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27–162PDF 2017

THE STATE DEPARTMENT AND USAID FY 2018

AFRICA BUDGET

HEARING

BEFORE THE

SUBCOMMITTEE ON AFRICA, GLOBAL HEALTH, 

GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS, AND 

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

OF THE

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

FIRST SESSION

OCTOBER 11, 2017

Serial No. 115–85

Printed for the use of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

(

Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.foreignaffairs.house.gov/ or

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/

(II)

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

EDWARD R. ROYCE, California, Chairman 

CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey 

ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida 

DANA ROHRABACHER, California 

STEVE CHABOT, Ohio 

JOE WILSON, South Carolina 

MICHAEL T. MCCAUL, Texas 

TED POE, Texas 

DARRELL E. ISSA, California 

TOM MARINO, Pennsylvania 

JEFF DUNCAN, South Carolina 

MO BROOKS, Alabama 

PAUL COOK, California 

SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania 

RON DESANTIS, Florida 

MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina 

TED S. YOHO, Florida 

ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois 

LEE M. ZELDIN, New York 

DANIEL M. DONOVAN, JR., New York 

F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR., 

Wisconsin 

ANN WAGNER, Missouri 

BRIAN J. MAST, Florida 

FRANCIS ROONEY, Florida 

BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK, Pennsylvania 

THOMAS A. GARRETT, JR., Virginia 

ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York 

BRAD SHERMAN, California 

GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York 

ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey 

GERALD E. CONNOLLY, Virginia 

THEODORE E. DEUTCH, Florida 

KAREN BASS, California 

WILLIAM R. KEATING, Massachusetts 

DAVID N. CICILLINE, Rhode Island 

AMI BERA, California 

LOIS FRANKEL, Florida 

TULSI GABBARD, Hawaii 

JOAQUIN CASTRO, Texas 

ROBIN L. KELLY, Illinois 

BRENDAN F. BOYLE, Pennsylvania 

DINA TITUS, Nevada 

NORMA J. TORRES, California 

BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER, Illinois 

THOMAS R. SUOZZI, New York 

ADRIANO ESPAILLAT, New York 

TED LIEU, California

AMY PORTER, Chief of Staff THOMAS SHEEHY, Staff Director

JASON STEINBAUM, Democratic Staff Director 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON AFRICA, GLOBAL HEALTH, GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS, AND

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey, Chairman 

MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina 

DANIEL M. DONOVAN, JR., New York 

F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR., 

Wisconsin 

THOMAS A. GARRETT, JR., Virginia 

KAREN BASS, California 

AMI BERA, California 

JOAQUIN CASTRO, Texas 

THOMAS R. SUOZZI, New York 

(III)

C O N T E N T S 

Page

WITNESSES 

The Honorable Donald Yamamoto, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of 

African Affairs, U.S. Department of State ......................................................... 4

Ms. Cheryl Anderson, Acting Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Africa, 

U.S. Agency for International Development ...................................................... 12

LETTERS, STATEMENTS, ETC., SUBMITTED FOR THE HEARING 

The Honorable Donald Yamamoto: Prepared statement ...................................... 7

Ms. Cheryl Anderson: Prepared statement ........................................................... 15

APPENDIX 

Hearing notice .......................................................................................................... 38

Hearing minutes ...................................................................................................... 39

Written responses from the Honorable Donald Yamamoto to questions submitted for the record by: 

The Honorable Christopher H. Smith, a Representative in Congress from 

the State of New Jersey, and chairman, Subcommittee on Africa, Global 

Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations ................ 40

The Honorable Ami Bera, a Representative in Congress from the State 

of California ...................................................................................................... 52

Written responses from Ms. Cheryl Anderson to questions submitted for the 

record by: 

The Honorable Christopher H. Smith ................................................................ 57

The Honorable Ami Bera ..................................................................................... 66

(1)

THE STATE DEPARTMENT AND USAID FY 2018 

AFRICA BUDGET 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2017

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

SUBCOMMITTEE ON AFRICA, GLOBAL HEALTH, GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS, AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS,

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS,

Washington, DC. 

The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:00 p.m., in room 

2200 Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Christopher H. Smith 

(chairman of the subcommittee) presiding. 

Mr. SMITH. The subcommittee will come to order and good afternoon to everybody. Thank you for being here. 

I really deeply appreciate our two distinguished witnesses who 

are here today to give us an inside look at the budget as it relates 

to Africa and where the challenges are and where funding will potentially increase. 

As you know, the appropriations budget that has passed the 

House clearly indicates that there were some differences of opinion 

as to how much and where we should be spending that money. And 

I think we have come to a consensus, at least on the Republican 

side, that extraordinary, important programs like PEPFAR, the 

President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, a number of the refugee programs, and a whole lot of other programs that deal with 

infectious diseases like tuberculosis need to be funded in a very robust way in order to save lives and to mitigate dangers, especially 

to women and children. 

We also have a very strong commitment on this committee and 

from our leaders from the State Department ensuring that refugees 

in a world where we have more refugees and IDPs perhaps than 

ever before, and disproportionately in sub-Saharan Africa, that we 

ensure that the resourcing is there from food to medicine to shelter. 

Just recently, in June, Ranking Member Karen Bass and I did 

visit some of the refugee camps including Bidi Bidi Camp and had 

a very important take away that our food security, that money that 

we were providing for food and medicine was being used very efficiently and compassionately. We also saw it in the IDP camps especially in Unity State in South Sudan where again because of the 

generosity of the American people, people were getting adequate 

food and shelter and medicine. 

Obviously, this commingles and works synergistically with the 

United Nations’ efforts, particularly in camps that are run by the 

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 

2

(UNHCR), so I think that partnership, as in the past, as in the 

present, and looking into the future, bodes well for doing everything humanly possible to assist. 

There are always concerns about budget cuts. I think they are 

in the process of being mitigated by congressional action and that 

is a good thing in my opinion. Because again, for the weakest and 

most vulnerable among us, particularly refugees, particularly 

women and small children in dire situations where famine and 

other disasters are wreaking havoc on them, it is important to ensure that we get those resources to them in a timely fashion again 

to ensure survival and hopefully prospering. 

Finally, one of the programs I consider to be among the greatest 

ever conceived is the first 1,000 days from conception to the second 

birthday where through adequate food security, children and mothers are made healthier. If ever there was a program that boosts immunity, ensures that mother and baby are healthier and can 

thrive, it thwarts the whole idea of stunting. In countries where 

there has been embrace of this important first 1,000 days of life, 

and it is part of, obviously, the fabric of the Global Food Security 

Act which I was the House sponsor of, and worked very closely 

with Dr. Shah, previously with the U.S. Agency for International 

Development (USAID). And I have been with Ambassador Green, 

the new USAID Administrator, is a wonderful man to take the 

helm of USAID. As our former Ambassador to Tanzania, also he 

worked for IRI, so he gets the democracy piece, but also sat on this 

committee, my committee, years ago. 

And to have him in such a prominent and gatekeeper position 

and Cheryl Anderson, I am sure you will agree, he is a man with 

tremendous competence and compassion who will make a huge difference at USAID. And so we are certainly grateful that he is at 

the helm. 

I would like to yield to my good friend and colleague, Ms. Bass. 

Ms. BASS. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I want to welcome 

the Acting Assistant Secretary Donald Yamamoto and Acting Assistant Administrator Cheryl Anderson and thank you both for 

joining us today. 

One of the things I always appreciate about this committee is the 

fact that so much of our work is on a bipartisan basis and especially as it relates to the continent of Africa. As I was walking in, 

I heard the chairman describe our trip to Uganda and to South 

Sudan and I certainly going to ask you about that in the Q and 

A. 

But we all know that there is a direct correlation between our 

budget and our foreign policy priorities which is why, of course, the 

budget has caused a great deal of concern when we saw the initial 

fiscal year 2018 budget request that called for a nearly 30 percent 

cut to the State Department and USAID. 

And I know that the administration is concerned about security 

and counterterrorism. And to me, when I look at USAID and the 

State Department, you know, we can make a choice. We can try to 

deal with security in addition through the military, but also 

through diplomacy and through development, or we can just fund 

the military. And so that really concerns me. And it makes me feel 

that the fiscal year 2018 budget is extremely short sighted. 

3

I am also concerned about the African Growth and Opportunity 

Act (AGOA), and I didn’t—and perhaps you can answer this in the 

Q and A, but I didn’t see support for trade hubs and some of the 

other supportive programs. Maybe I am just missing the details, 

but in the CRS document, I don’t see that. 

President Bush established PEPFAR and we know that PEPFAR 

has done so much to reduce HIV and AIDS on the continent. I am 

glad that that funding has continued. But I am concerned about 

the elimination of the African Development Bank and Foundation. 

And again, I think that the overall approach is short sighted. It is 

like they picked and chose, but maybe didn’t understand what the 

programs were. At least I am hoping that that is the case. I am 

hoping that it can be rectified. 

I was glad that the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), 

Power Africa, and Feed the Future is still in the budget, but the 

question is at what level. And the restructuring that collapses a 

bunch of programs together certainly causes concern for me. I don’t 

exactly know how that is going to work, if that reorganization has 

actually take place or if it is a proposal or what. 

And I will leave it at that and I know we will get into a rich exchange during the Q and A. 

Mr. SMITH. Thank you, Ms. Bass. Mr. Donovan. 

Mr. DONOVAN. I will yield, Mr. Chairman. 

Mr. SUOZZI. I will yield, Mr. Chairman. 

Mr. SMITH. Thank you. I would like to now introduce our very 

two distinguished witnesses and welcome back both of these great 

leaders. 

Beginning with Donald Yamamoto, Ambassador Yamamoto, he 

served as U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of 

Ethiopia from November 2006 to July 2009. He also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary to the Bureau of African Affairs from 2003 

to 2006 where he was responsible for coordinating U.S. policy toward over 20 countries in East and Central Africa. He served as 

U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti from 2000 to 2003 and 

was Deputy Director of the East African Affairs from 1998 to 2000. 

He entered the Foreign Service in 1980—same year I got elected 

to Congress I would note parenthetically. Former assignments include U.S. Embassy of Beijing as Ambassador’s staff aide and 

Human Rights Officer, during the Tiananmen Square demonstrations and massacre in 1989. In Japan, he was Principal Officer at 

a consulate; in Eritrea, as Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy 

in Asmara in the Horn of Africa. He attended the National War 

College in 1996 for senior training and received a Congressional 

Fellowship in 1991. 

Ambassador Yamamoto was a graduate of Columbia College and 

did graduate studies in Columbia, receiving a Master’s Degree in 

International Affairs. He studied Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and 

French. During his Foreign Service career, he received four individual Superior Honor awards, two group awards, and the 2006 

Robert Frasure Memorial Award for advancing conflict resolution 

in Africa. 

Next we will be hearing from Cheryl Anderson who is the Acting 

Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa at USAID. She 

joined the Bureau as Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator in OcVerDate 0ct 09 2002 14:10 Dec 18, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 Z:\WORK\_AGH\101117\27162 SHIRL
4

tober 2016. Before joining the Africa Bureau, she served as the 

Mission Director for USAID, Southern Africa from August 2013. 

And prior to that, she was Mission Director in Ghana and the East 

Africa Regional Mission. 

Ms. Anderson has over 20 years of development experience, mostly in Africa. Her experience in Africa began in Ghana as a Peace 

Corps volunteer. Since joining USAID as a Foreign Service Officer 

in 1988, she has worked in USAID missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Sudan, and East Africa. She served as 

the Deputy Director in the East Asia Office in USAID headquarters 

in Washington, DC, and worked as a program manager for 

Healthlink Worldwide, a U.K.-based NGO. 

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, and a Master of Science in International Development Management from 

American University right here in Washington, DC. 

Two very experienced and dedicated public servants and leaders. 

I would like to now yield to Ambassador Yamamoto. 

STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE DONALD YAMAMOTO, ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY, BUREAU OF AFRICAN AFFAIRS, 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. I submit my long form for the record. 

Mr. SMITH. Without objection, your formal statements, both of 

you, and an attachments will be made a part of the record. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. I want to thank you very much, Mr. 

Chairman, for the great work you have done on the Africa issue. 

And Madam Congresswoman, thank you very much for the letter 

to the Secretary of State on your concerns on the budget. And I 

hope we can address those concerns. 

I also want to highlight a couple of points before I start my short 

form and that is Secretary Tillerson, during his comments before 

the Foreign Relations Committee on June 14th, noted that we have 

a very tight budget and that a lot of difficult, challenging decisions 

have to be made, but it aligns with the administration’s objective 

of making America’s security our top priority. 

So in that regard, Mr. Chairman, and Madam Congresswoman, 

I would like to say that we appreciate the role of this committee 

and subcommittee play in helping the America people understand 

why foreign affairs matters to them. Advancing the values and interests of our country, promoting stability in the world does matter 

to our citizens whether it results in jobs, in economic opportunities, 

connections between communities or the safety and security we 

aim to achieve. 

For far too long, images of poverty and insecurity have dominated the American perspective on Africa. Yes, these exist in Africa, and I would be remiss today if I did not express my very deep 

concern about the continued violence and fighting in places such as 

South Sudan, the Central African Republic, as well as the atrocities committed by Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa against innocent civilians of all faiths in Nigeria and across the borders of 

neighboring states. These challenges are certainly not the whole 

story of what is happening on the continent, however. Countering 

the scourge of terrorism and resolving conflict represent just a 

5

small part of what our partnerships on the continent aim to address and to achieve. 

As we consider the purpose and nature of our relationship with 

Africa, it is important to note two things. The first is Africa’s emergence as a point of global interest and strategic convergence. What 

happens on the continent over the next several years will help 

shape the world’s economy, security, and well-being. Africa is 

emerging as a bridge from the Indo-Pacific region with the larger 

Atlantic community, while also connecting directly to Europe and 

the Middle East. 

Second, Africa is a continent of friends and partners to the 

United States. With the African Union as the standard bearer, the 

vast majority of African states share our commitment to free markets, equitable trade, democracy, the rule of law, secure borders, 

and effective responses to global terrorist threats. 

Active engagement in sub-Saharan Africa advances U.S. strategic 

interests. Our close collaboration with the interagency community 

centers on a set of jointly agreed-upon priorities for Africa. Together, we remain committed to: First, increasing economic growth 

and investment; second, advancing peace and security; third, countering the scourge of terrorism; and four, promoting democracy, 

human rights, and good governance. 

