[House Report 118-554]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
118th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 118-554
======================================================================
STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL,
2025
_______
June 14, 2024.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Diaz-Balart, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 8771]
The Committee on Appropriations submits the following
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations,
and related programs, for the fiscal year ending September 30,
2025, and for other purposes.
INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT
Page number
Bill Report
Overview...................................................
3
Title I--Department of State and Related Agency:
Department of State:
Administration of Foreign Affairs.................. 2
6
Diplomatic Programs........................ 2
7
Consular and Border Security Programs...... 3
13
Capital Investment Fund.................... 4
15
Office of Inspector General................ 4
15
Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs. 4
16
Representation Expenses.................... 5
19
Protection of Foreign Missions and
Officials.............................. 5
19
Embassy Security, Construction, and
Maintenance............................ 5
19
Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular
Service................................ 6
21
Repatriation Loans Program Account......... 6
22
Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan 7
22
International Center, Washington, District
of Columbia............................ 7
22
Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement
and Disability Fund.................... 7
23
International Organizations:
Contributions to International Organizations....... 7
23
Contributions for International Peacekeeping
Activities..................................... 9
25
International Commissions:
International Boundary and Water Commission, United
States and Mexico.............................. 11
26
American Sections, International Commissions....... 12
27
International Fisheries Commissions................ 13
28
Related Agency:
United States Agency for Global Media.............. 13
29
International Broadcasting Operations...... 13
29
Broadcasting Capital Improvements.......... 16
31
Related Programs:
The Asia Foundation................................ 16
31
United States Institute of Peace................... 17
31
Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust
Fund........................................... 17
32
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program............. 17
32
Israeli Arab Scholarship Program................... 18
32
East-West Center................................... 18
32
National Endowment for Democracy................... 18
33
Other Commissions:
Commission for the Preservation of America's
Heritage Abroad................................ 19
34
United States Commission on International Religious
Freedom........................................ 19
34
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe... 20
34
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's
Republic of China.............................. 20
34
United States-China Economic and Security Review
Commission..................................... 21
35
Title II--United States Agency for International
Development:
Funds Appropriated to the President:
Operating Expenses......................... 21
35
Capital Investment Fund.................... 23
38
Office of Inspector General................ 23
38
Title III--Bilateral Economic Assistance:
Funds Appropriated to the President:
Global Health Programs..................... 24
39
Development Assistance..................... 29
47
International Disaster Assistance.......... 30
52
Transition Initiatives..................... 30
53
Complex Crises Fund........................ 31
53
Economic Support Fund...................... 32
54
Democracy Fund............................. 32
55
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central
Asia................................... 33
56
Department of State:
Migration and Refugee Assistance........... 34
57
United States Emergency Refugee and
Migration Assistance Fund..............
59
Independent Agencies:
Peace Corps................................ 35
59
Millennium Challenge Corporation........... 36
60
Inter-American Foundation.................. 37
61
United States African Development
Foundation............................. 37
61
Department of the Treasury:
International Affairs Technical Assistance. 38
61
Debt Restructuring......................... 39
62
Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation
62
Title IV--International Security Assistance:
Department of State:
International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement............................ 39
62
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining
and Related Programs................... 41
65
Peacekeeping Operations.................... 43
67
Funds Appropriated to the President:
International Military Education and
Training............................... 44
67
Foreign Military Financing Program......... 44
68
Title V--Multilateral Assistance:
Funds Appropriated to the President:
International Organizations and Programs...
69
International Financial Institutions............... 48
69
Global Environment Facility................ 48
69
Contribution to the Clean Technology Fund..
70
Contribution to the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development......... 48
70
Contribution to the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development,
Portfolio Guarantee....................
70
Guarantees by the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development.........
70
Contributions to Trust Funds and
Financial Intermediary Funds
Administered by the World Bank.........
70
Contribution to the International
Development Association................ 49
71
Contribution to the Asian Development Fund. 49
71
Contribution to the Asian Development Bank.
71
Contribution to the African Development
Bank................................... 49
71
Contribution to the African Development
Fund................................... 49
71
Contribution to the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development.........
72
Contribution to the Inter-American
Development Bank.......................
72
Contribution to the International Fund for
Agricultural Development............... 50
72
Global Agriculture and Food Security
Program................................
72
United States Quota, International Monetary
Fund...................................
72
Global Infrastructure Facility.............
72
Treasury International Assistance Programs.
73
Title VI--Export and Investment Assistance:
Export-Import Bank of the United States............ 50
73
United States International Development Finance
Corporation.................................... 53
74
Trade and Development Agency....................... 57
75
Title VII--General Provisions.............................. 58
76
OVERVIEW
The Committee recommendation for fiscal year 2025 for
activities under the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on State,
Foreign Operations and Related Programs includes
$51,713,000,000 in new discretionary budget authority for
programs and activities within the Subcommittee's purview,
which is 11 percent below the fiscal year 2024 enacted level
and 19 percent below the fiscal year 2025 request.
The fiscal year 2025 Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act (``this
Act'') demonstrates prioritization of programs and activities
that support American values and United States national
interests. With United States fiscal deficits expanding and the
national debt at nearly $35 trillion, the Committee is wisely
reducing spending and providing funding for operations,
programs, and activities that are important to United States
national security and have demonstrated positive results. The
Committee also seeks to ensure that funds appropriated by this
Act are directed toward the core diplomatic and foreign
assistance missions of the United States and are not used to
advance superfluous and divisive cultural agendas or extreme
climate change objectives that do nothing to lower global
temperatures.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Committee recommendation supports allies and partners
of the United States while countering adversaries and those
countries who support them. The Committee recommendation
continues unwavering support for Israel by providing
$3,300,000,000 from funds made available under Foreign Military
Financing Program, consistent with the United States-Israel
Memorandum of Understanding.
The Committee remains deeply concerned about Iran's
dangerous and hostile activities around the globe. These
include its support for armed proxies throughout the Middle
East and its growing nuclear capabilities, both of which
threaten the United States and our allies. The Committee
recommendation also prohibits funding to implement or enforce
any agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program,
including renewal of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action,
unless such agreement complies with the Iran Nuclear Agreement
Review Act of 2015. In addition, the Committee prohibits the
use of funds to revoke the designation of the Islamic
Revolutionary Guards Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
The Committee recognizes the far-reaching and generational
challenge posed to United States economic and national security
interests by the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the
Chinese Communist Party (CCP). As assessed by the United States
Intelligence Community's latest Annual Threat Assessment, the
CCP will continue to strive to make China the preeminent power
in East Asia and a major power on the world stage. As that
assessment noted, the CCP will maintain pressure on Taiwan for
unification, seek to undercut United States influence, drive
wedges between the United States and its partners, and
undermine democratic norms in favor of its repressive,
authoritarian system.
Accordingly, the Committee supports efforts to counter such
threats by directing not less than $2,100,000,000 to advance
United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific
and to counter the malign influence of the PRC, including by
providing $400,000,000 for the Countering PRC Influence Fund,
and by providing funding above the request for the Indo-Pacific
Strategy and Pacific Islands countries.
The Committee notes the urgent need to strengthen
deterrence across the Taiwan Strait and recommends $500,000,000
from funds made available under Foreign Military Financing
Program for Taiwan, as well as up to $2,000,000,000 in loans
and loan guarantees for such purpose, as authorized by section
5502(g) of the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act (Public Law 117-
263).
In the Western Hemisphere, this Act prioritizes funds to
combat the flow of illicit fentanyl and other synthetic drugs
into the United States and prohibits funds for organizations
that support organized migrant caravans to the United States.
This Act also withholds funds from the Secretary of State's
budget until progress is made renegotiating the Migration
Protection Protocols. In addition, the Committee also supports
efforts by Federal agencies funded in this Act to reallocate
critical global supply chains away from the PRC and nearshore
them to the Americas to support enhanced economic growth and
security.
The Committee remains committed to supporting freedom for
the people of Cuba and provides $35,000,000 for democracy
programs and $35,000,000 for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting.
The Committee recommendation also includes strong support for
democracy programs for the people of Venezuela and Nicaragua
and incentivizes European partners seeking support in Ukraine
to stand for freedom and democracy in the Western Hemisphere as
well, especially in Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Nicaragua.
PROTECTING LIFE AND SUPPORTING AMERICAN VALUES
The Committee recommendation maintains support for global
health programs by including all long-standing pro-life
protections, including the prohibition on funds to pay for
abortions. The Committee expands and strengthens additional
requirements, including by applying the Protecting Life in
Global Health Assistance policy, which prohibits funds for
foreign nongovernmental organizations that promote or perform
abortions.
The Committee includes additional requirements to enhance
transparency on how funds are used and which organizations are
implementing programs.
In addition, the Committee increases funding for religious
freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for
faith-based organizations (FBOs) delivering foreign assistance.
UNITED STATES ECONOMIC INTERESTS AND AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES
The Committee recommendation supports a strong American
economy by strengthening a provision to enhance United States
diplomatic engagement on commercial diplomacy in support of
United States businesses abroad and in the resolution of
foreign commercial disputes involving Americans and American
businesses.
The Committee also directs the Secretary of State to
prioritize consular services for American citizens, top among
them ensuring reasonable and predictable processing times for
passports. Therefore, the Committee provides $491,000,000 under
Consular and Border Security Programs to continue reducing wait
times and increasing customer service.
The Committee recommendation underscores the importance of
prioritizing investments for the International Boundary and
Water Commission, the International Fisheries Commissions, and
the International Joint Commission, as these commissions
directly impact Americans and the United States economy.
Further, the Committee highlights the urgency of resolving the
water delivery deficit from the Rio Grande, which is owed by
Mexico to the United States as required by the 1944 Water
Treaty. It is imperative to the agrarian economy along the Rio
Grande Basin, including South Texas, that such water deliveries
are timely and dependable, and the Committee recommendation
reflects the critical nature of promptly resolving this issue
to safeguard the livelihoods and economic stability of the
region.
OVERSIGHT, TRANSPARENCY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Proper management of American tax dollars must be a focus
of all Federal agencies, and this is particularly important for
the Department of State, the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID), and other agencies charged
with advancing the interests of the United States around the
world. Waste, fraud, and abuse in the programs funded in this
Act will not be tolerated. Reflecting its commitment to
oversight, transparency, and accountability, the Committee
recommendation includes funds at, or above, current levels for
the Inspectors General of agencies within the jurisdiction of
the Subcommittee and maintains or strengthens provisions
contained in prior years on multi-year commitments, direct
funding for governments and local organizations, and financial
management systems.
The Committee brings unprecedented oversight and
accountability to the United Nations and other international
organizations, including by withholding funds until any such
organization funded in this Act is in compliance with
requirements on access agreements established by the Department
of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
Appropriations Act, 2024. The Committee also requires the
Inspectors General to update best practices for conducting
oversight, including in countries and regions at higher risk
for waste, fraud, and abuse, and for programs involving
multilateral organizations.
The Committee reduces reprogramming authorities to ensure
that funds are devoted to the highest priorities and carried
out expeditiously according to congressional intent. The
Committee notes that reprogramming notifications must be
submitted subject to the regular notification procedures of the
Committees on Appropriations. For the purposes of this Act and
this Report, ``regular notification procedures'' means
notification must be provided at least 15 days in advance of
obligation of funds. Finally, the Committee removes the
authority to spend above the statutory amount set forth in
section 451 of the Foreign Assistance Act for contingencies
during fiscal year 2025.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Administration of Foreign Affairs
The Committee recommendation for Administration of Foreign
Affairs provides funds for the broad range of activities
necessary to support the operations and activities of more than
279 diplomatic and consular posts in 191 countries. The
Committee recommends a total of $11,737,407,000 for the
activities of the Department of State in fiscal year 2025. Of
the total amount provided, $11,677,407,000 is appropriated as
discretionary funds by this Act and $60,000,000 is appropriated
as mandatory funds pursuant to the Foreign Service Act of 1980.
Embassy security.--The Committee recommendation provides
$5,886,533,000 for embassy security, which is $115,005,000
above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level and $50,748,000 above
the fiscal year 2025 request. Funds are made available for: (1)
the purchase of property and for construction, rehabilitation,
and maintenance of safe and secure United States diplomatic and
consular missions and other posts overseas; (2) the cost to the
Department of State associated with the Marine Security Guard
Program; (3) domestic security responsibilities; and (4) the
personnel and equipment required to protect United States
Government property and employees and their families under
Chief of Mission (COM) authority overseas.
EMBASSY SECURITY
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Security Protection....................... $3,928,712
Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance..... 1,957,821
-------------------
Total, Embassy Security......................... $5,886,533
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIPLOMATIC PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $9,413,107,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 10,121,425,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 8,406,887,000
Change from enacted level........................... -1,006,220,000
Change from request................................. -1,714,538,000
The Committee recommendation includes $8,406,887,000 for
Diplomatic Programs, including $3,928,712,000 for Worldwide
Security Protection (WSP).
Worldwide Security Protection
The Committee recommendation includes $3,928,712,000 for
WSP, of which $688,767,000 is for Human Resources and
$3,239,945,000 is for Security Programs.
The WSP program provides funding for the protection of
life, property, and information of the Department of State and
supports a worldwide guard force protecting 279 overseas
diplomatic posts, including missions, residences, and other
facilities, and 150 domestic sites. The resources provided will
support more than 3,836 Regional Security Officers and Security
Engineering Officers and 41,000 domestic and overseas guards to
provide perimeter security and access control. Funds also
support enhanced high-threat protection, security technology,
cyber and information security, secure diplomatic courier
operations, and protective services for the Secretary of State,
the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, and foreign
dignitaries visiting the United States.
Armored vehicles.--Funds provided for WSP are available for
the procurement of the materials and equipment to provide
protection for United States Government personnel serving in
high-threat environments, including the replacement and
modernization of armored vehicles that have reached the end of
their useful life. The Secretary of State shall include in the
operating plan required by section 7062(a) of this Act detail
on the armored vehicle procurement plan for fiscal year 2025.
Office of Counterintelligence.--The Committee is concerned
about reports of sophisticated, aggressive, and growing
counterintelligence threats targeting Department of State
personnel and the impact on United States national security,
particularly in the Western Hemisphere. The Committee directs
the Secretary of State to allocate an additional $500,000 for
the Department's Office of Counterintelligence to expand its
investigative capacity focused on foreign adversaries in Latin
America and Caribbean.
Safety of locally employed staff.--The Committee recognizes
that locally employed staff provide essential contributions at
United States diplomatic and consular posts around the world.
In emergency situations, the Secretary should use funds made
available to the Department to provide support to ensure the
safety and security of locally employed staff and their
immediate family members.
Visa and passport fraud investigation.--The Committee
supports the work carried out by the Visa and Passport Analysis
Branch within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security to protect the
national security of the United States through the continuous
identification of emergent threats to United States travel
documents by improving the Investigative Management System
(IMS) data enhancement, analytics, and governance, in addition
to other capabilities. Further, the Committee recommendation
includes additional funding above the prior year level to
continue IMS upgrades and enhancements.
Other Matters
Advertising contracts for small businesses.--The Committee
understands that, as the largest advertiser in the United
States, the Federal government should work to ensure fair
access to its advertising contracts for small, disadvantaged
businesses and businesses owned by service-disabled veterans,
minorities, and women. The Committee directs the Department of
State to include the following information in its fiscal year
2026 congressional budget justification (CBJ): expenditures for
fiscal year 2025 and expected expenditures for fiscal year
2026, respectively, for (1) all contracts for advertising
services; and (2) contracts for the advertising services of:
(I) socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses
concerns (as defined in section 8(a)(4) of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(4)); and (II) service-disabled veterans,
women- and minority-owned businesses.
Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region.--The Committee
supports the work of the Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic
Region to advance United States policy in the Arctic, including
ongoing engagements with counterparts in Arctic and non-Arctic
nations. Once confirmed, the Secretary of State shall include
in the operating plan required by section 7062(a) of this Act
planned staffing and funding levels in support of the work of
the Ambassador-at-Large.
Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy.--The Committee
recognizes the growing importance of cybersecurity capacity
building and the need for personnel experienced in
cybersecurity issues to carry out the national cybersecurity
strategy. The Committee directs that funding be made available
for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy and for
strengthening efforts to advance security in cyberspace.
Central America sanctions policy and implementation.--The
Committee directs that funding be continued for staff in the
Office of Economic Sanctions Policy dedicated to Central
America. The Committee directs that the operating plan required
by section 7062(a) of this Act includes the projected budget
and staffing level for such office.
Classified briefings.--The Secretary of State is directed
to work with the appropriate congressional committees to
develop a process for readily available information pertaining
to grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements involving
foreign assistance, including consistent review in a classified
setting if required.
Columbia River.--The Committee encourages the Secretary of
State to share with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
the foreign policy implications of listing the Upper Columbia
River, Washington on the National Priorities List. The
Committee believes the Department of State should consult with
the EPA on such listings that may have foreign policy
implications.
Combating antisemitism.--The Committee recognizes the
important work of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-
Semitism and directs not less than $2,500,000 be made available
for the office, as authorized by the Global Anti-Semitism
Review Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-332). The Committee remains
concerned by the lack of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions
within the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat
Anti-Semitism and its impact on the stability and continuity of
operations of the Office. Further, the Committee encourages the
Department of State to ensure that FTEs hired with this funding
are adequately assigned across offices, including the Office of
the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism which
plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of
Jewish communities around the world.
Computer-assisted simulation training.--The Committee is
aware of collaborations between the public and private sector
aimed at promoting diplomatic excellence by training personnel
from various agencies within the United States Government to
work together in computer-assisted simulation scenarios that
replicate real-world problems challenging our country abroad,
such as political instability, resource scarcity, and
terrorism. Besides training personnel, these simulations
identify gaps in the United States Government's authorities and
capabilities to deal with instability abroad, helping bolster
our national security. The Committee notes that section 9205 of
the Department of State Authorization Act of 2022 (division I
of Public Law 117-263) requires the Department of State,
working with other Federal agencies and the private sector, to
provide the opportunity for Federal government personnel to
participate in courses using computer-based or computer-
assisted simulations. Funds are provided by this Act to support
such collaborations and training, which should be awarded on an
open and competitive basis.
Foreign Service training partnerships.--The Committee
supports ongoing partnerships between the Department of State
and community colleges, universities, and other institutions to
improve the United States Foreign Service (Foreign Service) by
preparing both graduate and undergraduate students for
positions in the Foreign Service, including support for the
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship and Charles B.
Rangel International Affairs programs to partner with other
organizations and institutions, such as Hispanic-Serving
Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities,
Asian American and Native American Pacific-Islander-Serving
Institutions, and Tribally Controlled Colleges and
Universities.
Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.--The
Committee directs support for the continued implementation of
the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (Public
Law 114-328).
Global surface water inventory.--The Committee supports the
development of a global surface water inventory and has
provided $10,000,000 under Economic Support Fund to continue
support of the development and implementation of such an
inventory.
Holocaust issues.--The Committee recommendation includes
funding to continue the important work of the Office of
Holocaust Issues to bring a measure of justice and assistance
to Holocaust victims and their families and to ensure that the
Holocaust is remembered appropriately and accurately.
International religious freedom.--The Committee continues
to support the work of the Ambassador-at-Large for
International Religious Freedom as authorized by the
International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-
292).
Internships.--The Committee supports continuation of
internship programs at the Department of State as authorized by
section 9201 of the Department of State Authorization Act of
2022 (Public Law 117-263).
Language training.--The Committee supports efforts by the
Department of State to recruit and train Foreign Service
Officers and Civil Service employees with the knowledge and
language skills needed to advance United States policies toward
countering malign activities of the PRC.
Modernization of commercial law.--The Committee supports
the engagement of the Department of State's Office of the
Assistant Legal Advisor for Private International Law to work
with experienced non-profit legal reform organizations on
efforts to modernize commercial law to promote economic
development and poverty reduction abroad, especially in Latin
America and the Caribbean, including through innovative
technologies.
Monitoring and combating trafficking in persons.--The
Committee recommendation includes $25,000,000 for the Office to
Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, as authorized by the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended,
including to support the coordination of the President's
Interagency Task Force and Senior Policy Operating Group,
deployment of rapid response teams, production of the
Trafficking in Persons Report, implementation of child
protection compacts, diplomatic engagement and technical
assistance, and management and oversight of increased
assistance provided by this Act to combat trafficking in
persons.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to publicly
post resources for victims of human trafficking, including
hotlines and websites, in all United States embassies and
consulates in areas where visa applications are processed.
Office of the Special Advisor for International Disability
Rights.--The Committee directs that funds be made available to
continue the work of the Office of International Disability
Rights authorized by section 5104 of the Department of State
Authorization Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-81).
Office of the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.--The
Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 for the Office of
the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues to carry out the
responsibilities detailed in section 21(d) of the Foreign
Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-
228).
Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham
Accords.--The Committee recommendation includes not less than
$1,500,000 for the Office of the Special Envoy for the Abraham
Accords, as authorized by section 6407 of the Department of
State Authorization Act of 2023 (division F of Public Law 118-
31).
Procurement.--The Secretary of State is directed to expand
opportunities for cooperatives and small businesses to compete
for Department of State contracts and grants, including
minority-owned, veteran-owned, and disadvantaged small
businesses, as well as FBOs.
Regional China officers.--The Committee directs that funds
be made available to support public diplomacy activities of
regional China officers posted at United States missions
overseas.
Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.--The
Committee continues to support the work of the Special
Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, as authorized by the
Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage Taking
Accountability Act (division FF, title III, subtitle A of
Public Law 116-260), which leads and coordinates United States
diplomatic engagements on overseas hostage-related matters. The
Committee urges the Secretary of State to strengthen efforts to
both bring detained Americans home and to deter such wrongful
behavior by governments, including the withholding of bilateral
assistance from such governments and using a government's
history of detaining American citizens or lawful permanent
residents as a significant factor in determining the type and
level of bilateral assistance.
Technology.--The Committee recognizes the need for
education of United States diplomats in technology diplomacy
and urges the Department of State to establish a training
program to enable the advancement of freedom through trusted
technology. The Secretary of State should consider partnering
with universities with expertise in providing research and
training to policymakers, diplomats, and other key stakeholders
on technologies critical to United States foreign policy and
national security interests.
Reports
Central America and sanctions.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an
update to the report described under this heading in House
Report 118-146.
Combating antisemitism.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
submit to the Committees on Appropriations a report on steps
taken by the Department of State to implement the United States
National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism during the previous
fiscal year.
Crisis response.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report describing
the Department of State's international crisis response
efforts, to include the following: (1) delineation of
responsibilities belonging to the Secretary, Chiefs of Mission,
and Principal Officers; (2) processes and procedures for
standing up crisis management and response task forces and
assigning or delegating responsibilities to task force and
crisis responders; (3) coordination with relevant partners at
the Department of Defense; (4) coordination with civil society
and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs); (5) the technology,
equipment, surge capacity, and space necessary to implement
crisis management and response task forces; (6) barriers to
building and maintaining the capability to identify individuals
with requisite training and skills to serve on task forces and
potential solutions to address those barriers; (7) incentives
available to encourage existing Department bureaus to second
relevant staff needed to support crisis management task forces
for extended periods of time and any additional authorities
needed to enable the Executive Secretariat to hire or second
qualified individuals to a task force for extended periods of
time; and (8) opportunities to improve responsiveness to public
inquiries in crisis environments.
Foreign adversaries.--The Committee is concerned that
foreign adversaries and affiliated non-state actors are
conducting influence campaigns featuring antisemitic symbols
graffitied in public places, antisemitic social media content,
and threats made against Jewish institutions or persons. Not
later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a report on any known incidents of
such activities taking place within the last calendar year, and
whether, to what extent, and to what end foreign adversaries
and affiliated non-state actors may be using antisemitism and
antisemitic symbols in this manner, including the specific
narratives, techniques, and institutional targets involved in
these campaigns.
Indigenous engagement.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
update the report on international Indigenous persons
engagement and diplomacy required under this heading in House
Report 118-146.
Intercountry adoption accreditation fees.--Not later than
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of State shall submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations identifying the number of accredited adoption
service providers per year since the Department of State began
its role as Central Authority on April 1, 2008. The report
shall also provide the average costs to adoption service
providers for accreditation, including all fees paid to the
accrediting entities to obtain and maintain accreditation such
as site visits and other travel fees, per year since April 1,
2008. The report shall include the total amount of funding each
accrediting entity received, per year, per accrediting entity,
from adoption service providers every year since April 1, 2008.
The report shall also include the number of Department
personnel in the Adoption Division of the Office of Children's
Issues.
Remote work and related lease costs.--Not later than 60
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State is directed to submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations on the office space leased by the Department and
the policy concerning remote work for direct hire and contract
personnel. The report shall include, at a minimum, the
following: (1) occupancy rates of all business space leased by
the Department; (2) data concerning telework practices and
physical attendance rates at office sites; (3) any plans to
modify such policy and a timeline for implementation of such
change; and (4) all corresponding data accrued from
implementing partners of the Department that maintain budget
line-items for office rent in excess of $100,000 annually
within grants or contracts with the Department.
State Department Operations Center.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall update the report required under this heading in House
Report 118-146.
Strategy on youth needs and youth engagement.--Not later
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State shall develop and submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a strategy that directly addresses
youth needs and youth engagement and that is aligned with
already existing policies and strategies such as the USAID
Youth in Development Policy, as required under Diplomatic
Programs in House Report 117-84.
Funds for certain offices, advisors, and coordinators are
allocated in accordance with the following table, subject to
sections 7015 and 7062 of this Act:
DIPLOMATIC PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offices (total cost, including salary, benefits, and
bureau-managed funds) Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the $1,500
Abraham Accords.....................................
Office of International Religious Freedom............ 11,450
Office of Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs.......... 7,740
Office of Terrorism Financing and Economic Sanctions 10,700
Policy..............................................
Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues..... 1,500
Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat 2,500
Anti-Semitism.......................................
Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.. 25,000
Office of the Special Advisor on International 1,000
Disability Rights...................................
Office of the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. 1,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSULAR AND BORDER SECURITY PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $50,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 491,000,000
Committee Recommendation.............................. 491,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... +441,000,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation makes available $491,000,000
in budget authority for Consular and Border Security Programs
from passport application and execution fees. The additional
budget authority is provided to increase operational capacity
to reduce wait times; address increased demand for passport,
visa, and United States citizen services; and accelerate the
passport modernization system and other modernization efforts
already underway.
Revenues from the Department of State's retained consular
fees and surcharges are deposited into the Consular and Border
Security Programs (CBSP) account. Each consular fee or
surcharge is used to fund authorized CBSP activities, such as
passport and visa processing and adjudication, fraud prevention
and detection, and services for American citizens overseas.
The Committee supports the Secretary of State's commitment
to dedicate the necessary resources to ensure passport and visa
applications are processed timely and efficiently to prevent
unnecessary delays affecting the public. The Committee directs
the Department of State to continue proactively seeking
technological and procedural alternatives to streamline the
processes where possible to enhance consular services
domestically and overseas. The Committee urges the Secretary to
put together a strategy outlining definitive steps to improve
coordination between passport agencies, ensure the timely
processing of passports, and avoid duplicates. The Committee
directs the Secretary to make every effort to use available
commercial-off-the-shelf technology and best practices to
expedite the passport issuance process, including identity
authentication, while protecting the integrity of the passport
process, the privacy of passport holders, and the efficiency of
processing passport issuance requests. The Committee further
requests that the Secretary ensure that Congressional offices
receive timely updates to constituent requests.
The Committee is aware of communities that lack local
access to passport agencies and passport acceptance facilities,
including communities in the Midwest and Southwest. The
Committee directs the Department of State to regularly examine
and identify high-demand, high-travel areas that lack local,
convenient access to passport agencies or acceptance
facilities, which are essential for supporting residents'
travel and for boosting the tourism economy. The Department
should examine these high-demand areas' passport wait times,
limitations on appointment options, and distance to nearest
passport agencies. The Department should then assess the most
effective methods for supporting the establishment of passport
agencies or acceptance facilities to better support these
communities and travel hubs with timely, accessible passport
services. Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of State shall brief the Committees on
Appropriations on the results of the related review directive
included under this heading in House Report 118-146.
The Committee directs the Department of State to improve
agency customer experience, particularly regarding passport and
visa services for both American citizens and foreign nationals,
respectively. The Committee further urges the Department to
ensure that standards to measure and improve customer
experience are in place and are incorporated into the
performance plans required under 31 U.S.C. 1115.
The Committee remains concerned by continued reports of
problems and delays related to the Department of State's online
passport application pilot program. The Committee directs the
Department to review the failures in the pilot program, make
adjustments, and, as appropriate, allocate the resources
necessary to ensure the online passport system operates
efficiently and effectively. Additionally, the Committee
encourages the Department, as a means of addressing challenges
in the online pilot program, to consider partnering with
private sector companies experienced in online application
technology.
The Committee encourages the Secretary of State to continue
to address the years of backlog of families of Special
Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders.
Reports
Passport and visa wait times.--The Secretary of State shall
prioritize solutions to the passport and visa processing
backlog, including by temporarily surging consular staffing
requirements with other existing staff at the Department of
State. The Secretary is directed to report to the Committees on
Appropriations on a quarterly basis on: (1) passport and visa
wait times; (2) the steps taken to further reduce passport and
visa backlogs; and (3) the plan to reduce wait times for both
passport and visa processing to pre-pandemic levels.
2026 FIFA World Cup.--Not later than 60 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit
to the Committees on Appropriations a report on the plans
underway to address the increase of visa applications in
advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including reducing
appointment delays and additional resources allocated to ensure
Consular posts are not overwhelmed by the influx of visa
applicants and vetting standards are maintained. The report
shall also include a description of progress towards reducing
appointment wait time to 30 days or less at 80 percent of
United States embassies and consulates worldwide by the end of
fiscal year 2025.
United States citizens' deaths overseas.--Not later than
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees a report on steps taken to implement the directive
under this heading in House Report 117-84 concerning deaths of
United States citizens overseas from non-natural causes. The
report shall include whether it is feasible and appropriate to
collect and display such data on the Department's publicly
available website.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $389,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 401,848,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 389,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -12,848,000
The Committee recommendation includes $389,000,000 for
Capital Investment Fund.
Funds appropriated for the Capital Investment Fund support
enterprise-level investments in information technology (IT)
modernization and essential IT services to sustain the
Department of State's mission and address cybersecurity
vulnerabilities.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $131,670,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 134,638,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 137,800,000
Change from enacted level........................... +6,130,000
Change from request................................. +3,162,000
The Committee recommendation includes $137,800,000 for
Office of Inspector General, which will support the oversight
personnel and activities of the Office of Inspector General
(OIG) at the Department of State. Of this amount, $26,800,000
is provided for the Special Inspector General for Afghan
Reconstruction (SIGAR).
Funds provided under this heading will support the audits,
investigations, and inspections of worldwide operations and
programs of the Department of State and United States Agency
for Global Media (USAGM). The Committee expects the OIG to
continue the coordination of audit plans and activities
involving Department of State and operations and programs in
Afghanistan with SIGAR to ensure the development of
comprehensive oversight plans and avoid duplication.
The Committee directs $6,130,000 above the fiscal year 2024
enacted level to support the oversight, audits, and
investigations of United States foreign assistance in countries
and regions with higher risk, including for programs and
activities in Gaza. The Committee directs the Inspectors
General of the Department of State and USAID to continue to
develop and use a common set of best practices for conducting
oversight of implementers of United States foreign assistance,
especially in countries and regions with higher risk. Best
practices shall also be developed for oversight rights created
pursuant to section 7048(h) of title VII of division F of
Public Law 118-47.
Report
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Inspectors General of the Department of State and
USAID shall jointly submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees on the common set of best practices
that will be utilized for new and enhanced oversight of
international organizations that failed to enter into written
agreements pursuant to title VII of section 7048(h) of division
F of Public Law 118-47 across programming carried out by the
Department and USAID.
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $741,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 777,500,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 720,946,000
Change from enacted level........................... -20,054,000
Change from request................................. -56,554,000
The Committee recommendation includes $720,946,000 for
Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs.
Funds for certain programs under this heading are allocated
in the following manner and are subject to the requirements of
section 7015 and 7062 of this Act:
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Academic Programs.................................... $387,996
Fulbright Program................................ 287,800
Special Academic Exchanges....................... 22,162
of which, Benjamin Gilman International [17,000]
Scholarship Program.........................
of which, Vietnam Education Foundation Act... [2,500]
of which, Tibet Fund......................... [695]
Professional and Cultural Exchanges.................. 191,160
International Visitor Program.................... 103,363
Citizen Exchanges Program
of which, Congress-Bundestag Exchange Program [4,125]
Special Professional and Cultural Exchanges 6,450
of which, Ngwang Choephel Fellows............ [750]
of which, Arctic Exchange Program............ [750]
Special Initiatives.................................. 49,100
Young Leaders Initiatives........................ 43,100
Community Engagement Exchange Program
of which, Pawel Adamowicz Exchange Program... [1,000]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arctic Exchange Program.--The Committee recommendation
supports ongoing funding for the Arctic Exchange Program to
foster greater ties between business communities in North
America and Greenland.
Au Pair program.--The Committee urges the Secretary of
State to expeditiously promulgate a revised regulation that
clarifies that the Au Pair program is exclusively regulated
federally and defines for host families a clear, federally
determined stipend amount that reasonably increases an au
pair's weekly compensation without undermining the ability of
host families to participate in the program. The Committee
notes its ongoing support for the administration of an Au Pair
program that families across the nation can affordably access
and that protects program participants, with the fundamental
purpose of facilitating cultural exchange and strengthening
American families.
English language programs.--The Committee strongly supports
continued funding for English Language programs, including the
English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator
Programs, which bolster English language skills within critical
world regions.
Future Leaders Exchange Program.--The Committee supports
continued funding for the Future Leaders Exchange program, or
FLEX, which helps support the next generations of leaders in
former Soviet nations through exchange opportunities for
secondary students that focus on democracy and exposure to
daily life in the United States.
Global leadership.--The Committee is concerned about the
erosion of democracy and respect for democratic norms and
values internationally and urges the Secretary of State to
prioritize support for programs that foster the development of
global leaders in advancing respect for democracy, human
rights, and freedom. Such programs should facilitate domestic
exchanges for leaders around the world with a focus on
character and leadership development.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-
Serving Institutions.--Funds under this heading should continue
to support academic and professional and cultural exchanges in
partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities
and Minority-Serving Institutions, including the development of
partnerships with such institutions serving Pacific Islands
students.
Indo-Pacific young leaders programs.--The Committee
continues to strongly support the Young Pacific Leaders
Program, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Program, and the
Fulbright Program in the Indo-Pacific region, including in
Pacific Island countries, and urges the Secretary of State to
prioritize such activities in the operating plan for fiscal
year 2025.
Latin America and the Caribbean.--The Committee recommends
that the Department of State utilize programs supported under
this heading to expand educational and cultural ties between
the United States and countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Special emphasis should be placed on supporting programs that
provide English language training in communities with limited
access to resources.
Marshall Scholarships.--The Committee continues support for
Marshall Scholarships.
Pawel Adamowicz Exchange Program.--The Committee directs
the Secretary of State to allocate from funds made available
under this heading for the Community Engagement Exchange
Program continued funding for the Pawel Adamowicz Exchange
Program, and to consult with the Committees on Appropriations
on the use of funds for the program.
Professional Fellows Program.--The Committee continues to
support implementation of the Professional Fellows Program
consistent with prior years.
Research partnerships.--The Committee encourages the
Secretary of State to consider advancing United States norms
and values with respect to the development and use of
artificial intelligence (AI) through fostering city-to-city
local AI research partnerships between United States cities and
cities of ally and partner countries.
Section 9604.--The Committee directs that funds
appropriated under this heading be made available to carry out
section 9604 of the Department of State Authorization Act 2022
(division I of Public Law 117-263).
Study abroad programs.--The Committee supports continued
funding of the IDEAS program, which provides competitive grants
to United States universities and colleges to establish,
expand, and broaden their study abroad programming.
Tibetan exchanges.--The Committee directs that continued
funding be made available for Tibetan exchanges and fellowship
programs, as authorized by section 346 of the Tibetan Policy
and Support Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-260).
Unobligated balances.--Section 7062(a) of this Act includes
a requirement that the Secretary of State submit to the
Committees on Appropriations an operating plan for funds
appropriated under this heading. The Committee expects that
such plan will include the distribution of unobligated balances
and recoveries, as well as any transfers to this account from
other accounts planned in fiscal year 2025.
Vietnam Education Foundation Act.--The Committee directs
$2,500,000 be made available under this heading for grants
authorized by section 211 of the Vietnam Education Foundation
Act of 2000, as amended (Public Law 106-554).
Young Leaders Initiatives.--The Committee directs that
funds be made available to continue support for the Young
Leaders Initiatives, including for the Young African Leaders,
Young Southeast Asian Leaders, and Young Leaders in the
Americas initiatives. In addition to the funds provided for the
Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, the Committee directs
the Secretary of State to prioritize students from
underrepresented Indo-Pacific countries through other
scholarships and fellowship programs funded under this heading.
REPRESENTATION EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $7,415,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 7,415,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 7,415,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $7,415,000 for
Representation Expenses authorized by section 905 of the
Foreign Service Act of 1980.
Funds provided under this heading are used to reimburse
Foreign Service Officers for expenditures incurred in their
official capacities abroad in establishing and maintaining
relations with officials of foreign governments and appropriate
members of local communities. The Secretary of State is
directed to submit semi-annual reports to the Committees on
Appropriations containing detailed information on the allotment
and expenditure of the funding provided under this heading.
PROTECTION OF FOREIGN MISSIONS AND OFFICIALS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $30,890,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 30,890,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 30,890,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $30,890,000 for
Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials.
Funds provided under this heading are used to reimburse
local governments and communities for the extraordinary costs
incurred in providing protection for international
organizations, foreign missions and officials, and foreign
dignitaries under certain circumstances. The Committee expects
the Department of State to provide reimbursement to local
jurisdictions on a timely basis if claims are fully justified.
The Department of State shall continue to submit to the
Committees on Appropriations a semi-annual report on the number
of claims for extraordinary protective services that have been
submitted by eligible jurisdictions that are certified as
meeting the program requirements and the amount of unobligated
funds available to pay such claims.
Section 7034(i) of this Act continues authority for the
Secretary of State to transfer expired unobligated balances
from funds made available under Diplomatic Programs. The
Committee directs the Department of State to include any
expired balances transferred to this heading in the report
required by the previous paragraph.
EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $1,957,821,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 1,907,073,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,957,821,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. +50,748,000
The Committee recommendation includes $1,957,821,000 for
Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance. Within the
amount provided, $1,012,611,000 is for Worldwide Security
Upgrades (WSU) and $945,210,000 is for repair, construction,
and operations.
Within the funds made available for WSU, $906,611,000 under
this heading is for the Department of State's contribution to
the Capital Security Cost Sharing (CSCS) and Maintenance Cost
Sharing (MCS) programs. This amount, combined with $194,156,000
in Consular Fees and the estimated $1,153,680,000 in CSCS and
MCS program contributions from other Federal agencies, will
provide a total of $2,254,447,000 in fiscal year 2025 for the
design, construction, and maintenance of United States
diplomatic facilities overseas.
The Secretary of State shall promptly inform the Committees
on Appropriations of Federal agencies that are delinquent in
fulfilling their cost sharing obligations as required by
section 604(e) of the Secure Embassy Construction and
Counterterrorism Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-113).
Indo-Pacific.--Within the funds appropriated or otherwise
made available under this heading, this Act includes support
for the Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Limitation on art in embassies.--The Committee notes that
section 6708 of Public Law 118-31 extended for another two
years the limitation in section 5112 of the Department of State
Authorization Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-81) on the purchase
of any piece of art for the purposes of installation or display
in any embassy, consulate, or other foreign mission of the
United States. The report required by subsection (b) of section
5112 of such act shall also include amounts for fiscal years
2021 through 2024.
Mail screening.--The Committee directs not less than
$5,000,000 for mail screening facilities (MSFs) that protect
United States interests at overseas Embassies, Consulates, and
other diplomatic locations worldwide. The Committee supports
the goal of accelerating the usage of MSFs at such locations
and urges the Department of State to prioritize support for
MSFs, including fast-tracking improved, sustainable structural
technology for rapid impact on security and safety at United
States diplomatic locations.
