the international disaster relief under the 
AID.

                              {time}  2115

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I would note that in our 
report in the account for the International Disaster Assistance, we do 
have a recommendation to USAID that they use at least $1 million each 
for India and El Salvador for disaster preparedness activities. So we 
have a focus on where we think we can be most useful in helping these 
countries prepare for disasters which might befall them in the future.
  I appreciate the gentlewoman's comments, and certainly we will 
continue to monitor the situation in India and want to make sure that 
all help is being given that can possibly be given.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman would 
continue to yield, I would look forward to working with the gentleman 
on this matter, as I said, monitoring the circumstances in India, and 
as well if you will, advising or keeping abreast of the Indo-American 
community.
  Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman 
from Texas?
  There was no objection.


          Amendment No. 21 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.

[[Page 13890]]

  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 21 offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas:
       At the end of the bill, insert after the last section 
     (preceding the short title) the following:


prohibition on assistance for foreign governments that use children as 
                                soldiers

       Sec. __. None of the funds made available in this Act may 
     be made available to the government of a country that--
       (1) conscripts children under the age of 18 into the 
     military forces of the country; or
       (2) provides for the direct participation of children under 
     the age of 18 in armed conflict.

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order against this 
amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman reserves a point of order.
  The gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, again, to the chairman and 
ranking member, let me start by saying that I would hope that this is 
such an egregious and heinous set of circumstances that we would find a 
way to waive the point of order because of the enormous need.
  This amendment would prohibit the funding in the bill for nations 
that conscript children under the age of 18 or use child soldiers in 
armed conflict. This is simply a small step that should be taken that 
this Nation now sees as a priority.
  It is important to place this prohibition within the bill, since our 
very body is on record as denouncing the inhumane practice of using 
children as soldiers. In fact, just this May this Chamber passed a 
Foreign Relations Authorization Act that requires the United States 
State Department to compare information on what countries recruit, 
conscript, and use child soldiers.
  What happens with child soldiers is they lose not only their lives in 
many instances, they lose their spirit. They are sometimes mutilated, 
they are sometimes caused to mutilate others. We looked at the 
devastation of children in Sierra Leone and attended hearings dealing 
with children who had been subject to amputation, either by other 
children playing warriors or because they were in the way of war. It is 
important to say to nations that we will use and study war no more with 
children.
  Last year the United States Government signed two landmark protocols 
that address prostitution, the impact of pornography on children, and 
the goal or practice of child labor. This resolution is entirely 
complimentary and applauds the decision by the United States Government 
to support the protocol that condemns the use of children as soldiers 
by government and non-government forces.
  Further, the House passed H. Con. Res. 348, a resolution that 
condemns the use of children as soldiers, and there is a good reason 
why we did. This is a commonsense step forward. I realize that the 
drafting of the language of this particular amendment is particularly 
direct and may seem strong and harsh, and it may be suggested that 
there is no authorization for such. I would hope that the passage of 
the parallel resolutions would give us the ability to allow this 
amendment to stand, which would be to eliminate funding to countries 
that continue to conscript children into war.
  Let me give the basis of this, as well as to say my commitment to 
this is so strong that I am hoping my colleagues on the appropriations 
conference committee will consider language that will allow this to be 
part of the final bill.
  It is estimated that 300,000 children under the age of 18 are engaged 
in armed military conflicts in more than 30 countries and are currently 
fighting in armed conflicts. Sadly, far too many of these wonderful 
children are forcibly conscripted through kidnapping or coercion and 
others join because of economic needs. I can assure you that many times 