The fiscal year 2018 foreign assistance budget request for Africa 

incorporates input from chiefs of missions at each sub-Saharan Africa post in response to these over-arching policy goals and reflects 

an integrated approach from meeting the diplomatic security development challenges in each country. 

The African Bureaus at both State and USAID worked hard and 

hand-in-hand throughout all phases of the budget development 

process. The President’s $5.2 billion fiscal year 2018 foreign assistance request for Africa supports the administration’s focus on economic and development assistance to countries of a greater strategic importance to the United States such as those critical to advancing U.S. national security objectives. Difficult tradeoffs were 

made as we worked to streamline efforts to ensure the efficiency 

and effectiveness of U.S. taxpayer dollars. Focusing our efforts allows us to advance our most important policy goals in national security interests. 

The fiscal year 2018 request addresses key priorities in Africa, 

including promoting U.S. national security interests by seeking to 

assist partner nations to defeat ISIS branches and affiliates and 

other terrorist organization threats and networks in Mali and the 

Sahel, Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, Somalia, the Horn of Africa, 

and elsewhere. The request also seeks to assert U.S. leadership 

and influence by prioritizing funding for countries recovering from 

or facing violent conflict to prevent them from becoming safe-havens for terrorism and extremism. 

The fiscal year 2018 request also supports efforts to prevent global pandemics through robust funding for health programs, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, 

in order to control epidemics and diseases in key countries, and 

preventing their spread to the United States. With the transfer of 

Ebola funding, the budget request also maintains funding for malaria programs. African governments are increasingly acting to adVerDate 0ct 09 2002 14:10 Dec 18, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 Z:\WORK\_AGH\101117\27162 SHIRL
6

dress HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases, as we continue to encourage these efforts. 

The fiscal year 2018 request aims to foster economic opportunities on the continent by bolstering good governance and education 

programs in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, among others, that create a 

positive enabling environment for U.S. businesses. It will also provide sufficient resources to continue to partner with and provide 

assistance to key allies in sub-Saharan Africa in a manner that 

protects Americans and American interests, advances bilateral and 

regional partnerships, opens new markets for U.S. businesses, and 

promotes American values abroad. 

Many of the biggest security threats that the United States faces 

including terrorism, pandemics, transnational organized crime are 

incubated and thrive in weak, failing, and failed states. Recognizing the foundation and importance of democracy, human rights, 

and good governance to Africa’s future and to U.S. foreign policy 

objectives on the continent. We will continue to encourage the development of effective justice sector institutions, strong legislatures, robust civil societies, and independent judiciaries, media, 

and elections-related bodies, all of which are to improve transparency through advancing human rights violations by abusive 

governments so that corruption and failure to deliver these basic 

services and lack of transparency do not create vulnerabilities to 

violent extremism in unstable regions, threatening the United 

States and its allies. 

Across the board, we are striving to move beyond outdated models for aid and focus on the objectives that link us as partners with 

the private sector, African governments, local non-governmental organizations, civil society, and citizens. This must be the way forward in terms of budget realities and in recognition of how our relationship with African partners have progressed. 

As we continue to streamline our approach to ensure efficiencies 

and effectiveness of U.S. taxpayer dollars, we will continue to 

prioritize resources to align with the administration’s foreign policy 

objectives, focusing our efforts and coordinating closely with donors 

that will allow us to continue to advance our most important policy 

goals. 

And a final point, I want to emphasize that the way we have 

prioritized our budgeting for key, crucial areas remains proportional to what we have done in the past several years. 

Thank you very much. I welcome your questions. 

[The prepared statement of Ambassador Yamamoto follows:]

7


27162a-1.eps

Statement by Acting Assistant Secretary Donald Yamamoto 

FY 2018 Budget Request 

House Foreign Affairs Committee 

Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and 

International Organizations 

Wednesday, October 11,2017,2:00 p.m. 

Mr. Chainnan, Ranking Member Bass, and Members of the Conunittee, thank you 

for inviting us to appear before you today to discuss the Administration's FY 2018 

toreign assistance budget request and to provide further detail on U.S. assistance to 

sub-Saharan Africa. I am pleased to be joined by my colleague, Cheryl Anderson, 

Acting Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International 

Development's Bureau tor Africa. 

We deeply appreciate the role this Committee and Subcommittee play in helping 

the American people tmderstand why foreign affairs matter to them. Advancing 

the values and interests of our country and promoting stability in the world does 

matter to our citizens, whether it results in jobs and economic opportunity, 

connections between conummities, or the safety and security we aim to achieve. 

For far too long, images of poverty and insecurity have dominated the American 

perspective on Africa. Yes, these exist in Africa, and I would be remiss today ifi 

did not express my very deep concem about the continued violence and fighting in 

places such as South Sudan and the Central African Republic, as well as the 

atrocities committed by Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa against innocent 

civilians of all taiths in Nigeria and across borders of neighboring states. These 

challenges are certainly not the whole story of what is happening on the continent, 

however. Countering the scourge of terrorism and resolving conflict represent just 

a small part of what our partnerships on the continent aim to address and to 

achieve. 

As we consider the purpose and nature of our relationship with Africa, it is 

important to note two things. The first is Africa's emergence as a point of global 

interest and strategic convergence. What happens on the continent over the next 

several years will shape the world's economy, security, and well-being. Africa is 

emerging as a bridge from the Indo-Pacific region to the larger Atlantic 

community, while also connecting directly to Europe and the Middle East. 
8


27162a-2.eps

- 2-

Second, as far as the United States is concerned, Africa is already a continent of 

friends and partners. With the African Union as the standard bearer, the vast 

majority of African states share our conmritment to free markets, equitable trade, 

democracy and the rule oflaw, secure borders, and effective responses to global 

terrorist threats. 

Active engagement in sub-Saharan Africa advances U.S. strategic interests. Our 

close collaboration with the interagency community centers on a set of jointly 

agreed-upon priorities for Africa. Together we remain committed to: 

• Increasing economic growth and investment; 

• Advancing peace and security; 

• Countering the scourge of terrorism; and 

• Promoting democracy, human rights and good governance. 

In our efforts to advance peace and security, we are conm1itted to working closely 

with Africans to address terrorist and other transnational challenges such as 

maritime safety and security, narcotics and wildlife trafficking, and trafficking in 

persons. 

The President's $5.2 billion FY 2018 foreign assistance request for Africa reflects 

the Adnrinistration's focus on econonric and development assistance to cotmtries 

ofthe greatest strategic importance to the United States, such as those critical to 

advancing U.S. national security objectives. As we worked to streamline efforts to 

ensure the efficiency and effectiveness ofU.S. taxpayer dollars, we had to make 

some difficult tradeotfs. 

Working within the Administration's resource guidelines, the Africa Bureaus at 

both State and USAID worked hand-in-hand on the budget development process in 

order to mitigate the impact of reductions in development funding on our national 

interests and policy objectives on the continent. 

The FY 2018 request thus addresses key priorities in Africa, including promoting 

U.S. national security interests by seeking to assist partner nations to defeat ISIS 

branches and affiliates and other terrorist organization threats and networks in Mali 

and the Sahel, Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin, Somalia and the Horn of Africa, 

and elsewhere. The request also seeks to assert U.S. leadership and influence by 

prioritizing funding for countries recovering from or facing violent conflict to 

prevent them from becoming safe-havens for terrorism and extremism. 
9


27162a-3.eps

- 3 -

Transnational threats, such as terrorism and crime, state fragility, and conflict, 

make the promotion of peace and security a critical priority tor the United States in 

Africa. In Somalia, despite overall funding reductions, we seek to target our 

assistance to bolster the effectiveness of AMISOM, the African Union Mission in 

Somalia, and the Somalia National Security Forces to drive out al-Shabaab and 

support further etlorts to strengthen the Somali state. In the Lake Chad Basin, our 

assistance is helping the regional coalition defeat Boko Haram and ISIS-West 

Africa with support for military and civilian security operations, humanitarian 

support, and a defectors' strategy. 

In Mali and the Sahel, we have a multifaceted approach to support the peace 

process, bring stability, and drive out terrorists. We support French military 

counterterrorism operations with logistical and other assistance; we are providing 

support to the regional states in the G-5 Sahel framework; and we are sustaining 

MINUSMA so that it can fulfill its role to support Mali's govemment. In the 

Democratic Republic ofthe Congo and South Sudan, the budget request supports 

mitigation of regional crises; provides monitoring teams, advisors, training, 

logistical support, infrastmcture enhancements, and equipment; and supports 

security sector refonn. 

The FY 2018 request also supports efforts to prevent global pandemics by 

protecting funding for health programs, including the President's Emergency Plan 

for AIDS Relief, or PEP FAR, in order to control epidemics and diseases in key 

countries, and prevent their spread to the United States. The request provides 

sufficient resources to maintain all current patients on HIV/AIDS treatment under 

PEPFAR in more than 50 countries globally. ln Africa, PEPFAR will continue to 

ensure access to HIV/AIDS services, including for the most vulnerable and at-risk 

groups, and will target resources to advance the U.S. govenm1ent's strategy 

through focused investment in 12 high-burden countries that have the potential to 

achieve epidemic control by 2020. With the transfer ofEbola funding, the budget 

request also maintains funding for malaria programs. Additionally, African 

govemments are increasingly acting to address HlV/AlDS, malaria, and other 

diseases, and we continue to encourage their efl:orts. 

The FY 2018 request aims to foster economic opportunities on the continent by 

supporting good governance and education programs in Kenya, Rwanda, and 

Uganda, among others, that create a positive enabling environment for U.S. 

businesses. It will also provide sufficient resources to continue to partner with, and 

provide assistance to, key allies in sub-Saharan Africa in a manner that protects 
10


27162a-4.eps

- 4-

Americans and American interests, advances bilateral and regional partnerships, 

opens new markets for U.S. businesses, and promotes American values abroad. 

While the African continent as a whole has made important gains in democracy 

and institution building, those gains are fragile. Many of the biggest security 

threats the United States faces- including terrorism, pandemics, and transnational 

organized crime- are incubated and thrive in weak, failing, and failed states. 

Democracy, human rights, and good governance is vital to Africa's stability and 

future. In order to achieve U.S. foreign policy objectives on the continent, it is 

important to foster strong democratic institutions. Some of the most chronic and 

deadly conflicts originate from the comprehensive denial of civilian participation 

in their own govenunent. Therefore, we will continue to encourage the 

development of effective justice sector institutions, strong legislatures, robust civil 

societies, and independent judiciaries, media, and elections-related bodies, all of 

which are important to a healthy democracy. We will also work to combat 

corruption and improve transparency while addressing human rights violations by 

abusive governments. All of these efforts will help counter political fragility and 

support stronger and more effective governance so that corruption, failure to 

deliver basic services, and lack of transparency do not create vulnerabilities to 

violent-extremism in unstable regions, threatening the United States and its allies. 

The request continues to provide support, at a reduced level, for all three 

components ofthe Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI): the Mandela 

Washington Fellowship, the YALI Regional Leadership Centers, and the YALI 

Network. We will focus on developing the relationships that Y ALI has fostered, 

while enabling a smaller number of Mandel a Washington Fellows to travel to the 

United States for Y ALl's flagship exchange program. The private sector has 

shown interest in supporting the goals of Y ALI, and we will continue to encourage 

its support and leverage private sector funding. 

The budget request also continues support, at reduced levels, for Power Africa. 

The United States will continue to work with host governments and communities 

to develop public-private partnerships that promote the most appropriate and 

financially sound energy solutions for each country, while simultaneously creating 

economic opportunities in the United States. To date, Power Africa has more than 

130 private sector partners, in addition to the governments of Sweden, Norway, 

Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and France, as well as the European Union. 

Across the board, we are striving to move beyond outdated models for aid and 

focus on the objectives that link us as partners with the private sector, African 
11


27162a-5.eps

- 5-

governments, local non-governmental organizations, civil society, and citizens. 

We continue to use our resources and programming to leverage more contributions 

from host nations and other donors. This must be the way forward in terms of 

budget realities and in recognition of how our relationships with African partners 

have progressed. 

As we work to streamline our approach, to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of 

U.S. taxpayer dollars, we will continue to prioritize resources to align with the 

Administration's foreign policy objective. Focusing our efforts and coordinating 

closely with other donors will allow us to continue to advance our most important 

policy goals. 

Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. T look fonvard to your views and 

questions 
12

Mr. SMITH. Ambassador, thank you very much. 

Ms. Anderson. 

STATEMENT OF MS. CHERYL ANDERSON, ACTING ASSISTANT 

ADMINISTRATOR, BUREAU FOR AFRICA, U.S. AGENCY FOR 

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

Ms. ANDERSON. Good afternoon members of the subcommittee. 

Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today about the 

United States’ investments in sub-Saharan Africa. It is an honor 

and a pleasure to have the opportunity to discuss the U.S. Agency 

for International Development’s programs on the continent. 

United States assistance is having a transformative impact in 

sub-Saharan Africa. Between 2000 and 2015, the percentage of Africans living in extreme poverty has declined from 57 to 41 percent. 

Under-5 mortality rates have declined from 154 per 1,000 births in 

2000 to 74 children per 1,000 in 2015. And African school primary 

enrollment rates have increased from 61 percent in 2000 to 79 percent in 2014. 

These dramatic changes were the result of sustained efforts by 

African governments, with essential support from bilateral and 

multilateral development partners, foundations, and non-governmental organizations. Throughout USAID’s history, we have confronted some of the world’s greatest development challenges, and 

along with our partners, we have demonstrated that our work can 

and does have a measurable impact. Even so, every program 

should look forward to the day when it can end. So every USAID 

mission must continuously evaluate how each program dollar 

moves a country closer to that day. 

These development efforts reap dividends not just for Africa, but 

also for the United States. Administrator Green has stressed that 

the United States will not turn its back on those in need. 

Where can we make a real difference? That question drives everything we do. USAID has become more selective in how we 

choose the countries and sectors where we will invest our resources. 