Operating plan.--Section 7062(a) of this Act requires the
Secretary of State to submit to the Committees on
Appropriations an operating plan for funds appropriated under
this heading. Such plan should include all resources available
to the Department of State in fiscal year 2025 for operations,
maintenance, and construction and an accounting of the actual
and anticipated proceeds of sales or gifts for all projects in
fiscal year 2024.
Operations.--The Committee recommendation includes
$789,810,000 for Operations, which provides support for the
five major organizational components of the Bureau of Overseas
Buildings Operations: Planning and Real Estate; Program
Development, Coordination and Support; Construction, Facility
and Security Management; Operations; Resource Management; and
Domestic Renovations.
Pacific Islands embassies.--Funds appropriated under this
heading are available to bolster security for embassies in the
Indo-Pacific region and to establish and maintain diplomatic
facilities in the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Tonga and a
diplomatic presence in Vanuatu, as authorized by the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-
263).
Repair and construction.--The Committee recommendation
includes $155,400,000 for repair and construction programs.
These funds support the repair, rehabilitation, improvement,
and upgrade of diplomatic facilities around the world. Within
the total, $90,000,000 is for the Minor Construction and
Improvement Program, $34,700,000 is for the Representational
Facilities program, $25,700,000 is for the Safe Housing
Projects program, and $5,000,000 is for the Accessible Housing
Program. These projects are not included as part of the larger
MCS program.
Reports
Contingency savings.--The Committee understands, based on
information included in notifications received in prior years,
that the Department of State has contingency savings on
previously appropriated construction projects. The Committee
directs the Secretary of State to continue to submit a report
to the Committees on Appropriations at the end of each fiscal
quarter on such contingency savings.
Quarterly reports.--The Secretary of State is directed to
submit biannual reports on the Beirut Embassy, Mexico City
Embassy, New Delhi Embassy, and Erbil Consulate projects. Such
reports shall continue to include the following information:
(1) a detailed breakout of the project factors that formed the
basis of the initial cost estimate used to justify such project
to the Committees on Appropriations; (2) a comparison of the
current project factors as compared to the project factors
submitted pursuant to (1) and an explanation of any changes;
(3) the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations on
project costs; and (4) a copy of the most current working
estimate that supports the basis for each report.
EMERGENCIES IN THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $8,885,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 8,885,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 8,885,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $8,885,000 for
Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service to enable
the Secretary of State to meet unforeseen emergencies arising
in the Diplomatic and Consular Service. Funding provided under
this heading is available until expended.
The recommendation provides resources for the Department of
State to meet emergency requirements in the conduct of foreign
affairs, including for the following purposes: (1) travel and
subsistence expenses for relocation of American employees of
the United States Government and their families from troubled
areas to the United States or safe-haven posts; (2) allowances
granted to Department of State employees and their dependents
evacuated to the United States for the convenience of the
Government; and (3) payment of rewards for information
concerning terrorist activities.
The recommendation continues prior year language providing
the authority to transfer up to $1,000,000 from this heading to
Repatriation Loans Program. This authority will ensure an
adequate level of resources for loans to American citizens
through the Repatriation Loans Program should additional funds
be required due to an unanticipated increase in the number of
loans.
REPATRIATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $1,800,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 1,800,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,800,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $1,800,000 for
Repatriation Loans Program Account, which provides the subsidy
cost of repatriation loans. Funds appropriated under this
heading will support the subsidy cost and a total loan level of
$5,823,626.
PAYMENT TO THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $35,964,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 38,218,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 38,218,000
Change from enacted level........................... +2,254,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $38,218,000 for
Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan. The Committee
recommendation supports operating expenses of the American
Institute in Taiwan (AIT), and funds may also be made available
for special projects and consular upgrades, including support
for the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF).
The Taiwan Relations Act requires that programs concerning
Taiwan be carried out by the AIT and authorizes funds to be
appropriated to the Secretary of State to carry out the
provisions of this Act. The AIT administers programs in the
areas of economic and commercial services, cultural affairs,
travel services, and logistics. The Department of State
contracts with the AIT to carry out these activities.
Taiwan Fellowship Program.--The Committee recommendation
includes funds to support the Taiwan Fellowship Program and
directs the Secretary of State to implement the program
expeditiously.
INTERNATIONAL CENTER, WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $744,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 745,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 745,000
Change from enacted level........................... +1,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $745,000 for
International Center, Washington, District of Columbia, which
will support site security and routine maintenance and repairs
to public spaces of the International Center, Washington,
District of Columbia.
PAYMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $158,900,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 60,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 60,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... -98,900,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $60,000,000 for
Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund.
These funds are mandatory for budget scorekeeping purposes
and are appropriated by the Foreign Service Act of 1980, for
the unfunded liability created by new benefits, new groups of
beneficiaries, or increased salaries on which benefits are
computed. The Retirement Fund is maintained through
contributions made by participants, matching government
contributions, special government contributions (including this
account), interest on investments, and voluntary contributions.
International Organizations
CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $1,543,452,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 1,676,686,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 269,614,000
Change from enacted level........................... -1,273,838,000
Change from request................................. -1,407,072,000
The Committee recommendation includes $269,614,000 for
Contributions to International Organizations.
Funds made available under this heading are allocated in
the following manner and are subject to the requirements of
sections 7015 and 7062 of this Act:
CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Atomic Energy Agency........ $115,960
International Civil Aviation Organization. 19,795
International Maritime Organization....... 1,143
Organization of American States........... 46,359
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 85,561
NATO Parliamentary Assembly............... 796
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee recommendation does not include funding for
assessed contributions for certain United Nations agencies and
other international organizations, including the United Nations
regular budget. The Committee also prohibits funds to the World
Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Relief and
Works Agency (UNRWA). The Committee remains concerned with the
continued lack of progress toward meaningful reforms at the
United Nations that, at a minimum, should include increased
fiscal transparency, meaningful consequences for sexual
misconduct by United Nations officials and peacekeepers,
protections for whistleblowers, combating antisemitism, and
holding member states accountable for undermining international
security and investigations into the origins of COVID-19. The
Committee strongly condemns the United Nations General Assembly
for undermining peace and security between the Israeli and
Palestinian people by passing the ``Status of Palestine in the
United Nations'' resolution that provided the ``State of
Palestine'' almost all the rights and privileges as Member
States. The Committee notes that the United Nations is not
capable of living up to its charter that includes the purpose
``to maintain international peace and security''. The Committee
has concluded that further assessed contributions to the United
Nations are not justified and increased scrutiny and oversight
must predicate any consideration of a voluntary contribution to
the United Nations or any United Nations agency. The Committee
provides additional direction on the United Nations in section
7048 of this report.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD).--The Committee recommendation does not include funding
for assessed contributions to the OECD. The Committee does not
support the work of the OECD that promotes higher tax rates,
corporate tax floors, and digital tax schemes that target the
American tax base.
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).--The Committee
recommendation does not include funding for PAHO. PAHO must
fully account for its role in trafficking Cuban doctors and
medical personnel in the Mais Medicos program in Brazil,
including compensation in potential judgements related to the
United States Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization
Act, publication of all relevant financial records, and
publication of internal analyses of PAHO's operational,
administrative, and financial role in the Mais Medicos program
and any other Cuban medical professionals program with which
PAHO had a role in facilitating.
Reproductive health and family planning.--The Committee
remains deeply concerned by United Nations entities that
consider abortion as a foundational component of comprehensive
health care, sexual and reproductive rights, and reproductive
health and family planning resources by their own
organizational definitions. In the context of constrained
resources, the Committee must be assured, prior to supporting
funds, that support for multilateral organizations complies
with statutory prohibitions and requirements related to
abortion included in this Act and prior acts.
World Health Organization (WHO).--Section 7048(k) prohibits
funds appropriated by this Act from being made available to the
WHO. The Committee continues to note that there are benefits to
an effective, independent health organization that can help
coordinate a global response to pandemics. However, until
certain actions are taken to address ongoing, significant
shortcomings and provide accountability for past failures, the
WHO has lost credibility to be such an organization. The
Committee remains deeply concerned by the WHO's continued
failure to hold the PRC accountable for withholding critical
information regarding COVID-19 and for undermining the WHO
investigation into the origins of COVID-19. In addition, the
WHO Director General has failed to invite Taiwan to join the
World Health Assembly as an observer even after Taiwan
demonstrated transparency, effectiveness, and critical
competencies in identifying and responding to emerging
infectious diseases to the benefit of the region and the world.
The WHO has failed to effectively advocate for Taiwan's
inclusion and further demonstrated broken priorities in the
most recent World Health Assembly by electing North Korea to
the Executive Board and adopting a biased, anti-Israel
resolution, which was the only country-specific resolution
adopted during the session.
Report
United Nations credits.--Not later than May 1, 2025, and 30
days after the end of fiscal year 2025, the Secretary of State
shall report to the Committees on Appropriations on any credits
attributable to the United States, including from the United
Nations Tax Equalization Fund. The Secretary shall also provide
updated fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026 United States
assessments to the United Nations regular budget and other
international organizations, including any available credits
and updated foreign currency exchange rates, and indicate
whether credits have been applied to any assessed contributions
or payment of arrearages.
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $1,367,407,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 1,234,144,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,068,900,000
Change from enacted level........................... -298,507,000
Change from request................................. -165,244,000
The Committee recommendation includes $1,068,900,000 for
Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities, which
is $165,244,000 below the request and subject to the 25 percent
statutory cap on Peacekeeping assessments. The Committee
directs the Secretary of State and the United States Ambassador
to the United Nations to prioritize efforts to cap United
States assessments for peacekeeping operations at 25 percent,
which was previously agreed to under the 2000 Helms-Biden
agreement. The Committee further directs the Secretary and
Ambassador to work with the United Nations Department of
Peacekeeping Operations to evaluate all peacekeeping activities
by addressing the number of missions, rating the performance of
each mission, limiting the scope of missions, changing mandates
when political resolutions have stalled, and phasing out or
withdrawing when mission goals have been substantially
achieved.
New or expanded missions.--The Committee recommendation
requires notification at least 15 days in advance of voting for
any new or expanded mission, including the estimated cost and
duration of the mission, the objectives of the mission, the
national interest that will be served, and the exit strategy.
The Committee notes that notification may be provided less than
15 days in advance of voting for a new or expanded mission in
the event of an emergency. The Committee expects the Secretary
of State to ensure the appropriate and judicious application of
this provision.
Oversight.--The Committee supports independent oversight of
the United Nations to identify waste, fraud, and abuse, as well
as sexual abuse in peacekeeping operations, and the Committee
supports reforms to ensure that such practices are eliminated.
The Committee expects the Department of State to provide the
necessary effort to ensure increased oversight of United
Nations peacekeeping missions. This must include more effective
mechanisms to ensure perpetrators are tracked and held
accountable, victims receive justice and support, and troop-
contributing countries whose personnel harm those they are
meant to protect are held accountable to a higher standard for
participation in peacekeeping missions.
Reports
Assessment.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a
report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing a
comprehensive review of the United Nations peacekeeping
missions that have recently concluded and are currently drawing
down, including the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated
Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and the United Nations
Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic
of the Congo (MONUSCO), and shall identify the aspects that
contributed to the missions' terminations and present credible
alternatives for redirecting the use of Contributions for
International Peacekeeping Activities funds to peace and
stability building mechanisms.
United Nations credits.--Not later than May 1, 2025, and 30
days after the end of fiscal year 2025, the Secretary of State
shall report to the Committees on Appropriations on any credits
attributable to the United States, including from the United
Nations Tax Equalization Fund. The Secretary of State shall
also provide updated fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026
United States peacekeeping assessments, including any available
credits, and indicate whether credits have been applied to any
peacekeeping contributions or payment of arrearages.
International Commissions
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $220,850,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 147,300,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 250,350,000
Change from enacted level........................... +29,500,000
Change from request................................. +103,050,000
The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$250,350,000 for International Boundary and Water Commission,
United States and Mexico, including $81,800,000 for Salaries
and Expenses and $168,550,000 for Construction.
Funds appropriated by this Act are made available to
address urgent water management and water quality improvement
programs of the International Boundary and Water Commission
(IBWC). Not later than 30 days prior to the submission of the
operating plan required by section 7062(a) of this Act for the
funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this
heading, the United States Commissioner of the IBWC shall brief
the Committees on Appropriations on the scope, timeline, and
cost of such programs and projects.
Economic impact study.--Not later than 120 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in
coordination with the United States Commissioner of the IBWC,
shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations
consisting of a comprehensive economic impact study on the
Colorado River and Rio Grande. Such report shall include the
impact, including a sector-level analysis, of each river on the
economies of the United States and Mexico. Further, the report
shall include an analysis of losses suffered by either economy
as a result of delayed water deliveries.
Feasibility study.--Following consultation with the
Committees on Appropriations, the United States Commissioner of
the IBWC shall conduct a feasibility study of a five-year
rolling window for water deliveries from the Rio Grande. Such
feasibility study shall evaluate whether this approach would
provide more reliable and predictable water deliveries. Not
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Commissioner shall brief the Committees on Appropriations
of the findings.
International Outfall Interceptor.--The Committee
recommendation includes $12,500,000 for the urgent operations
and maintenance needs of the International Outfall Interceptor
in Nogales, Arizona, as authorized by section 5602 of Public
Law 118-31.
Release of effluent.--The Committee remains concerned about
the adverse impact on communities in the United States from the
release of effluent from Mexico, including from the Tijuana
River. The Committee directs the Secretary of State and the
United States Commissioner of the IBWC to continue engaging
with the Government of Mexico to take appropriate steps to
facilitate long-term resolutions. Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Commissioner shall
update the report required under this heading in House Report
118-146.
Safety of dams.--The Committee is concerned about the
structural integrity of dams under the jurisdiction of the
IBWC. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the United States Commissioner of the IBWC shall
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on all dams
under the jurisdiction of the IBWC. Such report shall include
the Dam Safety Action Class (DSAC) assigned to each dam and an
implementation plan, including funding requirements, for
addressing the critical repairs required for each dam to
achieve the highest safety designation, DSAC V.
Water deliveries.--The Committee directs the Department of
State, in coordination with the IBWC, to implement the 1944
Water Treaty between the United States and Mexico in a manner
that assures reliable, annual water flow from Mexico to the
United States. It is critical for the agrarian economy that
South Texas farmers receive reliable, annual water flow from
the Rio Grande in accordance with the Treaty. The Committee
notes that section 7045(h) of this Act includes limitations
with respect to water deliveries to the United States from
Mexico.
AMERICAN SECTIONS, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $16,204,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 14,332,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 17,300,000
Change from enacted level........................... +1,096,000
Change from request................................. +2,968,000
The Committee recommendation includes $17,300,000 for
American Sections, International Commissions, of which
$11,900,000 is for the International Joint Commission,
$2,400,000 is for the International Boundary Commission, and
$3,000,000 is for the North American Development Bank.
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $65,719,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 55,266,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 65,719,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. +10,453,000
The Committee recommendation includes $65,719,000 for
International Fisheries Commissions.
The Committee recommendation includes funds necessary to
fully support the anticipated United States assessments, other
expenses related to these commissions, and for the
participation of non-government United States commissioners to
the various commissions.
Funds in this Act under this heading are allocated
according to the following table and are subject to sections
7015 and 7062 of this Act:
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commission/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great Lakes Fishery Commission............ $50,000
of which, grass carp.................. [1,000]
Pacific Salmon Commission................. 5,868
International Pacific Halibut Commission.. 4,582
Other Marine Conservation Organizations... 5,269
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee notes that funds provided for the Inter-
American Tropical Tuna Commission are included in the table
under Other Marine Conservation Organizations.
Great Lakes Fishery Commission
The Committee directs $50,000,000 be made available for the
Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC), of which not less than
$39,500,000 is for operations, sea lamprey control
requirements, and fishery research for the Great Lakes. The
recommendation also includes not less than $1,000,000 to
address grass carp in the Great Lakes. The Committee intends
that the funds made available for the GLFC be prioritized for
meeting the United States obligations under the 1954 Convention
on Great Lakes Fisheries.
Infrastructure plan.--The Committee remains concerned by
aging infrastructure in the Great Lakes Basin and supports the
implementation of the Commission's infrastructure plan to
manage sea lamprey using physical barriers as well as its on-
going work to survey and capture Asian carp, especially grass
carp. The Committee acknowledges the steps being taken by the
GLFC to update its infrastructure plan, including the precise
assessment of annual Canadian infrastructure costs. It is
critical to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem that the
United States and Canada continue to maintain and improve their
respective infrastructure, which provides significant benefits
to each country's economy.
International Pacific Halibut Commission
Budget plan.--The Committee encourages the International
Pacific Halibut Commission to finalize their budget plan before
the release of the President's fiscal year 2026 budget request.
Economic impact study.--Not later than 120 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in
coordination with the United States Commissioners of the
International Pacific Halibut Commission, shall submit to the
Committees on Appropriations a report consisting of a
comprehensive economic impact study on Pacific halibut. Such
report shall include the impact, including a sector-level
analysis, of Pacific halibut on the economies of the United
States and Canada.
RELATED AGENCY
United States Agency for Global Media
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $866,914,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 950,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 807,896,000
Change from enacted level........................... -59,018,000
Change from request................................. -142,104,000
The Committee recommendation includes $807,896,000 to carry
out United States international communications activities and
operations overseen by the United States Agency for Global
Media (USAGM), of which $798,196,000 is for International
Broadcasting Operations and $9,700,000 is for Broadcasting
Capital Improvements.
INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
International Broadcasting Operations (IBO) funds the
operating, programming, and engineering costs of the Agency,
including the Voice of America (VOA), the Office of Cuba
Broadcasting (OCB), and the independent grantees: Radio Free
Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL); Radio Free Asia (RFA); the
Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN); and the Open
Technology Fund (OTF).
Belarus.--The Committee supports RFE/RL continuing to
provide the people of Belarus with access to independent news
and information.
Hungary.--The Committee supports RFE/RL's Hungarian
language service programming and encourages the prioritization
of coverage in rural areas.
Latin America.--The Committee supports the programming and
activities of the Latin America Division of VOA. The Committee
directs the Division to put an emphasis on its programming in
Mexico. The Committee expects USAGM to continue the focus on
countries, such as Venezuela and Nicaragua, where government
censorship of news coverage, restricted access to independent
media, and interference from countries, such as Russia and
China, continues to increase.
North Korea.--Section 7043(d)(2) of this Act directs that
funds under this heading be made available to maintain
broadcast hours into North Korea at not less than the levels of
the prior year. The Committee supports the role of VOA and RFA
in providing uncensored news and information that is
unavailable to the people of North Korea through state-
controlled North Korean media. The Committee directs USAGM to
include plans for coverage of Korean Americans with family
members in North Korea, otherwise known as Divided Families, in
its fiscal year 2025 program plan and directs USAGM to brief
the Committees on Appropriations on its program plan, not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Office of Cuba Broadcasting.--The Committee directs
$35,000,000 be made available for OCB. The Committee is
concerned about the detrimental effect under-funding has had on
OCB's operation over the last several years, including the
Reduction in Force. OCB is a critical source of independent,
outside information for the Cuban population and is necessary
to counter the Cuban regime's propaganda and oppression. The
Committee directs USAGM to keep the Committee informed of any
staffing or relocation plans on an ongoing basis.
Open Technology Fund.--The Committee directs that
$43,500,000 be made available for the Open Technology Fund
(OTF). The Committee further directs that not less than
$5,000,000 of such funds be made available to enable innovative
methodologies for breaking the information blocks and internet
shutdowns administered by the Cuban regime in an effort to
match OTF's positive gains in other parts of the world, which
shall be subject to consultation with the appropriate
congressional committees.
Pacific Islands.--The Committee supports coverage of VOA on
digital and conventional media to Pacific Islands countries,
including through the pursuit of regional affiliates. The
Committee directs USAGM to include plans for such coverage in
its fiscal year 2025 program plan.
Pakistan-Sindhi service.--The Committee supports VOA's
continued effort to provide Sindhi language services in
Pakistan.
People's Republic of China.--The Committee supports the
role of VOA and RFA in countering propaganda from the PRC and
providing essential news and information through the Mandarin,
Tibetan, Uyghur, and Cantonese language services.
Tibet.--The Committee supports the Tibetan language
services of VOA and RFA, which the Committee notes provide the
only sources of independent information accessible to the
people of Tibet.
USAGM networks content.--The Committee directs USAGM to
allocate, through its networks and operations, not less than
$5,000,000 for the development and distribution of news and
information related to Cuba and should utilize OCB to produce
such content for other regions. Amounts allocated for the
purposes of providing information globally about the lack of
freedoms in Cuba shall be in addition to amounts provided to
OCB within this Act and will contribute to USAGM's existing
efforts to inform global communities about democracy and human
rights.
Uyghur service.--The Committee supports the expansion of
the Uyghur Service of RFA to accommodate coverage of continuing
human rights abuses and atrocities occurring in the Xinjiang
Uyghur Autonomous Region.
Reports
Mongolia.--The Committee appreciates that USAGM has
identified Mongolian as a high priority language. The Committee
directs USAGM to submit a report, not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, to the Committees on
Appropriations on steps taken to establish a Mongolian language
service at VOA to reach Mongolian speakers in Mongolia and the
PRC, including resource requirements.
Office of Cuba Broadcasting.--The Committee is concerned
about data being collected on radio listeners in Cuba both in
terms of veracity and the potential threats to respondents. Not
later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
USAGM shall jointly submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees on survey protocols and quality
control of listenership surveys followed by USAGM and
administered in Cuba as well as plans for surveys during fiscal
year 2025.
Satellites.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, the CEO of
USAGM, and the President of the OTF shall submit a report to
the appropriate congressional committees on how funds are being
utilized towards low-earth orbit satellite internet access,
challenges being encountered, and plans for the next two fiscal
years.
BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee recommendation includes $9,700,000 for
Broadcasting Capital Improvements.
RELATED PROGRAMS
The Asia Foundation
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $22,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 22,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 19,580,000
Change from enacted level........................... -2,420,000
Change from request................................. -2,420,000
The Committee recommendation includes $19,580,000 for The
Asia Foundation. Funds should be prioritized for increasing
staff in Pacific Islands countries as well as continuing
programs across the Indo-Pacific, including in Burma,
Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The Committee directs The Asia Foundation (TAF) to continue
to work in consultation with the Department of State to develop
priorities and programming.
The Committee supports the efforts of TAF to seek
additional sources of funding to sustain program activities.
The Committee directs TAF to include a summary table in the CBJ
for fiscal year 2026 detailing total revenue and support by
category for fiscal year 2024 and projected for fiscal year
2025.
United States Institute of Peace
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $55,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 55,459,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 55,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -459,000
The Committee recommendation includes $55,000,000 for
United States Institute of Peace.
The Committee notes that, in addition to appropriated
funds, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) receives
funding from interagency transfers, reimbursements, and
offsetting receipts to support USIP programs. The Committee
directs USIP to fully implement fee-based or reimbursable
agreements, where appropriate, as a means of sustaining USIP
activities. In addition, the Committee directs USIP to include
information in the CBJ for fiscal year 2026 on the amount of
funds received from other Federal agencies and the amount of
revenue generated from fees and reimbursable agreements.
Center For Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $203,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 195,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 195,000
Change from enacted level........................... -8,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year
2025 of interest and earnings from the Center for Middle
Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund, as authorized by section
633 of Public Law 108-199. Interest and earnings for fiscal
year 2025 are projected to total $195,000.
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $180,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 185,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 185,000
Change from enacted level........................... +5,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year
2025 of interest and earnings from the Eisenhower Exchange
Fellowship Program Trust Fund, as authorized by sections 4 and
5 of the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Act of 1990. Interest
and earnings for fiscal year 2025 are projected to total
$185,000.
Israeli Arab Scholarship Program
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $117,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 160,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 160,000
Change from enacted level........................... +43,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year
2025 of interest and earnings from the Israeli Arab Scholarship
Endowment Fund, as authorized by section 214 of the Foreign
Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993.
Interest and earnings for fiscal year 2025 are projected to
total $160,000.
East-West Center
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $22,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 22,255,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 19,580,000
Change from enacted level........................... -2,420,000
Change from request................................. -2,675,000
The Committee recommendation includes $19,580,000 for East-
West Center to promote people-to-people engagement in the Indo-
Pacific region and the United States through cooperative study,
training, and research.
National Endowment for Democracy
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $315,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 300,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 315,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. +15,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $315,000,000 for
National Endowment for Democracy. Of this amount, and
consistent with current practice, $210,316,000 shall be
allocated in the traditional and customary manner, including
for the core institutes. The remaining $104,684,000 shall be
for democracy, human rights, and rule of law programs as well
as for supporting the National Endowment for Democracy's (NED)
mid- to long-term strategic approach and response to immediate
and unanticipated challenges or opportunities.
The President of the NED shall consult with the core
institutes on the use of such funds, and the core institutes
shall be eligible to receive funds for such purposes.
Funds made available under this heading shall continue to
be provided directly to the NED and shall not be subject to
prior approval by the Department of State or USAID.
Administrative or management surcharges and minimal expenses,
if any, should be charged to the Department of State operating
expenses. The NED should not be precluded from competitively
bidding on other grant solicitations. The Committee
recommendation includes language exempting funds made available
under this heading from the operating plan requirements of
section 7062(a) of this Act.
Countering authoritarianism.--The Committee recognizes the
strong work of the NED in countering the national security
threat of authoritarian influence and provocation in Europe,
Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Information Sharing.--Information sharing between the
Department of State, USAID, and the NED shall occur as in prior
years, but the independence of the NED shall be maintained per
section 502(a) of the National Endowment for Democracy Act
(Public Law 98-164).
Tibetan communities.--The Committee directs that funding be
made available at not less than the prior year level to promote
human rights and democracy in Tibetan communities.
Report
Uses of funds.--The Committee directs the President of the
NED to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations, not
later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, on
the proposed uses of funds provided under this heading on a
regional and country basis. The report should include a
description of programmatic goals for each region and country
and how the planned use of funds will meet such goals. The
Committee directs the NED to consult with the Committees on
Appropriations in advance of any significant deviation from the
plans outlined in such report.
OTHER COMMISSIONS
Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $770,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 770,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 770,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $770,000 for
Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad,
as authorized.
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $4,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 4,850,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 4,850,000
Change from enacted level........................... +850,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $4,850,000 for United
States Commission on International Religious Freedom, as
authorized by title II of the International Religious Freedom
Act of 1998.
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $2,908,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 3,059,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 3,059,000
Change from enacted level........................... +151,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $3,059,000 for
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, as authorized
by Public Law 94-304.
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $2,300,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 2,300,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,300,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $2,300,000 for
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of
China.
The Committee directs the Commission to report annually to
the President and Congressional leadership on the compliance of
the PRC with international human rights standards, track the
rule of law in the PRC, and make recommendations for policy
action and legislation, as appropriate.
United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $4,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 4,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 4,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $4,000,000 for United
States-China Economic and Security Review Commission. The
Committee recommendation continues by reference the
authorities, conditions, and limitations carried in the second
through fifth provisos under this heading in division F of
Public Law 111-117 that provide an administrative framework for
the operations of the Commission.
TITLE II--UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Funds Appropriated to the President
OPERATING EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $1,695,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 1,863,064,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,214,808,000
Change from enacted level........................... -480,192,000
Change from request................................. -648,256,000
The Committee recommendation includes $1,214,808,000 for
Operating Expenses.
Funds under this heading are provided for salaries and
expenses of employees of USAID, personal service contractors,
and employees hired by other Federal agencies but assigned to
USAID.
Collaborative investments.--The Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to report to the Committees on
Appropriations not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act on collaborative investments made by the
United States and other donors and development partners to
achieve development goals, including United States investments
that have attracted or catalyzed investments from other donors,
donor governments, host governments, philanthropies, and the
private sector.
Contracting officers.--The Committee is concerned with the
burdens placed on contracting officers at USAID and notes that
assistance outcomes and oversight rely heavily on how well
USAID is staffed with contracting officers as well as
efficiency mechanisms built around procurement and management
systems. Therefore, the Committee directs that funds under this
heading be prioritized for such positions.
Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate
Fellowship Program.--The Committee supports the Fellowship goal
of promoting humanitarianism and providing foreign affairs
opportunities to underrepresented communities from all parts of
the United States, including from diverse socio-economic
backgrounds.
Global Development Partnership Initiative (GDPI).--The
Committee notes the goal of the Administrator of USAID to grow
the agency's workforce. However, with the exception of the need
for more contracting officers and agreement officers within
USAID to facilitate faster execution of contracts and
agreements and conduct more responsible oversight, the
Committee notes that USAID has not presented a persuasive case
on how more funding for staff will lead to stronger assistance
outcomes, which is the priority of the Committee. The Committee
notes that previously provided increases to Operating Expenses
were used for Administration priorities and the expansion of
Washington-based positions that do not have clear relevance to
the core missions and functions of USAID. The Committee
continues to urge the Administrator of USAID to prioritize
personnel funds to hire additional contracting officers and
agreements officers.
Partner diversification.--The Committee supports USAID's
efforts to find additional opportunities to work with new
partners, including the consideration of appropriate funding
mechanisms, in order to assist in the development of local
capacity. The Administrator of USAID is directed to provide
regular updates to the Committees on Appropriations on progress
in this area.
Procurement.--The Committee directs the Administrator of
USAID to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on any
proposed significant or substantive change to USAID guidance or
directives related to acquisition and assistance prior to
issuing such guidance or directives.
As in prior years, USAID is directed to notify the
Committees on Appropriations 15 days prior to any procurement
action that involves raising the ceiling on an existing
Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC) or issuing a new IQC. The
Committee directs that the thresholds for notification be the
same as in prior years.
The Committee continues to be concerned about the
difficulty with which United States companies, including small,
veteran-owned, minority-owned, and disadvantaged business
enterprises, universities, and NGOs have in navigating the
acquisitions and assistance process at USAID. The Committee
expects that, to the maximum extent practicable, the
Administrator of USAID shall ensure that United States small,
minority-owned, veteran, and disadvantaged business enterprises
and FBOs fully participate in the provision of goods and
services, especially if they have a proven record of promoting
local self-reliance and democratic governance.
Reports
Faith-based organizations.--The Committee recognizes the
important role that FBOs play in the delivery of foreign
assistance and expects USAID to ensure compliance with existing
Federal laws protecting the rights of FBOs, including rights
related to employment practices, from discrimination in
competing for and administering projects funded with United
States foreign assistance. Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of USAID shall
submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on
such efforts at USAID.
Feedback on reporting from implementers.--The Committee
directs the Administrator of USAID to submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations, not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, on how USAID provides written
feedback to implementers and grantees on submitted quarterly
reports. The Committee is aware of the extensive reporting
requirements on implementers and is seeking evidence that the
products are being read and responded to as well as being
valued as an instrument to inform program management and
foreign policy. The report shall include, aggregated by bureau,
the number of quarterly reports submitted, the number of
reports responded to by USAID, and the reports which were not
responded to. Additionally, USAID shall provide a general
summary on the nature of feedback it provides to implementers
and an assessment of the usefulness of the feedback to
implementers.
GDPI.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator of USAID shall submit a report
to the Committees on Appropriations on hiring data for fiscal
year 2022 through fiscal year 2024, including the number of
Personnel Services Contractors (PSC) who have been converted to
direct-hire staff, assignments of Foreign Service Limited
hires, hiring by bureaus, and attrition figures.
Locally led development.--The Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees, not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, assessing the agency's progress
in advancing locally led development and humanitarian response,
including the coordinated implementation of relevant agency
strategies and policies. Such report shall also include details
on funding implemented by local entities in fiscal years 2023
and 2024, which may not include international organizations or
local representation of such organizations. The report shall
describe how USAID is utilizing internal systems, management,
and process reforms, including authorities already granted to
benefit the localization strategy, regardless of whether
additional staff is hired.
Private sector engagement.--The Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations, not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, on the Private Sector Engagement (PSE)
Modernize and Burden Reduction Program (BRP) efforts to expand
the agency's partnerships with new and diverse stakeholders,
including national and local actors and the private sector.
Such efforts are central to achieving a more sustainable
development impact and spurring long-term self-reliance. The
report shall include information, including examples, on steps
the agency is taking to: (1) incorporate private sector
partnership, especially with the local private sector in
partner countries, into its localization strategy, with
associated metrics; (2) develop a transparent learning agenda
for PSE Modernize that demonstrates development impact; and (3)
change agency processes under BRP to reduce the impact on staff
time and improve access for partners.
Private sector investment.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of USAID
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a
report on USAID's programming and partnerships with the private
sector, including how USAID selects private sector partners,
macroeconomic results attributed to USAID's partnerships,
analysis of the types of jobs created through private sector
partnerships, any requirements USAID sets with private sector
partners, and how USAID tracks company workforce and investment
data of private sector partners.
Procurement.--The Committee directs the Administrator of
USAID to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations,
not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
on any procurement actions which were not fully competed and
the justification for each such action taken during fiscal
years 2023 and 2024.
Program transitions and realignments.--Not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator
of USAID shall submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations detailing USAID guidance for program transitions
and realignments to the private sector or other Federal
agencies, such as the Millenium Challenge Corporation and the
United States International Development Finance Corporation.
Remote work and related lease costs.--Not later than 60
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator
of USAID is directed to submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations on the office space leased by USAID and their
policy concerning remote work for direct hire and contract
personnel. The report shall include, at a minimum, the
following: (1) occupancy rates of all business space leased by
such agency; (2) data concerning telework practices and
physical attendance rates at office sites; (3) any department
or agency plans to modify such policy and a timeline for
implementation of such change; and (4) all corresponding data
accrued from implementing partners of USAID that maintain
budget line-items for office rent in excess of $100,000
annually within grants or contracts with USAID.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $259,100,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 272,888,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 259,100,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -13,788,000
The Committee recommendation includes $259,100,000 for
Capital Investment Fund to fund the USAID Capital Security Cost
Sharing obligation and IT investments. The Committee notes that
USAID must submit an operating plan to the Committees on
Appropriations as required in section 7062(a) of this Act.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $85,500,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 88,800,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 90,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... +4,500,000
Change from request................................. +1,200,000
The Committee recommendation includes $90,000,000 for
Office of Inspector General. The Committee directs the Office
of Inspector General (OIG) to submit its annual audit plan
within the first quarter of fiscal year 2025.
The Committee provides $4,500,000 above the fiscal year
2024 enacted level to support the oversight, audits, and
investigations of United States foreign assistance in countries
and regions with higher risk, including for programs and
activities in Gaza and due to limited in-country presence. The
Committee directs the Inspectors General of the Department of
State and USAID to develop and use a common set of best
practices for conducting oversight of implementers of United
States foreign assistance, especially in countries and regions
with higher risk. Best practices shall also be developed for
oversight rights created pursuant to section 7048(h) of
division F of Public Law 118-47.
Report
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Inspectors General of the Department of State and
USAID shall jointly submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees on the common set of best practices
that will be utilized to oversee international organizations
that failed to enter into written agreements pursuant to title
VII of section 7048(h) of division F of Public Law 118-47
across programming carried out by the Department and USAID.
TITLE III--BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
Funds Appropriated to the President
GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $10,030,450,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 9,827,600,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 9,268,712,000
Change from enacted level........................... -761,738,000
Change from request................................. -558,888,000
The Committee recommendation includes $9,268,712,000 for
Global Health Programs.
Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance.--The Committee
includes language in section 7057(b) of this Act prohibiting
funds for any foreign nongovernmental organization that
promotes or performs abortion, with certain exceptions.
In addition, the Committee recommendation includes
conditions under this heading that do the following: (1)
requires that none of the funds appropriated by this Act, or
any unobligated balances, may be made available to any
organization or program, which as determined by the President,
supports or participates in the management of a program of
coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization; (2) states that
funds cannot be used to pay for the performance of abortions as
a method of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person
to practice abortion; (3) specifies that population funds shall
be available only to voluntary family planning projects that
offer, either directly or through referral, information about
access to a broad range of family planning methods and
services; (4) requires that in awarding grants for natural
family planning under section 104 of the Foreign Assistance Act
of 1961, no applicant shall be discriminated against because of
such applicant's religious or conscientious commitment to offer
only natural family planning; and (5) requires the provision of
accurate information related to condoms.
Funds for certain programs under this heading are allocated
according to the following table and subject to section 7019 of
this Act:
GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maternal and child health............................ $915,000
Polio............................................ 85,000
The GAVI Alliance................................ 300,000
Maternal and neonatal tetanus.................... 2,000
Nutrition (USAID).................................... 172,500
Iodine deficiency disorder....................... 3,000
Micronutrients................................... 33,000
Vulnerable children.................................. 32,500
HIV/AIDS (USAID)..................................... 330,000
HIV/AIDS (Department of State)....................... 5,645,000
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and 1,250,000
Malaria.........................................
Malaria.............................................. 800,000
Tuberculosis......................................... 394,500
Global TB Drug Facility.......................... 15,000
Neglected tropical diseases.......................... 114,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
USAID Global Health Programs
The Committee recommendation includes $3,623,712,000 for
USAID global health programs to be directly apportioned to
USAID.
Diagnostics.--The Committee recognizes that accurate and
swift diagnostics are crucial for the early detection and
containment of infectious diseases of pandemic potential and a
key part of the global health security program at USAID.
Diagnostics are critical in managing pandemic threats as well
as in supporting various challenges health systems face, from
pandemics to antimicrobial resistance. The Committee directs
USAID to make funds available from its global health security
programming for the development of diagnostics for pathogens of
pandemic potential and encourages USAID to leverage its assets
to strengthen capacity and infrastructure of countries to
support adoption and access to diagnostics.
Global health security.--The Committee supports continued
efforts to promote global health security, address emerging
health threats overseas, and prevent future pandemics. The
Committee encourages the Administrator of USAID to leverage the
capabilities and capacities generated by previous investments
in global health and ensure deconfliction between global health
security programs with other ongoing global health activities.
Funds available for global health security should also support
strengthening the primary health care system in partner
countries as a foundation to rapidly detect and effectively
respond to emerging health threats and to strengthen laboratory
and surveillance capabilities.
The Committee is concerned by the continuing commercial
trade in and markets for live wildlife for the purpose of human
consumption and the risk posed to global health. The Committee
directs consideration of the risks of zoonotic spillover posed
by greater human contact with wildlife and supports efforts to
address threats posed by certain wildlife markets and
prioritize surveillance and spillover prevention in global
health security programs.
The Committee supports funding for the Coalition for
Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, at not less than the fiscal
year 2024 enacted level, to address emerging infectious
diseases, deadly viruses, and other pathogenic threats pursuant
to section 6501 of Public Law 117-81.
The Committee recognizes that drug-resistant bacterial
infections are increasing, posing a threat to global health
security, and impacting gains made in management of infectious
diseases and maternal and child health. The Administrator of
USAID is encouraged to support research, development of, and
access to, antibiotics in its global health security work to
safeguard gains made through its global health programs and
boost collaboration with international partners.
Frontline health workers.--The Committee recognizes the key
role of frontline health workers in effective global health
programs and recognizes significant strain on global health
systems in recent years. The Committee supports efforts to
strengthen and support the needs of frontline health workers
and encourages the Administrator of USAID, in consultation with
the United States Global AIDS Coordinator and the Director of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to
strengthen frontline health workers, particularly at the
community level, as part of existing efforts to combat
infectious diseases, prevent maternal and child deaths, and
improve global health outcomes.
Health systems strengthening.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of strong health systems in low- and middle-income
countries to the sustainment of global health successes,
preparedness for emerging health threats, research to prevent
and cure chronic diseases, and progress in preventing and
responding to other diseases, with the ultimate goal of
reducing countries' reliance on United States global health
assistance and prompting countries' ability to support positive
health outcomes without international assistance. By
strengthening health systems, countries will be able to better
address non-communicable diseases, many that affect children
and disproportionately impact underserved communities even in
cases where effective interventions exist. The Committee
includes further language under Reports under this heading.
HIV/AIDS and malaria vaccines and capacity building.--The
Committee supports continued efforts, at not less than the
prior year level, to create effective vaccines for HIV/AIDS and
malaria as part of a comprehensive prevention, diagnostic, and
treatment strategy. The Committee supports multilateral efforts
that expand research and development and leverage funding from
other donors and notes the continued role of such efforts in
ensuring reciprocal sharing of expertise and discoveries,
including with the United States, to advance the most promising
global HIV/AIDS research. The Administrator of USAID shall
consult with the Committees on Appropriations prior to the
initial obligation of funds.