their parents sell them or send them away because of the economic need.
  Briefly, Mr. Chairman, let me share a story with you about a boy who 
tried to escape from the rebels, but he was caught. ``His hands were 
tied, and then they made us,'' the other new captives, ``kill him with 
a stick. I felt sick. I knew this boy from before. We were from the 
same village. I refused to kill him, and they told me they would shoot 
me. They pointed a gun at me, so I had to do it. The boy was asking me, 
`Why are you doing this?' I said, `I have no choice.' After we killed 
him, they made us smear his blood on our arms. They said we had to do 
this so that we would not fear death and so that we would not try to 
escape. I still dream about the boy from my village that I had to 
kill.''
  Military commanders do not care. All they want are bodies to help 
fight wars.
  Simply, this amendment, Mr. Chairman, and to the ranking member, 
stands up against the countries like the ones that I have named. I 
would simply hope that consideration would be given to a waiver of the 
point of order. But as well, if we are able to talk about the 
possibility of language going into the conference on this heinous act, 
where we are losing thousands and thousands and thousands of valuable 
lives that can contribute to the growth and development of their 
respective countries.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise to extend my strong support for this amendment 
to the underlying bill. It would enhance our understanding of the 
treatment of children being used as soldiers.
  In short, this amendment would prohibit funding in the bill for 
nations that conscript children under the age of 18 or use child 
soldiers in armed conflict.
  This is a small step that should be taken that this nation now sees 
as a priority. It is important to place this prohibition within the 
bill since our very body is on record as denouncing the inhumane 
practice of using children as soldiers. In fact, just this May, this 
Chamber passed a Foreign Relations Authorization Act that requires the 
US State Department to compare information on what countries recruit, 
conscript and use child soldiers.
  Last year, the United States government signed two landmark Protocols 
that address prostitution, the impact of pornography on children, and 
the global practice of child labor. This resolution, in an entirely 
complimentary way, applauds the decision by the U.S. government to 
support the Protocol that condemns the use of children as soldiers by 
government and nongovernment forces. Further, the House passed H. Con. 
Res. 348, a resolution that condemns the use of children as soldiers. 
And there is good reason why we did that. This is a common sense step 
forward.
  I realize that the funding or the drafting of the language of this 
particular amendment is particularly direct and strong and harsh, for 
it would eliminate all funding for those who conscript children. Let me 
give the basis of this, as well as to say that my commitment to this is 
so strong that I am hoping that my colleagues on the Committee on 
Appropriations the Conference committee and those representing this 
particular subcommittee will work with me as we move this bill toward 
conference, ultimately at some point to be able to design disincentives 
that might also do similarly the same job: to discourage, to stop, to 
cease, to end the taking of our babies and putting them into war.
  It is estimated that 300,000 children under the age of 18 are engaged 
in armed military conflicts in more than 30 countries and are currently 
fighting in armed conflicts. Sadly, far too many of these wonderful 
children are forcibly conscripted through kidnapping or coercion and 
others joined because of economic necessity, to avenge the loss of a 
family member or for their own personal safety. There are so many 
stories of children being abused in this way.
  I want to share with you one story which illustrates the importance 
of this amendment. One boy tried to escape from the rebels but he was 
caught. ``His hands were tied and then they made us,'' the other new 
captives, ``kill him with a stick. I felt sick. I knew this boy from 
before. We were from the same village. I refused to kill him, and they 
told me they would shoot me. They pointed a gun at me, so I had to do 
it. The boy was asking me, `Why are you doing this?' I said, `I have no 
choice.' After we killed him, they made us smear his blood on our 
arms.'' They said we had to do this so we would not fear death, and so 
we would not try to escape. I still dream about the boy from my village 
who I killed. I see him in my dreams, and he is talking to me and 
saying I killed him for nothing. And I am crying. We must not fund such 
atrocities.
  All we are doing is condemning them to a life of misery, if they are 
not killed themselves in battle. Their minds are so warped with the 
viciousness of what has happened that they are destroyed forever.

[[Page 13891]]