The total fiscal year 2018 budget request for Africa is $5.2 billion. Roughly $3.7 billion or 70 percent of the request represents 

the top 10 country programs. In fiscal year 2018, our resources are 

allocated based on the four over-arching policy priorities laid out in 

the President’s Budget Blueprint. First, advance U.S. national security interests in Africa through programs that support partners 

in the fight against terrorism, advance peace and security, and promote good governance. Second, ensure programming asserts U.S. 

leadership and influence. Third, design programs that foster economic opportunities and spur mutually beneficial trade and investment arrangements for both the American people and our African 

partners. Lastly, we underscore all these efforts with a relentless 

focus on efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability to the American taxpayer. 

Many of the biggest external security threats the United States 

faces, including terrorism and pandemics, are incubated and thrive 

in weak, failing, and failed states. The fiscal year 2018 budget request supports our continued effort to counter violent extremism 

and support conflict prevention and mitigation on the continent. 

13

For example, in Somalia, USAID activities support the country’s 

transition from decades of state failure to a more stable, democratic 

ally in the volatile Horn of Africa region. USAID’s programs challenge extremist ideology and disrupt tactics of Islamic State militants and al-Shabaab. Since 2011, USAID investments have fostered stabilization in more than 40 percent of districts in south 

central Somalia that were retaken from al-Shabaab by creating 

6,300 new jobs and providing education services for more than 

21,000 secondary school students. 

For more than 55 years, USAID programs have saved and improved lives around the world, advanced American values, increased global stability, and driven economic growth in emerging 

markets. 

Of the fiscal year 2018 request for Africa, approximately 80 percent is allocated to global health programs. These programs support control of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, prevent child and maternal deaths, and combat infectious disease threats. They are hallmarks of U.S. leadership in the world. However, responding to 

global challenges is a shared responsibility that cannot be met by 

one nation alone. 

Although Africa still struggles with development challenges, the 

region has experienced rapid economic growth and significant poverty reduction, with a number of African countries now among the 

top fastest-growing economies in the world. 

Increasingly, foreign direct investment is driving growth in Africa, and U.S. assistance is being outpaced by private investment. 

Through Power Africa, a U.S. Government initiative, the private 

sector has invested $14 billion in 57 projects at a relatively minimal cost to the U.S. taxpayer. 

Through the USAID Regional Trade and Investment Hubs in 

Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, we reduce barriers to trade and 

investment, and foster linkages between U.S. and African firms. In 

close cooperation with African countries, USAID facilitates trade 

and also reduces its time and cost. 

We have also prioritized programs that promote entrepreneurship, help build capacity in local institutions to support free markets, fight corruption, and unlock opportunities to formalize the 

huge informal economy. Our investments also help to empower 

women and youth to advance economically, ensuring inclusive economic growth. 

We intend to uphold the administration’s commitment to ensure 

effectiveness and accountability to the U.S. taxpayer. Rigorous 

monitoring and evaluation help to ensure the effectiveness of 

USAID’s programs. That being said, not everything we do always 

turns out the way we plan, so we will continue to manage our risks 

well, learn from experience, and correct course where necessary. 

In conclusion, the United States has a continued commitment to 

a partnership with African governments, partners, and other donors grounded in mutual responsibility and respect. USAID has a 

very real role in safeguarding the United States’ national security 

and economic opportunities. As we continue to work with our partners toward our shared goals over the coming months, I look forward to a continued conversation on USAID’s work in Africa. 

14

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Bass, and members 

of the subcommittee. I look forward to responding to your questions. 

[The prepared statement of Ms. Anderson follows:]

15


27162b-1.eps

Testimony of U.S. Agency for International Development 

Acting Assistant Administrator for Africa, Cheryl L. Anderson 

before the House Foreign Affairs Committee 

Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International 

Organizations 

October 11, 2017 

"Sub-Saharan Africa Budget Priorities FY 2018" 

Good afternoon members of the subcommittee. Thank you for inviting me to speak with you 

today about United States investments in sub-Saharan Africa. It is an honor and pleasure to have 

the opportunity to discuss the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs on 

the continent. 

United States assistance is having a transformative impact in sub-Saharan Africa. Between 2000 

and 2015, the percentage of Africans living in extreme poverty has declined from 57 to 41 

percent; under-5 mortality rates have declined from 154 per 1,000 births to 74 children per 

thousand in 2015; and African school primary enrollment rates have increased from 61 percent in 

2000 to 79 percent in 2014. 

These dramatic changes were the result of sustained efforts by Atrican governments, with 

essential support from aid donors, foundations, and non-governmental organizations. Throughout 

USA !D's history, we have confronted some of the world's greatest development challenges, and 

along with our partners, we have demonstrated that our work can and does have a measurable 

impact. Even so, every program should look forward to the day when it can end. So every 

USAlD mission must continuously evaluate how each program dollar moves a country closer to 

that day. 

These development efforts reap dividends not just for Africa but also for the United States. 

Disease and conflict know no borders. Undeveloped markets can limit the potential for global 

economic growth. As the United States supports the development of African businesses, it fuels 

the kind of job creation that gives rise to real economic growth and political stability. The result? 

Creation of growing markets with increased economic opportunities for American firms and 

American workers. 

Administrator Green has stressed that the United States will not turn its back on those in need. 

The American people have demonstrated their overwhelming commitment to help those in crisis 

as seen through outpourings of donations after the hurricanes in the Caribbean, the earthquake in 

Mexico, and other recent disasters. Assistance is an American value- it's part of our culture and 

who we are. 

Where can we make a real difference? That question drives everything we do. USAID has 

become more selective in how we choose the countries and sectors where we will invest our 

resources. 

The total fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget request for Africa is $5.2 billion. Roughly $3.7 billion or 

70 percent of the request represent the top 10 country programs. In FY 2018, our resources are 
16


27162b-2.eps

allocated based on the four overarching policy priorities laid out in the President's Budget 

Blueprint. First, advance U.S. national security interests in Africa through programs that support 

partners in the fight against terrorism, advance peace and security, and promote good 

governance. Second, ensure programming asserts U.S. leadership and influence. Third, design 

programs that foster economic opportunities and spur mutually beneficial trade and investment 

arrangements for both the American people and our African partners. Lastly, we underscore all 

these efforts with a relentless focus on efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability to the 

American taxpayer. This funding is complemented by our bumanitari an assistance provided 

through USA !D's Office ol US. Foreign Disaster Assistance and the Office of Food for Peace, 

which are responding to critical emergency needs across the continent. 

Advance U.S. National Security Interests and Leadership in Africa 

Many of the biggest external security threats the United States faces- including terrorism and 

pandemics- are incubated and thrive in weak, failing, and failed states. The FY 18 budget 

request supports our continued effort to counter violent extremism and support conflict 

prevention and mitigation on the continent. These efforts are supported by policy and the 

program activities of the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership and the Partnership for 

Regional East Africa Counterterrorism. Such programs build African partner capacity to deny 

terrorists safe havens and address underlying conditions that can contribute to the spread of 

violent extremism. 

For example in Somalia, USAlD activities support the country's transition from decades of state 

failure to a more stable, democratic ally in the volatile Horn of Africa region. USAID's programs 

challenge extremist ideology and disrupt tactics of Islamic State militants and al-Shabaab. Our 

programming also contributes to effective governance, credible political processes, transparency, 

and improvements in livelihoods that build community and government resilience. Since 2011, 

USAID investments have fostered stabilization in more than 40 percent of districts in southcentral Somalia that were retaken from al-Shabaab, created 6,300 new jobs and provided 

education services for more than 21,000 secondary school students. 

ln Nigeria, when democracy faced a critical test during the 2015 presidential elections, USAID 

played a vital role in ensuring credible and peaceful elections. This resulted in the country's first 

peaceful democratic transfer of power from one party to another. At the same time, in northeast 

Nigeria, West Africa lSlS and Boko Haram continue to drive displacement, violence, and 

instability. Regional disparities in economic development between the northeast and rest of the 

country were a major factor in the group's rise. USAlD programs are designed to respond to, 

and contain, this threat. By providing development and humanitarian assistance, USAID 

supports the credibility and stability of the Nigerian state, and reduces individual's vulnerability 

to extremist recruitment. USAlD has created more than 1,200 non-formal learning centers in the 

Northeast that allowed nearly 88,000 children affected by the crisis to access basic literacy, 

numeracy, and social-emotional skills. Our development assistance combats fragility and 

supports stronger and more effective governance so that these problems do not grow worse and 

threaten the United States and its allies. 

2 
17


27162b-3.eps

U.S. Leadership and Influence 

For more than 55 years, US AID programs have saved and improved lives around the world, 

advanced American values, increased global stability, and driven economic growth in emerging 

markets. Global pandemics and the spread of diseases, such as tuberculosis, the H5N 1 strain of 

avian influenza, and the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Mrica have shown us that American 

health- and therefore our national security -are vulnerable. USAID' s health programming 

helps prevent or stop outbreaks at the country level by strengthening African health systems and 

preventing these diseases from becoming epidemics that spread across borders. 

Of the FY 2018 request for Africa, approximately eighty percent is allocated to global health 

programs. These programs support control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, prevent child and 

maternal deaths, and combat infectious disease threats- they are hallmarks of U.S. leadership 

in the world. The United States, through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief 

(PEPF AR) has led the response to H1V and AIDS for more than 20 years. However, responding 

to global challenges is a shared responsibility that cannot be met by one nation alone. The 

United States will continue to challenge the global community to devote resources and political 

capital to building healthier, stronger, and more self-sufficient nations in the developing world. 

Fostering Economic Opportunities for the American People 

Although Africa is the world's least developed continent, the region has experienced rapid 

economic growth and significant poverty reduction, with a number of African countries (Cote 

d'lvoire, Tanzania, and Senegal) now among the top 11 fastest-growing economies in the world. 

The changing economic landscape, including a burgeoning middle class and greater regional 

integration, will create vast markets for American goods and valuable investment opportunities 

for American businesses. 

Increasingly, foreign direct investment is driving growth in Africa, and U.S. assistance is being 

outpaced by private investment. Through Power Africa, a U.S. Government initiative, the private 

sector has invested $14 billion in 57 projects at a relatively minimal cost to the U.S. taxpayer. 

Partnerships have allowed other programs to grow beyond U.S. Government resources. For 

example, USAID has garnered more than $80 million in cash and in-kind donations from the 

private sector for youth learning centers in Mrica. Partners include non-profit and for profit 

organizations MasterCard Foundation, Microsoft, Dow Chemical, Procter & Gamble, General 

Electric, and Kenya Commercial Bank. This is a model for how the interagency can maximize 

the impact of our resources by aligning and leveraging partners from the public and private 

sector alike. 

Through the USAID Regional Trade and Investment Hubs in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, 

we reduce barriers to trade and investment, and foster linkages between U.S. and African 

firms In close cooperation with African countries, USAID facilitates trade and also reduces its 

time and cost. We have prioritized programs that promote entrepreneurship, help build capacity 

in local institutions to support free markets, fight corruption, and unlock opportunities to 

formalize the huge informal economy. Our investments also help to empower women and youth 

to advance economically, ensuring inclusive economic growth. 

3 
18


27162b-4.eps

Focus on Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Accountability to the American Taxpayer 

We intend to uphold the Administration's commitment to ensure etl'ectiveness and accountability 

to the U.S. taxpayer. Rigorous monitoring and evaluation help to ensure the effectiveness of 

USAID' s programs. 

In 2011, USAID released a new Evaluation Policy renewing its commitment to etl'ective 

program management, results, accountability, and evidence for decision-making. We report 

transparently on evaluation findings and share the evaluation reports online. That being said, not 

everything we do always turns out the way we planned- so we will continue to manage our risks 

well, learn from experience, and correct course when necessary. 

The United States has a continued commitment to a partnership with Atfican governments, 

partners, and other donors grounded in mutual responsibility and respect. US AID has a very real 

role in safeguarding the United States' national security and economic opportunities. As we 

continue to work with our partners toward our shared goals over the coming months, I look 

forward to a continued conversation on USAID work in Africa. 

Thank you, Mr. Chainnan, and members of the committee. !look forward to responding to your 

questions. 

4 
19

Mr. SMITH. Thank you so very much for your testimony. To begin 

the questioning, just let me ask you first. In year 2000 I authored 

the Admiral Nance and Meg Donovan Foreign Relations Act. It 

passed the House. Wasn’t taken up by the Senate so I attached it 

in its entirety to that year’s appropriations bill. Much of it focused 

on the issue of security for U.S. personnel abroad, whether it be at 

USAID missions or our Embassies themselves with a heavy emphasis on setbacks, securing the windows so that they are less vulnerable to terrorist attack. And it came right out of the bombings in 

Dar es Salaam and the bombing in Nairobi in 1997 when we 

learned a painful lesson that international terrorism was 

transnational and that they would hit softer targets believing that 

we would be less prepared. 

So my first question really is along the lines of the commitment 

that began then under the law and the appropriators have been 

very faithful and I think diligent in trying to ensure that the setbacks and the compounds within which our deployed personnel 

work and our contract workers including a number of indigenous 

people from each of these countries is sufficient to protect. And I 

am wondering if you could tell us if, in your opinion, Ambassador, 

that is true and reflected in this year’s budget? 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. First, thank you very much for those efforts. So of our 44 Embassies and we have another 6 consulates 

and other offices for a total of 50. And we have about 1200 officers 

and 3200 other agencies working those missions, we have about 30 

or so missions and offices that have been or are under construction 

under the new standards for security. And so those monies have 

been put to good use. 

The security development, I think the Secretary raised it very 

clearly on diplomatic security and the funding, so that continues. 

We still have several Embassies that are now under construction. 

In fact, this week, we will be opening two new chancelleries in 

Mauritania and in Chad. So thank you very much for that work, 

Mr. Congressman. 

Mr. SMITH. I will never forget when Admiral Crowe who then 

headed up the Accountability Review Board and testified before my 

committee then back in 1988 made the case that wonderful people 

from the United States travel abroad, often at great risk to themselves from disease, as well as terrorism. We should at least ensure 

that the physical plan and the protocols that are in place to protect 

them are as robust as they can be. And that was the reason for the 

law in the beginning. So I am grateful that progress continues 

under your watch. 