The Committee supports efforts to expand vaccine research,
development, and manufacturing capabilities in Africa and low-
and middle-income countries for the purposes of advancing
global health security and furthering local capacity to
effectively respond to infectious disease pandemics. The
Committee supports efforts to train and build the capacity of
scientists and doctors in Africa and low- and middle-income
countries on vaccine research and development through public-
private partnerships with United States-based institutions with
demonstrated experience in such efforts. Not later than 60 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator
of USAID shall consult with the appropriate congressional
committees on opportunities for public-private partnerships to
advance such efforts.
Innovative technologies.--The Committee supports the
research, development, and introduction of innovative
technologies related to child survival, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and
tuberculosis (TB). The Administrator of USAID shall consult
with the Committees on Appropriations, representatives from
other Federal research agencies, representatives of affected
communities in low- and middle-income countries, and
representatives of relevant technical organizations and NGOs
specializing in such research and development on the most
effective use of funds for such innovations.
Maternal and child health.--The Committee continues funding
for programs that have proven effective in supporting positive
maternal and child health outcomes. The Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to support, at not less than the prior
year level, programs to prevent and treat obstetric fistula.
The Committee encourages the promotion of early childhood
development interventions through USAID's maternal and child
health activities.
Malaria.--Within the funds made available for malaria, the
Committee encourages USAID's continued support for public-
private partnerships; research and development; diagnostics and
vector control; and access and delivery of anti-malarial
medicine, including effective pediatric formulations and
alternatives to counter resistance. The Committee supports
efforts to develop and distribute low-cost and effective
malaria vaccines in countries with the highest number of
preventable malaria-related deaths in children.
Neglected surgical conditions.--The Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to support efforts to strengthen
surgical health capacity to address such health issues as cleft
lip and cleft palate, club foot, cataracts, hernias, obstetric
fistulas, untreated traumatic injuries, and access to safe
cesarean sections in underserved areas in developing countries,
including in regions without water or electricity.
Strengthening surgical health systems include the training of
local surgical teams, anesthesia teams, and assisting
ministries of health to develop and implement national
surgical, obstetric, trauma, and anesthesia plans. Not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator of USAID shall brief the Committees on
Appropriations on the planned uses of funds for these purposes
in fiscal year 2025.
Neglected tropical diseases.--The Committee supports
continued funding to treat neglected tropical diseases and the
coordination of neglected tropical disease programs with
complementary development and global health programs, including
water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Noncommunicable disease interventions.--The Committee
supports efforts to decentralize and enhance the care for
severe noncommunicable diseases at first-level referral health
facilities.
Nutrition.--The Committee supports effective nutrition
interventions, including to reduce stunting and wasting,
increase breastfeeding and nutrition supplementation for
pregnant women, treat severe malnutrition, and ensure
integration with early childhood development, deworming, and
water and sanitation efforts. The Committee includes further
language under Reports under this heading.
Other health matters.--The Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to consult with the appropriate
congressional committees to provide an update on the estimated
need and cost-effectiveness of supporting programs that focus
on children with hydrocephalus, cancer, autism, and other
noncommunicable diseases and address Alzheimer's disease and
other forms of dementia. The Committee supports the development
of public-private partnerships to address these challenges in
developing countries.
Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods.--The Committee notes the
increase in cases of child wasting globally and the shortage of
therapeutic food treatments. Therefore, the Committee directs
not less than $300,000,000 under title III of this Act be made
available for American-made Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods
(RUTF).
In addition, the Committee expects not less than 50 percent
of nutrition funding be devoted to the most cost-effective and
evidence-based nutrition interventions, including American-made
RUTF, breastfeeding support, prenatal vitamins, and vitamin A
supplementation.
Reproductive health and voluntary family planning.--Section
7058 of this Act includes a limitation of not more than
$461,000,000 for reproductive health and voluntary family
planning programs funded by this Act.
TB.--The Committee recommendation includes funding to
combat drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB. The Committee
encourages support for new products to prevent and treat TB and
encourages investment in new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics.
The Committee includes further language under Reports under
this heading.
Vulnerable children.--The Committee supports the objectives
of USAID to build strong beginnings, put family care first, and
protect children from violence, abuse, and neglect through the
United States Government Strategy on Advancing Protection and
Care for Children in Adversity (APCCA). USAID should partner
with organizations that demonstrate an expertise in promoting
permanent family-based care and foster care programs in and
outside of family networks. Funds should also support early
childhood education, including training health and education
professionals to work effectively with autistic children. The
Committee encourages additional support for mental health and
psychosocial support programs for vulnerable caregivers and
children. The Committee directs the Administrator of USAID to
regularly update the Committees on Appropriations on APCCA
implementation.
Reports, USAID
Capacity building.--Not later than 120 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State and
Administrator of USAID, in consultation with other relevant
Federal agencies, shall submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees detailing capabilities and capacity
for vaccine design, testing, review, distribution, and
manufacturing in low- and middle-income countries, including in
Africa.
Disadvantaged geographies.--The Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act on how much of the assistance provided
under bilateral Global Health Programs over fiscal year 2023
was used to provide health services to sub-national populations
with an under-five mortality rate higher than 80/1000 live
births.
Emerging infectious disease threats.--Not later than 180
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State and Administrator of USAID shall submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations describing how the Department of
State and USAID are collaborating with the Department of Health
and Human Services to protect both the United States and allies
from emerging infectious disease threats through the
procurement and provision of medical countermeasures, including
antibiotics. The report should include an analysis of the
requirements, the mechanisms by which the United States
Government is capable of sharing such countermeasures, any gaps
assessed in the countermeasure-based United States security
posture for emerging infectious diseases that are not at
present addressed by the described efforts, and detail on how
the agencies delineate roles and responsibilities.
Health systems.--The Administrator of USAID and the United
States Global AIDS Coordinator shall submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations, not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, detailing progress on health
systems strengthening activities. The report should include a
description of how USAID and the Office of the Global AIDS
Coordinator (OGAC) are designing efforts by operating unit,
including Washington-based programming, and the expected result
on improved performance of country health systems. In addition,
the report should include: (1) a baseline accounting of ongoing
systems strengthening contributions from each program line in
the table under Global Health Programs; (2) detail on reporting
and performance indicators used to track and coordinate such
efforts; and (3) a description of steps taken, or planned to be
taken, to ensure systems strengthening investments are
sustained by host countries. The report should include
crosscutting efforts to strengthen local health workforces.
Maternal and child health.--The Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees detailing annual progress on reducing
preventable maternal and child mortality in 25 priority
countries to 12 percent or lower of total deaths by 2030 and
increasing coverage of life saving interventions across
priority countries to a level of 68 percent by 2030. This
information can be provided to the Committees on Appropriations
as additional information included in existing reporting
requirements related to maternal and child health.
Nutrition.--As part of the reporting requirements included
in the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2021
(Public Law 117-214), the Administrator of USAID is directed to
report to the appropriate congressional committees on the
nutrition outcomes achieved over the previous fiscal year,
which shall also include: (1) the outcomes, disaggregated by
USAID bureau, including nutrition-specific treatment and
prevention interventions on a country-by-country basis; (2) the
approximate number of additional children treated for severe
acute malnutrition and receiving vitamin A as a result of
United States assistance; and (3) the approximate number of
women receiving prenatal vitamins and breastfeeding education
and support as a result of such assistance. The report should
track progress towards the global targets on stunting, wasting,
anemia, and breastfeeding.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Administrator of USAID shall submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations that details how funding provided
under the heading Global Health Programs for nutrition-specific
programming is complemented by other United States foreign
assistance accounts that fund both nutrition-specific and
nutrition-sensitive programming. Such report shall specify the
amount of funding in the previous fiscal year dedicated to
nutrition-specific or nutrition sensitive program by bureau. In
addition, the report should include amounts allocated for
iodine deficiency disorder and vitamin A activities within
Global Health Programs.
Oversight of implementing partners.--The Committee
continues to support rigorous monitoring and oversight of all
uses of funds provided under Global Health Programs, including
full compliance with statutory prohibitions on United States
assistance and restrictions related to abortion included in
this Act and prior acts. Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State and
Administrator of USAID shall submit a report to the Committees
on Appropriations listing all prime and sub-partners that
received funds for global health activities in fiscal year
2024. The report shall be disaggregated by global health
program and include, for each partner, the amount of funding
received, the activity description and purpose, and the country
or region for such activity. The sub-partner information shall
indicate the prime partner for each activity.
Preventing childhood deaths.--The Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to include in annual maternal and child
health reporting the amount spent each year on highest-impact,
evidence-based child health interventions in bilateral global
health programs, disaggregated by intervention, and outcomes
achieved as a result of United States assistance. The report
shall include an accounting of interventions provided,
including treatment, for childhood pneumonia, malaria,
diarrheal dehydration, and severe acute malnutrition, as well
as to provide immunizations and azithromycin and address
neonatal sepsis. Reports should also include an estimation of
funds expended to support each intervention and achieve each
reported result. The report shall also include the approximate
number of mothers and infants who received postnatal care
within two days of childbirth as a result of such assistance.
Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods.--Not later than 60 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of
USAID shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a report
on the use of RUTF in the prior fiscal year, including the
locations and number of beneficiaries reached.
TB.--The Committee directs the Administrator of USAID to
submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees not
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act on
progress in implementing a comprehensive strategy to: (1)
achieve TB elimination by simultaneously searching actively for
TB disease and infection; (2) treat TB disease and infection,
including multi-drug resistant TB; (3) enable infection control
at key congregate settings including hospitals and prisons; (4)
support patients so they are able to complete their treatment;
(5) develop appropriate and accessible vaccines against TB for
use in low resource settings; and (6) support the development
and implementation of TB recovery plans in the countries most
impacted by COVID-19. Such a report shall include specific
details on programs to improve TB case-finding in children,
prevent childhood infection, ensure children's access to
treatment regimens, and collect and evaluate data on TB
disaggregated by age groups. This report may be combined with
existing reporting requirements.
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment
The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$5,975,000,000 to fight HIV/AIDS. Of this amount, the Committee
recommendation includes $5,645,000,000 to be directly
apportioned to the Department of State.
Cervical cancer.--The Committee supports efforts by OGAC
and USAID to prevent the spread of human papillomavirus and
cervical cancer through screening and treatment programs in
low-income countries with high prevalence and directs OGAC and
USAID to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on plans
for, and progress of, such partnerships.
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
(Global Fund).--The Committee recommendation includes
$1,250,000,000 for the third installment of the seventh
replenishment of the Global Fund. The Committee notes that this
amount shall be fully obligated for this third installment
unless the conditions of section 202(d) of the United States
Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of
2003, as amended, have not been met, or the maximum threshold
in such section has been exceeded. Oversight of the Global Fund
remains a top priority, as well as continued support for an
independent Office of the Inspector General.
Local manufacturing.--The Committee supports efforts by
OGAC to expand and encourage local manufacturing, particularly
those investments made in the President's Emergency Plan for
AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) partner countries by United States firms.
While recognizing the importance of strong global supply
chains, local capacity development is a key element of program
sustainability. To further incentivize local investments to
support PEPFAR goals and operational planning, the Committee
encourages OGAC to recognize local investments in procurement
criteria considerations. The Committee directs continued
procurement of approved and quality-assured commodities to
ensure maximum effectiveness.
Microbicides.--The Committee recommends continued support
for microbicide development and directs OGAC to coordinate with
USAID, other Federal research agencies, and donors to expedite
microbicide development and implementation.
Prevention and treatment in children.--The Committee
directs the United States Global AIDS Coordinator to prioritize
efforts to provide life-saving treatments to children and
adolescents living with HIV and to include pediatric data in
its Population-based HIV Impact Assessment Studies and other
data collection efforts, including at the community-level, to
ensure programmatic decisions that affect infants and children
are informed by evidence and that investments are targeted and
effective. In order to effectively carry out efforts to support
HIV prevention and treatment in children, the Committee directs
the Coordinator to create and submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a standalone strategy detailing its
current and planned programmatic activities to reduce new HIV
infections in children and adolescents; link HIV-positive
children and adolescents to the most effective treatment
regimens and retain them in care; and mitigate the impact of
HIV/AIDS on children and adolescents in HIV-affected
communities, including more detailed time-bound prevention,
care, and treatment targets specific to these populations; and
engage youth throughout these efforts. This strategy should
include a clear plan for collecting and evaluating data by
different age groups, monitoring progress towards achieving the
objectives of the strategy, and further engaging youth in
PEPFAR programming as part of the PEPFAR Annual Report to
Congress.
Programs for vulnerable children.--The Committee encourages
OGAC to continue to align existing programs for vulnerable
children with the goals and objectives of APCCA and ensure that
orphans and vulnerable children remain a priority within PEPFAR
country programs. The Committee directs the Secretary of State
to include in the next PEPFAR Annual Report how the ten percent
target for orphans and vulnerable children was met for that
fiscal year, including country-level accounting.
Report, OGAC
HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria treatments.--Not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the United States
Global AIDS Coordinator and the Administrator of USAID shall
jointly submit a report to the appropriate congressional
committees detailing the approximate number of treatments
provided for HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria, disaggregated by
disease, as a result of appropriations provided in fiscal year
2023. Such report shall include detail on funds expended to
achieve such outcomes.
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $3,931,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 4,534,697,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 3,000,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... -931,000,000
Change from request................................. -1,534,697,000
The Committee recommendation includes $3,000,000,000 for
Development Assistance.
Funds for certain programs under this heading are allocated
according to the following table and subject to section 7019 of
this Act:
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Country/Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa:
Counter Illicit Armed Groups..................... $10,000
Malawi........................................... 65,000
of which, higher education programs.......... [10,000]
Young African Leaders Initiative................. 20,000
East Asia and Pacific:
Papua New Guinea................................. 28,250
Philippines...................................... 80,300
Middle East and North Africa:
Morocco.......................................... 10,000
Western Hemisphere:
Dominican Republic............................... 25,000
Nicaragua democracy programs..................... 15,000
Resilient critical infrastructure................ 5,000
USAID Latin America and Caribbean Regional....... 38,350
of which, Caribbean economic growth.......... [12,000]
Global Programs:
American Schools and Hospitals Abroad............ 31,500
Combating child marriage......................... 20,000
Development Innovation Ventures.................. 50,000
Disability programs.............................. 20,000
Food security research and development........... 175,000
of which, Feed the Future Innovation Labs.... [75,000]
of which, Global Crop Diversity Trust........ [5,500]
Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program.............. 2,500
Reconciliation programs.......................... 25,000
Trade capacity building.......................... 20,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agriculture
The Committee recommendation includes not less than
$960,000,000 for food security and agriculture development as
authorized by the Global Food Security Act of 2016 (Public Law
114-195). The Committee supports Feed the Future's
comprehensive approach to combating global food insecurity,
promoting market-led economic growth, and reducing poverty and
intends that programs are prioritized for small-holder farmers,
particularly for women, and other vulnerable populations.
The Committee supports efforts to ensure there are adequate
storage facilities and distribution systems available in
recipient countries to prevent spoilage and waste and
encourages the deployment of American technology and management
systems to enhance post-harvest food safety and security.
Agricultural research.--The Committee directs not less than
$175,000,000 be made available for international agricultural
research at USAID, of which $75,000,000 is for the Feed the
Future Innovation Labs. The Committee directs that the request
level for agricultural research and development initiatives be
designated in the CBJ for fiscal year 2026.
Economic Growth
Microenterprise and microfinance.--The Committee
recommendation includes $252,000,000 for micro, small, and
medium-sized enterprises and directs the Administrator of USAID
to prioritize such investments in sub-Saharan Africa to reach
the poorest and most vulnerable. The Committee supports
microfinance programs to promote economic development and urges
the Administrator to look for ways to further advance economic
growth, including financial and employment opportunities, in
communities throughout the developing world.
Trade capacity building.--The Committee continues to
support capacity building activities in countries with free
trade agreements with the United States to ensure that United
States workers and businesses can compete on a level playing
field. The Committee further supports trade capacity building
programs in Africa, including to advance the goals of the
African Continental Free Trade Area by increasing intra-
continental trade. The Committee includes further direction
under Reports under this heading.
Education
The Committee directs USAID to continue protecting
children's right to learn, with an emphasis on adapting to
contexts of conflict, crisis, or other disruptive events that
could impact access to learning. The Committee further directs
USAID to continue working to strengthen education systems and
build resilience, including through locally led, people-first
approaches.
American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA).--The
Committee recommendation includes not less than $31,500,000 for
the ASHA program. The Committee continues to recognize the
important contributions made to United States foreign policy
interests by institutions funded by this program, including
fostering a positive image of the United States around the
world. The Committee expects USAID to allocate funds to
administer the ASHA program from funds provided under Operating
Expenses on a proportionate basis with other agency programs.
The Committee directs the Administrator of USAID to notify the
Committees on Appropriations prior to making any changes to the
annual solicitation for ASHA or to the methodology or criteria
for selecting grantees, including consulting with the
Committees on Appropriations not less than 15 days prior to
issuing the annual solicitation for ASHA.
Basic education.--The Committee recommendation includes not
less than $922,000,000 for basic education programs in this
Act, including $150,000,000 for the education of girls in areas
of conflict. The Committee supports funds for early childhood
education, adolescent girls, and children with disabilities.
The Committee supports continued investments in Global
Partnership for Education and Education Cannot Wait at not less
than the prior year level and recognizes that these
organizations leverage additional funding from other donors and
complement bilateral efforts to address international basic
education needs, including ensuring children have access to
education in crisis settings. The Committee includes further
direction under Reports under this heading.
Research in education.--The Committee supports efforts to
improve learning outcomes through evidence-based investments in
education. Further, the Committee encourages USAID to build on
existing initiatives that leverage local research-based
institutions to inform the design and implementation of
education programs.
Scholar programs.--The Committee directs $7,000,000 be made
available for scholar rescue programs. The Secretary of State
and Administrator of USAID shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations prior to the initial obligation of funds for
such purpose, including to identify the operating unit or units
responsible for administering such funds.
Global Programs
Ocean freight reimbursement.--The Committee supports
USAID's Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program to provide
competitive grants for Private Voluntary Organizations to
deliver commodities, especially learning materials, to
countries overseas, especially to Africa.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).--The Committee
recommendation includes $451,000,000 for long-term, sustainable
water supply, sanitation, and hygiene projects pursuant to
Public Law 109-121, as amended by Public Law 113-289.
The Committee notes that access to adequate water,
sanitation, and hygiene is a critical component of disease
prevention, and that a lack of access to toilets, adequate
sanitation, and hygiene products impacts women and girls in
particular. The Committee urges USAID to address this issue in
the design of WASH programs, especially in response to
infectious disease outbreaks. The Committee notes the
importance of sustainable access to WASH in healthcare
facilities to provide quality and safe care and urges USAID and
the Department of State to promote programming that improves or
sustains WASH services in healthcare facilities, including
access to clean drinking water, adequate sanitation and
hygiene, and access to menstrual hygiene products, proper
disposal, and handwashing stations. The Committee includes
further language under Reports under this heading.
The Committee is concerned about recent outbreaks of
cholera across the developing world, especially where access to
WASH is limited. WASH is an extremely effective method to
prevent the transmission of cholera. The Committee directs
USAID to incorporate WASH efforts as an essential intervention
in the elimination of cholera as a public health threat.
The Committee encourages USAID to explore using American
expertise in drilling methods that reach deeper aquifers and
avoid contamination to expand inexpensive, sustainable access
to water.
Reports
Basic education annual report.--The annual report to
Congress on the United States strategy to promote basic
education, submitted pursuant to the Reinforcing Education
Accountability in Development Act (division A of Public Law
115-56), should include funding data disaggregated by country,
education level, and populations affected by crisis and
conflict.
Basic education obligations.--The Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to update the report required under this
heading under section 7060 of House Report 117-401.
Early childhood development (ECD).--The Committee directs
the Administrator of USAID and the United States Government
Special Advisor for Children in Adversity to include in the
annual report required under section 5 of the Assistance for
Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries
Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-95) a comprehensive accounting of
all USAID program funding for ECD across relevant accounts and
programs. Such programs should be disaggregated by country,
program area, and primary or secondary attribution to ECD.
Further, the Committee directs USAID to consult with the
Committees on Appropriation regarding the definition of ECD no
later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Faith-based organizations.--The Committee notes the
important role that FBOs play in communities around the world,
including in the provision of humanitarian, development, and
global health assistance. USAID maintains tools and resources
on Strategic Religious Engagement (SRE) which outline the
process through which USAID collaborates with religious
communities and FBOs. Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of USAID shall submit
to the appropriate congressional committees a report on how SRE
and other efforts to engage and partner with FBOs are
incorporated into USAID's localization approach, as well as a
performance report of USAID's support of FBOs in 2023. The
Committee expects that USAID's efforts to enable involvement of
local organizations extends to those whose organizational
missions are tied to faith, religious freedoms, charity, and
religious-based humanitarian support, given the extensive
presence and experience of FBOs in the developing world.
Threats to coffee cultivation and production.--Not later
than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator of USAID shall report to the Committees on
Appropriations on how USAID is investing in research to counter
specific threats to coffee cultivation and production in
partner countries.
Tracking of funding for children and youth.--Not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator of USAID shall submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees on the actions taken over the previous
12 months to implement programs benefiting children and youth,
including infants and other children under school age, and on
steps being taken to improve the tracking and disaggregation of
funding benefiting children and youth, including for programs
primarily and secondarily related to the protection, education,
support, and safety of children and youth.
Trade capacity building.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State and
Administrator of USAID shall submit to the Committees on
Appropriations a spend plan for trade capacity building
activities for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
WASH.--Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator of USAID shall update the report
to the Committees on Appropriations on how women and people
with disabilities access adequate sanitation facilities,
including access to feminine hygiene products, and are included
in the design and implementation of WASH programs. The report
shall also include recommendations for ways USAID can improve
its management of investments in this area, including through
targeted program definitions. The Administrator is further
directed to update the report required in House Report 117-401,
detailing progress of WASH services in healthcare facilities
for quality health systems, including the number of healthcare
facilities where USAID provided support.
Youth.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator of USAID shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees an updated report on
progress made under the Youth in Development Policy. Such
report shall include efforts to address youth needs and metrics
on increased youth engagement, information regarding training
USAID staff on the youth policy and related indicators, and
improvements in tracking funding for youth-led organizations.
INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $4,779,000,000
of which, designated as emergency................. 750,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 4,543,362,000
of which, designated as emergency................. 1,091,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 3,452,362,000
Change from enacted level........................... -1,326,638,000
Change from request................................. -1,091,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $3,452,362,000 for
International Disaster Assistance.
This account funds humanitarian relief, rehabilitation, and
reconstruction in countries affected by natural and man-made
disasters, as well as support for disaster mitigation, disaster
risk reduction, prevention, and preparedness. This includes the
purchase of commodities, such as temporary shelter, blankets,
and supplementary and therapeutic food; potable water; medical
supplies; and agricultural rehabilitation. Program
beneficiaries include disaster victims, conflict victims, and
internally displaced persons. Funds are also provided for the
Emergency Food Security Program, as authorized in the Global
Food Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-195).
Air transport.--The Committee recognizes the need to
provide swift humanitarian aid to save lives and ease suffering
in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The Committee
encourages USAID to assess the efficacy of air drop technology
for large-scale humanitarian aid delivery for quicker response
time.
Child protection.--The Committee recognizes the need for
additional protection of children in conflict and crisis
settings. The Committee encourages the Administrator of USAID
to play an increasing leadership role to protect children in
humanitarian crises and ensure that protection is integrated
across other humanitarian sectors, as applicable, consistent
with the Global Child Thrive Act (Public Law 116-283).
Disaster preparedness.--The Committee continues to support
efforts to ensure that funds appropriated under this heading
are made available to strengthen preparedness for, and
resilience to, natural disasters, including in the Caribbean.
Education and flexible learning.--The Committee recognizes
that education and flexible learning opportunities in
humanitarian emergencies, both acute and protracted, play an
essential role in supporting internally displaced and host
community child development and well-being at a time when they
are at their most vulnerable and should be included as part of
humanitarian response efforts.
Local entities.--The Committee encourages USAID to use
capable local entities, including local NGOs, to the maximum
extent practicable in responding to humanitarian crises.
Sudan.--Funds appropriated under this heading should be
made available to address the humanitarian needs resulting from
the conflict in Sudan, including providing direct support to
local, community-based organizations with experience operating
in Sudan.
Reports
Nongovernmental organizations.--Not later than 120 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of
USAID shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional
committees detailing programs awarded to national and local
nongovernmental entities from funds made available under this
heading in the previous two fiscal years. The report shall also
include a description of how USAID is working to increase
funding to capable national and local nongovernmental entities.
TRANSITION INITIATIVES
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $75,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 90,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 80,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... +5,000,000
Change from request................................. -10,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $80,000,000 for
Transition Initiatives.
Funds provided in this account support programs targeting
key transitions to democracy for countries in crisis and quick-
impact activities for conflict prevention or stabilization.
Transportation costs.--Funds made available under this
heading may only be administered by the Office of Transition
Initiatives (OTI) and may not be used for the sole purpose of
transporting individuals. The Committee notes that section 451
of the Foreign Assistance Act (22 U.S.C. 2261) authorizes the
President to use funds for any unanticipated contingencies. The
Committee recommends the Secretary of State and Administrator
of USAID consider the use of this authority to meet sudden,
unanticipated needs for programs and activities outside the
intended purpose of Transition Initiatives funding.
Venezuela.--The Committee encourages OTI to continue
monitoring Venezuela and be prepared to support programs that
would assist Venezuelan civil society with a democratic
transition, as circumstances permit.
Report
The Administrator of USAID shall submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations at the end of the fiscal year
summarizing new, ongoing, and completed country programs
implemented by OTI in fiscal year 2025, including programs
supported with transferred funds.
COMPLEX CRISES FUND
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $55,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 60,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 30,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... -25,000,000
Change from request................................. -30,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for
Complex Crises Fund, as authorized by the Global Fragility Act
of 2019 (title V of division J of Public Law 116-94), for
programs and activities that prevent or respond to emerging or
unforeseen events and complex crises overseas, including
activities in support of the strategy required by section 504
of such act, and contribute to United States foreign policy or
national security goals. USAID deploys Complex Crises Fund when
there is an unanticipated and overwhelming urgent need where
United States assistance can help stem the rise of violent
conflict and instability or advance the consolidation of peace
and democracy.
ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $3,890,400,000
of which, designated as emergency................. 300,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 4,113,230,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 3,430,888,000
Change from enacted level........................... -459,512,000
Change from request................................. -682,342,000
The Committee recommendation includes $3,430,888,000 for
Economic Support Fund.
Funds for certain programs under this heading are allocated
according to the following table and subject to section 7019 of
this Act:
ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Country/Program Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa:
State Africa Regional............................ $31,000
East Asia and Pacific:
Taiwan Global Cooperation and Training Framework. 4,000
Middle East and North Africa:
Middle East Partnership Initiative............... 30,000
Middle East Regional Cooperation................. 10,000
Morocco.......................................... 10,000
Near East Regional Democracy..................... 58,000
of which, transfer to NED.................... [5,000]
Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace 50,000
Act.............................................
USAID-Israel Development Cooperation............. 4,000
Western Hemisphere:
Cuba democracy programs.......................... 35,000
State Western Hemisphere Regional
of which, Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [40,000]
Venezuela democracy programs..................... 50,000
Global:
Atrocities prevention............................ 3,000
Conflict and Stabilization Operations............ 7,000
of which, peace accord/peace process [5,000]
monitoring..................................
Global surface water inventory................... 10,000
House Democracy Partnership...................... 2,300
Information communications technology training... 1,000
International religious freedom.................. 20,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee provides additional direction on programs in
the Middle East and North Africa in section 7041, Africa in
section 7042, East Asia and the Pacific in section 7043, South
and Central Asia in section 7044, and Latin America and the
Caribbean in section 7045 under title VII of this report.
Middle East and North Africa
Middle East Partnership Initiative availability and
consultation requirement.--The Committee recommends funds under
title III of this Act, which shall be made available for
assistance for the Western Sahara. Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, and prior to the obligation
of such funds, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the
Administrator of USAID, shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on the proposed uses of such funds.
Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC).--The Committee
directs $10,000,000 be made available for the MERC program to
facilitate scientific research collaboration in the Middle
East, including between Arabs and Israelis.
USAID-Israel international development cooperation.--The
Committee directs $4,000,000 to support cooperative projects to
address sustainability challenges relating to water resources,
agriculture, and energy storage consistent with section 1278 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021
(Public Law 116-283).
Global Programs
Atrocities prevention.--The Committee supports funds under
this heading and under International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement for programs to prevent atrocities and implement
the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act (Public
Law 115-441) and recommendations of the Atrocity Early Warning
Task Force.
Information communication technology training.--The
Committee includes funds to support public-private partnerships
that provide capacity building technology training for
professionals from developing countries to advance a consistent
global regulatory framework on critical information
communication technology issues.
Peace accord/peace process monitoring.--The Committee
continues to support programs that utilize independent,
evidence-based mechanisms to measure peace accord
implementation and directs that $5,000,000 of the funds made
available under this heading to the Bureau of Conflict and
Stabilization Operations be made available to support such
programs in post-conflict countries. The Committee further
directs that $2,500,000 of such funds be made available to
continue support for the directive included under this heading
in prior acts. The Committee notes that impartial standards and
methodologies for measuring the progress of peace in post-
conflict settings by gathering information from public,
private, and nongovernmental entities provides a valuable tool
for the Department in assessing and monitoring peace accords
and processes.
DEMOCRACY FUND
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $345,200,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 290,700,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 355,700,000
Change from enacted level........................... +10,500,000
Change from request................................. +65,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $355,700,000 for
Democracy Fund. Of the funds provided, $205,200,000 shall be
for the Human Rights and Democracy Fund of the Bureau of
Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) at the Department of
State, and $150,500,000 shall be for the Bureau for Democracy,
Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) at USAID.
Funding provided under this heading demonstrates the high
priority the Committee places on democracy and human rights
around the world, at a moment when definitions of these terms
are occasionally manipulated, and the concepts themselves are
frequently tested by autocrats, dictators, and malign powers.
The Committee believes strongly that defending democracy and
human rights is fundamental to United States national security.
Free elections, rights of free speech and dissent, access
to information, freedom to organize, assemble, compete
politically, and worship are the core elements upon which DRL
and DRG were constructed, along with protection against attacks
of these freedoms, discrimination, and adherence to rule of
law.
Digital safety.--In order to protect the integrity of
programming, and safety of donors, implementers and the greater
national interest, the Committee encourages USAID and DRL to
utilize resources to limit their risks and bolster their tools
of defense, including strengthening of initiatives within the
Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, and USAID's Digital
Ecosystem Country Assessment Initiative.
DRL processes.--The Committee encourages DRL to review its
internal procedures for issuing awards, ensuring that the
expertise of implementers is valued, including in the decision
of program tactics, focus areas, and country selection.
Additionally, the Committee encourages DRL to evaluate quota
directives for sub-grant allocations within agreements and
avoid applying a one-size-fits-all requirement. While the
Committee values the role and importance of local organizations
in the countries of implementation, the Committee also
appreciates the contribution and performance of international
nongovernmental implementers that have decades of experience.
Online safety.--The Committee recommends funding for
programs to address women's online safety, including for
training, resources, and support on how to protect themselves
and their families.
Religious freedom.--The Committee directs $30,000,000 from
funds under this heading be made available for international
religious freedom programs pursuant to section 7033 of this
Act. An additional $20,000,000 is included under Economic
Support Fund for such purposes.
Sole source awards.--The Committee directs the Assistant
Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Department of
State, and the Assistant to the Administrator of the Bureau for
Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, USAID, to consult with
the Committees on Appropriations no less than 15 days prior to
making non-competed awards larger than $1,000,000.
Support for democratic political party systems.--The
Committee supports increased funding for strengthening weak,
single-party political systems. Not later than 45 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the use of
such funds.
ASSISTANCE FOR EUROPE, EURASIA AND CENTRAL ASIA
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $770,334,000
of which, designated as emergency............. 310,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 850,334,000
of which, designated as emergency............. 350,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 770,334,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -80,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $770,334,000 for
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia, which is the
same as the fiscal year 2021 enacted level.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to mobilize
greater resources than those provided under this heading from
other sources of funding to complement the funds provided by
the United States for these purposes.
Belarus.--The Committee directs that funds made available
for Belarus may only be made available for democracy programs,
including political party strengthening, and to combat human
trafficking. The Committee further directs that funds be made
available at not less than the prior year level for such
programs.
Building cybersecurity capacity in Eastern Europe.--The
Committee supports the use of funds appropriated for
international cybersecurity capacity building efforts to
strengthen collective commitments to security in cyberspace,
improve incident response and remediation capabilities, and
train appropriate personnel on the applicability of
international law in cyberspace and the policy and technical
aspects of attribution of cyber incidents.
Energy security for allies and partners.--The Committee
recognizes that energy security is essential for United States
national security and the security of our allies. The Committee
directs the Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID to
prioritize financing for alternative sources of energy,
including liquified natural gas, to Europe and other allies, to
reduce dependence on energy imports from Russia.
Department of State
MIGRATION AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $3,928,000,000
of which, designated as emergency............. 750,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 3,827,236,000
of which, designated as emergency............. 1,374,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,453,236,000
Change from enacted level........................... -1,474,764,000
Change from request................................. -1,374,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $2,453,236,000 for
Migration and Refugee Assistance.
Funds appropriated under this heading promote United States
interests by providing protection, life-sustaining assistance,
and conflict resolution to persecuted and forcibly displaced
people around the world. The majority of the funding provided
supports international and non-governmental organizations that
deliver protection and humanitarian assistance to refugees and
other displaced people overseas with the goal of providing such
assistance as close to their countries of origin as possible
until they can safely and voluntarily return home.
Education and flexible learning.--The Committee recognizes
that education and flexible learning opportunities in
humanitarian emergencies are important components of supporting
children's development and wellbeing, both for those displaced
and those in host communities. The Committee encourages the
Department of State to allocate resources made available under
this heading to ensure support for safe, quality education for
refugees and internally displaced children, including
adolescent girls.
Higher education.--The Committee recognizes the need to
close the gap between refugees and their peers in the area of
higher levels of education. The Committee encourages the
Secretary of State to set targets for the enrollment of
eligible refugees in post-secondary education, including
technical and vocational training, and connected and
traditional degree and diploma programs, in host and third
countries.
Humanitarian assistance to Haiti, Sudan, and the Democratic
Republic of the Congo.--The Committee continues to support
funding for humanitarian relief in Haiti, Sudan, and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo to address severe humanitarian
crises.
Resettlement in Israel.--The Committee provides not less
than $6,500,000 for refugees from the former Soviet Union,
Eastern Europe, and other refugees resettling in Israel.
Tibetan refugees.--The Committee supports the continued
allocation of funds to assist Tibetan refugees in Nepal and
India at levels commensurate with prior years. The Committee
remains concerned that Tibetans living in Nepal are restricted
from enjoying certain basic rights resulting from agreements in
recent years between the governments of Nepal and the PRC,
which has resulted in increased vulnerability for Tibetans both
within and transiting through Nepal. The Committee encourages
the Secretary of State to press the Government of Nepal to
honor the agreement reached with the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees to respect the principle of non-
refoulement.
Uyghur refugees.--The Committee is concerned about the
vulnerability of Uyghur and other Turkic Muslim refugees who
have fled persecution in the PRC and who have difficulty
obtaining access to humanitarian assistance and basic services
in their places of refuge and who remain at risk of
refoulement. Funds are available under this heading to support
the humanitarian needs of Uyghur and other Turkic Muslim
refugees, including health, education, and psychosocial
support. The Committee supports efforts by the Secretary of
State to work with host governments to provide access to basic
services to such refugees and to prevent their refoulement to
the PRC where they could face torture and other gross
violations of human rights.
Venezuelan migrants.--The Committee recommendation includes
funds to support refugees fleeing economic collapse and
political repression in Venezuela. Furthermore, the Committee
directs the Secretary of State to urge other donors, including
the European Union, to make more substantial commitments to
help neighboring countries deliver needed humanitarian services
to migrants who have fled Venezuela.
Reports
International Organization for Migration.--Not later than
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional
committees assessing the United Nations International
Organization for Migration's (IOM) operations in the Western
Hemisphere. Specifically, the report shall detail the locations
and functions of all IOM operations, including grantees and
subgrantees receiving federal funds to assist with migration
and resettlement operations.
Venezuelan migrants and refugees.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations
assessing the needs of host communities for Venezuelan migrants
and refugees and whether such needs are being adequately
addressed in supporting such migrants and refugees.
UNITED STATES EMERGENCY REFUGEE AND MIGRATION ASSISTANCE FUND
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $100,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 100,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level........................... -100,000
Change from request................................. -100,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes no funds for United
States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund.
Independent Agencies
PEACE CORPS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $430,500,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 479,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 410,500,000
Change from enacted level........................... -20,000,000
Change from request................................. -68,500,000
The Committee recommendation includes $410,500,000 for
Peace Corps, of which $7,300,000 is for the Office of the
Inspector General.
Cabo Verde.--The Committee encourages the Director of the
Peace Corps to evaluate the merits of reestablishing operations
in Cabo Verde.
Cybersecurity.--The Committee is concerned with the lack of
progress toward meaningful improvements to Peace Corps
information security. The Committee emphasizes that information
security, at a time when cyber incidents are on the rise, is a
critical component of the safety and security of volunteers.
The Committee directs the Director of the Peace Corps to
prioritize investments to improve information security,
including the response to information security events and
consistent implementation of policies and procedures.
Indo-Pacific.--The Committee encourages the Peace Corps to
prioritize operations in the Indo-Pacific region and supports
the Peace Corps' plan to expand operations in Pacific Islands
countries.
Reports
Expansion efforts.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Peace Corps shall
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on
expansion efforts, which shall include a list of countries that
have formally invited the Peace Corps with detailed cost
projections for each country.
Volunteer safety and security.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the
Peace Corps shall submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations detailing the costs associated with
implementation of Safety and Security Instruction (SSI) 410.
Such report shall include expenses categorized by type and host
country.
MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $930,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 937,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 937,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... +7,000,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $937,000,000 for
Millennium Challenge Corporation. The Committee recommendation
includes a limitation of $146,000,000 for administrative
expenses and not more than $100,000 may be for representational
expenses.
Administrative expenses.--The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is directed to
provide to the Committees on Appropriations quarterly
obligation reports of administrative expenses by the cost
categories detailed in the CBJ, not later than 30 days after
the date of enactment of this Act. Such report shall also
include information on administrative expenses deobligated from
prior year appropriations.
Corruption.--The Committee notes that the MCC selection
process measures a country's control of corruption and other
good governance factors to incentivize potential partners to
address corruption in a serious manner before they become a
candidate for an MCC compact. The Committee expects MCC to
uphold this standard in compact and threshold agreements and
ensure mitigation measures are properly incorporated.
Deobligation notification.--Consistent with section 7015(c)
of this Act, the reobligation of funds deobligated by the MCC
is subject to the regular notification procedures of the
Committees on Appropriations. In any notification of
reobligation, the MCC shall indicate the compact or activity
that is the source of the deobligation and the year in which
the deobligation occurred.
MCC mandate.--The Committee continues to direct the CEO of
the MCC to include the corresponding economic rate of return
estimated for each line item funded in the compact in
congressional notifications submitted for new compacts.
Oversight.--Concurrent with the annual release of country
scorecards, the CEO of the MCC shall submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees on MCC partner countries
that did not receive scorecards due to such countries' income
status. Such report shall include detail on each MCC scorecard
policy indicator for each such country.
Threshold program.--The CEO of the MCC shall consult with
the Committees on Appropriations if a planned threshold program
will cause the total amount obligated for purposes of carrying
out section 616 of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 (Public
Law 108-199), as amended, to exceed 5 percent in fiscal year
2025.
Women's economic empowerment.--The Committee supports the
MCC's efforts to empower women and make such efforts central to
reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. Not later than
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the CEO of
the MCC shall submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations detailing the impact of women's economic
empowerment on the ability of partner countries to advance
threshold and compact goals.
INTER-AMERICAN FOUNDATION
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $47,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 52,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 22,500,000
Change from enacted level........................... -24,500,000
Change from request................................. -29,500,000
The Committee recommendation includes $22,500,000 for
Inter-American Foundation to support community-led solutions in
Latin America and the Caribbean related to building local
resiliency to disasters, improving entrepreneurism and economic
opportunity, and strengthening civil society, while advancing
United States priorities in the region.