  Military commanders often separate children from their families in 
order to foster dependence on military units and leaders, leaving such 
children vulnerable to manipulation. That is clearly unacceptable. I 
believe it is very unfortunate that the military actually force child 
soldiers to commit terrible acts of killings or torture against their 
enemies, including against other children.
  My amendment will simply make clear that nations will not receive 
assistance if they conscript or use children as soldiers. It is 
entirely consistent with our international obligations and will 
effectuate such intent in a clear and straightforward manner.
  I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word, while 
continuing to reserve my point of order.
  Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentlewoman bringing this matter to 
our attention. What she is talking about is truly one of the great 
horrors that exists today in the world, and she has spoken very 
eloquently about it as it occurs in many parts of the world, but most 
especially in West Africa, where we have seen young children who have 
been conscripted into the military and the kinds of horrible things 
that have happened to these children who in no way should be involved 
in conflict at all.
  These are children who are being robbed of their childhood, being 
robbed of their opportunity to grow up, and being put in as cannon 
fodder into these conflicts of which they have little knowledge and 
know even less about. So I think the gentlewoman is absolutely correct 
in bringing this to our attention.
  I would say that I think that the amendment that she has offered is 
one that needs careful consideration by the authorizing committee, 
which is where it ought to be considered. I say that because the 
language is very, very broad when it talks about conscripting children 
under the age of 18. In fact, I think still in this country it is 
possible to enlist, not be conscripted, but enlist in the armed 
services under the age of 18, so it is quite possible in some countries 
that a year younger or 6 months younger might be perfectly acceptable.
  It also says that it provides that no money shall be made available 
to a country that provides for direct participation of children under 
the age of 18 in any armed conflict.
  While the outcome is what we would all like to seek, I think the 
sanction that is here, which is no funds, not just no military funds, 
but no funds, may be made available to any government of a country 
where this occurs, could find us in a situation that I think would be 
most inappropriate.
  For that reason, although I would insist on my point of order, if 
necessary, I would hope that the gentlewoman would withdraw her 
amendment and bring this to the proper forum.
  If the gentlewoman would like to respond?
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. KOLBE. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman and 
appreciate the gentleman yielding.
  One can see the depth of my passion by the description of the 
amendment. What I would like to do, and I appreciate the gentleman's 
invitation, I thank him for acknowledging how heinous these acts are, 
and I would be pleased if we could not only take this to the 
authorizing committee, which I know is prospective and down the road, 
but have the possibility of working with any more narrow language that 
might be able to be put in the conference report that at least 
acknowledges the concerns as we work toward this in the future.



  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentlewoman 
for her comments.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time, while continuing 
to reserve my point of order.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of 
words.
  Mr. Chairman, I just want to congratulate the gentlewoman for 
bringing this awful issue to our attention. I think that the more we 
shed a spotlight on this, the more the world will respond. I am 
particularly pleased with the allocations in this bill for development 
assistance, for education in particular, which we increased 
dramatically. If we can educate the population of countries where these 
kinds of horrors exist, perhaps we will begin to address it more 
seriously and eradicate this so these children can have a chance to 
grow in a healthy environment.
  We know that the work we have to do here to raise awareness is 
enormous, and I appreciate the gentlewoman bringing this issue to our 
colleagues' attention. I look forward to working with the chairman in 
crafting some language and some action that would increase attention to 
this issue. I thank the gentlewoman very much.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?
  Mrs. LOWEY. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, first of all, let me thank 
the gentlewoman for her deep and passionate commitment and thank her 
for acknowledging this.
  I would just like to pose a question to both the ranking member and 
to the chairman. I am appropriately made aware, if you will, of the 
broadness, and obviously it is because of the deep passion that we all 
share. I would be interested in narrowing the language to have 
something referred in the report language, and I was wondering if that 
could be done in the report language of this bill.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?
  Mrs. LOWEY. I yield to the gentleman from Arizona.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I would just note for the gentlewoman from 
Texas that, of course, the report is done. But if the gentlewoman is 
talking about in the conference report itself, I could not make a 
commitment at this time that we could do anything specifically.
  But certainly the problem that the gentlewoman has brought to our 
attention is one that clearly needs to be dealt with by the appropriate 
committees, and I would be happy to work with the gentlewoman in any 
way possible to make sure that is done.
  I cannot make a specific commitment about what we can do in the 
conference committee on this matter.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I believe we can commit 
to addressing the issue and working with the gentlewoman to see if we 
can appropriately find some language in the conference that could make 
a difference. I want to thank the gentlewoman very much.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, if the gentlewoman will yield 
further, if I could respond, I am an optimist. I thank the gentlewoman 
for working with me.
  Mr. Chairman, with the commitment of trying to work through this 
issue, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) is withdrawn.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. 
Chairman, before we rise, let me just make a comment to the body, that 
we will rise now and we will resume deliberations on this bill on 
Tuesday, working under the unanimous consent agreement that we have. We 
have a number of amendments, many of them that will require extensive 
debate, and I would put all Members on notice that we expect to start 
as early as possible, we do not have the schedule for next week yet, 
but as early as possible on Tuesday, and that we would expect to go as 
long as possible on Tuesday in order to finish this bill.
  Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.
  The motion was agreed to.
  Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. 
Kolbe) having assumed the chair, Mr. Thornberry, Chairman of the 
Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, reported that 
that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2506) 
making appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and 
related programs for the

[[Page 13892]]

fiscal year ending September 30, 2002, and for other purposes, had come 
to no resolution thereon.

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