One area of concern with yours in this year’s budget request, 

which I think frankly is in the process of being overcome through 

the appropriations process, and that is the issue of Feed the Future. In the last Congress, I was the author on the House side on 

the Global Food Security Act with a big emphasis on ensuring that 

nutrition, proper supplementation was provided for, and yet this 

year’s budget calls for very significant cuts in Feed the Future and 

elimination of the of the Food for Peace program. I don’t believe 

that will happen and I wish it wasn’t even in the budget request 

to begin with. 

20

Already in the appropriations bill, as passed by the House, that 

is largely overcome with bipartisan efforts to ensure that that important food security is available. But if you would like to speak 

to that and in a like manner, PEPFAR. A visionary bill authored 

originally by Congressman Henry Hyde who was chairman of our 

full committee, but also especially inspired by George W. Bush who 

said, ‘‘This pandemic must end.’’ And I remember Henry Hyde explained to him, he said, ‘‘If left untreated, this will be like the Bubonic Plague’’ and was already claiming lives of so many millions 

of men, women, and children in the United States, but also in subSaharan Africa where it was particularly raging and destroying 

human life. 

There is a significant cut, as well, in PEPFAR and on the good 

news front, I don’t it is going to happen. Already in this budget we 

are talking about the budget that the House has passed for appropriations. Talks about $6 billion being allocated for the PEPFAR 

program and through USAID as well. So I think it will be overcome 

by congressional intervention, but if you would speak to how important these programs and others—you know, it is not the nature of 

both Democratic and Republican administrations. 

I remind my colleagues that President Obama sent up budgets 

that cut tuberculosis by 20 percent. We added it all back. He had 

a program that neglected tropical diseases efforts which were at at 

$100 million, cut it by $20 million. We put it back. I tried to get 

it to $125 million, but at least we got it back to straight lining. 

And Mr. Biggs and I have introduced a bill that would significantly prioritize these horrific neglected tropical diseases including 

worms which about 1 billion people carry, which is unconscionable, 

when we think what that must be like. Rather than Feed the Future with food, we are feeding the worms. So we really want to ensure that people have healthier guts and parasites are destroyed 

inside of these very vulnerable groups of people all over the world, 

but especially in sub-Saharan Africa. 

But if you could speak to PEPFAR and this effort. Again, I do 

think the record should show it this year’s budget already makes 

it clear that that money is going back into the budget and perhaps 

you might want to speak to how well utilized that money could be 

to ensure that these vulnerable populations are cared for. 

Ms. ANDERSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would emphasize 

that as we formulated the budget for fiscal year 2018, we worked 

to reflect the President’s America First policy and the foreign policy 

priorities of the administration. So we focused our resources on the 

programs and the countries and the sub-regions where we felt we 

could maximize our impact on national security, on U.S. economic 

interests, U.S. influence and leadership, and also efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability to the American taxpayers. 

So we made some tough choices. And I would like to emphasize 

that at any budget level, we always have to make sure that we are 

efficient with our use of resources. And it is always a very good exercise to see how we can be more efficient. It is also important for 

us to look to others to do more, including helping our host countries 

to mobilize domestic resources to help mobilize private capital for 

development objectives. That said, we absolutely recognize the imVerDate 0ct 09 2002 14:10 Dec 18, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 Z:\WORK\_AGH\101117\27162 SHIRL
21

portance of food security and appreciate the Global Food Security 

Act. 

Feed the Future has already done quite a bit toward the development of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We are particularly 

concerned about building resilience to future shocks that we know 

will be coming, especially drought in some of the areas of sub-Saharan Africa where we see recurring problems. 

We also realize that the work that we do in food security and 

making the value chains more efficient is good for U.S. businesses. 

So we did announce a new set of target countries for Feed the Future and we will continue to prioritize our resources as much as we 

can in the countries where we will have a good impact. 

On PEPFAR and on health, in general, I think you will see in 

the fiscal year 2018 budget the line item for PEPFAR actually went 

up a little bit. And we recognize the importance of continued investments in health and especially in HIV and in AIDS. 

Mr. SMITH. I noticed in the explanation before, Ambassador 

Yamamoto, the administration said that nobody would lose their 

ARVs. Anybody who was on treatment would continue receiving it. 

And that is important for a number of reasons, obviously. You don’t 

want people who are HIV positive obviously getting full-blown 

AIDS and suffering the ravages of that deadly disease. But I think 

one of the greater stories that remains largely told in policy circles, 

but not in the general public, is that the viral load, as you know, 

is so significantly reduced to a treatment, not just preventive 

means, but the treatment itself down that viral load. So the more 

we provide treatment the more we are lessening or mitigating the 

transmission of this horrific disease. So I am glad to hear of the 

increase because I think it is needed and then some. 

And I do believe, as you have noted, and I have read the budget 

recommendations, we want to get others to do more and that is an 

important concept. And the American taxpayer demands that others step up and do more, particularly the European Union where 

much more could be done. With that said, for people who are suffering starvation or the ravages of disease, it seems to me that we 

always should be the first with the most to make sure that they 

survive and thrive, even if the others do not step up to the plate. 

That is just my thoughts on that. Ambassador. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and really 

for all your great work for the committee. So just to kind of emphasize that the overall budgeting, if you look at the $5.2 billion 2018 

request is still over about 81 percent which is not really changed 

in the past, so 81 percent toward health and overall healthcare 

issues. 

But I think what is really important is that over the years since 

PEPFAR has developed and Feed the Future, what the Ambassadors are doing and what we are doing with USAID directors in 

the field is doing much more integration. So in other words, building on other pots of funding and also programs and kind of bring 

it together. So for instance when you see the PEPFAR countries 

from Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Namibia, Nigeria, 

that is just not receiving PEPFAR money, but they are also receiving economic support funds. The other issue is military assistance 

to help for security issues, education, agriculture. 

22

The other issue, too, is looking at supporting our NGO partners, 

the faith-based groups, etcetera. And so it is really a much more 

holistic, cohesive group. 

The other thing, too, is I think we have learned from a lot of 

areas. I think when I was the Ambassador in Ethiopia, we had a 

problem about how to utilize all the funding. And I think through 

your guidance and the guidance from USAID, we have done a 

much better job of really utilizing effectively and saving a lot of 

taxpayer money. So thank you. 

Mr. SMITH. Ranking Member Bass. 

Ms. BASS. I want to compliment both of you for incredible careers 

and contributions that you have made to our country through your 

service over the years. And you don’t need to answer this, but I 

know that you have to support this budget and it must be very 

painful because this is just filled with contradictions. 

You ran through, Ms. Anderson, you ran through—I think I lost 

track of some of your points, but U.S. national security to advance 

peace. You talked about U.S. leadership and influence and efficiency and effectiveness and accountability. I think there was one 

I missed. Did I miss one? 

Ms. ANDERSON. U.S. economic interests? 

Ms. BASS. Yes, U.S. economic interests and you also said America 

First. And to me, America First doesn’t mean we abdicate our leadership role. And so for national security and advancing peace and 

then the budget proposes cutting peacekeeping and cutting development. So to me, that is a direct contradiction. U.S. leadership 

and influence, Feed the Future is a perfect example of U.S. leadership. 

You know, I think it is one of the best programs we have had 

and the chairman’s leadership in it. Instead of us providing food to 

Africa, Africa can feed itself. And us providing technology and our 

scientific expertise so that we can build the capacity rather than 

have this charity approach to me is U.S. leadership. We complain 

about the role of the Chinese. Well, you know, this budget has us 

stepping back in my opinion. 

When you are looking for efficiency and effectiveness, I am wondering if instead of cutting programs, you are looking at or examining any outside contracting that might be done. And you know, 

if that is an area where you could look at cutting instead of cutting 

things like some of the programs that we have talked about. 

I wanted to ask you about a couple of things health related. It 

is my understanding and you can tell me if I am wrong, but that 

the budget would dramatically reduce reproductive health programs and family planning. And one of the problems in Africa is 

maternal deaths and one of the reasons why you have maternal 

deaths is when women cannot space their pregnancy. And so if I 

am reading it right, what is the logic in cutting it back? 

You know, again, we can make decisions about national security. 

We can put all of our resources in the military or we can help address some of the root causes for the conflicts to begin with. And 

it seems like this budget is very short sighted and why I said it 

is full of contradictions. 

Now it is a perfect example of why I am thankful we have three 

equal branches of government so that we can push back and not 

23

fund the way this budget is proposing to fund Africa-related programs. So I want to ask, am I correct in looking at essentially family planning would be zeroed out, if not drastically reduced. You 

can answer that, one of you. 

Ms. ANDERSON. That is correct. We have zeroed out family planning in the fiscal year 2018 budget. 

Ms. BASS. What is the reason? What is the logic for that? 

Ms. ANDERSON. Policy decision. 

Ms. BASS. Yes, I know it is a policy, but why? 

Ms. ANDERSON. I would be happy to take your thoughts back. 

Ms. BASS. You know, I know that funding is cut for anything related to climate change and unfortunately Africa and a lot of the 

problems that happen in Africa, the natural disasters are completely related to climate change. So is that just using the budget 

to express an ideology? 

Ms. ANDERSON. Again, that was a policy decision. I would go 

back to family planning and note that we continue our commitment 

the health of women and children with our other health programs 

including maternal and child health and malaria programming and 

HIV/AIDS. 

Ms. BASS. Maternal and child health. One of the reasons for maternal death are not being able to space your pregnancies. So you 

provide it in one side and then contribute to the problem in another way? 

Ms. ANDERSON. Yes, go ahead. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. And yours was a very cogent and very 

difficult question and the challenges that we had in trying to fashion the budget and what decisions are made, but then on the other 

side, too, we are looking at for more efficiencies. I will give you one 

example is on maternity and infant mortality rates. So looking at 

the different pots of money and looking at what really makes sense, 

so for instance, in East Africa where you have in many countries 

and areas one out of every ten will die before the age of 5. So if 

they survive to five is really one of our basic USAID campaigns. 

Ms. BASS. Which is our chairman’s program as well. First 1,000 

Days. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. It is one of the most effective. The areas 

that we have to depend on contributions from NGO groups, the 

others, faith-based groups, and we really connected with a lot of 

faith-based groups in the United States from Oklahoma to Virginia 

to other places in the Eastern United States. 

Right, it doesn’t make up all the issues that we need to do and 

to address, but it makes up a significant. The other part is is one 

of the things that——

Ms. BASS. What do the faith-based groups have to do with it? I 

am missing your point. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. For instance, in Ethiopia and Somalia, 

you don’t have incubators. And so what they have done is they 

have made these skull caps, which is to help. 

Ms. BASS. Oh. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. And then we bring in—it is called, the 

mothers are—we call them kangaroos because what they do is because there are no incubators, they hug the child until they survive. 

24

Ms. BASS. Right. Keep the child warm. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. That is right. And then the other issue, 

too, is looking at food aid and food assistance and then food development issues to help feed children, etcetera. 

The other issue that is really kind of plaguing us is medical care 

and health care. So for instance, when we were doing a data dumping on some of the countries, particularly Ethiopia, we were noticing that a lot of doctors, there were more Ethiopian doctors outside 

of Ethiopia than inside Ethiopia. 

Ms. BASS. There were more what? 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. Ethiopian doctors. 

Ms. BASS. Right. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. In Botswana, even in Washington, DC. 

Ms. BASS. Probably in Los Angeles. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. Yes, Washington, DC. So the issue is 

what do you do? And so we learn from the U.S. program EMTs and 

how to do basic EMT work and having basic healthcare providers. 

And so the low cost, a lot of contributions, and private sector support and so that helps to address a lot of the basic maternity and 

infant mortality issues. 

Ms. BASS. When we had a hearing, the Deputy Secretary testified before the full committee regarding the State Department’s redesign plan which really seems like it is a mess. I mean you might 

be able to talk about that, all of the combination of programs. But 

in particular, I asked about a special envoy, specifically the South 

Sudan. And the Deputy Secretary thought that the special envoy 

was put in statute by Congress. And that is not the case apparently. 

So what we have been told is that the Department of State believes that the responsibilities can be administrative realigned to 

be covered by the DAS within the Bureau of African Affairs. And 

so I want to know if you can provide additional details about the 

DAS that will cover this and how we think, especially given—you 

know again, it is shortsightedness. 

We pass close to $1 billion for famine and then we remove the 

special envoy to South Sudan? 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. And so from your travels and visits to 

the region, you see very much the problems in Mali, 1.3 million refugees from South Sudan going to Uganda and other problems. 

What we have done on the decision made by the Secretary is that 

we have the envoy back into the Bureau. And so we still have those 

FTE positions, so in other words, the positions. 

So what we want to do is is really kind of refocus and we have 

been coordinating with the P3s and our donor colleagues, particularly the special reps that they have from Norway, the U.K. And 

then looking at the African Union and seeing how can we, the 

United States, play a——

Ms. BASS. I thought we cut the African Union, we cut funding 

to the African Union. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. But the issue is that we are coordinating with them because they play a critical role, particularly in 

the high level dialogue run by Ethiopia’s Hailemariam and Uganda’s Museveni with Salva Kiir in Southern Sudan. So based on 

that, we are looking at how we can realign and support these efVerDate 0ct 09 2002 14:10 Dec 18, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 Z:\WORK\_AGH\101117\27162 SHIRL
25

forts and then using our positions to use senior officers to play critical roles in support of and also taking lead in certain areas. That 

is something that we are still looking at, but I think I have a little 

more confidence now as we look in reshaping and redirect our operations. 

Ms. BASS. So you don’t think a special envoy is needed? 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. At this point the decision has been 

made that we will not have a special envoy. 

Ms. BASS. That was a good answer. You didn’t answer that, but 

I understand that. I really do. I feel like both of you, this budget 

does not reflect your illustrious careers and I am sorry that you 

have to be put in a position to defend it. 

My final question is—I am sorry. 

Ms. ANDERSON. If I could just make one clarification on the development budget for African Union. If you are looking at the line 

items it is showing as zero, but we will be providing funding 

through the regional account. 

Ms. BASS. So the chairman asked you a question, Ambassador, 

about Embassy security. And you mentioned that several Embassies were on line to be built. What about the DRC? That Embassy, 

when I went there, the place was falling apart. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. That is an issue that we have been 

working on for years. We have asked President Kabila to give us 

land so we can start building. And that is something that we are 

going to be pushing very vigorously because we really need to get 

our people into safe, secure areas. And that is one of our top priorities. 