The Committee recognizes the strong track record of the
Inter-American Foundation (IAF) in achieving cost-share from
new grantees that is greater, on average by 20 percent, than
IAF's initial support for new projects. The Committee
encourages USAID to learn best practices from IAF in this
regard, while also being mindful that heavy investment into
local civil society by USAID, through its localization
strategy, should be coordinated with IAF.
The Committee encourages IAF to continue strategically
leveraging its resources in Latin American countries where
USAID's presence and small-grant support is more modest than in
the Northern Triangle or Andean regions. The Committee
recognizes the Caribbean as a region of strong opportunity for
increased focus by IAF.
The Committee continues to support the economic exchange
program between Indigenous IAF grantees and Native American
tribes, including efforts to increase export, trade, and
investment opportunities and improve the capacity of IAF
grantees.
The Committee notes that section 7062(a) of this Act
requires an operating plan for funds made available under this
heading.
UNITED STATES AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $45,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 45,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 30,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... -15,000,000
Change from request................................. -15,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for
United States African Development Foundation.
The Committee directs the United States African Development
Foundation to consult with the Committees on Appropriations
prior to exercising the authority in section 7024 of this Act
for new grants. The Committee notes that section 7062(a) of
this Act requires an operating plan for funds made available
under this heading.
Department of the Treasury
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $38,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 40,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 30,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... -8,000,000
Change from request................................. -10,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for
International Affairs Technical Assistance at the Department of
the Treasury. The operating and spend plans required under
section 7062 of this Act shall include estimated program and
administrative costs by fiscal year of appropriation.
DEBT RESTRUCTURING
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $26,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 10,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 10,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... -16,000,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $10,000,000 for Debt
Restructuring to support multilateral debt relief, including
under the Paris Club and the Common Framework on Debt
Treatments, to assist low- and middle-income countries restore
economic stability and growth.
TROPICAL FOREST AND CORAL REEF CONSERVATION
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $15,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level........................... -15,000,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes no funds for Tropical
Forest and Coral Reef Conservation, and no funds were
requested.
TITLE IV--INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE
Department of State
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $1,400,000,000
of which, designated as emergency............. 115,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 1,566,183,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,566,183,000
Change from enacted level........................... +166,183,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $1,566,183,000 for
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.
The Committee notes the proliferation of fentanyl into
America's neighborhoods as one of the greatest challenges
facing the United States. Within that context, the Committee
urges the Secretary of State to maximize focus and resources
within this account to counter fentanyl trafficking.
Funds for certain programs under this heading are allocated
according to the following table and subject to section 7019 of
this Act:
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Country/Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa:
State Africa Regional........................... $36,460
East Asia and Pacific:
State East Asia and Pacific Regional............ 38,760
Near East:
Morocco......................................... 4,000
Western Hemisphere:
Ecuador......................................... 35,000
State Central America Regional/Central American 220,000
Regional Security Initiative...................
of which, Costa Rica........................ [40,000]
State Western Hemisphere Regional............... 53,550
of which, Caribbean Basin Security [45,500]
Initiative.................................
of which, Southern Cone..................... [8,050]
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs:
Anti-money laundering programs.................. 14,150
Atrocities prevention........................... 3,000
Cybercrime and intellectual property rights..... 20,000
Demand reduction................................ 29,800
Drug supply reduction........................... 55,000
Fighting corruption............................. 25,000
Global crime and drugs policy................... 7,000
International Law Enforcement Academies......... 41,000
Inter-regional aviation support................. 87,900
of which, fleet modernization............... [43,500]
International organized crime................... 68,150
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atrocities prevention.--The Committee directs that funds
under this heading be made available for atrocities prevention
programs and activities. Additional funds are also recommended
under Economic Support Fund.
Aviation support.--The Committee recognizes the increasing
law enforcement and security challenges faced abroad by the
Department of State in support of, and in coordination with,
partner nations. The Committee remains concerned about the
safety and effectiveness of the Air Wing's aging fleet and
includes an additional $43,500,000 to support fleet
modernization, which will improve safety, provide long-term
sustainability, and reduce aircraft operating costs. The
Committee eagerly anticipates reviewing the report required
pursuant to House Report 118-146 regarding fleet capabilities
and modernization.
Costa Rica enhanced aviation support.--The Committee
appreciates the strong partnership between Costa Rica and the
United States, including law enforcement efforts to combat
narcotics trafficking and other transnational criminal activity
occurring in the region. The Committee recommendation includes
an additional $7,000,000 for inter-regional aviation support
and directs such funds be made available to expand the
operational capability of the Costa Rican Police, a strong and
committed partner, to interdict ongoing illicit criminal
operations, including to patrol coastal waters and overland
trafficking routes. Funds are made available to supply
additional helicopters and fixed-wing patrol aircraft, enhanced
maintenance services, and other assistance to facilitate more
sorties and enhanced surveillance.
Cybercrime.--The Committee recommendation supports capacity
building efforts to counter cybercrime, which may include
strengthening the ability of foreign policymakers to develop,
revise, and implement national laws, policies, and procedures
to address cybercrime and strengthening the ability of law
enforcement to hold malign actors accountable.
Demand reduction.--The Committee directs that funds be made
available for the centrally-managed, evidence-based global
demand reduction program to ensure that these funds will
achieve reductions in drug use and crime in countries around
the world.
DNA forensic technology to combat human trafficking in
Central America and Mexico.--Pursuant to section 7034(b)(2) of
this Act, not less than $10,000,000 is provided under this
heading for DNA forensic technology programs to combat human
trafficking in Central America and Mexico. The Committee notes
that DNA forensic science and DNA databases have a unique
capability to confirm identities and have proven to be an
effective tool in deterring and preventing human trafficking.
The Committee expects the Department of State to work in
partnership to further develop the capacity of the governments
of Central America and Mexico to utilize DNA forensic science
and databases to combat trafficking in persons.
Fentanyl and opioids.--The Committee strongly supports
increased Department of State focus and aggressive action to
address the flow of illegal opioids into the United States,
including: (1) programs to assist the Government of Mexico in
securing its borders and reducing poppy cultivation and heroin
and synthetic drug production; (2) programs to thwart
transnational criminal organizations involved in the
trafficking of heroin and fentanyl; (3) diplomatic efforts to
strengthen precursor chemical control and training on
international treaty obligations related to opioids; (4)
measures to strengthen the security of the international postal
system to prevent illegal shipments of opioids from entering
the United States, particularly from the PRC; and (5) global
demand reduction programs.
Fentanyl precursors.--The Committee supports continued
bilateral efforts and programs that support precursor disposal,
forensic laboratory analysis, port security, and training and
equipment, including canine support.
FENTANYL Results Act.--The Committee notes the priorities
for funding under this heading align with the principal
elements of the FENTANYL Results Act (sections 5551-5558 of
Public Law 117-263). In addition, the Committee directs that
funds be made available to support international exchange
programs to provide educational and professional development on
demand-reduction matters relating to the illicit use of drugs,
including synthetic drugs.
Fentanyl screening.--The Committee is aware of ongoing
efforts with foreign governments to deploy passive, non-
intrusive screening technologies to detect small quantities of
person-borne opioids, fentanyl, and other narcotics, including
residue on United States currency, related to drug trafficking.
The Committee supports this ongoing effort and expects the
Department of State to expand these efforts with international
partners to other United States-bound airports and pedestrian
ports of entry.
International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEA).--The
Committee recommendation provides funds for ILEA to support
regional law enforcement training. Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall brief the Committees on Appropriations on its progress on
expanding coverage of the ILEA program for Pacific Islands
countries.
International organized crime.--The Committee
recommendation provides funds to support dismantling organized
criminal syndicates and investigating illicit financial
networks, which includes amounts requested for programs to
further the objectives of Executive Order 13773 on Enforcing
Federal Law with Respect to Transnational Criminal
Organizations and Preventing International Trafficking. The
Committee notes the spend plan requirements contained in
section 7062(b) apply to such funds.
Reports
Credibility assessment technology.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on
how funds made available under this heading are being used for
credibility assessment technology, the challenges being
encountered, and plans to expand the use of such technology for
the next two fiscal years.
Fentanyl.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation
with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall submit
a report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing:
(1) programs and operations that contribute to disrupting
fentanyl proliferation into the United States; (2) the PRC's
and Mexico's level of cooperation and culpability in the
proliferation of fentanyl across United States borders; and (3)
efforts to address fentanyl variants and opioid counterfeits.
Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) programs.--The
Committee notes the potential of sUAS programs for special
security events overseas and for partner nation capabilities in
law enforcement and related security needs. Not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations
on the resources required to support such capabilities.
NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $870,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 921,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 921,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... +51,000,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $921,000,000 for
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related
Programs.
Funds for programs under this heading are allocated
according to the following table and subject to section 7019 of
this Act:
NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonproliferation programs........................... $320,050
Anti-terrorism programs............................. 329,247
Conventional weapons destruction.................... 271,703
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anti-terrorism programs.--The Committee directs
$329,247,000 be made available for anti-terrorism programs,
including for the Anti-terrorism Assistance Program, which
provides counterterrorism law enforcement training to partner
countries. The Committee supports local, community-led
initiatives to strengthen resilience against terrorism and
violent extremist agendas.
Contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency.--
The Committee directs $95,000,000 be made available for a
voluntary contribution to the International Atomic Energy
Agency to support programs promoting nuclear safeguards,
nuclear safety and security, the responsible use of nuclear
energy, and the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies.
Conventional weapons destruction.--The Committee directs
$271,703,000 be made available for Conventional Weapons
Destruction (CWD) programs, of which $80,000,000 is for
programs in Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The Committee also
directs additional funds above the prior year's level for
programs in Angola, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.
Horn of Africa.--The Committee urges the Department of
State to explore CWD programs in parts of the Horn of Africa
where there is risk to civilians posed by degrading ammunition
and encourages support for weapons security management programs
to address this humanitarian threat. Not later than 45 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
is directed to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on
such programs.
International cooperation in science.--The Committee
directs that funds be made available for assistance to
international scientific and technological facilities in the
Middle East region that foster mutual understanding and
tolerance through international cooperation in science. Funding
is intended to promote scientific excellence in the Middle East
region and prevent the loss of scientific expertise that is
holding back science education and research in the region.
Multilateral Action on Sensitive Technologies.--The
Committee supports efforts to further coordination among like-
minded states, including on export controls, outbound
investment, research security, and other areas of sensitive
technology proliferation. The Committee recommendation includes
funding for the Bureau of International Security and
Nonproliferation to identify PRC ambitions and strategies in
science and technology and the PRC entities at the forefront of
such work, coordinate with the Department of Commerce and other
interagency partners, and develop policy responses to PRC
advances in critical and emerging technologies, including AI,
quantum, open-source hardware, biotechnology, space-based
technology, and semiconductors. The Committee therefore directs
not less than $5,000,000 be made available to support the
policy objectives of the Multilateral Action on Sensitive
Technologies forum.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.--The Committee recommendation
includes $2,000,000 for humanitarian demining and unexploded
ordnance clearance activities in areas affected by the Nagorno-
Karabakh conflict, subject to prior consultation with the
Committees on Appropriations.
PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $410,458,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 411,050,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 420,458,000
Change from enacted level........................... +10,000,000
Change from request................................. +9,408,000
The Committee recommendation includes $420,458,000 for
Peacekeeping Operations.
Funds for certain programs under this heading are allocated
according to the following table and subject to section 7019 of
this Act:
PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa:
Africa Regional................................. $60,000
Near East:
Multinational Force and Observers............... 30,000
Political and Military Affairs:
Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership....... 38,000
Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative....... 71,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Child soldiers.--The Committee includes language in section
7035(c) of this Act requiring that funds should not be used to
support military training or operations that include child
soldiers.
Multinational Force and Observers Mission (MFO).--The
Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for the
Multinational Force and Observers Mission in the Sinai,
including $6,000,000 for force protection requirements. The
Committee notes the invaluable service provided by the MFO in
preserving stability in a very volatile part of the world with
relatively few personnel and a small budget. United States
leadership and participation in the MFO is important to the
national security interest of the United States.
Funds Appropriated to the President
INTERNATIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $119,152,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 125,425,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 125,425,000
Change from enacted level........................... +6,273,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $125,425,000 for
International Military Education and Training. The Committee
notes the importance of the International Military Education
and Training program to United States national security
interests and increases funding above the prior year level.
Africa.--The Committee directs that funds be made available
at the prior year level for International Military Education
and Training programming for partner countries in Africa. The
Committee notes with concern the increasing military presence
of the PRC and Russia in Africa, including participation in
joint naval exercises, and directs the Secretary of State to
ensure that individuals receiving International Military
Education and Training have not collaborated with such forces.
Indo-Pacific.--The Committee notes that the allocation of
funds made available for the International Military Education
and Training program should reflect the importance of the Indo-
Pacific region, especially in enhancing military-to-military
relationships with key partners and allies, including Taiwan
and in Pacific Islands countries, and strengthening the
professionalism and democratic values among security partners
in the Indo-Pacific.
Report
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to update the
report required under this heading in House Report 118-146.
FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $6,133,397,000
of which, designated as emergency............. 275,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 6,084,049,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 6,828,049,000
Change from enacted level........................... +694,652,000
Change from request................................. +744,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $6,828,049,000 for
Foreign Military Financing Program.
Assistance provided under this heading helps facilitate
strong military-to-military cooperation; enables greater
interoperability of friends and allies with United States
military forces; and increases participation in coalition
operations. By increasing demand for United States systems,
Foreign Military Financing Program funding also contributes to
a strong industrial base, reduces the cost of Department of
Defense acquisitions, and supports American workers. The
program provides grant and loan assistance to partner countries
in coordination with the Department of Defense.
Funds for certain programs under this heading are allocated
according to the following table and subject to section 7019 of
this Act:
FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Country/Program Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
East Asia and Pacific:
Philippines..................................... $100,000
Taiwan.......................................... 500,000
State East Asia and Pacific Regional............ 75,000
Europe and Eurasia:
Estonia......................................... 10,000
Georgia......................................... 35,000
Latvia.......................................... 10,000
Lithuania....................................... 10,000
Near East:
Bahrain......................................... 4,000
Egypt........................................... 1,375,000
Israel.......................................... 3,300,000
Jordan.......................................... 475,000
Morocco......................................... 10,000
Western Hemisphere:
Costa Rica...................................... 8,500
Ecuador......................................... 10,000
Panama.......................................... 2,000
State Western Hemisphere Regional............... 20,500
of which, Caribbean Basin Security [12,000]
Initiative (CBSI)..........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cybersecurity.--The Committee directs that funding be made
available to support capacity building efforts to strengthen
allies' and partners' cyber defenses, and to encourage
cooperation against cyber threats emanating from Russia, the
PRC, and other hostile actors.
East Asia and the Pacific.--The Committee remains concerned
about the military modernization of the PRC and their claims in
territorial disputes, including on the seas and in cyberspace.
The Committee encourages the Secretary of State to continue to
engage with partners and allies in the region on the political,
economic, and military implications of the strategic rise of
the PRC, including through military assistance and sales
programs. Funds appropriated under this heading should
emphasize building the security capabilities of United States
partners in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, including in
Pacific Islands countries.
New technology and review of foreign military sales.--The
Committee notes ongoing efforts by the Departments of State and
Defense to modernize and better align the United States Foreign
Military Sales (FMS) system with United States foreign policy
and national security goals. In parallel with this effort, the
Committee directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with
the Secretary of Defense, to move beyond standard program of
record systems and to establish new pathways to oversee the
acquisition and transfer of non-program of record defense items
sought by United States allies and partners.
Oversight and accountability.--The Committee notes that the
Arms Export Control Act (AECA) requires that certain standard
terms and conditions be incorporated into all Foreign Military
Sales cases. These relate in part to the obligations of the
purchasing country under International Humanitarian Law and
Human Rights Law, requirements for end-use monitoring, and
restrictions on retransfer without prior United States consent.
The AECA also contains requirements for prompt notice to
Congress of violations.
TITLE V--MULTILATERAL ASSISTANCE
Funds Appropriated to the President
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $436,920,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 459,800,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level........................... -436,920,000
Change from request................................. -459,800,000
The Committee recommendation includes no funds for
International Organizations and Programs.
International Financial Institutions
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $150,200,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 150,200,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 139,575,000
Change from enacted level........................... -10,625,000
Change from request................................. -10,625,000
The Committee recommendation includes $139,575,000 for
Global Environment Facility for the third of four installments
for the GEF-8 replenishment.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE CLEAN TECHNOLOGY FUND
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $125,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 150,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level........................... -125,000,000
Change from request................................. -150,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes no funds for
Contribution to the Clean Technology Fund. Pursuant to section
7061(b) of this Act, funds are prohibited for the Clean
Technology Fund.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND
DEVELOPMENT
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $206,500,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 233,322,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 206,500,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -26,822,000
The Committee recommendation includes $206,500,000 for
Contribution to the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development for the sixth and final payment of the United
States share of the paid-in portion of the 2018 general and
selective capital increases.
LIMITATION ON CALLABLE CAPITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
The Committee recommendation includes not to exceed
$1,421,275,728.70 for Limitation on Callable Capital
Subscriptions.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND
DEVELOPMENT, PORTFOLIO GUARANTEE
GUARANTEES BY THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $0
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 750,361,444
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -750,361,444
The Committee recommendation includes no transfer authority
or funds for Guarantees by the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development because of insufficient
justification.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO TRUST FUNDS AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY FUNDS
ADMINISTERED BY THE WORLD BANK
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $0
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 249,638,556
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -249,638,556
The Committee recommendation includes no transfer authority
or funds not otherwise provided by this Act for Contributions
to Trust Funds and Financial Intermediary Funds Administered by
the World Bank because of insufficient justification.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $1,380,256,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 1,430,256,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,097,010,000
Change from enacted level........................... -283,246,000
Change from request................................. -333,246,000
The Committee recommendation includes $1,097,010,000 for
Contribution to the International Development Association
towards the third and final installment for IDA-20.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $87,220,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 43,610,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 43,610,000
Change from enacted level........................... -43,610,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $43,610,000 for
Contribution to the Asian Development Fund towards AsDF-13.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $0
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 84,378,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -84,378,000
The Committee recommendation includes no funds for
Contribution to the Asian Development Bank because of
insufficient justification.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $54,649,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 54,649,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 32,417,000
Change from enacted level........................... -22,232,000
Change from request................................. -22,232,000
The Committee recommendation includes $32,417,000 for
Contribution to the African Development Bank towards the fifth
of eight installments for its 7th General Capital Increase.
LIMITATION ON CALLABLE CAPITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
The Committee recommendation includes not to exceed
$856,174,624 for Limitation on Callable Capital Subscriptions.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $197,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 197,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 171,300,000
Change from enacted level........................... -25,700,000
Change from request................................. -25,700,000
The Committee recommendation includes $171,300,000 for
Contribution to the African Development Fund towards the second
of three installments to AfDF-16.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE EUROPEAN BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $0
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 50,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -50,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes no funds for
Contribution to the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development towards the first of five installments toward the
2023 General Capital Increase. The Committee notes
authorization is needed for such a contribution.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $0
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 75,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -75,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes no funds for
Contribution to the Inter-American Development Bank. The
Committee notes authorization is needed for such contribution.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $43,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 54,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 30,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... -13,000,000
Change from request................................. -24,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for
Contribution to the International Fund for Agricultural
Development towards the first of three installments in support
of its thirteenth replenishment.
GLOBAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $10,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level........................... -10,000,000
Change from request................................. -10,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes no funds for Global
Agriculture and Food Security Program, and no funds were
requested.
UNITED STATES QUOTA, INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND
The Committee recommendation does not include an increase
for United States Quota, International Monetary Fund. The
Committee notes authorization is needed for such increase.
GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITY
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $0
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 5,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -5,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes no funds for Global
Infrastructure Facility because of insufficient justification.
TREASURY INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $50,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 15,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level........................... -50,000,000
Change from request................................. -15,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes no funds for Treasury
International Assistance Programs because of insufficient
justification. The Committee notes that $50,000,000 was
provided for Treasury International Assistance Programs in the
prior fiscal year.
TITLE VI--EXPORT AND INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE
Export-Import Bank of the United States
INSPECTOR GENERAL
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $8,860,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 9,600,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 9,600,000
Change from enacted level........................... +740,000
Change from request................................. +740,000
The Committee recommendation includes $9,600,000 for
Inspector General. The Committee directs the OIG to submit to
the Committees on Appropriations its annual audit plan within
the first quarter of fiscal year 2025.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $125,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 130,100,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 125,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -5,100,000
The Committee recommendation includes $125,000,000 for
Administrative Expenses. The Committee expects continuation of
Export-Import Bank's (EXIM) current policy that Members of the
Board of Directors and political appointees are ineligible to
receive administratively determined pay and also directs any
changes to such policy be subject to prior consultation with
the Committees on Appropriations. The Committee directs EXIM to
respond expeditiously to open recommendations from its
Inspector General.
Reports
Domestic content policy.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, EXIM shall submit a report to
the Committees on Appropriations describing its current content
policy, the impact of such policy on agency competitiveness,
potential alternative measures for use in the content policy,
and the estimated impact of such alternative measures on United
States exports.
PROGRAM BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $15,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 15,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 15,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 for
Program Budget Appropriations to cover subsidy costs to better
position United States companies to compete internationally.
United States International Development Finance Corporation
INSPECTOR GENERAL
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $7,200,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 8,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 8,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... +800,000
Change from request................................. 0
The Committee recommendation includes $8,000,000 for
Inspector General. The Committee directs the OIG to submit to
the Committees on Appropriations its annual audit plan within
the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.
CORPORATE CAPITAL ACCOUNT
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $998,250,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 1,008,400,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 769,029,000
Change from enacted level........................... -229,221,000
Change from request................................. -239,371,000
The Committee recommendation includes $769,029,000 for
Corporate Capital Account for the United States International
Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Within that amount,
$198,000,000 is provided for administrative expenses and
$571,029,000 for programs, including for equity financing,
credit subsidy, technical assistance, and feasibility studies,
which may be paid to the DFC Program Account.
Accountability.--The Committee provides funding at not less
than the prior year level for the DFC's independent
accountability mechanism, including for the Office of
Accountability.
Budget request.--The Committee directs the Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of the DFC to include in the CBJ for fiscal year
2026 a confidential annex that describes new loans, guarantees,
insurance, feasibility studies and technical assistance grants,
and equity agreements approved or anticipated in the prior
year, current year, and budget year by: category, recipient,
and country; level of DFC resources provided; source year of
financing used; and additional details, including a description
of the positive and negative subsidy assigned to the largest
projects and the level of guarantee provided.
Nearshoring.--The Committee recognizes the importance of
secure, stable supply chains in Western Hemisphere countries,
including in the Caribbean, to the security of the United
States. In pursuit of this goal, the Committee encourages the
CEO of the DFC to work with stakeholders to grant additional
programmatic flexibility to work with partners in the region to
prioritize the port and infrastructure projects necessary to
create secure supply chains, focusing on members of the
Alliance for Development in Democracy.
Ocean plastics.--The Committee supports and encourages
investments in the DFC's Ocean Plastics Initiative to engage
the private sector in eliminating plastic waste and marine
debris in strategically important regions.
Private sector development.--The Committee notes that the
DFC is an important tool to counter predatory lending and other
malign activity by the PRC, particularly in Latin America and
sub-Saharan Africa, as well as to address economic needs in
regions like Central America and the Caribbean. The Committee
directs the DFC to comply with sections 1411 and 1412 of the
BUILD Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) and prioritize projects
with a significant potential for advancing United States
development priorities, including facilitating market-based
private sector development and economic growth, and support for
women-owned enterprises, especially in low- and lower-middle-
income countries.
Taiwan.--The Committee notes the signing of a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) between the DFC and the Taiwan
International Cooperation and Development Finance Corporation
to increase collaboration in regions of shared priority, such
as the Indo-Pacific and Western Hemisphere. The Committee urges
the DFC to take steps to operationalize the MOU, in order to
help advance economic development and shared democratic values
between the United States and Taiwan.
Three Seas Initiative.--The Committee supports the Three
Seas Initiative and expects the DFC, in coordination with the
Department of State and USAID, to support financing of the
Initiative in order to help advance transparent alternative
sources of investment for energy projects in Europe.
2X Women's Initiative.--The Committee supports the DFC's
efforts to advance the 2X initiative and support women's
economic empowerment and entrepreneurship, including through
ensuring adequate staffing and training.
PROGRAM ACCOUNT
The Committee recommendation includes amounts paid to, or
transferred into, this account that shall be available for the
costs of direct and guaranteed loans.
TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level........................ $87,000,000
Fiscal Year 2025 request.............................. 100,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 87,000,000
Change from enacted level........................... 0
Change from request................................. -13,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $87,000,000 for Trade
and Development Agency.
Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership.--The
Committee directs funding for the Digital Connectivity and
Cybersecurity Partnership to strengthen cybersecurity
capabilities and encourage support for the digital
transformation of Pacific Islands countries.
Pacific Islands Infrastructure Initiative.--The Committee
recommendation includes funds for the Pacific Island
Infrastructure Initiative to support the Indo-Pacific Strategy
of the United States and to catalyze financing for
infrastructure projects throughout Pacific Islands countries.
TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Committee recommends the following new, revised, and
retained provisions:
Section 7001 (Allowances and Differentials)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
regarding allowances and differentials.
Section 7002 (Unobligated Balances Report)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
requiring agencies to provide quarterly reports on the
cumulative balances of any unobligated funds.
Section 7003 (Consulting Services)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
requiring that consulting service contracts shall be a matter
of public record.
Section 7004 (Diplomatic Facilities)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
with respect to the construction of diplomatic facilities,
setting limitations, expanding notification and oversight
requirements, and placing conditions and restrictions on
certain funds.
Subsection (b) continues the notification requirements from
prior acts as a means of ensuring the Committees on
Appropriations have the necessary information to conduct
appropriate oversight of construction projects. The Department
of State is directed to clearly define and consistently report
on the elements of each project factor and include an
explanation of any changes from previous reports or
notifications for a project.
Congressional notifications made pursuant to subsection (b)
shall include the following information: (1) the location,
size, and appraised value of the property to be acquired,
including the proximity to existing United States diplomatic
facilities and host government ministries; (2) the
justification for the site acquisition; (3) a detailed
breakdown of the total project costs, including: (a) site
acquisition, (b) project development, (c) design contract, (d)
construction, (e) non-contract construction; and (f) other
construction costs, including: (i) art, (ii) furniture, (iii)
project supervision, (iv) construction security, (v)
contingency, and (vi) value added tax; (4) estimated or actual
revenues derived from real property sales and gifts associated
with the project, if applicable; (5) any unique requirements
that may increase the cost or timeline of the project,
including consular workload, legal, political, security,
environmental, seismic, religious or cultural; (6) the number
of waivers required pursuant to section 606 of the Admiral
James W. Nance and Meg Donovan Foreign Relations Authorization
Act, fiscal years 2000 and 2001 (appendix G of Public Law 106-
113), if applicable; (7) the current and projected number of
desks, agency presence, and the projected number of United
States direct hire staff, locally employed staff, and third-
country nationals; (8) the current and projected number of
beds, if applicable; (9) the most recent overseas presence
review; (10) completion of value engineering studies and
adjudication of recommendations; and (11) the project's
scheduled start and completion dates, actual start and current
estimated completion dates, and an explanation of any changes.
The Secretary of State is directed to promptly inform the
Committees on Appropriations of each instance in which a
Federal agency is delinquent in providing the full amount of
funding required by section 604(e) of the Secure Embassy
Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999.
Pursuant to section 5112 of the Department of State
Authorization Act of 2021, none of the funds appropriated for
the purchase of any piece of art may be made available if the
purchase price of such piece of art is more than $37,500,
unless such purchase is subject to prior consultation with, and
the regular notification procedures of, the appropriate
congressional committees.
Section 7005 (Personnel Actions)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain personnel actions and the authority to
transfer funds between appropriations accounts.
Section 7006 (Prohibition on Publicity or Propaganda)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting the use of funds provided by this Act for publicity
or propaganda purposes within the United States not otherwise
authorized by law.
Section 7007 (Prohibition Against Direct Funding for Certain Countries)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for the governments of Cuba, North
Korea, Iran, and Syria.
Section 7008 (Coups d'Etat)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance, requiring a determination, and
providing certain exceptions for countries whose duly elected
head of government is deposed by military coup or decree, or a
coup or decree in which the military plays a decisive role.
Section 7009 (Transfer of Funds Authority)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
setting limitations and conditions on transfers between
appropriations accounts and requiring audits of certain
transfers.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State and the
Administrator of USAID to submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations, not later than October 31, 2025, detailing all
transfers to another Federal agency made pursuant to sections
632(a) and 632(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and
include a listing of each transfer with the funding level,
appropriations account, and receiving Federal agency. This
requirement shall not apply to agreements entered into between
the Department of State and USAID.
Section 7010 (Prohibition and Limitation on Certain Expenses)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
prohibiting first-class travel, setting certain limitations on
computer networks, the promotion of tobacco, and representation
and entertainment expenses.
Subsection (c) includes language directing that none of the
funds made available in the Act should be available to promote
the sale or export of tobacco or tobacco products, which is
similar to language carried in the prior year. Not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of State shall submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations on the status of the updated guidance directed
under this heading in House Report 118-146.
Section 7011 (Assistance Effectiveness and Transparency)
This section includes new language regarding effectiveness
and transparency of foreign assistance, including a strategy
requirement and funding for evaluations.
In order to enhance transparency, accountability, and
effectiveness to the budget execution of funds provided by this
Act and prior acts, the Committee does not include the extended
availability carried in prior years under the section through
the de-obligation and re-obligation of funds. In lieu of such
authority, the Committee modifies the original period of
availability for the relevant accounts in this Act to enable
more effective and transparent decision making for the
allocation of funds and to enhance the oversight capability of
the Committee and the American taxpayer.
Subsection (b) includes additional funds for evaluations.
The Committee directs USAID to increase the number of impact
evaluations it conducts annually of its programs. The Committee
recognizes the importance of USAID's use of impact evaluations
to determine whether its programs are meeting their stated
goals but remains concerned USAID is not able to capture the
impact of its programs without the use of rigorous impact
evaluations. The Committee directs the Administrator of USAID,
not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the planned
use of funds made available for impact evaluations, including
the criteria for selecting countries and programs to be
evaluated, and the methodology for conducting such evaluations
and applying lessons learned in future program design.
Pursuant to subsection (e), the Committee encourages
maximum levels of transparency and public reporting of all
recipients of foreign assistance funding and the purposes of
such funding, including through regularly updating the Foreign
Assistance Website and full compliance with the Foreign
Assistance Transparency and Accountability Act (Public Law 114-
191).
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees on any challenges to such
reporting and a timeline for addressing such challenges.
Section 7012 (Limitation on Assistance to Countries in Default)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for countries in default and allowing
exceptions in certain circumstances.
Section 7013 (Prohibition on Taxation of United States Assistance)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
withholding assistance to a country where such assistance is
subject to taxation unless the Secretary of State makes certain
determinations.
Reports
Notification and reimbursement of foreign taxes.--The
Secretary of State shall report to the Committees on
Appropriations not later than December 31, 2025, on the foreign
governments and entities that have assessed and not reimbursed
taxes pursuant to subsection (b), including any amount of funds
withheld pursuant to such subsection. In order to ensure timely
compliance with this annual report requirement, the Committee
directs the Secretary to establish an automated process to
facilitate timeliness and accuracy of such report. The
Department of State shall update the Committees on
Appropriations on progress made to establish such process.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations on the steps taken by the
Department of State and other relevant Federal agencies to
comply with the requirements contained under this section of
this Act. The report shall include rules, regulations, and
policy guidance issued and updated pursuant to subsection (f).
Section 7014 (Reservations of Funds)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding the reservation of funds and certain related
authorities, and the designation of certain funding levels.
Section 7015 (Notification Requirements)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
establishing the notification requirements for funds made
available by this Act.
Subsection (c) requires that notifications submitted
pursuant to this section shall include information, if known on
the date of transmittal of such notification, on the use of any
notwithstanding authority. Additionally, if subsequent to a
notification of assistance it becomes necessary to rely on
notwithstanding authority, the Committees on Appropriations
should be informed at the earliest opportunity.
The Committee intends for the waiver authority of
subsection (e) to be used judiciously and directs the Secretary
of State and Administrator of USAID to only exercise such
authority in emergency circumstances.
Notifications submitted in accordance with subsection (g)
shall include the following information: (1) the office or
bureau at the Department of the Treasury, USAID, or the
Department of State that will oversee programs and expenditures
of the trust fund; (2) the website link to publicly available
expenditures of the trust fund; and (3) whether direct
government assistance will be provided by the trust fund and,
if so, what specific risk-mitigation steps are being taken by
the trust fund.
Subsection (h) requires notification for certain programs
and activities appropriated by this Act and prior acts making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations,
and related programs, which is similar to the prior year.
Paragraph (1)(C) includes a new notification requirement
regarding funds appropriated under International Disaster
Assistance and Migration and Refugee Assistance and made
available to a country listed in section 7007 (Prohibition
Against Direct Funding for Certain Countries) of this Act.
Individuals detained at United States Naval Station,
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.--Not later than 5 days after the
conclusion of an agreement with a country, including a state
with a Compact of Free Association with the United States, to
receive by transfer or release individuals detained at the
United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the
Secretary of State shall notify the Committees on
Appropriations in writing of the terms of the agreement,
including whether funds appropriated by this Act and prior acts
making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs will be made available for
assistance for such country pursuant to such agreement.
Section 7016 (Documents, Report Posting, Records Management, and
Related Cybersecurity Protections)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
concerning public posting of reports and documents, records
management, and related cybersecurity protections.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State and the
Administrator of USAID to publicly post all unclassified
reports on a single, easily found webpage, which should be
linked to the home page of their public websites, to advance
accessibility and transparency.
Section 7017 (Use of Funds in Contravention of this Act)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funds for programs in contravention of this Act.
Section 7018 (Prohibition on Funding for Abortions and Involuntary
Sterilization)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funding for abortions and involuntary
sterilization.
Section 7019 (Allocations and Reports)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding compliance with: (1) funding directives in certain
tables in the accompanying report; and (2) reporting directives
in such report.
Section 7020 (Multi-Year Pledges)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting the use of funds provided by this Act to make a
multi-year pledge unless such pledge meets the requirements of
section 7066 of the Department of State, Foreign Operations,
and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2019 (division F of
Public Law 116-6).
Section 7021 (Prohibition on Assistance to Governments Supporting
International Terrorism)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for governments that support
international terrorism.
Section 7022 (Authorization Requirements)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
regarding authorization requirements.
Section 7023 (Definition of Program, Project, and Activity)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
defining the terms program, project, and activity.
Section 7024 (Authorities for the Peace Corps, Inter-American
Foundation, and United States African Development Foundation)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain authorities for the Peace Corps, IAF, and
USADF.
Section 7025 (Commerce, Trade and Surplus Commodities)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
relating to commerce, trade, and surplus commodities.
Section 7026 (Separate Accounts)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the requirement that separate accounts be established
for cash transfers and assistance that generates local
currencies and establishing certain conditions on the use of
such funds.
Section 7027 (Eligibility for Assistance)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
regarding assistance through NGOs and assistance provided under
the Food for Peace Act.
Section 7028 (Promotion of United States Economic Interests)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
directing the Secretary of State, pursuant to section 704 of
the Championing American Business Through Diplomacy Act of 2019
(title VII of division J of Public Law 116-94), to prioritize
the allocation of funds appropriated by this Act for diplomatic
engagement and bilateral assistance to foster commercial
relations and safeguard United States economic and business
interests, including facilitating, as appropriate, the
resolution of commercial disputes between United States
businesses and host country governments.
The Committee recognizes the need for continuing education
of United States diplomats in the area of commercial diplomacy
and supports the establishment of an in-residence training
program for the Department of State in partnership with an
institution of higher education and other private entities with
expertise in training and educating diplomats on how to enable
and support commercial diplomacy most effectively.
Additionally, the Committee directs the Secretary to include in
the operating plan required by section 7062(a) of this Act
sufficient funds for the Department's Bureau of Economic and
Business Affairs to fully comply with the provisions of this
section and sections 706(b), 708(c), and 708(d) of the
Championing American Business through Diplomacy Act.
The Committee continues to be concerned by reports of
commercial disputes between United States entities and host
governments, including the governments of Bangladesh, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Honduras, and Mexico. Of
particular concern are disputes over real property seized,
held, or expropriated by foreign governments. The Committee
directs the Secretary of State to utilize the various tools of
diplomatic engagement to work with such governments to
facilitate the timely resolution of such disputes.
Section 7029 (International Financial Institutions)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding: evaluations; social and environment safeguards; the
compensation level of the United States executive director to
each international financial institution (IFI); human rights
promotion; fraud and corruption; beneficial ownership;
whistleblower protections; grievance mechanisms; capital
increases; opposition to lending; contributions to financial
intermediary funds; report to Congress and withholding; and
guidance on multilateral development banks.
Section 7029(k) specifically prohibits funds in this Act
from being used to implement Department of the Treasury
Guidance on Fossil Fuel Energy at the Multilateral Development
Banks.
The Committee directs the Secretary of the Treasury to
instruct the United States executive directors of each
international financial institution to use the voice and vote
of the United States to oppose projects in the Xinjiang Uyghur
Autonomous Region that involve violations of human rights
towards Uyghurs or other ethnic minorities.
Report
Belt and Road Initiative.--The Committee notes that the
PRC's Belt and Road Initiative appears to be increasing
collaborative lending arrangements with Chinese and non-Chinese
banks, including with multilateral development banks. Not later
than 120 after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of the Treasury shall report to the Committees on
Appropriations on such trends over the last five fiscal years,
including the reasons for significant participation by PRC
companies in civil works and other infrastructure projects
funded by multilateral development banks, and how the
Department proposes to address this issue, including by greater
support for the participation by United States firms in
multilateral development bank procurement tenders.
Section 7030 (Economic Resilience Initiative)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
making funds available to advance economic security, promote
the adoption of secure communications networks, and counter the
adoption of insecure networks and services.
Amounts are made available under Economic Support Fund to
carry out the purposes of subsection (a) as follows:
$55,000,000 for strategic infrastructure investments pursuant
to paragraph (1); $50,000,000 following the pre-obligation
requirements to enhance critical mineral supply chain security
pursuant to paragraph (2); $60,000,000 for economic resilience
pursuant to paragraph (3); and $50,000,000 for the Cyberspace,
Digital Connectivity, and Related Technology Fund pursuant to
paragraph (4).
Pursuant to subsection (c)(1), the agreement allocates
$100,000,000 made available by the CHIPS Act of 2022 (Public
Law 117-167) for the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce
Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America International Technology
Security and Innovation Fund according to the following table
for fiscal year 2024:
CHIPS FOR AMERICA INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SECURITY AND INNOVATION FUND
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diplomatic Programs....................... $15,800
Office of Inspector General............... 500
Economic Support Fund..................... 66,700
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining 17,000
and Related Programs.....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Automated adversary emulation capabilities.--The Committee
supports efforts to enhance cybersecurity, particularly as
world events highlight the grave importance for robust and
expanded cyber defenses. The Committee notes that static,
manual, and episodic evaluations are both inefficient and
unable to keep pace with the scale and diversity of the
cyberthreat landscape. The Committee supports the use of on-
demand vulnerability testing tools and automated adversary
emulation capabilities at the Department of State and USAID.
Cyberspace, Digital Connectivity, and Related Technologies
Fund.--The Committee notes the establishment of the Cyberspace,
Digital Connectivity, and Related Technologies Fund was
intended to allow the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy
to provide assistance to countries to bolster civilian
capacity. Such assistance is intended to address national
cybersecurity and deterrence in cyberspace, help reduce
vulnerability in the information and communications technology
ecosystem, and advance United States national and economic
security objectives.
Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership.--The
Committee encourages relevant Federal agencies, including the
United States Trade and Development Agency, to further
collaborate with other Federal agencies on policy and technical
training to promote open, interoperable, reliable, and secure
networks, including through programs to strengthen civilian
cybersecurity capabilities of United States allies and
partners.
International cybersecurity capacity building.--The
Committee recommendation includes funding under Economic
Support Fund to be administered by the Bureau of Cyberspace and
Digital Policy for the development of secure and trustworthy
information and communications technology. This includes
funding for international cybersecurity capacity building
efforts that strengthen civilian cybersecurity through support
to countries and organizations, including national and regional
institutions.
Reports
Mineral Security Partnership Program.--The Committee is
deeply concerned by the Administration seeking and
strengthening mineral supply chains with other countries while
denying domestic project approvals and withdrawing access to
mineralized federal lands. The Committee directs the Secretary
of State to work with the Secretaries of Energy and the
Interior to identify and prioritize domestic mine project
approvals that support mineral supply chain needs of United
States-allied nations. Further, the Committee directs the
Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretaries of
Energy and the Interior, to provide a report not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act to the appropriate
congressional committees on detailed plans to support mineral
supply chains.
Secure digital infrastructure.--The Committee remains
concerned by the PRC's investments in digital infrastructure
projects in low- and middle-income countries in Latin America,
the Indo-Pacific, and Africa. Given the PRC's strategic
investments and the limited resources and capacities of low-
and middle-income countries to finance secure digital
infrastructure. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to
update the report required under this heading in House Report
118-146, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, identifying the vulnerabilities of digital
infrastructure in developing countries financed by the PRC,
especially public sector projects, and the threat posed by
continued PRC investments in digital infrastructure. Such
report shall also outline a unified United States response
strategy that leverages all tools and programs being used to
combat PRC investments in digital infrastructure in Latin
America, the Indo-Pacific, and Africa, as well as identify any
gaps in funding to meet such requirements.
Undersea cables.--The Committee recognizes the critical
role of undersea cables in facilitating global connectivity and
ensuring the security and resilience of communication systems.
In pursuit of this goal, the Committee recommends the Secretary
of State prioritize efforts to promote trusted undersea cable
infrastructure, including within the interagency, with industry
partners, allies and other close partners, and in multilateral
forums such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.
Section 7031 (Financial Management, Budget Transparency, and Anti-
Corruption)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding management of direct assistance to governments,
budget transparency of recipient countries, and corruption and
human rights violations.
For the purposes of subsection (a), the term ``direct
government-to-government assistance'' shall include cash
transfers, non-project sector assistance, and other forms of
assistance where funds appropriated by this Act are provided
directly to the recipient government.
The Committee directs that any planned government-to-
government assistance should be included in the fiscal year
2026 CBJ and should include the proposed funding amount, source
of funds, and type of assistance.
Subsection (a)(5) continues a prohibition on funds provided
by this Act for debt payments by foreign countries to the PRC.
For the purposes of subsection (b), ``minimum requirements
of fiscal transparency'' shall mean the public disclosure of a
country's national budget, including income and expenditures by
ministry, and government contracts and licenses for natural
resource extraction, including bidding and concession
allocation practices. The report required by this subsection
should identify steps taken by a government to disclose
additional budget documentation, contracts, and licenses, which
are in addition to information disclosed in the previous year,
as well as recommendations of short- and long-term steps such
government should take to improve fiscal transparency. The
report should also include a description of how funds
appropriated by this Act, including those provided pursuant to
subsection (b)(3), are being used to improve fiscal
transparency and identify benchmarks for measuring progress.
In making the determination or in considering whether or
not the Secretary of State has credible information pursuant to
subsection (c) on significant corruption, the Secretary shall
consider such individuals' or foreign officials' involvement in
narcotics trafficking, campaign finance through narcotics
trafficking, misuse of official office, and obstruction of
legal processes.
Pursuant to subsection (d)(2), the Committee does not
support denying critical mineral extraction in the United
States while funding such activities in foreign countries. The
Committee notes that the President has revoked the access of
United States companies to such domestic sources of critical
minerals, which undermines national security.
Section 7032 (Democracy Programs)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding democracy programs funded by this Act.
Definition.--Subsection (c) provides the definition of
democracy programs funded by this Act, including for activities
to strengthen democratic governance, foster strong, multi-party
political systems, credible and observable electoral processes,
and rule of law. The Committee encourages the Department of
State and USAID to responsibly and judiciously attribute
funding for programs under this section in accordance with
congressional intent, particularly at a time when democracy
faces threats around the globe. The Committee is concerned by
the overclassification of programs implemented as democracy
programs.
Election assistance.--The Committee notes that funds made
available by this Act pursuant to this section, with the
exception of those aligned with overseas exchange programs, are
not intended to support public commentary about United States
elections or participation of election observers of United
States elections.
Governing institutions.--Funds made available for programs
to strengthen ministries and agencies should be prioritized in
countries that demonstrate a strong commitment to the
separation of powers, checks and balances, rule of law, and
credible electoral processes.
House Democracy Partnership and the David E. Price
Legislative Strengthening Program.--The Committee provides
additional funds for USAID to support the House Democracy
Partnership and the David E. Price Legislative Strengthening
Program to build the capacity of national legislative bodies
and civil society organizations that interact with them to be
effective, accountable, and transparent. In determining
programming, the Committee encourages the Administrator of
USAID to take into account countries where the House Democracy
Partnership is actively engaged. Not later than 60 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the
Administrator to consult with the Committees on Appropriations
on expanding efforts for legislative strengthening programs,
including technical assistance for emerging and transitioning
democracies.
Independent media.--The Committee recognizes that
independent media has been a focal point of three Summits for
Democracy and encourages the Department of State and USAID to
continue strengthening independent media programs. The
Committee supports assistance for independent media, including
models of support that address media sustainability in nascent
democracies. Programs that enable access to accurate
independent information and that support information integrity
are fundamental pillars for strengthening democratic
governance. The Committee recommends funding for programs and
activities globally that strengthen free and open media;
protect freedom of expression; and support accurate and ethical
independent reporting. The Committee encourages the Department
and USAID to update strategies and approaches to meet evolving
media landscapes and conditions, including in authoritarian
states.
Journalist networks.--The Committee directs that funds be
made available to support regional networks of journalists in
Africa, including in support of investigative journalism.
Parliamentary forum.--The Committee directs the Secretary
of State and the Administrator of USAID to provide funds for
efforts to engage parliamentarians and parliamentary
organizations, like the Parliamentary Forum for Democracy, in
support of democratic norms and values. The Committee directs
the Secretary and the Administrator to consult with the
Committees on Appropriations, not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, on funding levels for such
efforts and a timeline to provide such funds.
Program strategies.--The Committee directs the Secretary of
State and the Administrator of USAID to ensure democracy
programming strategies reflect current situations in program
countries and are utilizing data and analysis related to
political freedom indicators, human rights reporting, and input
from democracy experts operating in such countries.
Propaganda from adversaries.--The Committee supports
programs that counter manipulation of information by
adversaries. Pursuant to section 7049, the Committee directs
the Department of State, USAID, and the NED to carefully and
thoughtfully avoid all support of any counter-disinformation
programming that directly or indirectly leads to censorship or
weakening of rights contained in the First Amendment to the
Constitution of the United States. Furthermore, the Committee
directs that such programming should focus exclusively on
countering manipulation of information by adversaries and not
general misinformation or malinformation.
Spend plan.--The spend plan required under section 7062(b)
of this Act for democracy programs should include accounts,
regions, and global programs.
Reports
Digital democracy.--The Committee strongly supports digital
democracy programming, including enhancing the safety of
implementers and beneficiaries; supporting civil society
organizations working to counter government surveillance,
censorship, and repression by digital means; combating
weaponized technology, including the misuse of social media;
preventing the digital manipulation of elections and electoral
data; and countering malicious propaganda of malign actors,
including the PRC, Venezuela, and Russia. The Committee directs
the Secretary of State to submit a report not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act on current and
planned Department of State and USAID digital democracy
programs by country or region, which shall include the category
and program type for each digital democracy program.
No-cost extensions.--Not later than September 30, 2025, the
Secretary of State and the Administrator of USAID shall submit
a report to the Committees on Appropriations listing each
grant, contract, or cooperative agreement for democracy
programs that are in extension at no-cost, with information on
the length of the extension, the implementer, and the country
or regional program identification.
Summits for Democracy.--The Committee directs the Secretary
of State to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations
not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act
on funds expended for the 2024 Summit for Democracy and the
total commitment of funds announced in conjunction with the
Summit.
Section 7033 (International Religious Freedom)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding international religious freedom.
Subsection (a) directs that funds under Diplomatic Programs
be made available for the Office of International Religious
Freedom, and funds for the Office of International Religious
Freedom shall be made available for the continued development
and implementation of an international religious freedom
curriculum in accordance with section 708 of the Foreign
Service Act of 1980.
Subsection (b) provides that not less than $50,000,000 be
made available for religious freedom programs under Economic
Support Fund, Democracy Fund, and International Broadcasting
Operations, of which not less than $30,000,000 shall be from
Democracy Fund. Such funds under Economic Support Fund and
Democracy Fund shall be the responsibility of the Ambassador-
at-Large for International Religious Freedom, in consultation
with other relevant United States Government officials, and
made available subject to prior consultation with the
Committees on Appropriations.
The Committee recommendation directs that funds made
available for religious freedom shall be made available in
undemocratic countries like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela,
where faith-based communities are drivers for democratic
change.
Funds designated by this Act for the Prevention and
Stabilization Fund shall also be made available for
international religious freedom programs to support
transitional justice, reconciliation, and reintegration
programs for vulnerable and persecuted religious minorities.
The Committee directs that humanitarian assistance shall be
made available for vulnerable and persecuted religious
minorities, including victims of genocide, ethnic cleansing,
and other crimes against humanity and urges the Secretary of
State to expedite the delivery of such assistance, work to
enhance protection of conflict victims, and help establish
livelihoods for displaced and persecuted persons in their
communities or in secure locations. Furthermore, the Committee
urges the prioritization of assistance for such minorities,
including access to secure locations for receiving humanitarian
services and the restoration of residential services, such as
water, electricity, sewage, health, and education.
The Committee supports the expansion of psychosocial
support programs for religious and ethnic minorities. The
Committee also supports funding for trauma-based care for such
groups in post-conflict zones and capacity building in mental
health and psychosocial support for health responders and other
aid workers.
Countries of particular concern.--If the United States
Commission on International Religious Freedom recommends the
designation of a country as a country of particular concern
(CPC) in its annual report, and such country is not designated
as a CPC by the Department of State, the Secretary of State
shall provide the rationale for such decision to the
appropriate congressional committees within 30 days of such
decision. The Committee notes that Nigeria fits that criteria
in 2023 and 2024.
Reports
The Committee remains concerned that vulnerable and
persecuted religious minorities, including victims of genocide
designated by the Secretary of State, and other groups that
have suffered crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing are
not receiving necessary assistance, despite congressional
direction. Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary of
State to provide a report on the status of the implementation
of section 7033(b)(3) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2018 (division K of Public Law 115-141). Specifically, the
Committee requests information regarding the status of small-
and medium-sized projects to benefit such victims, such as
restoring residential services, including water, electricity,
sewage, health, and education.
Desecration of religious sites.--The Committee is concerned
by the destruction and desecration of religious and historical
sites, including cemeteries, of importance to ethnic and
religious minority communities in conflict zones. Not later
than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State, in consultation with the United States
Commission on International Religious Freedom, shall submit a
report to the appropriate congressional committees on such
religious and historical sites in conflict zones that have been
destroyed or desecrated, in part or in whole, due to recent
conflict.
Section 7034 (Special Provisions)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
granting certain special authorities and limitations relating
to funds made available by this Act.
Subsection (d)(1) directs that funds appropriated under
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia shall be made
available to carry out the Program for Research and Training on
Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the Former Soviet
Union as authorized by the Soviet-Eastern European Research and
Training Act of 1983 (22 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.). The Committee
recommends funding for such program at the fiscal year 2021
appropriated level.
Subsection (d)(6) extends the authority to use funds under
Diplomatic Programs to make payments authorized by the HAVANA
Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-46). The Committee directs the
Secretary of State to include in the operating plan required by
section 7062(a) of this Act the plan for making such payments
during fiscal year 2025.
For the purposes of subsection (e), ``partner vetting''
shall mean the required submission of personally identifiable
information prior to the conduct of a program. The Committee
urges the Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID to
ensure that adequate staffing and resources are made available
to conduct partner and beneficiary vetting in a timely fashion.
Section 7035 (Law Enforcement and Security)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
related to assistance, authorities, limitations, technical
amendments, and reports regarding law enforcement and security
matters.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to ensure that
the Department of State continuously provides all foreign
policy assessments to other Federal agencies within 90 days of
the initial request to facilitate the importation of military
firearms of special interest and value to collectors and
meeting the curio or relic definition in 27 C.F.R. 178.11.
Reports
Combat casualty care.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, and following consultation with
the Committees on Appropriations, the Secretary of State shall
update the report required under this section in House Report
118-146.
Security assistance coordination.--The Committee supports
measures to ensure that security assistance programs supported
by this Act are strategic, address clearly-defined goals and
objectives, and are integrated with other programs. Not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of
Defense, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations an
integrated security assistance strategy for assistance for
Taiwan.
Section 7036 (Countering the Flow of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic
Drugs)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
related to assistance and related matters for countering the
flow of fentanyl towards the United States border.
Section 7037 (Palestinian Statehood)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
establishing limitations on the use of funds in support of a
Palestinian state.
Section 7038 (Prohibition on Assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting
Corporation)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
restricting assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting
Corporation.
Section 7039 (Oversight Requirements for the West Bank and Gaza)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
placing conditions on assistance for the West Bank and Gaza.
Section 7040 (Limitation on Assistance for the Palestinian Authority)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
placing limitations on any assistance for the Palestinian
Authority and regarding Hamas.
Section 7041 (Middle East and North Africa)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding policies and countries in the Middle East and North
Africa.
Abraham Accords.--The Committee notes the increased
understanding, cooperation, and interfaith dialogue brought
about by peace and normalization agreements between Israel and
Arab states, including the Abraham Accords, and encourages
continued progress to expand these agreements, the Negev Forum,
and other multilateral efforts. The Committee further notes the
need for dedicated resources to support these efforts to expand
the foundation and build upon previous progress. The Committee
directs the Secretary of State to ensure resources are
available to leverage, strengthen, and expand existing peace
and normalization agreements and establish new ones. The
Secretary shall consult with the appropriate congressional
committees on the availability of flexible resources and
intended uses of such funds.
Arab League boycott of Israel.--It is the sense of the
Committee that: (1) the Arab League boycott of Israel, and the
secondary boycott of American firms that have commercial ties
with Israel, remain an impediment to trade and investment in
the Middle East and should be terminated immediately, as should
the Central Office for the Boycott of Israel; (2) several Arab
states and Israel have made important progress toward peace
through treaties, including the Abraham Accords, and
normalization agreements, which open a path toward a more
stable and prosperous Middle East; (3) all Arab League states
should join Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain,
Morocco, and Sudan in establishing and normalizing relations
with Israel, in addition to promoting peace negotiations,
economic cooperation, and security cooperation between Israelis
and Palestinians; (4) the President and the Secretary of State
should continue to vigorously oppose the Arab League boycott of
Israel; and (5) the President should support broadening and
deepening participation in the Abraham Accords, and other
normalization agreements, and report annually to the
appropriate congressional committees on the United States
strategy, including steps being taken by the United States to
encourage additional Arab League and other Muslim-majority
states to normalize relations with Israel, and the prospect of
advancing peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) annual report.--
The Committee remains concerned about international efforts to
stigmatize and isolate Israel through the BDS movement. The
Committee directs, as part of the report required in the
previous paragraph, that the President add information about
the BDS campaign, which shall cover companies, international
organizations, countries, and other organizations, including
state investment vehicles, that are involved in promoting the
movement and specific steps the Department of State has taken
or expects to take to discourage or end politically-motivated
efforts to boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel and Israeli
entities. Such reporting requirement shall not be considered
met by the requirements of section 909 of the Trade
Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-
125).
BDS vetting.--The Secretary of State shall expand vetting
policies and practices to ensure that United States assistance
is not provided to or through any individual, private entity,
government entity, or educational institution that the
Secretary knows or has reason to believe advocates, plans,
sponsors, engages in, or has engaged in, the BDS movement. The
Committee directs the Secretary and Administrator of USAID to
strengthen policies and procedures to ensure organizations
supported through funding are not participants in the BDS
movement.
Compliance with the Taylor Force Act.--The Committee
underscores the importance of full compliance with the
restrictions of the Taylor Force Act (title X of division S of
Public Law 115-141) and continued efforts to fully implement
the law, including increasing diplomatic efforts to end the
Palestinian Authority's practice of paying salaries to
terrorists serving in Israeli prisons and paying for acts of
terrorism. As described in section 7040 of this Act, and in
compliance with the Taylor Force Act, no funding made available
by this Act shall be provided to the Palestinian Authority.
Efforts to release hostages.--The Committee is outraged by
the lack of progress to free American, Israeli, and other
nationals held captive in Gaza by Hamas since October 7, 2023.
The Committee notes that the freedom of those held captive is a
top United States national security objective and urges
partners and allies in the region to prioritize meeting this
objective and achieving the release of the hostages.
Egypt.--The Committee notes that the United States and
Egypt share a mutual interest in Middle East peace and
stability, economic opportunity, and regional security. Since
the Camp David Accords, United States assistance to Egypt has
played an important role in the country's economic and military
development. The Committee recognizes the enduring Egypt-Israel
peace agreement as well as Egypt's ongoing efforts to combat
terrorism and counter Iran's malign influence in the region.
Supporting a stable, democratic, and prosperous Egypt continues
to be a core objective of United States foreign policy.
The Committee recommendation includes not less than
$1,425,000,000 for assistance for Egypt. Pursuant to subsection
(a)(2), an additional $75,000,000 under Foreign Military
Financing Program is included to make up for the fiscal year
2021 Foreign Military Financing Program funds that expired
before being made available for the intended purpose pursuant
to section 7041(a) of the Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021
(division K of Public Law 116-260). In addition to amounts
provided in subsection (a), the Committee directs that
$2,000,000 be made available from Nonproliferation, Anti-
terrorism, Demining and Related Programs and $2,000,000 be made
available from International Military Education and Training,
which is the same as the request.
Pursuant to subsection (a)(3), the Committee directs that
$40,000,000 of the funds appropriated under Economic Support
Fund and made available for assistance for Egypt be allocated
for higher education programs in Egypt, including $17,500,000
for scholarships. Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of USAID shall brief
the Committees on Appropriations on implementation of funds
made available for scholarships in Egypt.
Iran.--Subsection (b) continues language from the prior
year directing that funds appropriated under Diplomatic
Programs, Economic Support Fund, and Nonproliferation, Anti-
terrorism, Demining and Related Programs be made available to
support: (1) the United States policy to prevent Iran from
achieving the capability to produce or otherwise obtain a
nuclear weapon; (2) an expeditious response to any violation of
United Nations Security Council resolutions or to efforts that
advance Iran's nuclear program; (3) the implementation,
enforcement, and renewal of sanctions against Iran for its
support of nuclear weapons development, terrorism, human rights
abuses, and ballistic missile and weapons proliferation; and
(4) democracy programs for Iran.
Pursuant to subsection (b)(3), none of the funds
appropriated by this Act may be: (1) used to implement or
enforce a future agreement with Iran in contravention of the
Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015; (2) made available
to any foreign entity that is subject to United Nations or
United States sanctions with respect to the Government of Iran;
and (3) used to revoke the designation of the Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
The Committee continues to support the Iranian people's
desire for democracy and fundamental freedoms, including the
right to elect the country's leadership through free and fair
elections. The proven ability of Iranian women to bravely lead
the demands for rights and change is recognized and commended
by this Committee and met with a commitment to continue support
from the American people.
The Committee recognizes the Government of Albania's role
in upholding the fundamental rights of Ashraf-3 residents,
including the right to life, liberty, security, protection of
property, and freedom of expression and assembly.
Iraq.--Subsection (c) continues language from the prior
year. Pursuant to paragraph (1), funds shall be made available
for bilateral economic assistance and international security
assistance, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI),
and for programs to protect and assist religious and ethnic
minority populations in Iraq.
The Committee continues to support programming that assists
in the creation of conditions for minorities in Iraq and Syria
who were victims of genocide to safely return to, and remain
in, their ancestral homeland.
Funds made available under International Disaster
Assistance and Migration and Refugee Assistance should be made
available to support programs that address the needs of
internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees throughout all
regions of Iraq, including in the KRI, as well as their host
communities. Additionally, funds provided under Economic
Support Fund should continue to support programs that mitigate
the impact of such IDPs and refugees in such region.
Within the amount provided for assistance for Iraq under
Economic Support Fund, the Committee directs $15,000,000 be
made available to support American-style higher education
institutions in Iraq, including in the KRI, on an open and
competitive basis. Such funds may include support for non-
degree and certificate granting programs at such institutions
that equip graduates of universities, institutes, and secondary
schools with the knowledge and skills required to obtain
gainful employment in the private sector. The Secretary of
State and Administrator of USAID, as appropriate, shall include
funds to be allocated for this purpose in the spend plan
submitted pursuant to section 7062(b) of this Act.
Pursuant to subsection (c)(2), funds appropriated by this
Act for economic and security assistance may not be made
available to an organization or entity that the Secretary of
State has credible information is controlled by the Badr
Organization.
Israel.--Subsection (d) directs $3,300,000,000 in grants
for military assistance under the Foreign Military Financing
Program to Israel, which is the same as the budget request. The
Committee reaffirms its support of the 2016 United States-
Israel Memorandum of Understanding, which demonstrates the
United States' unshakable commitment to the security of Israel
and to ensuring that Israel's qualitative military edge and
defense capabilities are maintained. The Committee strongly
believes in the right and ability of Israel to defend itself
against the wide range of threats it faces and believes that a
close United States-Israel security partnership benefits the
interests of both countries. The Committee further believes
that by contributing to a safe and secure Israel, United States
assistance positively contributes to any progress towards peace
achieved through direct negotiations between Israel and the
Palestinians.
The Committee notes that emergency supplemental funds for
Israel were requested by the President and provided by
Congress, including humanitarian assistance for Israel. The
Committee expects funds be made available to address
humanitarian needs in Israel, such as safe medical transport,
in light of continued attacks on the civilian population by
Hamas and Hezbollah.
Jordan.--The Committee notes the importance of the United
States relationship with the Kingdom of Jordan and the strong
leadership that Jordan continues to play in advancing peace and
stability in the region. The Secretary of State and
Administrator of USAID shall continue to support economic
reforms, including budget support, to help ensure Jordan's
long-term stability and help mitigate the impact of hosting
large numbers of refugees.
Subsection (e)(1) directs not less than $1,650,000,000 for
assistance for Jordan. Of the total amount provided, the
Committee directs that not less than $2,500,000 be made
available from International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement, $10,400,000 be made available from
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related
Programs, and $3,800,000 be made available from International
Military Education and Training, which is the same as the
request.
Subsection (e)(2) provides an additional $450,000,000 from
funds appropriated by this Act for assistance for Jordan to
address urgent needs resulting from the malign activities of
Iran and its proxies.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the appropriate
congressional committees on humanitarian assistance for Jordan.
Lebanon.--Subsection (f) is modified from the prior year by
deleting language making Economic Support Fund assistance for
Lebanon available notwithstanding any other provision of law.
The bill continues the requirement that certain conditions be
met prior to the obligation of Foreign Military Financing
Program for Lebanon. The Committee intends that assistance
provided to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) not be used against
Israel and such assistance will not affect Israel's qualitative
military edge in the region. The Committee notes that paragraph
(1) of this subsection prohibits funds for the Lebanese
Internal Security Forces or the LAF if either organization is
controlled by a foreign terrorist organization, and the
Committee directs the Secretary of State to regularly consult
with the Committees on Appropriations regarding the rigorous
implementation of this provision, the activities of the LAF,
and assistance provided by the United States. The Committee
includes further language under Reports in this heading.
The Committee directs that support be continued at not less
than the prior year under Economic Support Fund for the Lebanon
scholarship program and under Development Assistance for the
undergraduate and graduate scholarship program for refugees in
Lebanon. The Administrator of USAID is directed to consult with
the Committees on Appropriations on an ongoing basis regarding
how the programs will be administered consistent with the prior
year and by not-for-profit educational institutions in Lebanon
that meet the standards required for American accreditation and
other matters related to implementation.
The Committee notes the important and enduring partnerships
with institutions of higher education in Lebanon and directs
the Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID to consult
with the Committees on Appropriations on funding for such
institutions, including funding made available pursuant to
section 7060(a)(2).
The Committee supports continued funding for the Middle
East Partnership Initiative scholarship program at not less
than the prior year. Scholarships should be made available for
institutions that meet standards comparable to those required
for American accreditation and should be awarded in a manner
consistent with prior fiscal years, including on an open and
competitive basis.
Morocco.--Subsection (g) continues language from the prior
year directing that funds shall be made available for
assistance for Morocco. Within the amount provided for Morocco,
the Committee recommendation includes not less than $10,000,000
under Economic Support Fund, not less than $10,000,000 under
Development Assistance, and $10,000,000 under Foreign Military
Financing Program.
Syria.--The Committee remains troubled by Bashar al-Assad's
systematic diversion and weaponization of international aid.
The Committee underscores the importance of upholding
longstanding United States policy opposing reconstruction in
Assad-controlled areas. Accordingly, subsection (i)(2) of this
Act directs that funds appropriated or otherwise made available
by this Act for nonlethal stabilization assistance for Syria
may not be: (1) made available for a project or activity that
supports or otherwise legitimizes the Government of Iran, a
foreign terrorist organization, or a proxy of Iran; (2) made
available for activities that further the strategic objectives
of the Government of the Russian Federation; and (3) used in
areas of Syria controlled by a government led by Bashar al-
Assad or associated forces or to an organization or entity
effectively controlled by an official or immediate family
member of an official of such government.
In addition, subsection (i)(3) directs that prior to the
initial obligation of any funds appropriated by this Act for
assistance for Syria, the Secretary of State take all
practicable steps to ensure that mechanisms are in place for
monitoring, oversight, and control of such assistance inside
Syria and notes that section 7015(j), which requires prompt
notification of any assistance diverted or destroyed, applies
to funds made available for such assistance for Syria.
The Committee remains concerned about the lengthy
displacement of Syrians, as well as the needs of host
communities in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq, among other
countries that are continuing to experience compounding shocks,
particularly to support recovery in the wake of natural
disasters, such as the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
The Committee urges the Department of State to continue to: (1)
assist host countries to expand their national systems and
local government capacities to accommodate refugee needs; (2)
increase host country capacity to deliver basic services to
their own citizens; (3) employ policies and programs to close
gaps in distribution of need-based aid; and (4) support refugee
returns if they are safe, dignified, and voluntary.
The Committee encourages the Secretary of State and
Administrator of USAID, in compliance with the limitations on
assistance of paragraph (2), to utilize humanitarian and
stabilization funds for local Syrian and diaspora
organizations, as well as international NGOs, to help implement
lifesaving interventions in Syria, including support for
emergency medical and rescue response and chemical weapons
investigations, and further engage in diplomatic efforts to
encourage increased donations for such assistance from United
States allies and partners.
The Committee urges the Administration, within the
requirements of this Act, to work to ensure continued delivery
of humanitarian aid into and within Syria.
United Nations political process on Western Sahara.--The
Secretary of State shall continue to support a United Nations-
led political process that achieves a just, lasting, and
mutually acceptable political solution in accordance with
relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
West Bank and Gaza.--Subsection (j) includes language
modified from the prior year regarding conditions related to
the West Bank and Gaza.
Monitoring, notification, and vetting.--The Committee
directs the Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID to
promptly inform the appropriate congressional committees of any
alleged incident involving any United States assistance used in
such a way that adversely affects or jeopardizes such
assistance. This includes any incidents where United States
assistance has directly or indirectly been provided to an
individual or organization with ties to terrorism or incitement
of violence.
The Committee notes allegations of assistance provided to
individuals or entities engaging in political activities and
directs the Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID to
expand vetting policies and practices to include an assessment
of political neutrality and a review of statements by
individuals or organizations that constitute engagement in
political advocacy, incitement, or support for terrorism that
would cause operational and reputational risks for the United
States Government.
Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act.--The
Committee supports efforts that foster reconciliation and
engagement and therefore recommends not less than the prior
fiscal year level under Economic Support Fund for the Nita M.
Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act (title VIII of
division K of Public Law 116-260).
Yemen.--The Committee recommendation includes funds
appropriated under title III and Nonproliferation, Anti-
terrorism, Demining and Related Programs for support of health,
humanitarian, and stabilization efforts in Yemen, including
demining operations and support for Yemeni local and community-
based organizations.
The Committee remains concerned by the absence of
accountability for civilian harm, crimes against humanity, and
other violations of international law, including obstruction of
humanitarian assistance, by Houthi rebels and other malign
actors in Yemen. The Committee urges the Secretary of State to
lead efforts to restore an independent, international, and
adequately resourced human rights monitoring and reporting
mechanism in Yemen as soon as possible. The Committee directs
the Secretary to prioritize and ensure the meaningful inclusion
and participation of Yemeni women and civil society
organizations in the peace process and to emphasize the rights
and needs of children in any lasting peace agreement.
Reports
Egypt
Religious freedom.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall update
the report required under this heading in House Report 117-84
concerning the treatment of Christian communities in Egypt.
Iran
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.--The Committee notes
that while the United States has sanctioned the Iranian
Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist
organization, many treaty allies in Europe and Asia have not
done so. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the
Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a public report detailing the extent
to which allied nations' decision not to sanction the IRGC
undermines the effectiveness of United States sanctions. Such
report shall also include suggested methods by which the United
States could convince treaty allied nations to do so through
economic incentives or other means. Such report shall be
submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified
annex.
Iraq
Iranian militia owned companies.--The Committee is aware
that the designated foreign terrorist organization Kataib
Hezbollah, an Iranian backed militia, owns an Iraqi company
known as the Muhandis company. This company has become enmeshed
in Iraq's economy and may be receiving funds from United States
regional partner governments. Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
submit to the Committees on Appropriations a report that
examines the potential of this company, and any similar
companies owned or controlled by Iranian-backed terrorist
organizations operating in Iraq or the wider region, to avoid
United States sanctions. Such report shall be submitted in
unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
Israel
BDS vetting.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall update the
report required under this heading in House Report 118-146 on
steps taken to expand vetting policies and procedures to ensure
that organizations receiving United States assistance do not
directly or indirectly participate in or promote the BDS
movement.
Israel Normalization Act implementation.--The Committee
directs the Secretary of State to provide annual updates to the
appropriate congressional committees on work conducted under
the purview of the Israel Relations Normalization Act and on
the United States strategy to strengthen, expand, and promote
normalization agreements with Israel, consistent with sections
105 and 106 of division Z of Public Law 117-103. The Committee
further directs the Secretary to submit an update to the report
required under this heading in House Report 118-146, not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, that
evaluates efforts by countries to advance efforts to combat
hate and promote tolerance, including to discourage violence
and intolerance through educational materials.
Lebanon
LAF performance.--Not later than 45 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the Secretary of
State to submit to the appropriate congressional committees an
updated report, in classified form if necessary, on the
performance of the LAF, including an assessment of its
operational capabilities and how the training, curriculum, and
equipment provided by the United States contributes to those
capabilities.
Hezbollah influence.--The Committee continues to be
concerned about Hezbollah's growing influence within the
Government of Lebanon. The Committee directs the Secretary of
State to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations,
not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
on: (1) the extent of Hezbollah's influence within such
government, including within the LAF; (2) the steps being taken
to prevent the use of Lebanon as a safe haven for terrorist
groups; (3) the implementation of United Nations Security
Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701; (4) the prevention of
Hezbollah's building of cross-border tunnels into Israel and
weapons factories inside Lebanon; (5) the risks associated with
the reported development of precision-guided missiles by
Hezbollah; and (6) the extent of Hezbollah's influence on the
judicial and financial sectors of Lebanon.
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).--The
Committee remains concerned about UNIFIL's ability to fulfill
its mandate in southern Lebanon to assist the LAF in
establishing an area free of any armed personnel, assets, and
weapons other than those of the government and of UNIFIL as
well as accessing suspected tunnel sites and other areas of
concern along the Blue Line. Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the
Secretary of State to submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees assessing UNIFIL's efforts to detect
tunnels built by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the steps
the Secretary and United States Ambassador to the United
Nations are taking to urge the United Nations Security Council
to sanction Hezbollah for violations of UNSCR 1701. The report
should also include an assessment of whether UNIFIL is
complying with its new requirement to increase its visible
presence in southern Lebanon and oversee the LAF's accelerated
deployment in southern Lebanon.
Tunisia
The Committee is alarmed by the deterioration of rights and
freedoms in Tunisia since the shutdown of the parliament in
July 2021. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a report outlining the
United States strategy for supporting democracy in Tunisia.
West Bank and Gaza
Prisoner payments.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State is directed to
submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on
the status of negotiating an end to the Palestinian Authority's
practice of paying salaries to terrorists and families of
terrorists serving in prison and other forms of such support.
Section 7042 (Africa)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding assistance for Africa.
The Committee acknowledges that global development,
diplomacy, and defense are pertinent to protecting United
States national security and advancing United States policy
toward Africa and notes the important role the countries of
Africa play with respect to global security and stability. The
Secretary of State should prioritize issues affecting the
future of these countries and ensure adequate diplomatic and
assistance resources are made available to support the
continent.
Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).--The Committee
directs funding to support country-level implementation
strategies for AGOA.
Cabo Verde.--The Committee directs funding at not less than
the prior fiscal year level for Cabo Verde for improving
economic resilience.
Cameroon.--The Committee remains concerned about gross
violations of human rights committed against Cameroonian
citizens, including displaced persons in the Anglophone regions
of Cameroon, and urges the Secretary of State to encourage the
Government of Cameroon to provide for a genuine political
dialogue to resolve the Anglophone crisis. The Secretary shall
ensure that any security assistance from the United States is
not used in the perpetration of human rights abuses.
Central African Republic (CAR).--The Committee notes that
funds appropriated by this Act may only be made available for
meeting basic essential services and democracy promotion in the
CAR unless the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the
appropriate congressional committees that the rule of law has
been restored in the country. Contingent on such certification,
funds may be made available for additional activities,
including for peacebuilding, reconciliation, food security, and
livelihoods.
Democracy programming investments in Africa.--The Committee
directs that funds for democracy promotion in Africa be
allocated to countries consistent with the definitions and
prioritization in subsections 7032(c) and (d).
Democratic Republic of the Congo.--The Committee remains
deeply concerned by the ongoing violence and instability
affecting civilian and minority communities, including the
Banyamulenge, in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo. The Committee encourages the Secretary of State
to work with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the
Congo to find a comprehensive political strategy to address the
structural causes of the conflicts. Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Committee directs
the Secretary to brief the appropriate congressional committees
on efforts to protect minority communities in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, including the Banyamulenge, as well as
efforts to address the structural causes of the ongoing
violence, including combating illegal trafficking of natural
resources and strengthening institutions. The Committee directs
that such briefing shall also describe humanitarian assistance
provided in response to recent atrocities and any sanctions
levied against responsible individuals.
Ethiopia.--The Committee acknowledges recent progress in
Ethiopia. However, the Committee remains deeply concerned about
the humanitarian impacts of the conflict on civilian
populations.
Malawi.--The Committee expects higher education investments
in Malawi to increase access to higher education, governance,
and economic growth in Malawi. USAID is directed to implement a
comprehensive higher education program to address job growth
and the need for a skilled workforce, specifically in the
agriculture sector. The program should provide training and
livelihood opportunities to students graduating from secondary
school and enrolling in postsecondary education. Self-
sustaining business models should be strongly encouraged.
Nigeria.--The Committee directs $10,000,000 to support
religious freedom and atrocity response projects, including
through FBOs and nongovernmental organizations from the
affected communities, that improve local communication,
documentation, and distribution of humanitarian assistance for
communities impacted by violence in Nigeria, including in the
Middle Belt, Benue State, and other states and communities
impacted by violent jihadist extremism.
Power Africa.--The Committee supports Power Africa's goal
to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa and bring
30 gigawatts of new power generation to financial close by
2030, which is required for meaningful economic development and
job creation across Africa. The Committee notes that Power
Africa's fiscal year 2023 spend plan includes an objective for
putting Africa on a ``low-carbon trajectory,'' which, similar
to the 2022 spend plan, denies the fact that sub-Saharan Africa
emissions are already among the lowest in the world with no
measurable impact on even the most extreme climate speculations
and models. Such objective is also a direct contradiction to
the program authorization, as provided in the Electrify Africa
Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-121). Such authorization states
that it is the policy of the United States to ``promote an all-
of-the-above energy development strategy for sub-Saharan Africa
that includes the use of oil, natural gas, coal, hydroelectric,
wind, solar, and geothermal power, and other sources of
energy.'' The Committee continues to note that it is
unrealistic to promote economic development in Africa or for
Power Africa to achieve its goals without promoting large-scale
power generation derived from all-of-the-above sources,
including conventional energy sources. The Committee includes
further language under Reports in this heading.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State, Secretary of
the Treasury, and Administrator of USAID to increase
engagement, including at international organizations and IFIs,
for large-scale power generation across Africa through an all-
of-the-above energy development strategy as defined in
paragraph (8) of section 3 of the Electrify Africa Act of 2015
(Public Law 114-121).
Sahel Region.--The Committee supports efforts to assist
nongovernmental organizations to support local efforts to
prevent atrocities, build peace, advance social cohesion,
support youth-led initiatives, and promote reconciliation in
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
South Africa.--The Committee remains concerned that the
Government of the Republic of South Africa maintains close ties
with the PRC and the Russian Federation. The Committee directs
the Secretary of State to consult with the appropriate
congressional committees on South Africa's engagement with both
countries and whether United States assistance should be
modified accordingly, including funds under International
Military Education and Training.
South Sudan.--The Committee recognizes that United Nations
peacekeepers were necessary to protect civilians during South
Sudan's civil war, which included sheltering 200,000 people
whose lives were threatened by ethnic and political violence at
their bases. The Committee notes that the continued presence of
peacekeepers could prevent backsliding in the implementation of
the peace agreement and hold the parties to their commitments.
Sudan.--The Committee remains deeply concerned by the
deteriorating food security, civilian protection, and
population displacement across Sudan, which is worsened by
recurring drought and flooding, economic volatility, and armed
conflict and insecurity. The Committee urges the Secretary of
State to leverage diplomatic tools and work with international
partners to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid,
prioritize the protection of civilians, particularly women and
children, and put survivors and youth at the center of its
efforts to resolve the conflict.
Tactical combat aircraft needs.--The Committee notes the
significant terrorism threats in the Sahel and East Africa and
includes additional funds under Foreign Military Financing
Program to support Ghana and Kenya, demonstrated security
partners, with their tactical combat aircraft needs, such as
the A-29 Super Tuscano, in addressing such threats and
enhancing stability in those regions.
Reports
Development assistance in Africa.--The Committee is
concerned that the United States Government's development focus
in Africa is not accomplishing sustainable poverty reduction in
the face of growing needs. Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations on obstacles to providing development support
that meet basic needs and develop partnerships with African
partners to foster broad-based economic growth.
Ethiopia.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall update the
appropriate congressional committees on efforts to address
human rights abuses and accountability by all parties, secure
an immediate and lasting peace for the country, and facilitate
unhindered humanitarian access, including for the delivery of
food assistance. Such update shall include steps the Secretary
and Administrator of USAID are taking to ensure humanitarian
assistance will not be diverted and to reinforce humanitarian
principles at all levels of the Government of Ethiopia.
Power Africa.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the Administrator
of USAID, in coordination with the Chief Executive Officer of
the United States International Development Finance
Corporation, to submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees that details planned support,
disaggregated by source of energy, for the Power Africa program
in fiscal year 2025. Such report shall also include detail on
expected, new program outcomes as a result of such support,
which are required to double access to electricity in sub-
Saharan Africa and bringing 30 gigawatts of new power
generation in sub-Saharan Africa to financial close by 2030.
Section 7043 (East Asia and the Pacific)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
containing limitations and prohibitions, directives on
assistance, and guidance for diplomatic and development
activities and programs in East Asia and the Pacific.
Burma.--The Committee recommendation includes $50,000,000
under title III to implement the BURMA Act of 2022 (subtitle E
of Public Law 117-263). The Committee also includes funds to
address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Burma.