Ms. BASS. Well, even if he doesn’t give land, do we have anything 

in the budget to repair that place? Because literally, it looked like 

it was falling apart. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. And we have done based on DS security 

regulations to look at how we can upgrade what we have now. But 

the bottom line is that we need to have a new Embassy and that 

is what we are looking and focusing on and working with the government on. 

Ms. BASS. Thank you. Yield back my time. 

Mr. SMITH. The gentleman from New York, Mr. Donovan. 

Mr. DONOVAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have to attend a 

Middle East and Northern African hearing, so I just wanted to ask 

one question. 

Mr. Ambassador, you touched on it. I think you also did, Ms. Anderson, about efficiencies and reviewing where we are getting the 

best results from the efforts that we are making and where we are 

replacing our resources. Can you touch on some of the findings that 

you may have found as you review whether or not some of the programs are as efficient as we would hope they would be and then 

maybe some other areas that you might look at in the future to see 

where we would reallocate resources so we are getting results for 

our efforts? 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. So as we are looking at the security environment right now and the problems we are seeing is flow of 

arms, criminal syndicates going through Central African Republic 

and then posing problems to the G5 countries, those are like Mauritania, Chad, Niger, etcetera is what is it that we need to do to 

26

kind of bolster the security? And the issue is that you don’t want 

to do it alone. 

So from the U.N. General Assembly on we have really worked 

very effectively and hard with the key threes, that is the U.K. and 

then France and then other donor countries. And then also the African Union and the regional states, so ECOWAS and other issues. 

And then looking at what they are providing assistance or what 

they see the issues are, then looking at our own funding that we 

have given to countries. 

So what we have done is if you look at the budget, you see a lot 

of countries that are being decreased by 20 percent, 30 percent or 

what have you. But if you look at the regional funding, that is 

where we are looking at trying to use that as assistance or reserve 

to look at the most critical areas that we need to provide assistance. So in other words, we have—I will give you some examples 

on the funding. So we have $131 million that is going to be Chadbased in country. That is Nigeria, Mauritania and Niger. And then 

we look at the trans-Sahel and the TSTCP on the west side and 

the PREACT on the east side. And so as we see problems developing, we can use the funding from these regional bases to help 

support and bolster these countries’ security. 

Mr. DONOVAN. Ms. Anderson. 

Ms. ANDERSON. I would say three things. On finding efficiencies 

in our programming, we have had a major push on putting more 

rigor into our monitoring evaluation since 2011. And that is good 

because that is a very good way to look back at the evaluations and 

see where we can find efficiencies. 

A couple of things, when we have very small programs, it takes 

a long time to mobilize and it can be quite costly, but I also appreciate Ranking Member Bass’ comment about looking at some of the 

big outside contracting, so that is also where we will be looking. 

And then on the other side of things, improving our partnerships 

with the host country governments, with civil society so that we 

truly have a partnership in our planning and working together toward the same objective because what we always want to be doing 

is working toward the time where we don’t have to have a big program that is as involved as maybe we have previously. 

And another aspect to that is finding ways that we can mobilize 

the private sector, private capital. I think we have done a pretty 

good job in Power Africa and even Feed the Future in mobilizing 

private capital for some of the infrastructure and other investments 

that are needed for development. 

Mr. DONOVAN. I have to excuse myself, but I thank both of you 

for your service to our country. 

Mr. SMITH. Thank you. Dr. Bera. 

Mr. BERA. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Before I start asking my 

questions, again I appreciate both of you being here. I appreciate 

both of your long service to our country and understand that your 

job as career diplomats are to implement the policies of the administration. 

I also do want to just give a shout out to the many employees 

of the State Department for the work that they are doing representing the United States both here and abroad under difficult 

27

circumstances, often having, my opinion, often having to implement 

policies that they don’t believe in, but doing their job every day. 

I also, as a message to the administration, they are very much 

under cutting our ability to be the great country that we are. 

America is a better place and the world is a better place when 

America is engaged globally. We have seen that in the second half 

of the 20th century when we have been leading with our values, 

our values of compassion, our values of leadership in health and 

global health, our values of leadership and development. 

The second half of the 20th century was much more stable than 

the first half of the 20th century because of that American leadership. And much of that leadership was our diplomats and the valued employees of the State Department. So I think certainly I 

speak to many of the members of this committee that we will do 

everything we can as we go through the budgeting process to get 

you the resources and the personnel to continue to do that exemplary job. But I thought it was very important to make sure those 

employees that are out there representing our great nation understand that many of us appreciate that service. 

Now kind of getting back to some of the questions, I understand 

the President talks about an America First policy. I think the policy he is putting forth is going to make us weaker and have less 

influence around the world and is not a reflection of what our values are. 

Ms. Anderson, I want to make sure I heard correctly, the President’s budget zeroes out all family planning funds? 

Ms. ANDERSON. For fiscal year 2018. 

Mr. BERA. And the budget is a reflection of a President’s values 

and so forth. That is our best reflection. So my opinion, it is appropriate when we talk about family planning, that is birth control, 

that is other forms of contraception. We are not talking about abortion because we have not been using Federal funds for pregnancy 

termination. We have been using Federal funds and working with 

NGOs and others historically to reduce the number of unintended 

pregnancies. That, I think, most global health experts, and I am a 

physician who has worked internationally, would think that is appropriate. 

My colleague, Ms. Bass from California, has talked about the importance of reducing maternal and child mortality and one of those 

causes of maternal mortality is the spacing of pregnancies. So if it 

is in our values to reduce maternal mortality, we ought to make 

family planning funds more accessible. 

I haven’t asked any questions yet because there is a lot on my 

mind here. I understand that there are Members of Congress that 

are anti-choice, along with those that do want to empower women 

to be in charge of their full reproductive rights. But regardless, I 

think we all want to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies. 

And on May 15th, the State Department released guidelines for the 

implementation of the Mexico City policy, the global gag rule which 

my understanding is for the first time will apply to all global 

health assistance programs, many of which are in Africa. 

Now this isn’t the first time that this policy has been introduced. 

In fact, it seems to swing from administration to administration 

based on the party that is in charge. But if our goal is to reduce 

28

the number of pregnancy terminations and reduce the number of 

unintended pregnancies, what I will tell you is the last time this 

policy under George Bush was implemented, the number of abortions rose 20 percent as a result of curtailing the ability to have 

family planning out there. 

Ms. Anderson, would that be a somewhat accurate number? 

Ms. ANDERSON. I am not certain I have that kind of data right 

now, but I certainly appreciate the point. Thanks. 

Mr. BERA. Thank you. Earlier this year, I asked Secretary 

Tillerson a number of questions regarding this policy including as 

they implement the Mexico City policy. Would they be consulting 

with partners in the field, monitoring the impact of the policy on 

healthcare access as well as maternal mortality? And I think I was 

told that there would be a 6-month review of the policy as it was 

being implemented. 

Given the significant amount of healthcare funding we contribute 

to the Africa region, I have got a couple of questions. The Bureau 

of African Affairs at State and the Bureau for Africa at USAID obviously is playing a role in implementing this policy and assessing 

the potential impact of the policy such as again women’s access to 

health care, family planning services, rates of unsafe abortion, and 

maternal mortality including the 6-month review. 

Do you have any idea what the time line for releasing the 6-

month review is? 

Ms. ANDERSON. We are working to fully implement the policy 

and I would be happy to get back to you on that. 

Mr. BERA. If you could, that would be great. Again, as you are 

implementing this policy and again, I am not holding you or the 

wonderful employees of State accountable for this policy, but when 

I questioned Secretary Tillerson, one of the things was look, we 

ought to be checking on is this impacting maternal mortality? 

What impact is it having on folks that are out in the field? What 

impact is it having on women’s access to health care? 

Certainly, I think many on this committee would have a very big 

interest in how that policy is being implemented. 

I guess my last question and maybe it is for Ambassador 

Yamamoto, I am all for looking for efficiencies, looking for ways we 

can take our Federal dollars and our taxpayer resources, 

partnering those with NGOs that are out there working in the 

field, whether those are faith-based groups or folks like the Gates 

Foundation, etcetera, and looking at ways reducing morbidity and 

mortality and increasing health around the world. I just worry with 

the reduction in certain programs it is actually not helping us leverage our dollars. It is actually reducing our ability to have impact in the region. And I just would be curious about your thought 

on that? 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. Let me give you something that you all 

worked on very hard and that is the AGOA process. And I think 

that more than anything has given a lot of hope to Africa. Obviously, a lot of countries don’t benefit, but actually in many ways 

they do. 

And we were just going and doing the data numbering and we notice that exports from the United States to Africa rose from $6 

billion in 2000 to $25 billion. That means you are talking about 

29

well over 35,000 U.S. jobs. But on the reverse side is producing and 

expanding the capabilities for the Africans. 

You know, today, they have a $500 billion total manufacturing 

output. That is going to be $1 trillion in the next decade which 

means that we are going to help create hundreds of thousands of 

jobs in Africa. So that, I think, if we can continue to do that and 

one of the areas that I think in spite of the budget cuts and restraints is that if we can continue our efforts on fighting corruption, building institutions, fighting back on non-tariff trade barriers, it is really opening up businesses and trade so that countries 

in Africa, their main trading partner is not going to be Europe or 

the former colonial countries, but each other. 

We have the capability or ability to produce probably $100 billion 

in added value over the next several decades. That means that that 

is going to create jobs and when you create jobs, you create wealth 

and security. And those are the areas is how do you give them that 

hope? Those are the fundamental questions and issues that we are 

trying to struggle with and what is the best way, the most efficient 

and effective manners? 

And I think some of the things that we are doing on the budget 

is that we are going to meet those needs through the AGOA, 

through a lot of the programs and projects that you have already 

set up. 

I mean look at, for instance, YALI. So YALI is—we now have 

74,000 applications for 700 fellowships to come to the U.S. And 

once they come to the U.S., they are going to the already 500,000 

YALI groups that are all over Africa being kind of like African Ambassadors to the United States and vice versa, Ambassadors to Africa, who are supporting and developing and expanding this relationship. I think this has really been a very good program. 

Ms. BASS. Will the gentleman yield? 

Mr. BERA. Absolutely 

Ms. BASS. You just described YALI which I would agree with you 

100 percent. YALI is being cut. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. It is, 50 percent. So we are getting 700 

fellowships this year as opposed to 1,000. But they were still going 

to continue to develop the fellowship programs and centers out in 

Africa. That is the issue. 

Ms. ANDERSON. If I could just chime in? We have had a fair 

amount of interest from private sector companies in contributing to 

YALI, especially the regional leadership centers in Africa. And we 

are hoping to mobilize those resources better in the coming years. 

We do have $5 million programmed for the regional leadership centers for 2018. 

Mr. SMITH. Mr. Castro. 

Mr. CASTRO. How is the morale at the State Department? 

You don’t have to answer it. I can ask you another question. 

Over the last year, there has been a growing call toward autonomy or even independence in Anglophone Cameroon. Cameroon 

military has apparently been deployed in these regions and the 

government has reportedly blocked social media and internet access on multiple occasions. 

30

Amnesty International recently reports that up to 17 protesters 

died, many by the hands of police. So how is the State Department 

and USAID addressing the situation? 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. And thank you for your question. And 

thank you for your concern on the issues. Cameroon is a critical 

core country, not only security-wise, but also economic because you 

know, it forms the oil pipeline from Chad into Cameroon. 

We have talked to President Biya. I have been almost on a 

monthly basis several years ago when I was the deputy in the Bureau to look at how you do the transition from post-Biya. He has 

been the President for a long time and how do you transition, prepare the country for a post-Biya or for the next leadership? 

The other issue, too, is how do you prepare and develop Cameroon’s two groups of French speaking and Anglophone? And really, 

it comes down to does everyone have equal access to wealth and 

resources; two, education. Three is jobs. Four is also is there equal 

opportunities for security and opportunities afterwards? And those 

are issues and challenges that we continue to face. So the fundamental issue is right now is that we have issued statements calling 

on the government and all sides to refrain from the violence. 

Mr. CASTRO. But have we confronted them on the violence and 

the abuse and the murder? 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. We have on President Biya and the government, we have. And we will continue to do so. And in the course 

of my going out to the region is those will be one of the first stops. 

Mr. CASTRO. Thank you. And of course, as you know, this is an 

incredible time for refugees around the world. Many Syrian refugees in Europe, I spoke yesterday on the Rohingya Muslims who 

have fled or have been pushed out to Bangladesh, Central Americans from the Northern Triangle who have come to the United 

States, and there are also refugees in Africa. 

So my question is these refugees in Somalia, South Sudan, and 

the Central African Republic, when refugees move across borders, 

how have host governments responded in those areas? Are host 

governments able to provide for refugees including food, water, 

shelter, medicine? And what can the United States do to address 

any difficulties that these host governments face? 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. And you raise the fundamental difficult 

challenges. So if you have 65 million refugees worldwide and if you 

look at the countries that have really taken in a lot of the refugees, 

it is really the countries around the areas of crises. 

So if you look at Somalia right now, you have Dadaab refugee 

camp which most of us have gone to. I mean it is the size of San 

Diego. If you look at the 1.3 million refugees coming out of South 

Sudan, going into Uganda, or if you look at the refugee flows coming in in Ethiopia, you see now we are seeing some flows of refugees of the DRC into neighboring countries. 

And so the question is we have the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), our Refugee Bureau, which looks at 

funding and assisting these countries to support the refugees. We 

also looked at the UNHCR, the United Nations organizations. We 

look at other donor communities in support of these refugees. It is 

difficult. It is long-term, but the issue is it has to be immediate response because people are suffering as they go across the borders. 

31

Mr. CASTRO. Sure. And then if you will indulge me one more 

comment, chairman, just for the record and this subcommittee, so 

much of the work that all of us care about, including the chairman’s work over the years which I have heard him speak strongly 

on human rights, for example, I believe much of that work is undercut by the budget cuts that we are seeing, and also by some of 

the changes in policy. 

I think that we are ceding a lot of ground to other countries like 

China to go into places like Latin America and Africa and build 

stronger relationships than perhaps even some of the relationships 

that we have. And I see that issue only growing in the coming 

years if we continue down this new path. But thank you all for 

being here. Thank you for your testimony. 