The Committee continues to condemn the military coup in
Burma and associated regime atrocities and does not provide any
assistance to the Tatmadaw, State Administration Council, or
entities affiliated with the military junta. The Committee
recommendation includes funds to investigate and document
violations of human rights committed by the Burmese military,
including against ethnic groups in Burma.
The Committee urges the Secretary of State and the
Administrator of USAID to provide robust diplomatic engagement
for, and assistance to, refugees from Burma and internally
displaced people across the country, including cross-border
assistance for those who have fled violence as a result of the
military coup, armed conflict, ethnic cleansing, human
trafficking associated with scam centers and related
criminality, as well as other causes of instability.
The Committee encourages funding in support of democratic
governance activities that engage the non-military aligned and
democratically elected members of Parliament, the National
Unity Government, and civil society organizations in a way that
builds trust and cooperation among ethnic groups and
communities.
The Committee encourages the Department of State and USAID
to provide non-lethal assistance to civil society organizations
in Burma, including to support multilingual education and
education systems strengthening in areas controlled by ethnic
armed organizations, in order to assist in local capacity
development and to build trust and cooperation among ethnic
groups and communities.
The Committee recommends the Department of State explore
the feasibility of supporting the capacity of local partners to
provide explosive risk education, victim assistance, and
related programs to mitigate against the risk of mines and
other unexploded ordnance in Burma.
Cambodia.--The Committee retains prior year limitations on
funding for the Kingdom of Cambodia. The Committee notes with
deep concern the extended deployment of ships from the People's
Liberation Navy at Ream Naval Base, suggesting a permanent PRC
military presence at Ream. The Committee also remains deeply
concerned with the lack of fundamental freedoms in Cambodia and
supports the human rights of Cambodians, including peaceful
assembly and free expression, and their participation in
building a democratic system.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to follow the
limitation on negotiations with the Kingdom of Cambodia
contained under this heading in House Report 117-401.
Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Countering PRC Influence
Fund.--The Committee recommendation includes $2,100,000,000
under titles III through VI for the Indo-Pacific Strategy,
which is $24,000,000 above the request and $300,000,000 above
the fiscal year 2024 enacted level. It also includes
$400,000,000 for the Countering PRC Influence Fund.
Funds for the Countering PRC Influence Fund are allocated
according to the following table and subject to section 7019 of
this Act:
COUNTERING PRC INFLUENCE FUND
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Development Assistance.................... $90,000
Economic Support Fund..................... 120,000
International Narcotics Control and Law 70,000
Enforcement..............................
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining 35,000
and Related Programs.....................
Foreign Military Financing Program........ 85,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to subsection (c)(2), the Countering PRC Influence
Fund should be used for activities that provide the highest
strategic impact to counter PRC influence globally. The
Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of
USAID, should develop a strategic impact measurement system
that assesses PRC influence globally and measures the strategic
impact of United States involvement in countries by sector and
activity. Such system should be used to help prioritize and
guide the allocation and obligation of funds from the
Countering PRC Influence Fund. The Committee directs the
Secretary to provide a briefing to the appropriate
congressional committees, not later than 60 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, detailing the processes for
administering the Countering PRC Influence Fund and how the
strategic impact measurement system informs such processes.
The Committee notes that our allies and partners in
Southeast Asia must strengthen their law enforcement capacity
to combat Chinese grey-zone aggression, including illegal,
unregulated, and unreported fishing, and CCP maritime militia
and coast guard patrols that violate their exclusive economic
zones. The Committee recommendation includes robust funding for
the Countering PRC Influence Fund to address these threats.
The Committee recommendation includes funding for AI to
enhance current maritime situational awareness capabilities to
support the operational needs of the Indo-Pacific Partnership
for Maritime Domain Awareness.
The Committee is deeply concerned by the surge of PRC
influence in Ecuador, which, combined with unprecedented
narcotics trafficking, organized crime, and violence, is
presenting an overwhelming challenge for the Ecuadorian
government. The Committee directs the Secretary of State and
the Administrator of USAID to prioritize funds from the
Countering PRC Influence Fund to support strategically targeted
programs for Ecuador, including funds to combat illegal
fishing, increase transparency of Ecuador's procurement
systems, and address vulnerabilities in ports. Not later than
45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
and Administrator shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on the amount and purposes of such funding.
The Committee notes that subsection (c)(3)(B) includes a
restriction on the use of funds provided by this Act and prior
acts from being made available for the use of technology
developed by the PRC. The Committee directs the Secretary of
State and Administrator of USAID to apply this restriction to
any computer or printer made by an entity that is owned,
controlled, or influenced by the PRC or the CCP, including
those contracted from third parties.
The Committee recommendation includes funds to support the
work of the Quad Investors Network to strengthen collaboration
between the public and private sectors in the United States and
the Quad partners of India, Japan, and Australia to promote and
scale investments in critical emerging technologies in the
Indo-Pacific.
Japan.--The Committee supports and encourages continued
regional partnership between the United States, Japan, and
other regional allies in pursuing policies that enhance
stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Laos.--The Committee directs the Secretary of State to
follow the limitations on negotiations with Lao People's
Democratic Republic under this heading in House Report 117-401.
Mongolia.--The Committee supports the development of
programming and partnerships on weather-related forecasting and
early warning and response systems, including in Mongolia and
other areas that lack such forecasting tools.
North Korea.--Pursuant to subsection (d)(1), none of the
funds provided by this Act may be made available to the central
government of a country the Secretary of State determines
engages in significant transactions contributing to the
malicious cyber-intrusion capabilities of the Government of
North Korea.
Pacific Islands.--The Committee recommendation includes
$175,000,000 for Pacific Islands countries, including
$60,000,000 for the South Pacific Tuna Treaty.
The Committee recommendation includes funding for a
Flexible Microfinance Facility, launched by the DFC in
partnership with USAID, to expand access to finance for micro,
small, and medium-sized enterprises in Pacific Islands
countries.
The Committee welcomes the announcement that the Global
Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) program will
expand to Pacific Islands countries. The Committee
recommendation includes $500,000 to support the expansion of
GIST into Pacific Islands countries to increase resilience by
kick-starting businesses that focus on technology solutions to
resiliency challenges. The Committee also supports technical
assistance on transportation infrastructure in Pacific Islands
countries.
The Committee directs that funds be made available for
trade capacity building activities to improve the enabling
environment for trade and investment in Pacific Islands
countries.
The Committee recommendation includes funding for a new,
demand-driven initiative to diversify trade opportunities in
Pacific Islands countries and help make the business
environment and economic system more efficient, transparent,
and resilient.
The Committee directs that funds be made available to
promote democratic governance in Pacific Islands countries. The
Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID shall consult
with the Committees on Appropriations regarding mechanisms for
a flexible response fund and new initiatives to strengthen
governance and rule of law in Pacific Islands countries.
The Committee recommendation includes an increase over the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for Pacific Islands countries
and directs a portion be made available for assistance for the
Freely Associated States, in addition to funds for such States
included in the Compacts of Free Association.
The Committee notes the steps that USAID has taken to
increase the grants awarded under the Pacific American Fund.
The Committee recommendation includes $6,000,000 for the
Pacific American Fund to allow USAID to support more projects
in Pacific Islands countries.
The Committee supports funds above the prior year level to
address World War II-era unexploded ordinance in Pacific
Islands countries, including $2,500,000 for the Solomon
Islands.
The Committee supports the Department of State's continued
support for the Advancing Port Enhancement and Customs Security
program in Pacific Islands countries. The Committee directs
$3,000,000 to support Pacific Partners' ability to strengthen
port security and customs, counter-trafficking, and anti-money
laundering efforts.
The Committee also supports the Pacific Financial Technical
Assistance Center and directs not less than $1,250,000 to
support this initiative.
People's Republic of China.--Subsection (f) prohibits funds
in this Act to: (1) the PRC or CCP; and (2) implement,
administer, carry out, modify, revise, or enforce any action
that directly supports or facilitates forced labor or other
violations of human rights, crimes against humanity, or
genocide in the PRC.
Section 7031(a)(5) prohibits funds in this Act from being
used by foreign countries to repay loans to the Government of
the PRC.
The Committee is concerned about threats to the cultural
and linguistic heritage of ethnic and other minority
communities in the PRC and directs the Secretary of State to
brief the appropriate congressional committees on the steps the
Department of State is taking to assist such communities in the
preservation of their cultural and ethnic heritage.
The Committee notes that although the Department of State
has recently sanctioned some PRC officials under the Uyghur
Human Rights Policy Act of 2020, it has yet to designate Ma
Xingrui, the Communist Party secretary of Xinjiang. The
Committee urges the Department to designate Ma Xingrui and
other PRC officials responsible for ongoing human rights abuses
in Xinjiang under the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act, as well
as under section 7031(c) of this Act.
Taiwan.--The Committee recommendation includes $500,000,000
from funds made available under Foreign Military Financing
Program, including for Foreign Military Financing Program
direct loan and loan guarantee authority, and not less than the
prior fiscal year level under International Military Education
and Training to enhance Taiwan's capacity to resist coercion
and aggression and to strengthen interoperability with the
United States.
The Committee directs that funds appropriated under Payment
to the American Institute in Taiwan be made available for
implementation of the Taiwan Fellowship Program, and the
Secretary of State is directed to implement the program
expeditiously.
The Committee notes that the Department of State's guidance
regarding relations with Taiwan are governed in part by the
principles outlined in the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020
(subtitle B of Public Law 116-260). Not later than 60 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
is directed to brief the Committees on Appropriations on how
Department guidance on Taiwan meets the goals and objectives
outlined in such Act, including with regard to the fact that
Taiwan is governed by a representative democracy that is
peacefully constituted through free and fair elections that
reflect the will of the people of Taiwan.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to ensure that
officials from Taiwan seeking discussions in the United States
with Federal or state government officials are admitted for
entry in accordance with section 221 of Public Law 103-416.
Tibet.--Funds made available by this Act shall not be used
to produce or disseminate documents, reports, maps, or other
materials that recognize, identify, or otherwise refer to
Tibet, including the Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan
autonomous counties and prefectures, as part of the PRC, until
the Secretary of State reports to the appropriate congressional
committees that the PRC has reached a final, negotiated
agreement on Tibet with the Dalai Lama, his representatives, or
with democratically-elected leaders of the Tibetan people.
Vietnam.--The Committee directs the Secretary of State to
follow the limitations on negotiations with the Socialist
Republic of Vietnam contained under this heading in House
Report 117-401.
The Committee recommendation includes $9,000,000 under
title III for the Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000.
Reports
Belt and Road Initiative impact assessment.--The Committee
directs the Department of State, in coordination with other
relevant Federal agencies, to report on the impact of PRC
lending and other financial practices on Belt and Road
Initiative participant countries and to recommend best
practices for addressing the impact of such activities through
United States diplomatic and programmatic engagements. The
assessment should consider the impact of these practices on
corruption and social stability within a representative sample
of such countries, among other issues. The Committee further
directs that the lessons learned from such assessment be shared
with the European Union and other partners of the United States
to help develop a unified approach in addressing PRC efforts to
create economic dependencies and to coerce others through such
initiative and similar initiatives.
Burma.--The Committee directs the Secretary of State to
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations, not later
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
detailing the steps taken by the United States to provide
cross-border humanitarian and other assistance to populations
in need in Burma.
Commercial Engagement with the Pacific Islands.--Not later
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State, in coordination with the heads of other
relevant Federal agencies, shall submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees on ways to strengthen
United States trade and investment with Pacific Islands
countries. For the purposes of this paragraph, the appropriate
congressional committees shall also include the Committee on
Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Finance of the Senate.
Engagement with FBOs.--The Committee recognizes the
important role of FBOs in Pacific Islands countries. Not later
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator of USAID shall submit a strategy for faith-based
engagement as part of development assistance in Pacific Islands
countries to the appropriate congressional committees.
Hong Kong.--Not later than 45 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees an update to the
report described in section 301 of the United States-Hong Kong
Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5731).
Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness.--
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations on progress made in implementing
this initiative, its component elements, the participating
security partners, and potential for program expansion.
Relocation of Belau National Hospital.--Not later than 180
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State, in coordination with the Government of Palau and the
heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall report to the
Committees on Appropriations on the estimated cost and
potential for international donor support for relocation of the
Belau National Hospital.
Transnational crime in the Pacific Islands.--The Committee
directs that not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall update the
report required under this heading in House Report 117-401.
Section 7044 (South and Central Asia)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
containing limitations, directives, and authorities for
diplomatic and development activities and programs in South and
Central Asia.
Afghanistan.--In recognition of the current circumstances
in Afghanistan, subsection (a)(1) prohibits funds appropriated
by this Act from being made available for assistance to the
Taliban.
The Committee remains gravely concerned by the plight of
Afghans under Taliban rule, particularly women and girls. The
Committee notes that the Taliban continues to ban women and
girls from education, health centers, cemeteries, sports,
working for NGOs, driving, and traveling in public without a
male escort or a ``legitimate reason''. The Committee directs
the Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID to take all
appropriate actions to support and protect women and girls and
ensure such efforts are a top priority in United States
diplomatic engagement on Afghanistan. Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and
Administrator shall jointly submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees detailing such efforts.
Subsection (a)(2) continues support for women in
Afghanistan, including for Afghan women-led organizations.
Consistent with the prior year, the Committee directs that not
less than $5,000,000 under Economic Support Fund be made
available to continue investigating and documenting human
rights abuses against women in Afghanistan. Further, the
Committee directs that $5,000,000 under title III of this Act
be made available to continue support of a program, co-designed
by women in Afghanistan, for Afghan women-led organizations to
support education, human rights, and economic livelihoods in
Afghanistan. Such funds shall be made available following
consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.
The Committee strongly supports efforts to ensure women and
girls in Afghanistan have access to education, including online
education as necessary for women and girls who would otherwise
be unable or severely limited in their ability to attend
school. The Committee directs the Secretary of State and
Administrator of USAID to encourage the governments of
countries surrounding Afghanistan, such as Pakistan, to
accommodate Afghan girls in schools, as appropriate. The
Committee further directs the Secretary and Administrator, in
coordination with the USAGM CEO, to look for opportunities to
support modified learning for Afghan women and girls, including
but not limited to efforts to expand internet access, online
schooling, and distribution of educational content.
The Committee supports continued funding for the American
University of Afghanistan, which is providing online education
for Afghan students and educational opportunities in third
countries for such students.
The Committee notes the lack of an enabling environment to
carry out appropriate monitoring of programs and activities in
Afghanistan. The Committee encourages the Secretary of State
and Administrator of USAID to consider innovative technologies
in order to ensure program monitoring for any current and prior
year funding within Afghanistan.
The Committee remains concerned about the backlog and
delays of SIV applications that continue to hamper the program
and expects the Department of State to address the processing
backlogs of Afghan SIV cases. The Committee recommendation
includes funds that may be used for additional Department of
State personnel, as necessary, to fully vet applicants,
eliminate the backlog, and complete the adjudication of these
SIV cases.
The Committee is aware that due to the lack of a
coordinated federal response during the initial stages of the
Afghanistan evacuation, Federal agencies, including the
Department of State, relied heavily on local entities,
including those in Northern Virginia, to address a multitude of
unforeseen gaps in caring for Afghan evacuees in the United
States. The Committee understands that many of these entities
have yet to be reimbursed for providing such services. The
Committee urges the Department to promptly review and address
these unreimbursed expenses.
Bangladesh.--The Committee directs the Secretary of State
and Administrator of USAID to continue to prioritize
humanitarian assistance to help displaced Rohingya refugees who
have fled from Burma to Bangladesh. Such assistance should
include improving cooperation with host communities in
Bangladesh.
The Committee directs $3,000,000 of the funds appropriated
under Development Assistance in this Act for assistance for
Bangladesh be made available for programs to improve labor
conditions in readymade garment, shrimp, and fish industries.
India.--The Committee remains concerned with recent unrest
and restrictions on civil liberties in the Indian state of
Punjab and will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Pakistan.--The Committee notes that the United States and
Pakistan have shared more than 75 years of bilateral relations.
At a time of great challenges, the Committee believes the
United States and Pakistan need to define a partnership that
advances shared interests and mutual goals.
Reports
Afghanistan.--Not later than 15 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination
with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit to the
Committees on Appropriations a comprehensive list of sanctions
against members of the Taliban and affiliates of the Taliban.
Such report shall include, for each individual sanctioned, the
type of sanction that applies.
Afghanistan SIV.--The Committee directs the Secretary of
State to submit a report, not later than 45 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, to the appropriate congressional
committees on the status of the Afghan SIV program and the
specific actions taken to provide additional personnel,
operational, and technical support to eliminate processing
backlogs and expedite the adjudication of Afghan SIV cases and
the Department's progress on meeting the conditions as
described in section 7076(b) of the Department of State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act,
2019.
Afghanistan women and girls.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the
Secretary of State and the Administrator of USAID to report to
the appropriate congressional committees on steps taken to
protect the rights of Afghan women and girls in Afghanistan and
in third countries, including efforts to prevent and respond to
violence and provide access to education, employment, and other
economic opportunities. Such report shall also include a
description of the steps taken and metrics used to measure
success since the start of fiscal year 2024.
Bangladesh.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the Secretary of
State to submit a report to the appropriate congressional
committees on the extent to which the government of Bangladesh
supports human rights, including freedoms of expression,
association, and religion, due process, and free and fair
elections.
Central Asia.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the Secretary of
State to submit a strategy to the appropriate congressional
committees on United States interests in Central Asia that
shall include considerations for significant changing
circumstances in the region, including Russia's diminishing
presence as a result of its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the
Taliban's rise to power in Afghanistan, and the PRC's growing
influence on members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
by promoting CCP governance concepts that empower authoritarian
regimes.
Pakistan.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the Secretary of
State to submit a report to the appropriate congressional
committees on the status of Dr. Shakil Afridi and the actions
the United States has taken to secure his release from prison
and ensure that he has been cleared of all charges related to
the assistance provided in locating Osama bin Laden.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Committee directs the Secretary of State to submit a
report to the appropriate congressional committees on the: (1)
amount of financing and other support, if any, provided by the
Government of Pakistan to schools supported by, affiliated
with, or run by the Taliban or any domestic or foreign
terrorist organization in Pakistan; (2) extent of cooperation
by such government in issuing visas in a timely manner for
United States visitors, including officials and representatives
of NGOs, engaged in assistance and security programs in
Pakistan; (3) extent to which such government is providing
humanitarian organizations access to detainees, internally
displaced persons, and other Pakistani civilians affected by
conflict in Pakistan and the region; (4) extent to which such
government is strengthening democracy in Pakistan, including
protecting freedom of expression, assembly, and religion; and
(5) extent to which such government is cooperating with the
United States in counterterrorism efforts against the Haqqani
Network, the Quetta Shura Taliban, Lashkar e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-
Mohammed, Al-Qaeda, and other domestic and foreign terrorist
organizations, including taking steps to end support for such
groups and prevent them from basing and operating in Pakistan.
Sri Lanka.--The Committee directs the Secretary of State to
include in the certification report required in subsection
(c)(2) any steps the Government of Sri Lanka has taken to
promote reconciliation between ethnic and religious groups,
particularly arising from past conflict in Sri Lanka, including
by: (1) addressing land confiscation and ownership issues; (2)
resolving cases of missing persons, including by maintaining a
functioning and credible office of missing persons; (3)
reducing the presence of the armed forces in former conflict
zones and restructuring the armed forces for a peacetime role
that contributes to post-conflict reconciliation and regional
security; (4) repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act or
amending laws on arrest and detention by security forces to
comply with international standards; and (5) investigating
allegations of arbitrary arrest and torture and supporting a
credible justice mechanism for resolving cases of war crimes.
Section 7045 (Latin America and the Caribbean)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding programs and funding for countries in Latin America
and the Caribbean.
Assistance for Latin America and the Caribbean
The Committee continues to note the absence of a coherent
United States foreign policy toward the Western Hemisphere that
aligns with core American values and effectively addresses
challenges that threaten United States sovereignty and national
security. The proliferation of fentanyl, uncontrolled
migration, the growing threat from malign state and non-state
actors, and the backsliding of democratic governance in the
hemisphere should be the key drivers of assistance.
Regionally, the Department of State has allocated
significant levels of assistance to countries and governments
that do not support the foreign policy goals of the United
States. Meanwhile, the Committee notes the underinvestment in
allies like Costa Rica and Panama, which are carrying heavy
burdens from the exodus of Venezuelans and Nicaraguans as well
as the crisis in Haiti.
Therefore, the Committee establishes funding priorities for
the region in subsection (a), including countering fentanyl and
other narcotics trafficking, countering regional and global
authoritarian threats, and addressing large-scale migration.
Central America
The Committee is greatly concerned by the current United
States foreign policy toward Central America, which is
disjointed and lacks well-articulated metrics used for
monitoring and evaluating the impact of funding.
Subsection (b)(1) makes funds available for assistance for
countries in Central America to address the unique
circumstances of each country in support of United States
security interests in the region. The Committee notes that
positive outcomes, such as entrepreneurism, women's economic
empowerment, and commercial expansion, should not be lost among
broader concerns related to crime, violence, human rights
abuses, and humanitarian needs. The Committee also recognizes
the opportunities and potential for expanding United States
partnerships in the region.
Central America strategic partners.--The Committee directs
the Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID to employ
more rigorous effort and ingenuity in providing assistance to
partners in Central America who effectively cooperate on broad
policy objectives, such as counternarcotics and migration, and
share values aligned with the United States. Within Central
America, the Committee identifies Belize, Costa Rica,
Guatemala, and Panama as countries that merit more engagement
and support. The Committee encourages the Administration to
consider Guatemala's diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, support
for Israel, and continued law enforcement cooperation, as it
considers funding levels within the Northern Triangle.
Certification requirement.--Subsection (b)(2) describes
conditions the central governments of El Salvador, Guatemala,
and Honduras must meet for full funding allocated to such
governments to be released. The Committee does not include
authority to reprogram funds if the conditions are not met.
The Committee notes that the required certifications
provide an opportunity for the Department of State to ensure
that the central governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and
Honduras are making meaningful progress to address the
conditions on assistance outlined in this Act. In recent years,
the Committee has become concerned about insufficient
engagement between officials from the Department and their
counterparts from such governments to encourage actions needed
to fulfill the certification requirement, including tax refunds
owed to United States businesses operating in the region.
Combating corruption.--The Committee supports funds for
anti-corruption programs in Central America. However, prior to
providing such funds, the Secretary of State shall ensure that
entities carrying out anti-corruption programs have sufficient
authority, autonomy, and the legal mandate to carry out
independent investigations and support prosecutions against
corrupt actors. Within the funds made available pursuant to
subsection (b)(1), the Committee supports assistance for
offices of Attorneys General, particularly those dedicated to
countering corruption, money laundering, financial crimes,
human rights crimes, asset forfeitures, and criminal analysis,
if the Secretary determines such offices and units have the
authority, independence, and will to hold corrupt and illicit
actors accountable.
Combating human trafficking in Central America.--The
Committee supports increased funds above the fiscal year 2024
level for USAID programs to combat human trafficking in Central
America, including through local organizations.
Costa Rica.--The Committee notes the unique challenges
facing Costa Rica, including heavy migration from Nicaragua,
encroachment of narcotics trafficking and transnational crime
toward coastlines, and malign influence from both the PRC and
Russia, who seek to establish footholds in the country. Costa
Rica is not only a loyal partner of the United States but also
a high-impact contributor to countering narcotics and crime.
Therefore, the Committee encourages the Department of State and
other relevant Federal agencies to help mitigate this burden,
including through enhanced United States support for security
assistance, private sector investment, and other forms of
financial assistance for Costa Rica.
Economic development priorities in the Northern Triangle.--
The Committee directs that funds provided by this Act for
assistance for Northern Triangle countries be made available
for programs that focus on building economic competitiveness,
including: (1) increasing productivity in targeted economic
sectors; (2) reducing trade barriers, especially with the
United States; (3) enhancing infrastructure at borders; (4)
assisting with tax reforms; and (5) lowering the costs of doing
business, especially for American investors.
Guatemala assistance and programming priorities.--The
Committee expects the majority of funds made available for
assistance for Guatemala to be prioritized in accordance with
objectives defined in section 7045(a)(1) of this Act and shall
be reflected as such in the spend plan required pursuant to
section 7062(b). Within those objectives, the Committee
supports programs that create broad-based economic
opportunities in the formal sector, which are necessary to
reduce migration, counter trafficking of narcotics, and combat
human trafficking.
Guatemala over-collection of taxes.--The over-collection of
Value Added Tax (VAT) and Corporate Income Tax continue to
disincentivize new investment by American businesses in
Guatemala. The Committee encourages the Department of State to
explore opportunities to engage with the new administration to
foster a business-friendly environment, including the
possibility of legislation to remedy the over-collection of
taxes. Additionally, the Committee urges the Department to
support administrative efforts aimed at expediting resolution
of outstanding claims, potentially by allowing for cross-
crediting against other tax obligations.
In Honduras, the Committee is concerned by reports that
United States businesses cannot pursue potential near-term
investments because of the unavailability of United States
dollar currency exchange for inbound businesses and because tax
refunds have remained undelivered for several years. The
Committee encourages the Department of State to work with the
central government of Honduras to formalize and refine a
mechanism that allows for the cross-crediting of refunds
against current and future tax obligations, as well as
exemptions from VAT on new construction projects. The Committee
is also aware that many United States citizens have
longstanding property and financial claims against Honduras.
The Committee therefore directs the Secretary of State to refer
all United States citizens' property and financial claims
against Honduras to the United States Department of Justice
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission for review and
adjudication not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act.
Journalist support and protection.--The Committee endorses
funding for independent, investigative journalists in Central
America to help collect and disseminate high-quality, fact-
based information for citizens and authorities to effectively
fight corruption. Such funding should also address efforts to
seek justice for harassment, threats, violence, and other
actions against journalists.
Local implementation of USAID programming in Central
America.--The Committee supports the principle that foreign
assistance in Central America, and throughout the Western
Hemisphere, is best informed and executed through the
participation and involvement of capable, local stakeholders.
However, the Committee views locally led development in Central
America as a means to accomplish the goals of the assistance as
outlined in subsection (a), and not as an end in and of itself.
The Committee is concerned that USAID has over-prioritized
reaching percentages of local agreements within its total
funding scheme, while the development goals of USAID in Central
America remain vague or, at best, unmet. Additionally, it
remains unclear how USAID's large number of already-funded
local NGOs are coordinated, connected, and focused on the
issues and objectives important to the American people,
especially regarding irregular migration towards the United
States southern border. In a constrained fiscal environment,
the Committee does not support designating a minimum amount for
locally led development but believes that utilizing
organizations and stakeholders from countries where USAID is
programming is still a valuable tool for success when used
judiciously.
Natural protected areas.--The Committee recognizes that a
large proportion of the Northern Triangle's international
borders are contained within, or contiguous with, natural
protected areas. The Committee notes in particular the
importance of the Maya Forest areas of Guatemala, Belize, and
Mexico and the Moskitia Forest region of Honduras. The
Committee recommendation includes funds to support the
comprehensive strategy for activities that strengthen security
and governance in these areas, including funds in support of
scientific investigation, heritage conservation, law
enforcement, and sustainable tourism.
Notification and spend plans.--The Committee recommendation
includes the special notification and spend plan requirements
for assistance for Central America and emphasizes the
importance of utilizing these tools to provide the Committees
on Appropriations with timely updates on United States
assistance and its relationship to: (1) corresponding regional
and country-specific strategies; (2) goals and objectives; (3)
performance monitoring indicators and benchmarks; (4) context
indicators, including obstacles and opportunities for growth;
(5) the results of assessments and evaluations; and (6) the
role of other key stakeholders, including donors and
counterpart governments. The spend plan shall outline steps
required to obligate funding in a timely manner.
Preventing violence against women and girls.--Within the
funds provided under Economic Support Fund and International
Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement and made available for
assistance for Central America, and in cooperation with Central
American federal and local authorities, the Committee supports
programs to prevent violence against women and girls.
Process of adoptions in Guatemala.--The Committee directs
the Secretary of State to brief the Committees on
Appropriations on the process of United States citizens
adopting Guatemalans, including its awareness on the history of
illegal adoptions, and safeguards the Department of State will
implement in the event an adoptions process restarts in
Guatemala.
Reintegration assistance.--The Committee supports programs
that promote the safe and humane return and reintegration of
refugees to the Northern Triangle, including youth, women and
girls victimized by violence, and victims of human trafficking.
Security assistance.--The Committee directs the Secretary
of State to ensure that funds appropriated under International
Military Education and Training and Foreign Military Financing
Program and made available for assistance for El Salvador,
Guatemala, and Honduras have ongoing oversight and direction
from the Department of State to best serve United States
foreign policy interests. The Committee further directs close
examination of each request to ensure programs and activities
are consistent with country and regional strategies. The
Secretary of State shall promptly inform the appropriate
congressional committees of any information relating to
violations of end-use agreements on defense items transferred
to such countries or other misuse of such assistance.
Reports, Central America
Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI).--Not
later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Committee directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with
the Administrator of USAID, to provide to the Committees on
Appropriations a report on the uses of all funds provided for
CARSI on a country-by-country basis for each program, project,
and activity for fiscal years 2017 through 2024. Such
information shall be integrated into the ForeignAssistance.gov
website.
DFC investment in Central America.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the CEO of the DFC
shall update the report required under this heading in House
Report 118-146 on ways in which the DFC can further engage
upper-middle-income countries in Central America, notably Costa
Rica and Panama. Such report shall include areas of
opportunities and remaining challenges to supporting private
sector investments in such countries.
Disaster resiliency.--Not later than 45 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of USAID shall
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations detailing
the uses, and intended uses, of all funds provided by this Act
and prior acts for strengthening resilience to natural
disasters of countries in Central America.
Due diligence on tax refunds.--The report required under
this heading in House Report 118-146 directed the Secretary of
State to provide a summary of engagements with government
officials in Northern Triangle countries to address overdue tax
refunds. The Committee remains interested in understanding the
steps taken by the Department of State to work with local
governments to promote a pro-investment environment, including
by facilitating tax refunds owed to American businesses.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary to provide an
update to the report not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, including the number of cases resolved
and still outstanding. Such report should also cite the tax
refund amounts believed to be owed to American companies by the
governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras and the
status of such refunds.
Effectiveness of Northern Triangle programming.--Not later
than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID shall submit an
update to the report required under this heading in House
Report 118-146.
Honduras.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the Secretary of
State to submit an update to the report required under this
heading in House Report 118-146 regarding the successes and
failures of the Government of Honduras in democratic
governance, rule of law, economic freedom, and human rights.
The report shall include assessments of the impact Honduras'
relationships with Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Russia, and the
PRC have on United States national security interests. The
report shall also include a cost-benefit analysis on United
States assistance to Honduras in fiscal year 2023 to determine
whether such assistance has yielded material results, including
for American investors and business owners operating in
Honduras.
Panama.--The Committee notes that the Republic of Panama
has absorbed an extraordinary burden in managing a massive
surge of migration through the Darien Gap. The Committee
directs the Secretary of State to submit an updated report to
the Committees on Appropriations, not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, that includes a description
of opportunities for the United States to support Panama,
including for: (1) electronic processing and recordkeeping of
migrant populations; (2) specialized land vehicles and aerial
vehicles to assist in the monitoring of the Darien National
Park region; and (3) other related needs to address the
migratory surge.
United States investment in Prospera ZEDE.--Not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Committee
directs the Secretary of State to submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations on expropriation attempts by the
Government of Honduras on investments by United States citizens
in Prospera ZEDE. Such report shall also outline steps and
options for representing the interests of impacted investors
and owners.
Colombia
The Committee notes with appreciation the deep and abiding
relationship between the United States and people of Colombia,
including the Colombian Armed Forces and the Colombian National
Police. However, the Committee remains deeply concerned about
the detrimental policies and relationships of the Petro
Administration, which are at odds with American security and
economic interests. Therefore, funds for Colombia are reduced
by 50 percent from the fiscal year 2024 level for Development
Assistance, Economic Support Fund, and International Narcotics
Control and Law Enforcement.
Funds for Colombia are allocated according to the following
table and subject to section 7019 of this Act:
COLOMBIA
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Development Assistance.................... $38,000
Economic Support Fund..................... 64,000
International Narcotics Control and Law 68,000
Enforcement..............................
Foreign Military Financing Program........ 38,525
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cuba
The Committee recommendation includes $35,000,000 for
programs to promote democracy and human rights in Cuba, while
strengthening the position of civil society as facilitators of
change. The Committee directs that funding be administered by
DRL, USAID, and the NED. The Committee directs that no funds
provided under title III be made available to the Bureau of
Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State, for democracy
promotion activities in Cuba.
Cuban Liberty and Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996.--The
Committee directs that funds provided by the Act for Cuba
democracy programs shall only be used for programs and
activities pursuant to section 109(a) of the LIBERTAD Act of
1996 and section 1705 of the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 and
shall not be used for business promotion, economic reform,
entrepreneurship, or any other assistance that is not democracy
building. In addition, the Committee applies the same
limitations to public diplomacy funds. With respect to grantee
selection and implementation, the Committee directs that
democracy promotion grants exceeding $1,000,000 shall only be
awarded to organizations with experience promoting democracy in
Cuba.
DRL, the NED, and USAID.--The Committee endorses a refocus
on the state of freedom in Cuba by all donors and implementers
and encourages DRL and USAID to consider the unique
capabilities of the core institutes of the NED in implementing
programs in Cuba.
Political prisoners.--The Committee is concerned with the
conditions faced by over one thousand Cuban political prisoners
who remain wrongfully and arbitrarily detained by the Cuban
regime, including prominent artists and activists jailed
before, during, and after the July 11, 2021 protests. The
Committee directs the Department of State to provide a
classified briefing, not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, for members of the Committees on
Appropriations regarding United States efforts to secure the
unconditional release of political prisoners held by the Cuban
regime, including all communications to the Cuban regime
demanding the releases.
Reports, Cuba
Confiscated property.--The Committee notes that title III
of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act
of 1996 creates substantial legal liability and risk for any
entity, Cuban or otherwise, that traffics property that was
confiscated by the Cuban regime. Title IV of the same Act
provides the Secretary of State with the authority and
responsibility to deny visas to individuals determined to have
trafficked in confiscated property to which a United States
national has a claim. Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to
the Committees on Appropriations documenting how the Department
of State is implementing the law related to title IV, including
the number of processed determination letters of claimants in
the last fiscal year, methods being utilized by the Department
to identify individuals suspected to be subject to visa bans,
and any additional actions being undertaken to achieve justice
for those whose property was stolen.
Military collusion.--The Committee is concerned with
continued reports of Cuban participation in military exercises
and training in Belarus. Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a
report to the appropriate congressional committees on Cuba's
involvement and contribution to Russia's war in Ukraine.
Cuban doctors
The Committee firmly stands against the use of Cuban
medical professionals against their will in foreign countries.
The scheme under which the Cuban regime is compensated for the
services of their doctors is a form of modern-day slavery, as
doctors are paid low wages and prevented from leaving their
assignments while recipient countries benefit from this coerced
transaction. Subsection (e) applies restrictions to assistance
for countries and organizations that benefit from trafficked
Cuban doctors, and the Committee directs the Secretary of State
to use authorities within Section 7031(c) to restrict visas of
entities engaging in such practice.
Irresponsible migration
The Committee is greatly concerned by non-profit
organizations organizing and facilitating the movements of
migrant caravans, which stands in contrast to the stated
foreign policy objective of the Administration to dissuade
illegal border crossings. Subsection (f)(1) of this section
establishes a prohibition on assistance to any organization
that mobilizes, organizes, or encourages such acts. This
prohibition extends to the publication of materials and online
information about migrant caravans. The Committee directs the
Secretary of State to update the report required under this
heading in House Report 118-146 not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, on information related to
donors and organizations that are facilitating this
irresponsible migration.
For the purposes of subsection (f), prohibited activities
include: (1) the provision of cash cards that are usable in
countries other than where they are provided; (2) legal
counseling on the United States asylum process; (3) referrals
to legal representation in the United States; and (4)
assistance to locate housing or sponsors in the United States.
Reports, Irresponsible migration
Migration cooperation.--Not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on the
Department of State's utilization of United States Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data, including ICE's listing of
countries that are uncooperative with the agency, and how the
information is weighed in allocating foreign assistance.
Promotion of Safe Mobility Offices (SMOs).--Not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of State shall report to the appropriate congressional
committees on promotion and advertising of SMOs in countries
where the offices exist, including the funds allocated in prior
years toward promotion and advertising, samples of the various
messages being projected through social media campaigns, the
degree of incorporation of NGOs to promote and build awareness
of SMOs, and internal analysis on the number of migrant clients
of SMOs who learned about the process through social media
campaigns or other forms of marketing and promotion.
Haiti
The Committee recommendation supports priorities relating
to security, health, economic development, and governance in
Haiti. The Committee recommends that the Department of State
continue building the capacity of the Haitian National Police
to counter the prevalence of violent gangs. The Committee notes
the Department's urgency and challenges to support the
deployment of a multinational security effort, presumably led
by Kenyan forces. The Committee expects ongoing communication
from the Department on the details of the effort, including
contingencies should the deployment be further delayed.
The Committee believes much greater urgency must be shown
to put Haiti back on a path towards accountable, competent
governance. The Committee urges the Haitian people and the
international community to work expeditiously to create the
security and logistical conditions required for credible
elections to be held or scheduled before January 1, 2025.
The Committee directs that not less than $20,000,000 under
Economic Support Fund be made available for the assembly of
prefabricated maternal and neonatal care hospital units within
10 kilometers of the border with the Dominican Republic. The
Committee directs these funds with the intention of treating
pregnant Haitian women in need of delivery services who migrate
towards the Dominican Republic.
The Committee notes extensive challenges for transportation
in Haiti, including to respond to medical crises. The Committee
encourages the Department of State and USAID to consider
public-private partnerships in support of transportation
solutions for life-threatening health services and emergencies,
including air-lift services.
The Committee notes that no funds were requested for the
Armed Forces of Haiti, and therefore, none are provided in this
Act.
The Committee encourages the Secretary of State and
Administrator of USAID to explore opportunities to support the
participation and promotion of women in conflict resolution,
governance, and peacebuilding amid the conflict in Haiti.
Reports, Haiti
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees on options the
Administration is considering to counter destabilization in
Haiti, including any new contribution to the multinational
security force.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of State shall, on a semi-annual basis,
submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on
the security situation in Haiti. The report shall include
efforts to combat gang violence, prevent sexual violence,
protect minors, address human rights abuses and accountability
by all parties, and facilitate unhindered humanitarian access.
Locally led organizations.--The Committee encourages the
Secretary of State and the Administrator of USAID to
incorporate more locally led organizations in their approach to
the multi-layered crisis in Haiti. Local organizations and NGOs
run by the diaspora population in the United States are also
eager to contribute, including in humanitarian assistance. Not
later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall submit
a report to the appropriate congressional committees on
localization and capacity-building efforts to assist in Haiti's
crisis and plans for the current fiscal year.
Mexico
Elections.--The Committee notes that Mexico's elections
offer an opportunity, through the election of a new president,
to improve the bilateral relationship between the United States
and Mexico. The Committee encourages the Department of State,
and the new administration in Mexico, to quickly upgrade the
level of cooperation on countering fentanyl at the federal
level, transnational crime, and migration, which has been a
disappointment for the last four years. The Committee believes
the upcoming year may begin to reverse what has been a
frustrating period of United States-Mexico cooperation on
issues that mean the most to citizens of both countries.
Fentanyl and opioids.--The Committee strongly supports
increased focus and aggressive action from the Department of
State to address the flow of illegal opioids into the United
States, including: (1) programs to assist the Government of
Mexico in securing its borders and reducing poppy cultivation
and heroin and synthetic drug production; (2) programs to
thwart transnational criminal organizations involved in the
trafficking of heroin and fentanyl; (3) diplomatic efforts to
strengthen precursor chemical control and training on
international treaty obligations related to opioids; (4)
measures to strengthen the security of the international postal
system to prevent illegal shipments of opioids from entering
the United States, particularly from the PRC; and (5) global
demand reduction programs.
Judicial and security institutions.--The Secretary of State
and Administrator of USAID shall prioritize assistance made
available for Mexico for capacity building within Mexican
judicial and security institutions to combat crime, especially
crime associated with fentanyl, other narcotics trafficking,
and transnational crime syndicates. Of such funds made
available under Economic Support Fund, not less than the prior
fiscal year level shall be made available to strengthen
Mexico's ability to search for, identify, and investigate
disappeared persons and other serious human rights violations.