Mr. SMITH. Thank you, Mr. Castro. I do have one final question 

on peacekeeping, but before we get to that just a point. Dr. Bera 

raised the issues of the Mexico City policy and I think people know 

that it got its name because under Ronald Reagan, it was announced at the U.N. Population Conference in Mexico City in 1984. 

And the policy was to say we want to protect harmless unborn children and who we contribute to does matter. If an organization 

wants to perform and promote abortion, except in the case of rape, 

incest, and life of the mother, and those are the three exceptions 

contained in the Mexico City policy, if they were to do that, we believe that the unborn child should be held harmless. 

There are members of this committee, Members of the House, 

and we just had a very divisive vote on pain-capable unborn children who at 20 weeks we sought, and it did pass the House with 

a rather significant majority, that pain-capable unborn babies 

ought to be protected. And I, during the course of that debate, 

quoted from a doctor, Dr. Levatino, who used to be an abortionist. 

He performed 1200 abortions himself, over 100 on children up to 

24 weeks gestation and he told the story before the House Judiciary Committee how he would pull arms and legs off of a child and 

he was numb to it. He felt it was an abortion, so therefore it was 

justified. And then he had a complete, total, 180 degree change of 

heart and said, ‘‘What am I doing? I am pulling a baby apart.’’

We know for a fact that children as early as 20 weeks survive 

at 20 weeks’ gestation. And that they are in nurseries, intensive 

care nurseries. And one of the doctors that I quoted as well, who 

works in an intensive care neonatal unit talked about her patients 

at 20 weeks, that if she were to go and pull and arm or a leg, 

delimb that the child, that that child would suffer would be intense. 

So I believe, it is not shared by everyone and I respect all people, 

whatever their view, that the most fundamental human rights 

issue of our time is protecting the innocent and the most vulnerable from violence. 

And I do believe that abortion is violence against children and 

it also, and I work with a number of women who are post-abortive, 

that there are consequences for the women as well, particularly 

psychologically. Not all would agree with that, but there is no 

doubt that when you dismember or chemically poison an unborn 

child, it has a horrific impact on the child, the older he or she is, 

and the evidence is overwhelming, not even suggestive, but overVerDate 0ct 09 2002 14:10 Dec 18, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 Z:\WORK\_AGH\101117\27162 SHIRL
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whelming that they feel pain and they feel even more excruciatingly in a much deeper way than we do because from 20 weeks to 

32 weeks gestation, there are more receptors on the skin area 

available to the dismemberment and the child just does feel it even 

more. 

Dr. Anand, who is an expert, has stated that in sworn affidavits 

on behalf of the Justice Department in courts of law. I say that because there will be obviously on-going fights on this issue. President Obama reversed the Mexico City policy when he took office. 

President Clinton did the same thing. Ronald Reagan initiated it. 

George Herbert Walker Bush continued it and George W. Bush reinstated it. 

I am very proud of the administration for extending it to global 

health so that the child is held harmless. These are babies. The 

first amendment I offered in the U.S. House of Representatives in 

committee, in the Foreign Affairs Committee, was to provide $50 

million to the Child Survival Fund to promote immunizations, oral 

hydration therapy, growth monitoring, and breast feeding, the four 

pillars of child survival. 

Unfortunately, Ronald Reagan’s David Stockman had suggested we take the $25 million that we have in that program and we get 

rid of it. I doubled it by offering my amendment. I do believe, respectfully, to those who disagree, that abortion is antithetical to 

child survival because it literally takes the life of that child and destroys him or her and disproportionately women, girls, the girl 

child is killed. 

I chair the China Commission. We just released our most recent 

human rights report, and because of sex selection abortion, China 

is missing 62 million or more girls. Girl children are killed. More 

than that have been killed the sex selection abortion, but in my 

humble opinion, this is an act of gender crime when you single out 

a child at 5 months or so through ultrasound, discover that it is 

a girl and it was admitted, even was put out that said the three 

most dangerous words that could be uttered in some parts of the 

world, ‘‘It is a girl,’’ because then she is targeted for elimination 

and extermination, simply because she is a girl. 

I again want to applaud the administration for saying we will 

provide those monies and you will get more than what you asked 

for for a variety of programs, including family planning, but we 

agree with the caveat that we want to hold harmless that child 

from dismemberment or chemical poisoning because that is the two 

ways that abortions are effectuated. 

Let me just say, ask one question, and my final question on 

peacekeeping. I am concerned that the administration’s budget, the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level was $1.9 billion. The proposal is for 

$1.2 billion. There are 21 peacekeeping efforts under way around 

the world. Six are under the auspices of the African Union; 15 

under the auspices of the United Nations. 

And Karen Bass and I, when we went to South Sudan, we both 

have been there a number of times, we went there in June. We 

were happy to see the UNMISS, the U.N. deployment there had 

greatly fine-tuned and embedded their rules of engagement because 

they had been wanted in many, many ways. I had been there a 

year before that and frankly they were not really protecting civilVerDate 0ct 09 2002 14:10 Dec 18, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 Z:\WORK\_AGH\101117\27162 SHIRL
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ians. But we, I think you would agree, we found that there was an 

increased effort to try to be on the protection side and really—my 

question is, my concern, and I think it is shared by every member 

of this subcommittee, is a cut in peacekeeping, even though we always want them to do more with less, we want other countries, 

particularly in the EU to step up and perhaps donate more, and 

I agree with that. 

But it is a bargain when it comes to deployment of getting troops 

highly trained and in Africa, they are mostly African troops, not all 

of course, but for the U.S. military, this is incredible value added 

and for the civilians, the women and children, especially who suffer 

in these countries from rogue militaries, as well as insurgents and 

terrorists, it is the difference between life and death. 

I want to encourage you to do what you can—even more. I think 

personally both of you would be more supported, but even in the 

administration to say this is a really good deal for protection, making sure that the peacekeeping funding is as high as it could possibly be. And I say that with one other caveat that I know what 

you are doing. As you know, I am the author of the Traffic and Victims Protection Act and I work on that issue every single day. 

When we found out in the Democratic Republic of Congo that the 

peacekeepers themselves were raping children, as young as 13, 

there was an outrage in a human rights violation with very few 

parallels. I know that the U.N. peacekeeping leadership have gone 

through great lengths to try to really reign in on that egregious 

practice and have done so very successfully. It is not perfect. Never 

is, but I want to applaud them in New York and those who are involved with this effort. 

Jane Holl Lute, who was one of the ones who helped get Kofi 

Annan to enact or put into place the zero tolerance policy, but 

again, our Government, obviously, our TIP Office, State, and 

USAID, all of us together need to be pushing to make sure the 

peacekeepers are always on the side of protection and never on the 

side of exploitation. But if you could take that back about the $1.9 

billion and I think that needs to be augmented upwards simply because of more need that is out there for peacekeeping, if you want 

to speak to that. 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. We will. And just to make one response, 

so yes, absolutely correct that the peacekeeping is critical and 

again, I think the regional funding is going to help us support a 

lot of the areas where we have challenges that we have today, the 

G5 in the Central Africa Republic area or in the future which may 

pop up which we don’t perceive now. But just looking at all of the 

funding that the President has allocated, we are seeing them coming in to Africa from the $131 million for the Lake Chad initiative. 

We have $121 million for the trans-Sahel issue and $200 million 

for East Africa. 

But you are absolutely correct, we are going to look very hard at 

how we can address security needs. But one thing that really 

stands out has been the ACOTA process. We have just completed 

the training of over 300,000 African troops from 26 countries and 

as you rightly say, Mr. Chairman, 70 percent of all of the peacekeepers in Africa are from Africa, 70 percent. Eighty-four percent 

of all U.N. peacekeepers are in Africa. And thanks to Leahy vetting 

34

as well, those troops have been very supported, and so to contain 

and to change that mindset of these rogue armies and others in Africa. 

Can I just make one more comment off the record? Not off the 

record, but I mean in addition to the record. Yes. 

I know Congressman Castro made one comment, but the issue 

comes in and let me just say for my colleagues and I at the State 

Department is that I was—I worked at the National Defense University looking after basically our future leaders in the military 

and foreign affairs. And I was called and said come back to the 

State Department to help the Africa Bureau. Well, that is not going 

to be like—not even announced. I said yes, of course. 

Coming back to the Bureau really as a senior officer, our job and 

our commitment and certainly my colleagues are the same as to 

how do we develop, how do we mentor our officers? I have been 

away 3 years and I think we have probably the youngest Bureau 

in the Department of State. I mean they are really young. And so 

I think my job and the job of our senior officers is really to mentoring, to train, and to develop them as future diplomats. 

And the other issue, too, is that I have been honored to work on 

our redesign on personnel reform. How do we develop and train our 

future officers? How do we do better mentoring? And I think that 

I am really enthused about and that is what gets me up every day 

and that is what I want to every single solitary day. 

Ms. BASS. I appreciate that and I know from your general enthusiasm that your morale is high and I think that is great. I don’t 

know that that translates throughout the Department, but I think 

it is really important to have your spirits uplifted. 

I just wanted to mention a couple of things in terms of the 

USAID, in particular, is that I hope when a reorg. is happening 

that we look at doing foreign aid much more like the Feed the Future, Electrify Africa model, where it is not just about—it is not 

just charity. And you know a continent like Africa has a capacity 

to do for itself and we shouldn’t just look at foreign aid as supplying resources to our own NGOs because then you have a model 

where it never ends and I don’t think that that should be the case. 

And obviously, the NGOs are very important. There is enough poverty to go around, so it is not like they are going to go out of business if, you know, our focus is more on building self-sufficiency 

rather than providing direct services. 

I appreciate my colleague’s comments and I appreciate that he 

also respects that people see things differently and the two of us 

do in some areas, but I think where we have a common perspective 

is on the family planning side and we were both in South Sudan. 

We were in the refugee camps and you were in northern South 

Sudan. Was that Bidi Bidi? 

Ambassador YAMAMOTO. Unity State. 

Ms. BASS. Unity State. And there were all of these babies and 

it just broke my heart because I knew that the majority of those 

babies were not created by partners. They were created through 

rape. And we saw the children right next to bodies of water and 

it just made me scared to death at how many drowning deaths they 

must have in that camp. And so I think the best way to prevent 

abortion is to provide family planning. And I don’t think those 

35

women chose those pregnancies. Those pregnancies were forced on 

them. And so you know, we should look at that. We are zeroing it 

out and once again, I think it is just an example of the hypocrisy 

of a lot of what is proposed in the budget. And I am just glad that 

as Congress we cannot follow and reverse some of the proposals 

that are put forward by the administration. Thank you. 

Mr. SMITH. Anything else you would like to add before we close? 

Ms. ANDERSON. Just appreciate your comment about the redesign 

and we have submitted our proposal, but we are keeping it close 

hold for now, so I am not in a position to talk about it, but we do 

look forward to consulting as soon as we can and your points are 

very similar to the points that Administrator Green makes every 

day in terms of real partnerships and moving our host country 

partners closer to self-sufficiency. 

Mr. SMITH. I want to thank both of you for your very, very noble 

service to our country. Thank you for your presentations today. We 

look forward to working with you going forward. The hearing is adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 3:25 p.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.] 

(37)

A P P E N D I X 

MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD

38

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SUBCOMMITTI<:Ii: Hli:ARING NOTICI<: 

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

WASHINGTON. DC 20515-6128 

Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations 

Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), Chairman 

October -L 2017 

TO: MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

You are respectfully requested to attend an OPEN hearing of the Comnrillee on Foreign Mfairs. to be held by the 

Subcommittee Africa. Global Health, Global Human Rights .. and International Organizations in Room 2200 of the Rayburn House 

Office Building (and avail<-!blc Jiyc on the Committee website at http·;/\Y\HY Forcw11Afft-lirs.honsr FOY)· 

DATE: 

TIME: 

SUBJECT: 

WITNESSES: 

Wednesday. October 11,2017 

2:00p.m 

The State Department and U SAlD FY 2018 Africa Budget 

The Honorable Don.:'lld Yamamoto 

Acting Assistant Secretary 

Bureau of African Affairs 

U.S. Departmenl of Stale 

Ms. Cheryl Anderson 

Acting Assistant Administrator 

Bureau for Africa 

U.S. Agency for International Development 

B~- Direction of the Chairman 
39

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COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFATRS 

MINUTES OF SUl3COMJvll'l~l'EE ON Aftim, Giolml Hertltlt, Global Htrmau Rig!rts, ~~~~ liitematiourr!Orgtmlzatlonr> HEARJNG 

Day Wetlnestlay Date ___ c_IO"-V_1c..li_'1_7 ___ Room ___ cc.22=-()'-'()'-------

Starting Time ----"2"-:"'00,.p"-''"'"--Ending Time -~3":"'2"'6p,..1,..11.___ 

Recesses [_J L__tn __ ) (_to __ ) L__to __ ) (___to __ ) L__to __ ) L__to_) 

Presiding Membet·(s) 

Smith 

Cltec!< all of lite following tftat app(i'.' 

Open Session 0 Executive ~sed) Session D Televised 0 

TITLE OFHF.ARTNG: 

Elec.tronicolly Rccord!:!l.ftaped) D 

Stenogntphic Record L:lJ 

The State Department anti USAID FY 2018 Africa Brul,;et 

SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: 

Bass, Donovan, SuozrJ, JJenr, Castro 

NON-SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: (1\farkwith an • ((they are not members qf.(u/1 committee.) 

HEARING WITNESSES: Same as meeting notice attached? Yes m NoD 

(If "no", please lis I below and include Jille, agency, deparlmenl, or orgonization.) 

STATEMENTS FOR THE RECORD: (Li.<t any statements submitted for !he record.) 

TIME SCHEDULED TO RECONVENE ___ _ 

01" 

TIME ADJOURNED _____ _ 
40


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Questions for the Record Submitted to 

Acting Assistant Secretary Donald Yamamoto by 

Representative Christopher Smith (#1) 

House Foreign Affairs Committee, 

Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subconunittee 

Odoher II, 2017 

In your testimony, you cite difficult decisions in the budget process. What do you consider some 

of the most difficult decisions that had to be made? 

Answer: 

The President's FY 201 H 1nrcign assistance budgd reqLiest "" Aliiea acknowledges that 

our operations must become more efficient, that our assistance must be more effective, and that 

our primary mission must always be advocating for the national interests of the United States. 