Support for migration management.--The Committee supports
efforts to help strengthen Mexico's refugee agencies to improve
intake facilities and asylum case management and processing.
Violence.--Within the funds provided under Economic Support
Fund and International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement
and made available for assistance for Mexico, and in
cooperation with Mexican federal and local authorities, the
Committee supports programs to prevent violence against women
and girls.
Vulcan Materials seizure.--The Committee finds the
Government of Mexico's forcible 2023 seizure and occupation of
Vulcan Materials an affront to the bilateral relationship and a
signal to United States companies that private property and
investment in Mexico is not safe from expropriation. President
Lopez Obrador's strong-armed takeover of Vulcan's port in
Quintana Roo, one of strategic relevance to the United States
economy and infrastructure, completely disregarded rule of law
and threatened the safety and livelihoods of the Vulcan
employees.
As President Lopez Obrador's term is coming to a close, the
Committee expresses sincere hope that his successor will
reconsider the hostile takeover of Vulcan Materials and return
the private property to its rightful owners.
Water deliveries.--The Committee notes that section 7045(h)
withholds all assistance provided by this Act to Mexico, unless
the Secretary of State certifies that the United States and
Mexico have rectified the deficit of water deliveries owed to
the United States by Mexico, in accordance with the 1944 Water
Treaty between the United States and Mexico, which requires
Mexico to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water from
the Rio Grande per year over a five-year period to the United
States. The deficit of water deliveries sourced from the Rio
Grande has left certain states, especially Texas, with alarming
water shortages that damage the agrarian economy of the United
States.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to prioritize
the deficit of water deliveries to the United States in
bilateral talks with Mexico, including through the
establishment of consistent channels of communication to
monitor and manage water resources along the Rio Grande Basin,
and engage with Congress and other impacted stakeholders,
including American agriculture associations located along the
Rio Grande Basin, in discussions toward resolution of this
crisis. The Committee notes the importance, in such bilateral
talks, that the Government of Mexico acknowledge the extreme
hardship experienced by the agrarian economy in the United
States, which relies on predictable and timely water deliveries
from the Rio Grande. The Committee encourages the Secretary to
advocate for the expedient release of 550,000 acre-feet of
water, or more, from the Rio Grande as it would provide much
needed relief and demonstrate commitment to resetting United
States-Mexico bilateral relations.
Reports, Mexico
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees on progress and outcomes
of the Bicentennial Framework proceedings since January 2023.
The report should detail the extent to which the Government of
Mexico is cooperating on Department of State counternarcotics
objectives and activities, analysis on the permissiveness
encountered by the Department on counternarcotics programming,
and the Government of Mexico's engagement on human rights
issues.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations, not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act, on the extent to
which the Government of Mexico is credibly investigating and
prosecuting violations of human rights, enforcing prohibitions
against torture, and searching for victims of forced
disappearances.
The Committee directs the Department of State to
expeditiously submit the report required in House Report 117-84
on Resiliency of North American supply chains and to provide an
update to the appropriate congressional committees on the
implementation of the strategy no later than September 30,
2025.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees on the status of
negotiations with Mexico over the water deliveries deficit. The
Secretary shall update such report every 30 days until a
resolution has been achieved and fully briefed to Congress.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of State shall report to the appropriate
congressional committees on the position of the new incoming
President of Mexico regarding Vulcan Materials. Further, not
later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Department of State shall provide such committees with a
responsive strategy to represent commercial interests of the
United States, including diplomatic incentives and
disincentives for Mexico to stop interfering with American
companies.
Nicaragua
The Committee remains concerned about violations of human
rights and religious liberty in Nicaragua, including the severe
persecution of the Catholic Church, Catholic charitable
organizations, and Catholic educational organizations and
strongly supports continued funding for democracy programs for
the people of Nicaragua.
The Caribbean
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.--Subsection (k)
directs that not less than $97,500,000 be made available for
the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and that funds
made available above the prior year level be prioritized for
countries, such as the Dominican Republic, that are most
directly impacted by the crisis in Haiti and are within the
transit zone of illicit drug shipments toward the United
States. The Committee further directs that funds appropriated
under CBSI be used to provide, sustain, and maintain necessary
equipment, such as radars, boats, vehicles, and helicopters, to
partner countries that need such resources to better detect and
interdict illicit drug trafficking and investigate and
dismantle transnational criminal organizations. The Secretary
should also consider utilizing the authority of section 516 of
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to transfer similar excess
defense articles to partner countries in the region with such
requirements.
Dominican Republic.--The Committee recognizes that the
Dominican Republic, a key United States ally in the Americas,
plays a central role in building more secure supply chains
integrated with the United States market and in fighting
corruption and drug trafficking. The Committee applauds the
effectiveness of such counternarcotics efforts, including
through CBSI, and the steps taken to confront public corruption
and increase transparency in government. The Committee supports
increased bilateral cooperation to address crime and violence,
improve public safety and security, support at-risk youth
programs, and prosecute corruption. The Committee directs that
funds be made available above the fiscal year 2024 level for
basic education programs in the Dominican Republic.
Additionally, the Committee supports increased assistance for
economic development, including tourism, as the Dominican
Republic serves as a safe and attractive destination in the
Western Hemisphere.
Dry port.--The Committee urges USAID to help develop and
support the concept of a dry port in the Dominican Republic
near its border with Haiti to serve as a logistical ecosystem,
including warehouses and refrigerated cold storage, which will
also increase the capacity to safely deliver vital supplies and
respond to natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and health
emergencies in the Dominican Republic or Haiti. Not later than
45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator of USAID shall submit to the Committees on
Appropriations a report on developing and supporting a dry port
in the Dominican Republic.
Energy in the Caribbean.--The Committee supports the
Caribbean Energy Security Initiative (CESI). CESI seeks to
boost energy security and sustainable economic growth in the
region by attracting investment in a range of energy
technologies through a focus on improved governance, increased
access to finance, and strengthened coordination among energy
donors, governments, and stakeholders.
Latin American and Caribbean open-source research
initiative.--The Committee supports the vision and goals of the
Latin American and Caribbean open-source research initiative,
including the purpose of housing a secure, virtual technology
platform that facilitates information sharing and enhances
United States-Latin American research and analytics
collaboration.
Loan guarantee authority.--Section 7034(k) provides loan
guarantee authority to Costa Rica, Panama, and Small Island
Developing States in the Caribbean. The Committee encourages
the Department of State and USAID to use such authority to
assist these Western Hemisphere neighbors who rely mainly on
external financing.
Resilience to natural disasters.--The Committee directs not
less than the prior year level for programs to strengthen
resilience to natural disasters in the Caribbean.
Reports, The Caribbean
CBSI.--Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Committee directs the Secretary of State, in
coordination with the Administrator of USAID, to submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations on the uses of all
funds provided for the CBSI on a country-by-country basis for
each program, project, and activity for fiscal years 2019
through 2023. Such information shall be integrated into the
ForeignAssistance.gov website, as appropriate.
Disaster resiliency.--Not later than 45 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of USAID shall
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations, detailing
the uses and intended uses of all funds provided by this Act
and prior acts for strengthening the resilience of countries in
the Caribbean against natural disasters.
Turks and Caicos.--The Committee has growing concerns about
conditions and due process terms under which United States
citizens have been detained and processed for alleged
violations of Turks and Caicos Islands law. The Committee
directs the Secretary of State to prioritize engaging with the
Government of Turks and Caicos Islands to seek positive
resolutions on such cases. Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State is
directed to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations
on efforts to release detained United States citizens, as well
as an update on how the Department of State is advocating for
policy modifications on such matters with the Government of
Turks and Caicos Islands.
Venezuela
The Committee reaffirms its commitment to restoring free
democratic institutions in Venezuela. Within the funds
appropriated by this Act, subsection (l) directs that
$50,000,000 be made available for democracy programs, including
to support civil society and independent media. Additionally,
the Committee recommendation includes funding to support the
long-term needs of countries in the region receiving
Venezuelans fleeing their country and the communities hosting
them. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to urge
other donor countries to make more serious commitments to help
neighboring countries manage the influx of Venezuelan migrants.
Elections.--The Committee remains concerned about election-
related support in Venezuela in the absence of the conditions
necessary, including the will of the Maduro regime, to have
free and fair elections. While the Venezuelan opposition was
able to conduct a privately run primary in October 2023, the
overwhelming winner was never allowed to run in the 2024
general election, which calls into question the overall amount
of budgetary emphasis of electoral activities by the Department
of State and USAID. For that reason, paragraph (1)(B) withholds
from obligation 50 percent of funds related to electoral
programming, including those tied to voter education, electoral
analysis, and special independent media coverage, until
Venezuelans living abroad are guaranteed their right to vote,
credible international observer organizations are allowed to
monitor, and candidates are not arbitrarily blocked from
competing.
Tracking assets belonging to the Venezuelan people.--The
Committee notes that the United States remains committed to
identifying and tracking assets taken from the people of
Venezuela through theft, corruption, money laundering, and
other illicit means. The Committee directs the Secretary of
State continue working to return these funds to the Venezuelan
people, who have been victimized by the Maduro regime. The
Committee also includes language in paragraph (2) to help
protect gold assets in Venezuela, which are vulnerable to
theft, and includes limitations related to the lifting of
sanctions.
Women and children.--The Committee directs USAID and the
Department of State to focus greater attention and resources to
address the violence, abuse, and exploitation suffered by
Venezuelan women and children. Additionally, the Committee
recognizes the need to increase diplomatic initiatives and
humanitarian assistance to strengthen protections for
Venezuelan refugees and migrants and their host communities,
with an emphasis on the protection of women and children.
Report, Venezuela
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to submit a
report to the appropriate congressional committees, not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, on any
changes of democratic behavior by the Maduro regime since
January 2023. The report should include changes in electoral
freedoms, the state of human rights, treatment of Indigenous
populations, access by the Venezuelan people to independent
media, the imprisonment, harassment, and disenfranchisement of
political and social activists, official acts of corruption,
collaboration with Cuba and other adversaries of the United
States, and progress in resolving cases pending in
international tribunals.
Other, Latin America and the Caribbean
Alliance for Development in Democracy.--The Alliance for
Development in Democracy (ADD) is a Dominican Republic-
organized partnership with Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador
building more secure supply chains integrated with the United
States market, partnering on nearshoring, fighting corruption,
and countering narcotics trafficking. The Committee strongly
endorses continued support for initiatives that strengthen such
partnership and supports its vision for an alliance, comprised
of United States allies, that promotes democracy, free markets,
and cooperation. Support for such an alliance demonstrates the
importance this Committee places on supporting partners in the
Western Hemisphere. The Committee encourages Department of
State and USAID programs that facilitate platforms of
engagement with ADD countries.
Bolivia.--The Committee encourages the Department of State
to continue reviewing its policies concerning Bolivia, while
maintaining accurate understanding of the challenges related to
human rights, political stability, and narcotics trafficking.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to consult with
the appropriate congressional committees on developments in
Bolivia, including assessments of PRC and Hezbollah activity.
Countering antisemitism in Latin America.--The Committee is
concerned by rising antisemitism targeting Jewish diaspora
communities in Latin American nations, including historic
United States partners and allies like Brazil, Chile, and
Colombia, with some particularly concerning instances of
elected leaders fueling prejudice against Jewish communities
through social media and official government channels or
otherwise neglecting their responsibility to protect Jewish
communities and other marginalized groups. The Committee
condemns antisemitism in all forms and urges the Secretary of
State and United States envoys to the region to encourage Latin
American and Caribbean leaders to proactively condemn and
counter antisemitism in their nations.
Cybersecurity needs in Latin America.--The Committee
directs the Department of State's Bureau of Cyberspace and
Digital Policy to support cybersecurity funding gaps in Costa
Rica, Guatemala, Paraguay, and Peru to help those countries
bolster abilities to counter cyber attacks.
Ecuador.--Ecuador is confronting a complex crisis involving
surges of migration from Venezuela, unprecedented incursions of
narcotics trafficking and transnational crime, and challenging
economic shortfalls. The Committee notes that Ecuador has been
a credible advocate for democracy and a reliable partner of the
United States in the Andean region. The Committee appreciates
the new Ecuadorian government's efforts to strengthen the
bilateral relationship and directs the Department of State and
USAID, including through the Office of Transition Initiatives,
to further expand bilateral ties, including cooperation in
countering narcotics trafficking and transnational crime and
support for municipalities to combat local crime and violence.
The Committee also supports assistance for Afro-Ecuadorian
communities. The Committee notes the unprecedented level of PRC
presence in Ecuador, including in the massive ocean geography
between the mainland and the Galapagos Islands.
Inter-American Development Bank and PRC influence in the
Americas.--The Committee notes with concern the strong
influence of the PRC in the Western Hemisphere, including in
institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank. The
Committee directs the Secretary of the Treasury to update the
report required under this heading in House Report 118-146,
including with respect to progress on institutional reforms at
the Bank and financing to effectively address United States
priorities in Latin America and the Caribbean, such as by
nearshoring critical supply chains and increasing investments
in small and vulnerable states subject to the PRC's economic
coercion.
Leveraging universities.--The Committee directs the
Secretary of State to support partnerships with universities in
order to establish platforms of researched information about
the practices and victims of communism and authoritarian
control in Latin America, including political prisoners. Such
partnerships should leverage Latino student bodies to serve as
researchers and data collectors, including students who have
emigrated from Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
Peru.--The Committee supports assistance in titles III and
IV of this Act for Peru, in order to strengthen democratic
institutions, advance the rule of law, combat corruption,
manage natural resources, and counter narcotics trafficking.
Resilient critical infrastructure in the Americas.--The
Committee directs not less than $5,000,000 under Development
Assistance to support an initiative on resilient critical
infrastructure in the Americas. Such funding should support the
development of methodologies for multi-hazard disaster risk
assessments of critical infrastructure in a select number of
countries from Latin America and the Caribbean. Such funding
should also be used to identify solution capacities and
resources available at the national level for resilient
critical infrastructure so that such structures can withstand
the impacts of natural hazards and protect the communities that
depend on it.
Reports, Other, Latin America and the Caribbean
Antisemitism.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State and Administrator
of USAID shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional
committees on efforts taken by the Department of State and
USAID to monitor and reverse the rise of antisemitism in the
Western Hemisphere. This report shall be prepared in
coordination with the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor
and Combat Anti-Semitism and shall include information
regarding the frequency of antisemitic incidents, the
sentiments of Jewish communities in these countries, specific
policies enacted or induced by the United States, USAID
programs countering antisemitism, and United States support for
regional governments and intergovernmental organizations to
counter antisemitism.
Section 7046 (Europe and Eurasia)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding Europe and Eurasia.
Cyprus.--The Committee supports full implementation of the
United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and its
contributions to create a conducive environment for settlement
talks. Should reunification occur, the Committee supports
funding for mechanisms to monitor and facilitate settlement of
outstanding issues in support of peace. Funds for the United
States-assessed cost of the UNFICYP are provided under
Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities at the
statutory cap of 25 percent.
Greece.--The Committee welcomes increased cooperation
between the United States and Greece and encourages the
Secretary of State to deepen engagement between public and
private institutions in the United States and Greece. The
Committee directs that funds consistent with the fiscal year
2024 enacted level are made available for Greece under
International Military Education and Training. In addition, the
Committee directs the Secretary to facilitate meetings of the
Interparliamentary Group established by the United States-
Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021
(subtitle B of Public Law 117-81).
Independent media.--The Committee remains concerned by
changes in the media environment that have created
opportunities for the manipulation of information by
authoritarian regimes, increasing influence from the PRC and
Russia, threats to journalists, and erosion of freedom of the
press and expression. The Committee recognizes that RFE/RL has
a significant impact across a wide variety of media markets and
supports the efforts of RFE/RL to support Belarusian language
services and devote additional funding to counter the
manipulation of information by authoritarian regimes.
Moldova.--The Committee reaffirms long-standing support for
Moldova's sovereignty and encourages the Department of State
and USAID to continue cooperation, coordination, and support
for Moldova's democratic progress, economic prosperity,
security, and efforts to combat and root out corruption.
Nordic exchanges.--The Committee directs that $1,000,000
under Economic Support Fund be made available to augment
support exchanges of United States and Nordic country
professionals and experts to share talent and knowledge in
support of integrated deterrence, maritime security and
transportation, Arctic security, emerging and dual-use
technologies, such as AI, 6G, and quantum, and other key
strategic areas of bilateral interest. The Secretary of State
shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations prior to
the design and implementation of such program.
NATO Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) aircraft.--
The Committee notes that the NATO E3 AWACS replacement program
is critical for enhancing collective defense capabilities and
interoperability among NATO member countries. The Committee
urges NATO to establish clear milestones and timelines for
delivering this capability and expects the Department of State
to provide regular updates to the Committee on this matter.
Reconciliation.--The Committee directs the Secretary of
State to continue efforts to support the advancement of peace
and reconciliation in Ireland.
Turkey.--The Committee remains concerned about the
harassment of dissidents in Turkey and abroad. The Committee
urges the Secretary of State to assess the threats posed to
dissidents and ensure available and relevant information, as
appropriate, is shared with these individuals in a timely
fashion.
Ukraine.--The Committee notes that significant supplemental
funds were appropriated in fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024
for the Department of State, USAID, and other Federal agencies
in response to Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of
Ukraine.
Pursuant to the requirements of section (d)(2), the
Committee directs the Secretary of State and Administrator of
USAID to ensure that accountability for all funds provided is
the highest priority, including rigorous monitoring,
evaluation, and oversight and prevention of waste, fraud,
abuse, and diversion. Further, the Committee directs the
Secretary and Administrator to publicly, and more effectively,
communicate to the American people the relevant safeguards and
mechanisms that are in place to track and oversee such funds,
including in-person monitoring, third-party monitoring,
randomized spot checks, external audits and evaluations through
trusted, independent, private sector entities, and enhanced
end-use monitoring practices. The Committee directs continued
high-level diplomatic engagement to ensure European allies and
partners are providing aid to Ukraine in amounts greater than
the United States. The Committee supports continued efforts to
combat corruption and improve transparency in Ukraine.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State and the
Administrator of USAID to ensure sufficient staffing is
allocated for the oversight and monitoring of previously
appropriated funds, including in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and
Washington, District of Columbia. Staff should have the
relevant expertise necessary to carry out these programmatic
functions, especially private sector experience, in order to
effectively and proactively liaise with private sector entities
looking to support Ukraine. Not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and Administrator
shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees on
these efforts.
The Committee supports the shared goal of the United States
and Europe to coordinate with allies and partners to isolate
the Russian Federation and its sources of financing and
facilitation of its war in Ukraine, which poses a security
threat to continental Europe and the world. The Committee
remains deeply concerned by long-standing diplomatic, economic,
and security ties between Russia and Cuba. In furtherance of
efforts to cut off Russia's sources of financing and
facilitation of its continued brutal attacks against Ukraine,
the Committee urges European allies and partners to review
their diplomatic and economic relations with the Cuban regime
and recognize the same aspirations of freedom and democracy for
the Cuban people. Therefore, the Committee directs the
Secretary of State to increase diplomatic efforts to coordinate
with countries in Europe to achieve such objectives and ensure
consistency of transatlantic priorities to defend freedom and
democracy both in Europe and the dictatorships in the Western
Hemisphere, particularly in Cuba.
Report
European policy on Cuba.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit an
update to the report required under this heading in House
Report 118-146 on efforts to urge European countries to
diminish diplomatic, trade, and other financial ties with the
Cuban dictatorship.
Program decisions.--Not later than 60 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State and
Administrator of USAID shall submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees identifying the criteria by which the
Department of State and USAID judge the merit of projects in
Ukraine and neighboring countries.
Romania.--The Committee directs the Department of State to
report to the Committees on Appropriations, not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act, on steps taken by
the Government of Romania and the Department of State to
restore confiscated church property to legal owners.
Transport network.--The Committee notes that USAID signed a
Memorandum of Understanding to support the development of a
segment of dually gauged rail, which will connect a planned
transportation hub in Lviv, in western Ukraine, to the European
transport network. Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of USAID shall submit
a report to the Committees on Appropriations on the status of
such project including any supplemental funding made available
to support such project.
Section 7047 (Countering Russian Influence and Aggression)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
regarding programs to counter Russian influence and aggression.
Section 7048 (United Nations and Other International Organizations)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
relating to conditions on funds for the United Nations and
other international organizations.
Accountability report.--In carrying out the requirement of
subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall also consider and
report on efforts to combat antisemitism, as defined by the
International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, as appropriate.
International courts.--The Committee strongly condemns and
unequivocally rejects one-sided, politicized, anti-Israel
activity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and
International Court of Justice (ICJ) and prohibits funds
provided in this and prior acts for such courts. The Committee
directs the Secretary of State to prioritize diplomatic efforts
to prevent any further efforts to weaponize the ICC and ICJ
against Israel.
Industry discrimination.--The Committee directs the
Secretary of State to encourage the United Nations and
specialized United Nations agencies to engage with a wide
variety of private enterprises.
International organizations.--The Committee recommendation
does not include funds for the United Nations Environment
Programme, United Nations Human Rights Council, United Nations
Special Rapporteurs, United Nations Women, or World Economic
Forum.
United Nations anti-Israel agenda.--The Committee urges the
Secretary of State to declare it is the policy of the United
States to pursue the principled position to veto one-sided,
anti-Israel resolutions at the United Nations Security Council.
United Nations Arms Trade Treaty.--Subsection (p) prohibits
the obligation of funds appropriated by this Act to implement
the Arms Trade Treaty unless the Senate approves a resolution
of ratification of such Treaty.
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).--The Committee
notes the continued lack of progress at UNHRC towards
meaningful reforms to restore its credibility as a human rights
body. UNHRC continues to elevate, legitimize, and shield the
worst human rights offenders while simultaneously increasing an
unjustified fixation on Israel. Therefore, the Committee
continues the strengthened conditions in subsection (c), which
prohibits funds for UNHRC until certain actions are taken,
including specific steps to remove Israel as a permanent agenda
item, to ensure integrity of the election of members to the
Council. The report required in subsection (c)(1) shall include
specific progress made to ensure integrity in the election of
members to UNHRC. The Committee does not support the use of
blank slate tactics to gain membership to such Council, as was
done by the United States in October 2021, and notes that
despotic countries with poor human rights records also use this
tactic to gain membership, undermining the legitimacy of the
election process and the Council.
Subsection (c)(2) prohibits funds in this Act and prior
acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs for the United Nations
International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian
Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.
United Nations procurement reform.--Subsection (i)
prohibits funds in this Act and prior acts from being used to
purchase goods or services contracted from companies in the
Russian Federation, including any shell companies. The
Committee directs the Secretary of State to promote fair and
transparent procurement practices at the United Nations,
including no longer evaluating procurement bids under lowest-
cost and technically compliant criteria, which benefits Russian
companies that are historically among the cheapest providers.
UNRWA.-- Subsection (d) prohibits voluntary contributions
and assessed funds for UNRWA. The Committee notes that UNRWA
has been compromised by staff who have promoted incitement to
violence, antisemitism, and the destruction of the State of
Israel. The Committee is concerned by UNRWA's relationship with
Hamas and other terrorist organizations, including credible
allegations that several UNRWA staff participated in the
October 7, 2023 massacre that killed over 1,200 people,
including American citizens, and was the worst attack on the
Jewish people since the Holocaust. Further, the Committee is
concerned by the use of UNRWA facilities to shield Hamas
infrastructure, such as the Hamas data center under UNRWA's
Gaza headquarters. The Committee notes allegations that
significant numbers of UNRWA staff celebrated the October 7
massacre on social media and that hundreds of UNRWA staff,
including school principals and senior UNRWA management, are
also members of terrorist organizations that violently oppress
the Palestinian people, including by using them as human
shields. The Committee recognizes that the Palestinian people
deserve better than to be subjected to UNRWA's failure to
promote peaceful coexistence with the State of Israel.
United Nations voting practices.--In considering bilateral
assistance for a foreign government, the Secretary of State
shall review, among other factors, the voting practices of such
government at the United Nations in relation to United States
strategic interests.
Reports
Annual report on anti-Israel bias.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional
committees describing instances of anti-Israel bias at the
United Nations, including an identification of the agencies and
entities where such bias has been demonstrated in the past,
including those that appear under this heading in title I of
House Report 116-444.
PRC's status as a developing nation.--The Committee notes
that, under various international agreements, the PRC enjoys
developing nation status, a distinction that affords
preferential treatment in international agreements relating to
climate change and multinational trade. Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Committee directs
the Secretary of State to submit an update to the report
required under this heading in House Report 118-146 on the ways
in which the PRC benefits from developing nation status, how
this status could undermine United States interests
domestically and abroad, and what actions the Secretary is
taking to advocate for the termination of the PRC's developing
nation status in current and future international agreements.
Transparency and accountability.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, and in accordance with
subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall report to the
Committees on Appropriations on whether international
organizations, including the United Nations, its specialized
agencies, and regional and Inter-American organizations, which
receive assessed and voluntary contributions from the United
States, are meeting the required transparency and
accountability standards. For the purposes of this subsection,
the term ``international organizations'' shall mean
international organizations that were funded under
Contributions to International Organizations and International
Organizations and Programs in prior acts.
United Nations procurement reform.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall report to the appropriate congressional committees on
progress made in reforming United Nations procurement to adopt
a request for proposals approach, which considers pricing,
experience, technical capacity, and other factors.
Section 7049 (Prohibition on Censorship)
This section includes new language prohibiting the use of
funds to censor or disqualify speech or to prevent exposure of
United States media and information reaching United States
citizens.
Pursuant to subsection (b), no funds may be made available
for the Global Engagement Center (GEC) upon expiration of the
GEC's authorization on December 23, 2024.
Section 7050 (Global Internet Freedom)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
for global internet freedom consistent with section 9707 of the
Department of State Authorization Act 2022 (title XCVII of
division I of Public Law 117-263). Subsection (a) directs that
not less than $94,000,000 be made available for such programs.
Within the total, $43,500,000 shall be from funds appropriated
under International Broadcasting Operations and $50,500,000
shall be from funds appropriated under title III of this Act.
Such funds shall be allocated according to the following table
and subject to section 7019 of this Act:
GLOBAL INTERNET FREEDOM
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account/Program Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund............................ $27,000
of which, Near East Regional Democracy....... [16,750]
Democracy Fund (Department of State)............. 14,000
Democracy Fund (USAID)........................... 3,500
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia.. 6,000
International Broadcasting Operations, Open 43,500
Technology Fund.................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Internet Freedom initiatives play a critical role in
countering rising tides of digital authoritarianism at a time
of unprecedented expansion in global internet connectivity. The
Committee encourages the Department of State and USAID to
strengthen programs that support democratic norms within
countries that obstruct internet access.
The Committee notes the internet restrictions, content
censorship, and mobile network disruptions imposed by Cuba and
Iran. The Committee supports continued partnership between the
Department of State, USAGM, and OTF, as well as other relevant
Federal agencies, to use innovative technologies and creative
actions to increase access.
Reports
Iranian internet.--The Committee directs the Secretary of
State, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, to report to the appropriate congressional committees
on the progress of programs promoting internet access and
internet freedom in Iran, as part of the comprehensive strategy
required by section 414 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria
Human Rights Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-158).
Low-earth orbit satellites.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, the
Chief Executive Officer of USAGM, and the President of the OTF
shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on
how funds are being utilized towards low-earth orbit satellite
internet access, challenges being encountered, and plans for
the next two fiscal years.
Section 7051 (Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment
or Punishment)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
prohibiting funds for the use of torture.
Section 7052 (Aircraft Transfer, Coordination, and Use)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
relating to aircraft transfer and coordination.
Section 7053 (Parking Fines and Real Property Taxes Owed by Foreign
Governments)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
relating to unpaid parking fines and real property taxes owed
by foreign governments.
Section 7054 (International Monetary Fund)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
establishing restrictions related to the International Monetary
Fund.
Section 7055 (Extradition)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funds for a country that does not cooperate in the
extradition of certain individuals to the United States.
Section 7056 (Enterprise Funds)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
establishing restrictions on enterprise funds.
Section 7057 (Limitations Related to Global Health Assistance)
This section includes new language prohibiting funds made
available by this Act for the United Nations Population Fund
(UNFPA) and any foreign nongovernmental organization that
promotes or performs abortion, with certain exceptions.
Section 7058 (Global Health Activities)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding global health activities.
Origins of COVID-19.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secertary of State shall submit a
report to the Committee on Appropriations that describes a
clear and unequivocal conclusion and makes a statement on the
precise origins of the COVID-19 pandemic and whether it
originated at and leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Section 7059 (Women's Equality and Empowerment)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding programs that support women's equality and
empowerment.
The Committee has, on a bipartisan basis, provided support
for programs contained in this section for over a decade and
continues to support the equality and empowerment of women and
girls around the world. The Committee remains concerned by the
Department of State and USAID utilizing funds provided in prior
acts to advance controversial agendas, which undermines
bipartisan support for women's empowerment programs.
Consistent with the requirements included under Global
Health Programs and in section 7018 of this Act, any funds made
available to protect the rights of women and girls worldwide
shall not be construed to include a right to abortion. The
Secretary of State and the Administrator of USAID are directed
to review guidance for the Department of State and USAID
personnel, as well as for implementing partners, with respect
to the application of requirements under Global Health Programs
and section 7018 of this Act to ensure full compliance with
such requirements in carrying out the purposes of this section.
The Committee expects that guidance and training associated
with such requirements will ensure full awareness by
implementing partners that funds made available by this Act are
prohibited from being used to lobby for or against abortion.
The Committee is also concerned by the attribution
practices of the Department and USAID in recent years, which
have diluted programmatic focus away from the equality and
empowerment of women and girls to fund other Administration
priorities. The Committee notes the inclusion of section
7061(d) of this Act which prohibits funds appropriated in this
Act for women's equality and empowerment from being attributed
to, or counted toward targets for, climate change programs.
Therefore, the Committee narrows the terms and purposes for
which funds are made available under this section so that
support can continue in a bipartisan manner for critical
programs that empower women and girls in economics, leadership,
and security.
With respect to subsection (b), the Committee directs
dedicated funding to advance the empowerment of women and girls
and specific efforts to improve and facilitate women's
increased participation in the economy through efforts to
promote entrepreneurship, provide job training, improve access
to credit and other forms of financing, and support reforms
needed to protect women's ability to buy and own property.
With respect to subsection (d), the Committee directs
funding to combat a variety of forms of violence against women
and girls, including child marriage, rape, and female genital
cutting and mutilation. USAID shall seek to support existing
global programs and joint initiatives to end child marriage and
female genital mutilation and cutting.
The Committee recognizes the disproportionate impact of the
ongoing food security crisis on women and girls and the ways in
which acute hunger and violence against women and girls
mutually compound each other. The Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to focus greater attention and funding
provided in title III of this Act to address the increase in
food insecurity and violence against women and girls.
With respect to subsection (e), the Committee supports
implementation of the United States Strategy on Women, Peace,
and Security of 2019, as required by Public Law 115-68, and
directs a continued, targeted focus on efforts to empower women
to play a meaningful role in peace and security around the
world. The Committee recommendation includes funds above the
prior year to increase women's participation in International
Military Education and Training programs as part of the United
States Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security of 2019. The
Committee continues to support proactive and well-designed
programs in support of such Strategy and directs that programs
to support women and girls at risk of extremism and conflict
shall be a core element within the implementation of such
strategy.
The Committee directs that sufficient funds be made
available to ensure adequate, qualified staff is dedicated in
headquarters and overseas to carry out the purposes of this
section, including the necessary staff to conduct monitoring
and oversight and gather relevant data to assess the
participation, impact, and effectiveness of United States
foreign assistance with respect to women and girls.
Reports
Adolescent girls.--The Committee directs the Secretary of
State, in consultation with the Administrator of USAID, to
submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, a report
on the actions taken over the previous 12 months to: (1) reduce
the incidence of child, early, and forced marriage and female
genital mutilation and cutting; (2) address the needs of
already married adolescent girls; (3) promote equal access to
education for girls; (4) ensure protection of adolescent girls
in humanitarian responses; (5) address the impacts of food
insecurity on adolescent girls; and (6) train relevant staff on
the specific challenges and needs of adolescent girls.
Transparency and accountability.--The Committee directs the
Secretary of State and the Administrator of USAID to submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act on all funding
made available in fiscal year 2024 for the Gender Equity and
Equality Action Fund, which shall include program descriptions,
geographic scope, funding levels, accounts, and prime and sub-
partners. The sub-partner information shall indicate the prime
partner for each activity.
Violence in humanitarian crises.--The Committee remains
concerned about the alarming rates of violence against women
and girls in humanitarian crises and directs continued funding
to prevent such violence. The Committee directs the Secretary
of State, in coordination with the Administrator of USAID, not
later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, to
update the report required under this heading in House Report
118-146 on the steps taken to address violence against women
and girls in humanitarian emergencies.
Women in peacekeeping.--Consistent with the mandate of the
Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-68), and
with the United States Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security
of 2019, the Committee recommends that the Department of State
work with international, regional, national, and local
organizations to increase the meaningful participation of women
in international peacekeeping operations. The Committee
continues to recognize that increasing the percentage of women
in peacekeeping can mitigate sexual exploitation and abuse by
peacekeepers. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to
submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees,
not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, on United States efforts to increase the participation of
women in peacekeeping, an assessment of recruitment efforts,
and opportunities to expand United States efforts.
Section 7060 (Sector Allocations)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding assistance for programs related to basic education,
higher education, conservation, development programs,
disability programs, food security and agriculture development,
microenterprise, combating human trafficking and water and
sanitation.
Higher education
Subsection (a)(2) directs that $50,000,000 shall be used to
support institutions of higher education in countries
experiencing economic crisis. In implementing such directive,
the term ``countries impacted by economic crises'' shall
include countries whose economies are adversely affected by
political instability, conflict (including in neighboring
counties), or catastrophic manmade disasters, such as the port
explosion in Lebanon on August 4, 2020. The Administrator of
USAID shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations prior
to the initial obligation of funds on the proposed use of such
funds.
Conservation
The Committee recommendation includes $365,750,000 for
conservation programs to be allocated in a manner similar to
prior years. The Committee continues to support the Central
Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE), including
by using technical expertise from other Federal agencies.
Based on the CARPE model, the Committee supports continuing
transnational approaches throughout sub-Saharan Africa,
including the Okavango River Basin. The Committee
recommendation includes funding at not less than the prior
fiscal year to implement the DELTA Act (Public Law 115-353) and
should focus on the headwaters of the Okavango Delta, which
originate in Angola. The Secretary of State should consider
utilizing sustainable arrangements for the rehabilitation and
long-term management of national parks in partnership with
local communities.
Funds made available for national parks and protected areas
should only be made available if agreements for the obligation
of funds between implementing partners and the Department of
State and USAID include provisions requiring that: (1)
information detailing the proposed project and potential
impacts is shared with local communities; (2) the free, prior,
and informed consent of affected indigenous communities is
obtained in accordance with international standards; (3) the
potential impacts of the proposed project on existing land or
resource claims by affected local communities or indigenous
peoples are considered and addressed in any management plan;
(4) any eco-guards, park rangers, and other law enforcement
personnel authorized to protect biodiversity will be properly
trained and monitored; and (5) effective grievance and redress
mechanisms for victims of human rights violations and other
misconduct exist. Funds made available for the management of
national parks and protected areas may be made available to
support implementation of the above requirements, and
implementing partners shall provide information on these
requirements to the Department and USAID by request.
Pursuant to subsection (b)(2), the Committee recommendation
directs that not less than $118,750,000 be made available to
combat wildlife trafficking. Within the total, funds are
included to support the Counter Wildlife Trafficking Task Force
as authorized by the END Wildlife Trafficking Act (Public Law
114-231), as amended. From within the total amount made
available, not less than $50,000,000 shall be made available
from funds under International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement. The Committee supports continued efforts to work
with Indigenous and other local organizations working to
address wildlife trafficking.
The Committee recognizes the need to strengthen cooperation
and coordination between government agencies along illicit
supply chains at a transcontinental or global-level between
Latin America and Asia as well as Africa and Asia. Long-term,
multi-year national initiatives are also needed to establish
the commitment and capacity in key law enforcement and judicial
agencies to prioritize and combat wildlife trafficking across
Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The Committee continues to
urge that law enforcement programs apply the latest social
science practices, including criminology and behavioral
science, to deter and prevent wildlife trafficking, including
the detection of illegal logging and trade in countries with
threatened tropical forests as well as key transit countries
for illegally harvested timber.
The Committee supports funds for a new public-private
partnership foundation for conservation, if authorized.
The Committee notes the inter-agency collaborative efforts
to address wildlife trafficking and counter the extremist
groups that receive illicit funds through such activities,
particularly in East Africa. The Committee encourages relevant
Federal agencies to prioritize, where possible, stable,
democratic, or strategic partner countries in the region. The
Committee encourages such agencies to engage in areas with a
demonstrated commitment to conservation, a record of success in
creating economic opportunity for local communities, projects
that demonstrate robust local community engagement and
accountability of funds provided, and long-term stability.
The Committee supports efforts to address ocean plastics
and toxic chemicals in order to reduce public exposure to lead.
The Committee notes the seed funding provided to the
Department of State to help establish the End Plastic Pollution
International Collaborative, an international public-private
partnership to address plastic pollution, and supports
continued investments in the partnership.
Disability programs
Pursuant to subsection (d), funds provided under
Development Assistance are made available for programs and
activities to address the needs of people with disabilities.
The Committee supports funds for capacity building of
organizations supporting such efforts, including for families
of children with disabilities, in an effort to protect against
the unnecessary institutionalization of children with
disabilities.
Programs to combat trafficking in persons
Funds made available pursuant to subsection (g)(1) to
combat human trafficking should be obligated and programmed
consistent with country-specific recommendations included in
the annual Trafficking in Persons Report as required by the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-386)
and shall be coordinated with the Office to Monitor and Combat
Trafficking in Persons.
Child protection compacts.--The Committee directs
$12,500,000 be made available under International Narcotics
Control and Law Enforcement for child protection compacts.
Funds should be prioritized for countries with the greatest
need.
Combating child exploitation.--The Committee supports
efforts of international law enforcement partners, such as the
International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), to
address child exploitation, including technology-facilitated
exploitation, and strengthen investigations and directs funds
be made available for such efforts.
Combating human trafficking in Latin America and the
Caribbean.--The Committee directs $3,500,000 be made available
under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement for
partnerships between NGOs and the Organization of American
States to combat human trafficking in Latin America and the
Caribbean.
Combating ritualized murder and organ trafficking.--The
Committee directs $3,500,000 be made available under
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement for the
purpose of combating ritualized murder of children and organ
trafficking in Africa. Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations on the number of
incidents, investigations, and prosecutions of organ
trafficking and ritualized murder in Africa and corresponding
data on Department of State funded programs training
authorities to interdict on such matters in Africa.
Funds for training.--Subsection (c) directs $1,000,000 be
made available to support training updates for all United
States Government personnel overseas to be vigilant in helping
identify possible victims of trafficking and aware of the
reporting protocols.
Global consortium.--The Committee notes the significant
disparity between the estimated number of human trafficking
victims globally and the number of human trafficking
prosecutions. The Committee also recognizes the importance of
ensuring that human trafficking prosecutions are conducted with
a victim-centric approach. The Committee supports efforts to
increase funds for prosecuting human trafficking cases,
including support for global networks and consortia of higher
education that exchange best practices. Funds allocated for
such purposes shall be designated in the spend plan required
pursuant to section 7062(b).
Restriction on conferences.--Subsection (g)(2) restricts
funds from being made available for conferences in countries
classified as Tier 3. The Committee sees facilitation of such
conferences to such countries as contrary to trafficking in
persons policy unless the purposes are specifically designed to
address human trafficking or are in the national security
interest of the United States.
Reconciliation programs The Committee directs that not less
than $25,000,000 be made available to support USAID
reconciliation programs. The Committee directs the
Administrator of USAID to consult with the Committees on
Appropriations prior to the initial obligation of funds on the
uses of such funds, and such funds shall be subject to the
regular notification procedures of the Committees on
Appropriations.
Section 7061 (Limitation Related to Environment Programs)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
concerning limitations for environment programs.