The request expects greater leverage ofU.S. dollars, as well as increased efficiency and 

effectiveness of each dollar. In addition, the request requires that the private sector and countries 

themselves make better use or their""'" investments for development. The bt.ulget request will 

allow us Lo support the President's priorities to .ilJster oppmlLinitics for U.S. economic interests, 

defend national security interests. assert U.S. leadership, and ensure accountability to the U.S. 

taxpayer. 

As the Administration works to streamline efforts to ensure efficiency and etlectiveness 

of U.S. taxpayer dollars, it. has to prioritize and make some tough choices. Sonw of. the most 

difficult included decisions to cut bilateral Economic Support and Development Funds and/or 

Global Health Program funding for several Operating Cnits (OUs). This decision contributed to 

the elimination of smaller basic education and democracy and governance programs in a number 

of places io prioritize i'Lmding for other OUs aligned with U.S. national security and economic 
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interests. U.S. a.,sistancc will continLie to he provided in other aecounts, where l(wei~'1l 

assistance will have the b'Teatcst impact or, in some cases, countries may still receive ~entral or 

regionally managed funds such as through Power Africa, the Africa Regional Democracy Fund, 

Trade and Investment Capacity Building, and other programs. 

Focusing our en<nts allows us to advanee mtr most important policy goals and national 

security inkrc.st;:, while ensuring that other donor countries contribute their lair share toward 

meeting challenges in the region. We \vill continue to partner with key allies to protect 

Americans and A.merican interests, advance bilateral partnerships, open new markets for U.S. 

businesses, and promote Ameri<.:<m interests abroad. 
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27162c-3.eps

Questions for the Record Submitted to 

Acting Assistant Secretary Donald Yamamoto by 

Representative Christopher Smith (#2) 

House Foreign Affairs Committee, 

Africa, Global Health, Global HU!llan Rights, and International Organizati.on-; Subcommittee 

October 11,2617 

Question: 

Since 2013, nearly every region in Africa has seen a smge in civil conflicts and political 

violence, ~Iali, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan are now mired in conflict, 

alongside longer-running wars in Somalia and Sudan, while countries such as Nigeria 

Cameroon, Niger, Burkina l'aso, and Burundi face new threats to stability and civilian we1 rare. 

What is the Administration's view ol'thc appropriilk U.S, role in responding to this rapid 

deterioration in security on the continent? 

Answer: 

Conflict and fragility are major concerns for the Department as it seeks to meet economic 

and security goals on the African continent Om Africa strategy focuses on addressing a range 

of umlcrlying causes of conflict and terrorism, including lack of educational opportunities, youth 

unemployment, lack of accountabilit:y for security force abuse;;, and perceptions o 1-

marginalization. We see the African Union, regional economic communities (RECs) and other 

regional organizations, and African member states taking steps to address these root causes of 

instability and doing much more preventive diplomacy than in the past. The appropriate U.S. 

role. is found in diplomatic engagement and progrum strategies, as well as targeted ~ssisl.unee, 

that seek to enable regional organizations and member states to more effectively respond to 

evolving threats and challenges and support members of civil society to engage more effectively 

with their governments on key concerns and grievances. 
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The T_;,,ited States will ,;ontinuc to work closely vvitJ1 key stakeholders, ind uding the UN 

(including peacekeeping missions), EU, !'ranee, United Kingdom, World Bank, and ollicrs, to 

ensure that policy design and best practices are promoted in all of Africa's fragile countries. The 

United States \vill also work to enhance prevention and early warning structures to help prevent 

con I lid and crises li-om breaking OL!l in the first pla,;e. 
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Question for the Record Submitted to 

Acting Assistant Secretary Donald Yamamoto by 

Representative Christopher Smith (#3) 

House Foreign Affairs Committee, 

Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations 

Subcommittee 

October 11, 2017 

Question: 

Despite some bright spots, such as The Gambia, advocates of greater democracy in 

Africa have faced a number of setbacks in recent years. In what ways is the 

Admii1istrati"on responding f()aeiiiocratic backsliding in Africa-inclnding in 

fragile states such as DRC and Burundi, as well as more e~t.ahlishecl democ.racics 

such as South Africa and Tanzania-through aid and diplomatic efforts? 

Answer: 

L.S. government engagement in the region spans a wide range of country 

situations, from autocracies to post-conflict states to consolidating democracies. In 

all these situations, our assistance programming and diplomatic efforts cmphasi~e 

accountable and participatory governance at all levels, the rule oflaw, respect for 

human and civil rights, credible and legitimate elections, a politically active civil 

society, and nJigions ti·eedom. These principles arc foundational to Africa's future 

and U.S. foreign policy objectives on the continent, including security, economic 

growth, development and trade. 

V..'e speak out against the suppression of all forms of freedom of expression, 

including the arbitrary anest and detention of political dissenters andjournalists. 
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At the same time, we work with civiJ society organizations, activists, and 

opposition coalitions to deliver programming on civic and voter education and 

raise citizen concerns with governments on challenges related to electoral and 

political space. 

Our embassies routinely participate in elections monitoring and the 

Department issues statements in which we evaluate the elections as fair or unfair, 

depending on the circumstances. We also speak out against constitutional 

amendments intended to do away with or reset term limits for incumbents. 

USAID and the State Department work in tandem, using foreign assistance 

and robust diplomatic engagement to promote democracy, good governance, and 

respect for human rights with our African counterparts. We enlist international 

partners and regional organizations such as the African Union and the Southern 

African Development Community in these eJrorts. 

We fund bilateral and regional projects to promote the rule of law. foster 

peace and security, fight transnational crime, uphold human rights, and strengthen 

civil society and socialjlrstice. \Ve have legal attacbes attached to many of our 

embassies, ;;,-orking with host governments lo strengthen justice sector 

development. 

In the tace of backsliding, and considering the particular country context, 

our assistance may shift from national to sub-national levels, training local 
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government of!icials in effective planning, budgeting, and program 

implementation, while strengthening citizens' ability to advocate and engage with 

local government through effective channels. V,.'e partner with local community 

· and religious leaders on initiatives that promote participation, inclusion, 

transp:m~ncy, and accountability around citi:t.cn pliorities, such health services and 

education. 

USAID programming in fragile states focuses on the establishment of 

legitimate government institutions and improving the ability of these govemrnents 

to deliver the benefits of peace through service delivery, access to justice, and 

accountable governance, while ensuring instability is not exacerbated. 
47


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Questions for the Record Submitted to 

Acting Assistant Secretary David Yamamoto by 

Representative Christopher Smith (#4) 

House Foreign Affairs Committee, 

Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee 

October 11,2017 

USAID Administrator Mark Green recently announced an additional $550 million in 

humanitarian assistance to address food insecurity and violence in Yemen, South Sudan, Nigeria, 

and Somalia. But Green also underscored that "We need long-term political solutions that 

address the drivers of conflict and insecurity." How are the State Department and USAID 

working In balance the shnrl~tenn emergency response with the longer-term re~ilience and 

capacity-building efforts in these c1i;;es? 

The State Department and "CSAID believe that the purpose of foreign assistance must be 

to end the need of its existence. The United States stands with people around the world when 

crises occur, and we also work to reintorce the capacity of other nations to prevent humanitarian 

crises and beLte1· help themselves \vhen disaster strikes. Tackling root causes of food insecurity 

aml building the resilience oi" communities are key lo working ourselves out of" the humanitarian 

assistance business. 

US.!VD is investing in both emergency humanitarian assistance and food security 

progran1s. Through the Orficc of Food for Peace, we enntinuously monitor food insecurity levels 

worldwide anu make emergency flmding decisions on umunlhly ha~is, often to meet anticipaleu 

emergency food needs several months in the future. When agricultural, market, or political 

indicators improve, we adjust our plans for humanitarian assistance. Natural disasters, such as 

hurricanes and earthquakes, and political crises resulting ill population displacements often 

require immediate assistance to mcd lifc"savii.1g f(lOd needs. The Department aiJd USAID 
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bahmce these changing needs and adjust programming priorities and plans to ensure that food 

assistance is reaching the most vulnerable populations v.•orld wide. 

The Department and USAID are working together, alongside nine other agencies, to 

address the root causes of hunger and poverty overseas through the U.S. Govermneufs global 

hunger and l(md security initiative, Feed the Future, <L~ implemented under the Global b"ood 

Sccmity Act. The initiative emphasizes increasing resilience lor U1c world's most vulnerable 

communities and individuals, particularly women and children, through development programs 

to reduce the long-term need for food assistance. Efforts range from providing farmers with 

better land management skills to tmining dtrcgivcrs and heallhcarc workers in child mttrilion and 

child hcaHhcarc. 
49


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Que~tinns for the Record Submitted to 

Acting As-;istanl Secretary Dom>ld Yamamoto by 

Representative Christopher Smith (#5) 

House Foreign Affairs Committee, 

Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee 

October 11, 2017 

Question: The Electrify Africa Act (now law) builds on the Power Africa Program (led by 

US AID) tD neale a ~!ratcgy directing existing U.S. goverrunent resources from many :1gencics !o 

encourage the inslalla!ion of20,000 meg,twa!ls of additional ekeilieal power and to proJ.not.e 

ellicient institutional delivery of electrical service lu rural and underserved areas. This law 

improves access to affordable and reliable electricity in order to uillock the potential for inclusive 

economic growth, job creation, food security, improved health and education and environmental 

outcome and poverty reduction. Hmv will you work to ensure that access to electricity is 

prioritized and supported and to advance the goals of the Electrify Africa Act and the Power 

Africa program? 

~: 

Power Africa's overall goal is for the private sector to drive the development of the 

power sector in Africa Recognizing that many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have limited 

experience with private sector pmver deals, capacity for reforming their sectors, and knowledge 

of new technologies, Power Africa aims to bridge those gaps. For instance, once a government 

manages its I)Tsl competitive tender .l.br power generation, wi Lh Power Africa assist:mce, !.hal 

government \v:ill not need U.S. govermnent help for future tender processes. Pov,·er Africa's 

innovative, interagency development model works because it meets private sector demand for 

support on deals that create business opportunities and jobs in the United States and abroad; 

Cillaly/.CS reforms; ident.i lies clear, measurable goals; is field driven; promotes inclusive 

leadership and decision making; presses donors to coordinate; and provides convenient, elkclive 

interagency one-stop shopping. We plan to continue this work. 

V..'e have recently taken a look at reevaluating our strategic direction on Po\ver Africa and 

ickntit!cd potenlial ways to enhance our implementation of the E.leclli ly Africa Act and the 
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Power Alri~a rrrngrmn. They include: identifying countries that are cunently lming 

underinvesteu in, and identifying the ways in which- through diplomacy and foreign assistance 

-the U.S. government can encourage African govermnents to improve their enabling 

environments, \vhich will, in tnrn, open up markets. At the san1e time, it is important to look 

across the continent. where Power Alri~a resourecs arc currently being spent and assess the 

possibility of shifting emphasis away from meas where many transactions have already reached 

financial closure to countries or regions that have not yet attracted investor interest. The 

Department of State, drawing on the expertise of U.S. embassies in African capitals, can help 

assess the opportunities for new investment in A li-ica and the areas in which governments need 

to improve_ Additionally, we will continue to coordinate among agencies to leverage lhe range 

of tools and technical assistance progrms to address specific needs. 
51

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Qucstiono i(>r the Record Submitted to 

Ading Assistam Se,;rctary Domtld Yamamoto by 

Representative Christopher Smilh (116) 

House Foreign Affairs Committee, 

Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Suocollllllittee 

October 11, 2017 

Question: Is the Power Africa program building on the U.S experience in rural electrification as 

it tries to inereasc access to eledricity for millions of African lcunilics and busine~scs'! 

Answer: 

We are harnessing American experience and expertise and working with partners that 

contributed to U.S. rural electrification .. One lesson learned from the U.S. experience is that a 

cooperative. model and commutlity-driven approach can help expand eledrioily to dispersed, lowincome populations. Additionally, we learned that there is a need to build consumer demand in 

newly electrified households, including teaching households how to maintain appliances and 

providing credit for appliance purchases. We also learned to take advantage of new technology. 
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Quc_\tions for the Rewrd Submitted to 

Acting As~istant Secretary Donald Yamamoto hy 

Representative Ami Bera 

House Foreign Affairs Committee, 

Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee 

October 11,2017 

Question 1: 

Sub-Saharan Africa J[t,;cs critical develppmcnt challenge~, particularly among 

burgeoning youth populations. A key WilY to address these c-hallenges is to aU.rad more 

private seder investment. The Lnitcd States ,;an help address this problem by enhancing 

stability across the region and working with host nation governments, private sector 

partners, and multilateral agencies to establish a better business environment by building 

institutional capacity, streamlining the regulatory environment, and fighting corruption. 

What tools currently exist to protect individuals and businesses investing in Africa from 

public and private sector corruption? 

Answer: 

The annual Investment Climate Statements, produced by the Department of State, 

provide information on factors affecting the business climate in individual African 

countries, including information and resources related to corruption. This includes 

information on whether countries are signatories to the UN Convention against 

Corruption and the OFCD Anti-Bribery Convention and participate in other inlenmtional 

mechanisms for combatting conuption. These reports arc available at: 

https://wv..'w.state.gov/e/eb/rls/ofhr/ics/investmentclimatestatements/index.htm#wrapper. 

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act also serves as a useful tool to help U.S. firms to send a 

clear and consistent message thatlhcy arc legally prohibited from engaging in bribery or 

other i'om1s of corrnption. The U.S. s<.tpports etlo11s to ir~,-ea.~c transparency ami combat 

corruption through a range of international initiatives such as the Open Government 

Partnership. the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the Financial Action Task 

Force (FA TF) and associated regional bodies. Further. participation in multi-stakeholder 

initiatives tlmt. seek to increase transparency and accotmtahility, such as lhe Voluntary 
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Principle~ on Secnrity and IIu111an Rights or the Intemalinnal Code of Comluc! for 

Private Security Service Providers Association (!CoCA), can hdp mitigate conuplion 

and protect L, S. businesses. 
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Qu~stion> for the Reconl ~ Lihrnirtcd to 

Ading Assistant Secretary Don Yamamoto by 

Representative Ami Bera (.+2) 

House Foreign Affairs Committee, 

Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee 

October 11, 2017 

Question: 

How <:<m Ll1es<0. existing tools be e;;pamled to better protect foreign investment in Africa against 

public and p1ivate ·sector corruption? 