Climate programs impact report.--The Committee notes that
billions of dollars have been invested in climate change
programs globally since 2020 and that such investments have
been wasted because they will not result in lower global
temperatures. Further, top polluters, such as the PRC, which
represents nearly one-third of total global emissions and emits
more than the entire developing world combined, are not making
investments to reduce their total emissions. Therefore, the
Committee requires a study in section 7061(h) to demonstrate
whether there has been a justifiable return on United States
investment. In addition to the requirement in subsection (h),
the study shall include analysis on climate change funding used
in countries that represent less than 0.2 percent of global
emissions or less than 1.5 tons of emissions per capita and
whether the funding has had or will have an impact on global
temperatures using plausible scenarios that forecast conditions
based on peer-reviewed studies. Such report shall also indicate
which scenarios, including Representative Concentration
Pathways and Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, programming is
meant to address and the plausibility of such forecasted
conditions in such scenarios. If a claim is made that such
programming is not based on any scenario or evidence but rather
based on projections developed using alternative methods, the
Comptroller General shall identify the most relevant scenario
predicting the types of climate events that such programming is
meant to address for the purpose of this reporting requirement.
Multilateral programs.--In addition to the funding
prohibitions included in this section for the Green Climate
Fund, the Clean Technology Fund, and the Loss and Damage Fund,
the Committee recommendation does not include funds for the
Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund, the Adaptation Fund, or
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Report
Climate change evidence and attribution justification.--Not
later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of
USAID, shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriation
on the specific Representative Concentration Pathways and
Shared Socioeconomic Pathways used to forecast conditions and
whether the use of funds made available in prior acts for
climate change and adaptation are justified. Such report shall
include a description and plausibility of the predictions and
assumptions of all pathways used to justify and set
requirements for such programs. Such report shall also specify
whether such pathways assume signals of climate change are
happening or will happen in the future without evidence or
without relying on climate models.
Section 7062 (Budget Documents)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
requiring operating and spend plans for funds appropriated by
this Act.
Section 7063 (Reorganization)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
concerning consultation, notification, and reporting
requirements involving any agency reorganization.
Section 7064 (Department of State Matters)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding management of the Department of State. The section
also includes new language placing limitations on funding for
certain programs and activities of the Department.
Not later than December 31, 2025, the Secretary of State
shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on
all sole-source awards made by the Department during the
previous fiscal year in excess of $2,000,000.
Section 7065 (United States Agency for International Development
Management)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
regarding management of USAID, including personnel levels and
hiring authorities.
Reports
Sole-source awards.--Not later than December 31, 2025, the
Administrator of USAID shall submit a report to the Committees
on Appropriations on all sole-source awards made by USAID
during the previous fiscal year in excess of $2,000,000.
The Office of Human Capital and Talent Management
(OHCTM).--The Committee directs the Administrator of USAID to
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations not later
than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act providing
analysis of the performance of OHCTM, for the past two fiscal
years, in managing USAID personnel issues, including
recruitment, evaluations, and promotions. The report shall also
include information on how OHCTM's scope of work relates to
other functions of USAID's administrative and management
operations.
Section 7066 (Stabilization and Development in Regions Impacted by
Extremism and Conflict)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
related to assistance to regions impacted by extremism and
conflict.
Impact framework.--The Committee directs the Secretary of
State and the Administrator of USAID to use an impact
framework, in accordance with paragraph 7 of section 506 of the
Global Fragility Act of 2019 (title V of division J of Public
Law 116-94), when reporting on progress toward reducing levels
of violence and polarization and improving individual agency,
institutional legitimacy, and investments in peace efforts.
Multi-Donor Global Fragility Fund.--Funds made available
for the Prevention and Stabilization Fund may be made available
for the Multi-Donor Global Fragility Fund, if established.
Prevention and Stabilization Fund.--The Committee directs
that funds be made available for the Prevention and
Stabilization Fund, including to support activities implemented
by youth-led civil society organizations and youth peace
building implementers in regions impacted by extremism. The
Secretary of State and the Administrator of USAID shall ensure
that any use of such funds for this purpose is consistent with
and coordinated under the priority country and regional plans
as required by section 506 of the Global Fragility Act of 2019
(title V of division J of Public Law 116-94) and clearly
designed to achieve stated objectives of the plans.
Report
Haiti.--The Committee directs the Secretary of State and
the Administrator of USAID to include in their biennial reports
to the appropriate congressional committees, as required under
the Global Fragility Act of 2019, information on how funds
appropriated by this Act and made available for the Prevention
and Stabilization Fund have been used to prioritize addressing
the protection of children from all forms of violence,
including gender-based violence, as well as the education,
health, food security, and nutrition needs of children in
Haiti.
Section 7067 (Debt-for-Development)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
regarding debt-for-development and debt-for-nature exchanges.
Section 7068 (Extension of Consular Fees and Related Authorities)
This section includes language carried in the prior year
extending certain consular fees and related authorities. The
Committee directs that in allocating resources made available
pursuant to these authorities, the Secretary of State shall
place the highest priority to addressing both the passport and
visa processing backlogs and wait times.
Section 7069 (Gaza Oversight and Other Matters)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
concerning Gaza oversight and other matters.
In carrying out the investigation directive in subsection
(h), the Inspectors General shall consult upon receipt of
allegations to determine which office has principal
jurisdiction. Upon request, either Inspector General may
provide investigative support or conduct an independent
investigation of allegations received related to the subject
matter described in this section.
Section 7070 (Additional Limitations on Operations and Assistance)
This section includes new limitations on the use of funds
appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act for
certain operations expenses and assistance programs and
activities.
The Committee directs, pursuant to section 7070(c) of this
Act, that no funds appropriated by this Act be made available
for any office, program, or activity for the purposes of
supporting, implementing, or otherwise carrying out Executive
Order 13985 of January 20, 2021 (relating to advancing racial
equity and support for underserved communities through the
Federal Government), Executive Order 14035 of June 25, 2021
(relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in
the Federal workforce), or Executive Order 14091 of February
16, 2023 (relating to further advancing racial equity and
support for underserved communities through the Federal
Government), or for any office, program, or activity for the
purposes of diversity, equity, and inclusion training.
Section 7071 (Rescissions)
This section includes language modified from the prior year
rescinding unobligated balances from prior year appropriations.
Section 7072
This section includes new language related to a limitation
on assistance for the Republic of Maldives.
TITLE VIII--ADDITIONAL GENERAL PROVISION
Spending Reduction Account
Section 8001 establishes a Spending Reduction Account.
House of Representatives Reporting Requirement
The following materials are submitted in accordance with
various requirements of the Rules of the House of
Representatives:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T5968A.001
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T5968A.002
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T5968A.003
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T5968A.004
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure
authorizes funding:
The Committee on Appropriations considers program
performance, including a program's success in developing and
attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing
funding recommendations.
Rescissions
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following table is submitted
describing the rescissions recommended in the accompanying
bill:
Economic Support Fund................................. 640,161,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement... 65,000,000
Debt Restructuring.................................... 111,000,000
Transfers of Funds
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following list includes the
transfers of funds included in the accompanying bill:
In title I, under Emergencies in the Diplomatic and
Consular Service, language is included to transfer funds to
Repatriation Loans Program.
In title I, under International Boundary and Water
Commission, United States and Mexico--Construction, language is
included to transfer funds to Salaries and Expenses.
In title II, under Operating Expenses, language is included
to transfer funds to Capital Investment Fund.
In title III, under Peace Corps, language is included to
transfer funds to the Foreign Currency Fluctuations Account.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7009 to
transfer funds under title I to the Department of State and the
United States Agency for Global Media.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7009 to
transfer funds under title I of this Act, including Diplomatic
Programs, Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance, and
Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service, between
such accounts to respond to security situations.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7009 to
transfer funds under Diplomatic Programs for Worldwide Security
Protection to Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular
Service.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7009 to
transfer funds under Diplomatic Programs to Capital Investment
Fund.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7009 to
transfer funds under title III to United States International
Development Finance Corporation.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7009 to
transfer funds under Millennium Challenge Corporation to United
States International Development Finance Corporation.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7034 to
transfer funds from unobligated balances of expired funds under
Diplomatic Programs to Protection of Foreign Missions and
Officials for extraordinary protection.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7034 to
transfer funds under Diplomatic Programs to Consular and Border
Security Program.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7041 to
transfer funds under Foreign Military Financing Program to an
interest-bearing account in the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7043(c)
to transfer funds under International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement; Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and
Related Programs; and Foreign Military Financing Program under
such heading.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7058 to
authorize the transfer of funds between accounts under title
III to respond to a Public Health Emergency of International
Concern.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7065 to
transfer certain funds to Operating Expenses in title II of
this Act.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7068 to
transfer funds under Administration of Foreign Affairs and
discretionary unobligated balances from prior acts making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations,
and related programs under such heading to Consular and Border
Security Programs.
Disclosure of Earmarks and Congressionally Directed Spending Items
Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House
of Representatives, neither the bill nor this report contain
any congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited
tariff benefits as defined in clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules
of the House of Representatives.
Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3(e) (Ramseyer Rule)
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italics, existing law in which no change
is proposed is shown in roman):
EMERGENCY WARTIME SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2003
* * * * * * *
TITLE I
WAR-RELATED APPROPRIATIONS
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 5--BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
* * * * * * *
LOAN GUARANTEES TO ISRAEL
During the period beginning March 1, 2003, and ending
[September 30, 2029] September 30, 2030, loan guarantees may be
made available to Israel, guaranteeing 100 percent of the
principal and interest on such loans, the principal amount, any
part of which is to be guaranteed, not to exceed
$9,000,000,000, of which up to $3,000,000,000 may be issued
prior to October 1, 2003, or thereafter and of which
$3,000,000,000 may be issued subsequent to September 30, 2004:
Provided, That such guarantees shall constitute obligations, in
accordance with the terms of such guarantees, of the United
States and the full faith and credit of the United States is
hereby pledged for the full payment and performance of such
obligations: Provided further, That if less than the full
amount of guarantees authorized to be made available is issued
prior to [September 30, 2029] September 30, 2030, the authority
to issue the balance of such guarantees shall extend to the
subsequent fiscal year: Provided further, That guarantees may
be issued under this section only to support activities in the
geographic areas which were subject to the administration of
the Government of Israel before June 5, 1967: Provided further,
That the amount of guarantees that may be issued shall be
reduced by an amount equal to the amount extended or estimated
to have been extended by the Government of Israel during the
period from March 1, 2003, to the date of issue of the
guarantee, for activities which the President determines are
inconsistent with the objectives and understandings reached
between the United States and the Government of Israel
regarding the implementation of the loan guarantee program:
Provided further, That the President shall submit a report to
Congress no later than September 30 of each fiscal year during
the pendency of the program specifying the amount calculated
under the preceding proviso and that will be deducted from the
amount of guarantees authorized to be issued in the next fiscal
year: Provided further, That the interest rate for loans
guaranteed under this heading may include a reasonable fee to
cover the costs and fees incurred by the borrower in connection
with this program or financing under this heading in the event
the borrower elects not to finance such costs or fees out of
loan principal: Provided further, That no appropriations under
this heading are available for the subsidy costs for these loan
guarantees: Provided further, That the Government of Israel
will pay the cost, as defined in section 502 of the Federal
Credit Reform Act of 1990, as amended, including any non-
payment exposure risk, associated with the loan guarantees
issued in any fiscal year, on a pro rata basis as each
guarantee is issued during that year: Provided further, That
all fees (as defined in section 601(e) of Public Law 102-391)
associated with the loan guarantees shall be paid by the
Government of Israel to the Government of the United States:
Provided further, That funds made available for assistance to
Israel under chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act
of 1961, as amended, may be utilized by the Government of
Israel to pay such fees to the United States Government:
Provided further, That the President shall determine the terms
and conditions for issuing guarantees, taking into
consideration the budgetary and economic reforms undertaken by
Israel: Provided further, That if the President determines that
these terms and conditions have been breached, the President
may suspend or terminate the provision of all or part of the
loan guarantees not yet issued under this heading.
* * * * * * *
Changes in the Application of Existing Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following statements are
submitted describing the effect of provisions in the
accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the
application of existing law.
Language is included in various parts of the bill to
continue ongoing activities in fiscal year 2025 that require
annual authorization or additional legislation, which to date
has not been enacted. The bill includes provisions that place
limitations on the use of funds in the bill or change existing
limitations and that might under some circumstances be
construed as changing the application of existing law. The bill
includes a number of provisions that have been virtually
unchanged for many years, which are technically considered
legislation. The bill provides that several of the
appropriations shall remain available for obligation beyond the
current fiscal year. In all cases, it is deemed desirable to
carry such language in order to provide for orderly
administration of such programs and effective use of funds. In
various places in the bill, the Committee recommendation
continues the prior year practice of designating amounts within
appropriation accounts in order to fund specific programs and
has adjusted some designations.
The bill contains general provisions and other language
that have been carried in the bill in past years that include
limitations and conditions on funding provided in this Act.
Additional changes in the fiscal year 2025 bill, which may
be construed as changing existing law, are as follows:
Title I
Under Diplomatic Programs, language modified from the prior
year on funding for certain Department of State activities.
Under Consular and Border Security Programs, language
carried in the prior year providing funding consular
activities, including to reduce passport backlogs and wait
times and authorities on fee collection.
Under Office of Inspector General, language carried in the
prior year notwithstanding section 209(a)(1) of the Foreign
Service Act of 1980 as it relates to post inspections.
Under Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs, language
carried in the prior year designating amounts for certain
programs and authority to retain certain fees.
Under Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance,
language carried in the prior year placing limitations on the
uses of funds and restricting representation expenses.
Under Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service,
language carried in the prior year permitting the transfer of
not to exceed $1,000,000 to Repatriation Loans Program Account.
Under Repatriation Loans Program Account, language carried
in the prior year directing that costs shall be defined as in
section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and capping
total loan principle.
Under Contributions to International Organizations,
language modified from the prior year removing an authority to
make contributions to the International Energy Forum.
Under Contributions for International Peacekeeping
Activities, language modified from the prior year requiring the
Secretary of State to work with the United Nations to evaluate
and prioritize peacekeeping missions.
Under International Boundary and Water Commission, United
States and Mexico, Constructions, and American Sections,
International Commissions, language carried in the prior year
providing a limitation on the amount available for
representation expenses.
Under International Boundary and Water Commission, United
States and Mexico language carried in the prior year providing
limited transfer authority.
Under International Fisheries Commissions, language carried
in the prior year providing authority to pay United States
expenses in advance, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3324.
Under International Broadcasting Operations, language
modified from the prior year setting limitations on funds
available for certain expenses and receipts, requiring USAGM to
make funds available for certain activities, requiring a review
of certain programs, restricting representation expenses, and
requiring notifications.
Under The Asia Foundation, language similar to the prior
year providing extended availability of funds made available
under the heading.
Under United States Institute of Peace, language similar to
the prior year related to the period of availability and
limiting the use of funds for construction activities.
Under Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program, language
carried in the prior year limiting the use of funds relating to
compensation.
Under National Endowment for Democracy, language similar to
the prior year setting an extended period of availability and
directing allocations.
Under Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage
Abroad, language carried in the prior year allowing the
commission to procure certain services notwithstanding
paragraph (3) of section 312304(b) of Public Law 113-287 during
fiscal year 2024 and requiring notification.
Under United States Commission on International Religious
Freedom, language similar to the prior year placing a
limitation on representation expenses.
Under Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe,
Salaries and Expenses, language carried in the prior year
limiting representation expenses.
Under Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's
Republic of China and United States-China Economic and Security
Review Commission, language carried in the prior year placing a
limitation on representation expenses.
Under United States-China Economic and Security Review
Commission, language carried in the prior year placing a
limitation on representation expenses and incorporating by
reference several provisos relating to personnel and financial
management authorities that were carried in the Department of
State, Foreign Operations, and Related Appropriations Act,
2010.
Title II
Under Operating Expenses, language similar to the prior
year limiting financing of construction or entering into
leases, allowing transfers of funds, restricting representation
and entertainment expenses, and requiring notifications.
Under Capital Investment Fund, language carried in the
prior year requiring notifications and setting the period of
availability of funds.
Title III
Under Global Health Programs, language similar to the prior
year requiring direct apportionment to agencies, designating
and limiting the use of funds, requiring notifications, and
setting a cap on administrative expenses.
Under Development Assistance, language carried in the prior
year regarding apportionment.
Under International Disaster Assistance, language carried
in the prior year regarding apportionment.
Under Transition Initiatives, language carried in the prior
year designating the use of funds, and establishing
notification and reporting requirements.
Under Complex Crises Fund, language carried in the prior
year providing notwithstanding authority and requiring the
direct apportionment of funding to USAID.
Under Democracy Fund, language carried in the prior year
designating the use of funds and apportionment to agencies.
Under Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia,
language carried in the prior year providing notwithstanding
authority, transfer authority, and related notification
requirements, designating coordination responsibilities,
certain payments, and designating certain funds for purposes of
administrative authorities.
Under Migration and Refugee Assistance, language similar to
the prior year providing for certain refugee needs and
designating amounts for refugees resettling in Israel.
Under Peace Corps, language carried in the prior year
designating uses of funds, limiting representation expenses,
requiring consultations, allowing transfer of funds in certain
circumstances, and placing limitations on certain activities.
Under Millennium Challenge Corporation, language similar to
the prior year placing a cap on administrative expenses,
establishing certain funding conditions and notification
requirements, and limiting and restricting entertainment and
representation allowances.
Under Inter-American Foundation, language carried in the
prior year limiting representation expenses.
Under United States African Development Foundation,
language similar to the prior year allowing for the investment
of project funding by grantees, limiting the use of interest
earned, allowing certain building leases, and requiring a
report.
Under International Affairs Technical Assistance, language
carried in the prior year designating funds for certain
purposes.
Under Debt Restructuring, language carried in the prior
year providing funds for debt restructuring programs and
certain notwithstanding authority. Language is included for
providing funds for the Common Framework for Debt Treatments
beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative.
Title IV
Under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement,
language carried in the prior year designating uses of funds
and certain authorities, establishing reporting and
notification requirements, and providing certain
notwithstanding authority with regard to certain pre-obligation
requirements included in the bill and the obligation of funds
for administrative expenses.
Under Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and
Related Programs, language carried in the prior year
designating the use of funds, providing certain notwithstanding
authorities for funds, and establishing funding conditions,
limitations, and notification requirements.
Under Peacekeeping Operations, language carried in the
prior year designating the use of funds, establishing
prohibitions for the use of funds, and requiring notifications.
Under International Military Education and Training,
language carried in the prior year designating uses of funds
and limiting entertainment allowances.
Under Foreign Military Financing Program, language carried
in the prior year designating the use of funds, establishing
requirements for notification, disbursement, and transfer of
certain funds, establishing limitations and conditions on
funds, and limiting representation and entertainment expenses.
Title VI
Under Export-Import Bank of the United States, Program
Account, language carried in the prior year allowing for
certain expenditures and setting limitations on funds.
Under Export-Import Bank of the United States,
Administrative Expenses, language carried in the prior year
limiting representation expenses, allowing for the collection
of certain fees, providing administratively determined pay
authority, and requiring notifications.
Under Export-Import Bank of the United States, Program
Budget Appropriations, language carried in the prior year
designating funds for certain purposes.
Under Export-Import Bank of the United States, Receipts
Collected, language carried in the prior year requiring
sufficient fees to cover costs.
Under United States International Development Finance
Corporation, Corporate Capital Account, language carried in the
prior year designating funds for certain purposes and providing
certain exceptions.
Under United States International Development Finance
Corporation, Program Account, language similar to the prior
year to carry out the activities described in the BUILD Act of
2018 (division F of Public Law 115-254).
Under Trade and Development Agency, language modified from
the prior year restricting representation and entertainment
allowances, providing certain new authority, and designating
the use of funds.
Title VII
Sec. 7001 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding allowances and differentials.
Sec. 7002 includes language carried in the prior year
requiring agencies to provide quarterly reports on the
cumulative balances of any unobligated funds.
Sec. 7003 includes language carried in the prior year
requiring that consulting service contracts shall be a matter
of public record.
Sec. 7004 includes language modified from the prior year
with respect to the construction and use of diplomatic
facilities, setting limitations, expanding notification and
oversight requirements, and placing conditions and restrictions
on certain funds.
Sec. 7005 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain personnel actions and the authority to
transfer funds between appropriations accounts.
Sec. 7006 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting the use of funds in this Act for publicity or
propaganda purposes within the United States not otherwise
authorized by law.
Sec. 7007 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for certain governments.
Sec. 7008 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for countries whose duly elected head of
government is deposed by military coup or decree, or a coup or
decree in which the military plays a decisive role and
requiring a determination, and providing waiver authority under
certain conditions.
Sec. 7009 includes language modified from the prior year
providing transfer authority and setting limitations and
conditions on such transfers between appropriations accounts
and requiring audits of certain transfers.
Sec. 7010 includes language modified from the prior year
prohibiting first-class travel, setting certain limitations on
computer networks, the promotion of tobacco, and representation
and entertainment expenses.
Sec. 7011 includes new language requiring a strategy for
improving foreign assistance effectiveness and similar language
carried in section 7034 the prior year regarding beneficiary
feedback, monitoring and evaluation, and foreign assistance
transparency.
Sec. 7012 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for countries in default and allowing
exceptions in certain circumstances.
Sec. 7013 includes language carried in the prior year
withholding assistance to a country where such assistance is
subject to taxation unless the Secretary of State makes certain
determinations.
Sec. 7014 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding the reservation of funds, certain related
authorities, and the designation of certain funding levels.
Sec. 7015 includes language modified from the prior year
establishing the notification requirements for the obligation
of certain funds made available by this Act.
Sec. 7016 includes language carried in the prior year
concerning public posting of reports and documents, records
management, and related cybersecurity protections.
Sec. 7017 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting the use of funds for programs in contravention of
this Act.
Sec. 7018 includes language carried in prior year
prohibiting funding for involuntary sterilization.
Sec. 7019 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding compliance with funding directives in certain tables
in the accompanying report and reporting directives in such
report.
Sec. 7020 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting the use of funds in this Act to make a multi-year
pledge unless such pledge meets the requirements of section
7066 of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2019 (division F of Public
Law 116-6).
Sec. 7021 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for governments that support
international terrorism.
Sec. 7022 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding authorization requirements.
Sec. 7023 includes language carried in the prior year
defining the terms ``program, project, and activity''.
Sec. 7024 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain authorities for the Peace Corps, Inter-
American Foundation, and the United States African Development
Foundation.
Sec. 7025 includes language carried in the prior year
relating to commerce, trade, and surplus commodities.
Sec. 7026 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the requirement that separate accounts be established
for cash transfers and assistance that generates local
currencies and establishing certain conditions on the use of
those funds.
Sec. 7027 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding assistance through nongovernmental organizations and
assistance provided under the Food for Peace Act.
Sec. 7028 includes language modified from the prior year
related commercial diplomacy and the promotion of United States
economic interests abroad.
Sec. 7029 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding: evaluations; social and environment safeguards; the
compensation level of the United States executive director to
each international financial institution (IFI); human rights
promotion; fraud and corruption; beneficial ownership;
whistleblower protections; grievance mechanisms; capital
increases; opposition to lending; contributions to financial
intermediary funds; report requirement; withholding of certain
funds; and guidance on multilateral development banks.
Sec. 7030 includes language modified from the prior year
making funds available for infrastructure investments,
including transportation, critical minerals with certain
requirements, and information and communication networks.
Sec. 7031 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding management of direct assistance to governments,
budget transparency of recipient countries, corruption and
human rights violations, and the foreign assistance website.
Sec. 7032 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding democracy programs funded in this Act.
Sec. 7033 includes language modified from the prior year on
programs and activities relating to international religious
freedom.
Sec. 7034 includes language modified the prior year
providing certain special authorities, directives, and
limitations relating to funds made available by this Act.
Sec. 7035 includes language modified from the prior year
related to assistance, authorities, limitations, directives,
and notifications regarding law enforcement and security
matters.
Sec. 7036 includes language modified from prior year
regarding funding directive and related requirements to combat
fentanyl.
Sec. 7037 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing limitations on the use of funds in support of a
Palestinian state.
Sec. 7038 includes language carried in the prior year
restricting assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting
Corporation.
Sec. 7039 includes language carried in the prior year
placing conditions on assistance for the West Bank and Gaza.
Sec. 7040 includes language carried in the prior year
placing limitations on any assistance for the Palestinian
Authority and regarding Hamas.
Sec. 7041 includes language modified from the prior year
providing authorities, directives, and limitations concerning
certain countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Sec. 7042 includes language modified from the prior year
providing authorities, directives, and limitations concerning
certain assistance for Africa.
Sec. 7043 includes language modified from the prior year
containing limitations, directives on assistance, and
authorities for diplomatic and development activities and
programs in East Asia and the Pacific.
Sec. 7044 includes language modified from the prior year
containing limitations, directives, and authorities for
diplomatic and development activities and programs in South and
Central Asia and for regional programs.
Sec. 7045 includes language modified from the prior year
providing authorities, directives, and limitations regarding
assistance and diplomatic engagement concerning certain
countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Sec. 7046 includes language modified from the prior year
providing authorities, directives, and limitations regarding
assistance for certain countries in Europe and Eurasia.
Sec. 7047 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding programs to counter Russian influence and aggression.
Sec. 7048 includes language modified from the prior year
relating to conditions and limitations on funds for the United
Nations and other international organizations.
Sec. 7049 includes language prohibiting the use of funds
related to censorship of speech and regarding limitations
related to the Global Engagement Center.
Sec. 7050 includes language carried in the prior year
directing that funds be made available for programs to promote
internet freedom and requiring certain consultations and
notifications concerning the obligation of such funds.
Sec. 7051 includes language modified from the prior year
prohibiting funds for the use of torture.
Sec. 7052 includes language carried in the prior year
relating to aircraft transfer and coordination.
Sec. 7053 includes language carried in the prior year
relating to unpaid parking fines and real property taxes owed
by foreign governments.
Sec. 7054 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the International Monetary Fund.
Sec. 7055 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funds for a country that does not cooperate in the
extradition of certain individuals to the United States.
Sec. 7056 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing restrictions on enterprise funds.
Sec. 7057 includes language prohibiting funding for UNFPA
and to any foreign nongovernmental organization that promotes
or performs abortion, with certain exceptions.
Sec. 7058 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding global health activities.
Sec. 7059 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding programs that support women's equality and
empowerment.
Sec. 7060 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding assistance for programs related to basic education,
higher education, biodiversity and wildlife trafficking,
development programs, disability programs, food security and
agriculture development, microenterprise, combating human
trafficking, and water and sanitation.
Sec. 7061 includes language modified from the prior year on
limitations for environment programs.
Sec. 7062 includes language modified from the prior year
requiring operating and spend plans for certain funds
appropriated by this Act.
Sec. 7063 includes language carried in the prior year
concerning consultation, notification, and reporting
requirements involving any agency reorganization.
Sec. 7064 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding management of the Department of State, including
compliance with financial management requirements and
limitations on certain programs and activities.
Sec. 7065 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding management of USAID, including personnel levels and
hiring authorities.
Sec. 7066 includes language modified from the prior year
related to assistance to regions impacted by extremism and
conflict.
Sec. 7067 includes language similar to the prior year
regarding debt-for-development and debt-for-nature exchanges.
Sec. 7068 includes language carried in the prior year
extending certain consular fees and related authorities.
Sec. 7069 includes language modified from the prior year
related to the oversight of, and restrictions on, certain
activities in, and with respect to, Gaza.
Sec. 7070 includes new limitations on the use of funds
appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act for
certain operations expenses and assistance programs and
activities.
Sec. 7071 includes language modified from the prior year
rescinding certain unobligated balances from prior year
appropriations.
Title VIII
Under Spending Reduction Account, new language from the
prior year establishing a spending reduction account.
Appropriations Not Authorized by Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following table lists the
appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not
authorized by law for the period concerned:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations in
Agency/Activity Last Year Authorization Last Year of Appropriations in
Authorized Level Authorization the Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of State/ 2003.............. $5,290,390,000.... $5,874,914,000.... $11,677,407,000
Administration of Foreign
Affairs.
Department of State/Embassy 2022.............. $1,983,149,000.... $1,983,149,000.... $1,957,821,000
Security, Construction and
Maintenance.
Department of State/ 2003.............. $1,529,702,000.... $1,672,000,000.... $1,338,514,000
International Organizations.
Department of State/ 2003.............. $71,385,000....... $57,730,000....... $333,369,000
International Commissions.
U.S. Agency for Global Media 2003.............. $644,486,000...... $599,560,000...... $807,896,000
(formerly Broadcasting Board of
Governors).
Department of State/Related 2003.............. $72,000,000....... $69,986,000....... $354,700,000
Programs.
United States Institute of Peace 2014.............. Such sums as may $37,000,000....... $55,000,000
be necessary.
USAID/Operating Expenses........ 1987.............. $387,000,000...... $340,600,000...... $1,214,808,000
USAID/Capital Investment Fund... None.............. NA................ NA................ $259,100,000
USAID/Inspector General......... 1987.............. $21,750,000....... $21,000,000....... $90,000,000
Global Health Programs (see note Population (1987); Population Population $3,623,712,000
below). Health and ($290,000,000); ($234,625,000); (including up to
Disease Health and Health and $461,000,000 for
Prevention Disease Disease Population)
(1987); Child Prevention Prevention
Survival Fund ($180,000,000); ($166,762,000);
(1987). Child Survival Child Survival
Fund Fund (75,000,000).
($75,000,000).
Global Health Programs: HIV/AIDS 2013.............. $48,000,000,000 $5,720,499,000.... $5,645,000,000
over 5 years.
Development Assistance.......... Agriculture Agriculture Agriculture $3,000,000,000
(1987); Education ($760,000,000); ($693,613,000); (program levels
(1987); Energy Education Education too difficult to
and selected ($180,000,000); ($155,000,000); determine due to
development Energy and Energy and changing
activities (1987). selected selected definitions of
development development programs since
activities activities last authorized)
($207,000,000). ($149,990,000).
International Disaster 2018.............. $2,794,184,000.... $2,696,534,000.... $3,452,362,000
Assistance.
Transition Initiatives.......... None.............. NA................ NA................ $80,000,000
Democracy Fund.................. None.............. NA................ NA................ $355,700,000
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia 1993.............. $410,000,000...... N/A............... $770,334,000
and Central Asia.
Migration and Refugee Assistance 2003.............. $820,000,000...... $781,884,000...... $2,453,236,000
Peace Corps..................... 2003.............. $365,000,000...... $295,069,000...... $410,500,000
Millennium Challenge Corporation 2005.............. Such sums as may $1,488,000,000.... $937,000,000
be necessary.
Inter-American Foundation....... 1993.............. $31,000,000....... $30,960,000....... $22,500,000
United States African 1987.............. $3,872,000........ $6,500,000........ $30,000,000
Development Foundation.
Department of the Treasury, 1999.............. $5,000,000........ $1,500,000........ $30,000,000
International Affairs Technical
Assistance.
Economic Support Fund........... 1987.............. $3,800,000,000.... $3,555,000,000.... $3,430,888,000
International Narcotics Control 1994.............. $171,500,000...... $100,000,000...... $1,566,183,000
and Law Enforcement.
Nonproliferation, Anti- 2003.............. $226,200,000...... NA................ $921,000,000
terrorism, Demining and Related
Programs (see note below).
Peacekeeping Operations......... 1999.............. $83,000,000....... $76,500,000....... $411,050,000
International Military Education 2003.............. $85,000,000....... $79,480,000....... $125,425,000
and Training.
Foreign Military Financing...... 2003.............. $4,107,000,000.... $6,104,632,000.... $6,828,049,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Programs recommended herein under ``Global Health Programs'' were last authorized under a different
account structure than that recommended in this bill; the account structure included a number of functional
accounts, as described above.
Note: Programs recommended herein under ``Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs''
include some major programs for which authorizations of appropriations were provided for fiscal year 2002;
these programs include $73,000,000 authorized for antiterrorism assistance and $142,000,000 authorized for
nonproliferation activities. In addition, some programs now in this account were previously in accounts which
had authorizations of appropriations in prior years.
Comparison With the Budget Resolution
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(A) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table compares
the levels of new budget authority provided in the bill with
the appropriate allocation under section 302(b) of the Budget
Act.
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
302(b) Allocation This Bill
---------------------------------------------------
Budget Budget
Authority Outlays Authority Outlays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee allocations
to its subcommittees: Subcommittee on State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs
Discretionary........................................... 51,713 ........... 51,713 \1\ 67,412
Mandatory............................................... ........... ........... 60 60
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
NOTE.--The amounts in this report do not include $220 million in estimated outlays from provisions in this bill
that are designated as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Consistent with the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, in the
House of Representatives such amounts do not count against the Committee's allocation.
Five-Year Outlay Projections
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section
308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the
following table contains five-year projections associated with
the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill as
provided to the Committee by the Congressional Budget Office.
[In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projection of outlays associated with the
recommendation:
2025............................................. \1\ 17,222
2026............................................. 13,875
2027............................................. 9,380
2028............................................. 5,146
2029 and future years............................ 4,970
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
Financial Assistance to State and Local Governments
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section
308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the
Congressional Budget Office has provided the following
estimates of new budget authority and outlays provided by the
accompanying bill for financial assistance to State and local
governments.
[In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Authority Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial assistance to State and local 0 \1\ 0
governments for 2025.........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
Program Duplication
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(5) of the Rules of the House of
Representatives, no provision of this bill establishes or
reauthorizes a program of the Federal government known to be
duplicative of another Federal program, a program that was
included in any report from the Government Accountability
Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-
139, or a program related to a program identified in the most
recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.
Committee Hearings
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(6) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following hearings were used to
develop or consider the Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025:
The Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Programs held a budget hearing on May 22, 2024, entitled
``Fiscal Year 2025 Request for the Department of State''. The
Subcommittee received testimony from:
The Honorable Antony Blinken, Secretary, Department
of State
The Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Programs held an oversight hearing on May 7, 2024, entitled
``Fiscal Year 2025 Request for the U.S. International
Development Finance Corporations''. The Subcommittee received
testimony from:
The Honorable Scott Nathan, Chief Executive Officer,
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
The Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Programs held a budget hearing on April 11, 2024, entitled
``Fiscal Year 2025 Request for the United States Agency for
International Development''. The Subcommittee received
testimony from:
The Honorable Samantha Power, Administrator, United
States Agency for International Development
Comparative Statement of New Budget (Obligational) Authority
Pursuant to clause (5)(c)(2) of the Rules of the House of
Representatives, the following table provides a detailed
summary, for each department and agency, comparing the amounts
recommended in the bill with fiscal year 2024 enacted amounts
and budget estimates presented for fiscal year 2025:
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ADDITIONAL VIEWS
The Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Programs appropriations bill supports the diplomatic and
development efforts critical to maintaining U.S. global
leadership and protecting our country's national security.
Investments in this bill provide the State Department, U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID), and other
agencies the resources needed to help reduce global poverty,
strengthen democratic political systems, and create greater
political and economic stability. Our country's national
security is dependent on robust diplomatic, defense and
development investments. Yet, the House fiscal year 2025 bill
would underinvest in development and diplomacy in such an
extreme way as to undermine our national security and American
global leadership.
The funding supported by the State and Foreign Operations
bill has achieved significant improvements in the lives of
people around the world including increased vaccinations,
reduced hunger and extreme poverty, and raised living standards
for millions around the world. However, the pandemic and growth
of infectious disease, rising food insecurity, and conflicts in
Europe and the Middle East, are endangering that progress. The
twelve percent cut to the fiscal year 2025 allocation will
further jeopardize these gains and undercut the work of
courageous diplomats and development workers around the world.
Historic migration, a changing climate, growing conflict
within and between states, and economic stagnation are
challenges that cannot be addressed by one country. Our only
chance at success is to work together with our partners and
allies to tackle these problems. This is not always easy, and
we will not always agree with every country about everything.
This bill's cynical characterization of countries into
black and white; good and evil is inflexible and unnuanced. A
key example of this is how this bill reinforces the failed
Cuban embargo. There's no track record of success nurturing
democracy and human rights by punishing regular people. We will
not be able to lead on international issues if we refuse to
engage or compromise. But by holding onto our values and
seeking common ground, we will make sustainable and lasting
progress on the interests of the United States.
The bill takes a disingenuous approach to the threat posed
by climate change. Communities are confronting the impacts of
human-caused climate change right now--life threatening
temperatures, crop failures, floods and severe weather. The
past 12 months have been the hottest ever measured and this
year's hurricane season is predicted to be especially active
because of record ocean temperatures.
Yet, the fiscal year 2025 House bill ignores this reality.
It includes no funding for clean energy. No funding to help
communities adapt to drought, rising coastlines, or extreme
heat. No funding to stop deforestation or recurring coastal
flooding. And even worse, the bill cuts off cooperation with
other countries to address this existential threat.
The bill also continues attacks on women's reproductive
freedom. 218 million women globally still do not have access to
the tools needed to decide when and how to have a baby and
hundreds of thousands die in childbirth, but this House bill
will make it harder for women to access care. It also cuts off
funding to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the one
partner that provides services to mothers and their babies in
the hardest places to reach. We know these are failed policies
that lead to negative impacts for child mortality and health
and economic empowerment.
This bill purports to take a hard line against our
adversaries, but the evidence shows otherwise. The United
States currently has a smaller diplomatic presence overseas
than the People's Republic of China (PRC). A strong and capable
State Department and USAID with well-staffed embassies and
missions effectively represents our interests by supporting and
building bridges with host governments, civil societies,
communities and the private sector that are at the core of our
national security and economic interests. However, this bill
asks our diplomats and development experts to do more
monitoring, reporting, and oversight, but cuts administrative
accounts by almost $1.5 billion.
In contrast, the largest increase in the bill, almost $1
billion, is in Foreign Military Financing. At the same time, it
removes all funding for the United Nations and prohibits funds
for a growing list of United Nations bodies. The clear message
of the fiscal year 2025 House bill is more weapons, less
cooperation.
This approach will provide fewer tools to partner with
countries that are looking for our assistance and decimate
support for multilateral agencies and international financial
institutions. We have watched as the PRC challenges the United
States at the United Nations and other multilateral
institutions, working to insert their values of
authoritarianism and disrespect for human rights. By cutting
all funding to the United Nations and its agencies, this bill
leaves a void for our adversaries to fill.
The bill also injects domestic politics into our foreign
policy in an attempt to accommodate the most extreme views in
Congress without the consideration of real-life consequences
for national security and well-being of our allies. Support for
diversity and human rights for all people are a bedrock of
American values and millions of people look to the United
States for inspiration and support on these issues. This bill
would weaken American leadership with its attack on programs to
promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility within
the foreign service and broader foreign affairs workforce. In
the 21st Century, large firms and the Pentagon have concluded
that they cannot achieve their missions without nurturing and
cultivating the broadest and deepest array of talent. That
means valuing everyone--via an effective strategy and ample
resources for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility.
Our foreign affairs agencies, like the State Department,
are struggling to build a diverse and inclusive foreign
service, with a workforce that is less diverse than the labor
force, and that gets whiter and more male at each rank of
seniority. It is critical that United States representation
overseas represents the full diversity of America. The bill
would undermine even the modest progress made under this
administration by defunding the tools needed to create an
inclusive 21st Century workforce.
Several amendments were offered to address some of the most
destructive provisions, but unfortunately, were defeated in
largely partisan votes. An amendment to strike the harmful
riders affecting women's health offered by Representative Grace
Meng was rejected along party lines.
In another amendment rejected by a party line vote, Ranking
Member Barbara Lee offered an amendment to strike several of
the most counter-productive riders regarding LGBTQ+ rights,
diversity and inclusion, disinformation, prohibitions on United
Nations programs such as the World Health Organization, and
counter-productive migration riders. The pursuit of such
policies has contributed to the increasing isolation of the
United States.
This bill would have severe consequences for United States
leadership, our ability to work with others on shared
challenges, and our long-term national security. Instead of
listening to partners and addressing concerns together, the
fiscal year 2025 House SFOPS bill forces the U.S. to go it
alone and reject any country with a different perspective. It
rejects burden-sharing and dialogue.
We look forward to working with Chairman Diaz-Balart and
our colleagues in the House to improve the bill and hope our
Republican colleagues will reconsider the included policy
riders that will make it more difficult to achieve U.S.
priorities.
Rosa DeLauro.
Barbara Lee.
[all]