Answer: 

The Department can work to reinforce implementation of existing multilateral 

commitments Lo <:om hat cormption, such as the TTN Convention against Conupiion and 

encourage panicipation in other voluntary international mechanisms, such as the OECD Working 

Group on Bribery and the Anti-Bribery Convention. In addition, we will continue to actively 

participate with American companies and civil society organizations in multi-stakeholder 

initiatives aimed at addressing corruption. Through initiatives such as the Voluntary Principles 

on Security and Human Rights, ihe U.S. government works with NGOs, other governments, and 

oil, gas, and mining companies to promote the implementation of prin<:iples that guide 

companies on providing security for their operations in a manner that respects human rights. The 

initiative provides a mechanism to increase accountability, security force professionalism, and 

civilian protection, and reduce corruption in places where resources are extracted. 

The Department's participation in the Open Govo;rnment Partnership (OGl') provides a 

venue for us to encourage government reformers and citizen activists in more than 70 member 

countries to co-develop commitments that enhance government transparency and accountability. 

OGP works to combat corruption and improve governance through citizen inclusion and 

participation in shaping and irnplcmcnting national rel(mm_ We continue to exch<lnge lessons 
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lean1ed and enc:ourage other n1em her goven1n1ents to n1ake Ll1elr goven1n1ents n1ore open, 

accountable, and responsive to citizens, as well as to work wid1 non-member governments to 

achieve eligibility to join OGP. 

Finally, we will continuing to collaborate with the \Vorld Bank on the valuable Doing 

Business indicators. which provide detailed information at the national and sub-national level to 

husincssc;; making invcshncn! dccisim1s overseas. and c.omplcmcnl the \l_S_ lnvcstmcn! Climate 

Report and other tools. 
56

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Questions f<Jr the Record Submitted to 

Aeting Assistant Secretary Don Yamamoto by 

Representative Ami Bera (1'3) 

House Foreign Affairs Committee, 

Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rigbts, and International Organizations Subcommittee 

October 11,2017 

Question: 

What policie~ can Congress adopl. Lo pmtccl existing and eucoc~rage lctrthcr investments in A ti·ica 

and reduce cmntplion across the comi1rent? 

Answer: 

Congress can help support U.S. investment and reduce corruption in Africa by supporting 

U.S. policies :md programs that build capacity to protect investor rights, incrca~c transparency, 

and combat cormption in Aliica. The United Stales works to protect and encourilge lJ_S_ 

investment through diplomatic engagement, and commercial diplomacy, as well as via capacity 

building programs to develop a stable, predictable environment for investment 

V.·'e look to Congress to continue supporting foreign assistance programs that reinforce 

the investment climate, democratic institutions, anti-corruption efforts, and the rule oflaw. We 

also encourage funding to fully participate in rnulti-stakcholder initiatives, St\Ch as the Voluntary 

Principles on Security and Human Rights, the Open Government Partnership, and the 

International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers Association. 

As you are aware, corruption adds a further cost of doing business in a country and can 

redu<:c the incentives to invesL To continue to reduce <:onuplion in African countlies and protect 

and encourage l'unerican investments, we need Congress' assistance. 

We appreciate that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) addresses 

corruption as a factor in detennining a country's eligibility to benefit from AGOA. 
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Questions for the Record 

The State Department!USAID FY 2018 Africa Budget 

October 11, 2017 

Acting Assistant USAID Administrator for Africa Cheryl Anderson 

Submitted by Chairman Chris Smith 

1. Aside from health programs that consume the major share of development aid in Africa, 

what are the specific top development priorities of this Administration with regard to 

Africa? 

Assistance to sub-Saharan Africa can be categorized around four priorities: 

Aligning with U.S. National Security Objectives: Many of the biggest security threats the 

United States faces- including terrorism, pandemics and transnational organized crime- are 

incubated and thrive in weak, failing, and failed states. Development assistance in Mrica 

counters political fragility and supports stronger and more effective governance so that 

corruption, failure to deliver basic services, and lack of transparency do not grow worse in 

unstable regions, threatening the United States and its allies. Economic growth, health, 

education, gender-equality programming as well as access to water services and improved food 

security can significantly reduce these key drivers of conflict. U.S. investments in food security 

and water reduce the national security risk to the United States in tenns of political unrest, 

potentially accompanied by displaced persons or refugee crises. Additionally, surging 

urbanization in Africa greatly increases the likelihood of diseases spreading to the United States. 

To combat the threat of these diseases and prevent them from becoming global epidemics, health 

programming strengthens African health systems through access to needed medical supplies, 

professional training, and improvements in infrastructure. 

Asserting U.S. Leadership and Influence: Decades of United States engagement in Africa have 

built relationships that support U.S. interests. Youth programs such as the Young African 

Leaders Initiative (Y ALI) are developing a network of influential young African leaders who are 

shaping the political, economic, and security environments in sub-Saharan Africa. Education and 

training programs for these rising leaders create strong relationships between the United States 

and many African state leaders and ministers. Similarly, U.S. development assistance provides 

funding to numerous regional and local institutions to facilitate trade, and respond to epidemics. 

These relationships strengthen the performance of key programs such as food security, Power 

Africa, and trade. The United States leads the response to HTV and AIDS, and has been 

successful in drastically reducing HIV/ AIDS-related deaths for more than 20 years. 

Fostering Economic Opportunities for the American People: Africa's changing economic 

landscape- with a growing middle class and greater regional integration- is creating new 
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markets and investment opportunities for increased U.S. exports. Development assistance 

programs lay the foundation for continued growth of the U.S. economy by sustainably 

invigorating African markets through partnerships with the private sector, smart investments in 

emerging energy markets, youth development, and investments in primary and secondary 

education. By improving policies and increasing markets necessary for business growth, the 

United States helps secure the social and economic stability American firms require for 

profitable operations. Power Africa provides an innovative model for creating business 

opportunities for U.S. finns, while achieving tangible improvements in power delivery, which 

enables economic development. At the same time, by making investments in education for 

African youth today, we are influencing future leaders in Africa. As sub-Saharan Africa's 

school-age population is projected to grow one-third between 2015 and 2030, U.S. development 

assistance will continue to be critical in primary and secondary education, alongside increasing 

investments from African governments to connect youth to jobs, and grow a high-quality, 

educated workforce. 

Ensuring Effectiveness and Accountability to the lJ.S. Taxpayer: Rigorous monitoring and 

evaluation help to ensure programs are effective and increase efficiency and impact over time. In 

Ghana, for example, a FY 2015 performance evaluation demonstrated success in its local 

governance program to facilitate tax collection, and guided efforts to scale up the activities from 

5 to 55 districts. In FY 2016, a total of 48 evaluations were conducted in 14 countries and three 

regional operating units, of which 63 percent infonned future programming, 35 percent informed 

adaptive management and course correction, and 50 percent provided deeper infonnation about 

results achieved. 

2. What types of U.S. aid have been most effective in encouraging development, economic 

growth, health, and security in Africa? How can Congress and the executive branch work 

together most effectively to ensure that lJ .S. aid to Africa has the maximum possible impact 

at the lowest cost to the lJ .S. taxpayer? 

U.S. assistance in sub-Saharan Africa has been effective in encouraging the economic well-being 

and health of Africans. Between 2000 and 2015 1

, the percentage of Africans living in extreme 

poverty declined from 57 to 41 percent. Since 2000, African countries have experienced among 

the highest rates of economic growth in the world, averaging five percent over the 2000-2015 

period. 

The health status of Africans, especially children, has improved significantly. Under-5 mortality 

rates declined from 154 per I ,000 births in 2000 to 74 children per thousand in 2015. The United 

States Government through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPF AR) has been 

the major donor in combatting HIV I AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, home to nearly 70 percent of 

1 These dat<l come from the \Vorld Bank·s ·world development indicators 
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all people living with HIV2 New infections per year in sub-Saharan Africa have declined by 

almost 50 percent, from a peak of 2.7 million in 1997 to 1.4 million in 2015. Additionally, 

AIDS-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa were reduced by half between 2005 and 2015 3 

USAID works in partnership with local institutions to ensure the sustainability of development 

gains. Where host governments or non-governmental organizations are weak, programs are 

structured to help increase the capacity of partners and to protect taxpayer funding. 

Congress's leadership has prompted significant achievements in Atfica. With Congress's 

passage of the Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act and the Paul Simon Water for the World Act, 

USAID investments have brought nearly II million Africans access to improved drinking water 

and more than eight million people access to improved sanitation between FY 2008 and FY 

2015. The Feed the Future program, now implementing the Global Food Security Act of2016, is 

helping Africans grow more and increase their incomes. In FY 2015 alone, USAID investments 

in Africa helped more than 3.6 million farmers gain access to new tools or technologies. Feed the 

Future-supported farmers experienced more than $450 million in new agricultural sales in the 

same year. Power Africa, now legislated through the Electrify Africa Act, has helped facilitate 

the financial close of 82 private-sector transactions valued at more than $14.5 billion, which are 

expected to generate more than 7,300 megawatts. Power Africa also helped add over 10 million 

new connections to on- and off-grid systems, enabling tens of millions of people to gain access 

to power for the first time. 

Congress' attention and support for these issues has been instrumental in building effective 

programs. As USAID continues to provide assistance to address the evolving needs in subSaharan Africa, flexibility to use funding to pivot programs to emerging needs is critical. 

3. Today there are 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa where half of the population is 

under the age of 18. Combined with this tremendous youth bulge is that fact that about 60 

percent of Africa's unemployed are under the age of 25. What is USAID doing around 

youth engagement in Africa to ensure that economic and political opportunities exist for 

Africa's rapidly growing youth, and to steer Africa's youth away from violent extremism? 

A recent Mercy Corps study finds that feelings of injustice and marginalization, compounded by 

unemployment or poverty, push young people to violent extremism. As part ofUSAID's 

strategic approach to positive youth development, programming in fragile environments seeks to 

include youth in participatory processes and decision making. US AID programs to counter 

violent extremism in East Africa and the Sahel engage youth in dialogues and allow them to air 

grievances. This work is providing avenues for expression and recognition and helping to reduce 

tension in communities at risk of violent extremism. 
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As part of our efforts to engage youth, USAlD has multiple radio programs across the Lake Chad 

Basin that engage youth in transmitting messages of peace and stability. These programs are 

conducted at the community level in local languages and include intensive youth participation. 

USAID' s continued investment in the Young African Leaders Initiative (Y ALI) is critical to 

steering youth away from violent extremism. Y ALl is cultivating a generation of effective and 

responsible African leaders who advocate for peace, security, and good governance in their 

countries, and seek to find solutions to the underlying conditions that destabilize nations and 

pose threats to global security. 

One example of Y ALl's success is in Tanzania, where terrorism remains a threat, as al-Shabaab 

continues to exercise retributive violence, and as ISIS looks for a stronger foothold in East 

Africa. Young African leaders like Hashim Pondeza are working tirelessly to de-radicalize 

youth. As a Y ALl Mandel a Washington Fellow, Hashim attended the 6-week leadership training 

institute at U. C. Berkeley. That experience inspired him to start the Center for Youth Dialogue, 

an organization to counter extremism among youth in his community in Tanzania. After 

returning home, he received funding from the U.S. Department of State to begin his work. The 

Center for Youth Dialogue provides youth with access to informative dialogues, cultural and 

educational exchange visits, entrepreneurial and volunteering opportunities, as well as access to 

education, employment, healthcare, sports and other social opportunities. Hashim has worked 

with over 2,000 youth and expanded the work of his organization to facilitate an exchange 

between imams from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Somalia to promote regional collaboration 

of cultural leaders. 

USAlD's resilience programming in Africa also has a youth focus. Resilience programs support 

and enhance the extension of agricultural value chains that will provide opportunities for youth 

to get jobs and generate incomes. 

4. USAID Administrator Mark Green recently announced an additional $575 million in 

humanitarian assistance to address food insecurity and violence in Yemen, South Sudan, 

Nigeria, and Somalia. But Green also underscored that "We need long-term political 

solutions that address the drivers of conflict and insecurity." How are the State 

Department and USAID working to balance the short-term emergency response with the 

longer-term resilience and capacity-building efforts in these crises? 

Administrator Green is correct that crises with political instability at their root- such as the food 

insecurity and violence in Yemen, South Sudan, Nigeria, and Somalia- require political 

solutions to be brought to an end. These crises have made many millions of people food insecure 
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and in need of humanitarian assistance, and the U.S. Government continues to respond with lifesaving assistance. 

Global humanitarian assistance spending is already unsustainably high, and continuing to rise, 

making building the resilience of vulnerable populations a developmental priority, particularly 

given life-saving assistance is sometimes to the same communities every few years. U.S. 

Government investments in building resilience are designed to reduce recurrent humanitarian 

needs in the future, saving lives and resources. 

A 2013 study by the l)K estimates that, over the long-term, every $1 invested in building the 

resilience of people and places subject to recurrent crisis will result in $2.9 in reduced 

humanitarian spending, avoided losses and improved well-being. 

Our investments in resilience align to country-led efforts in places like Kenya and Ethiopia and 

help to shift the responsibility for managing risks from donors to partner governments, the 

private sector and communities themselves. For example, in Kenya, the Government has 

committed $1.6 billion toward its Ending Drought Emergencies initiative in the chronically 

vulnerable northern arid lands. This is matched by $1.5 billion in investment by donors, 

including USAID. 

In countries, like Somalia, we are leveraging the private sector both as a means of expanding 

economic opportunities and as a platform for responding to shocks such as droughts when they 

do occur. One innovative program is expanding the practice of camel-leasing: vulnerable 

pastoralists lease their animals to large dairies on the outskirts of Mogadishu in exchange for 

$200 to $300. The dairies sell the milk into high demand markets and return the animal, healthy 

and cared for, at the end of the lease. US AID resilience programs in Somalia, like the camelleasing program, have helped communities stay in place during the current drought, whereas 

many communities not reached by these programs have been forced to migrate in search of food. 

Many communities reached by USAID resilience programs are now hosting those displaced by 

drought 

In Nigeria, USAID has expanded its Feed the Future food security and resilience development 

program into the northeast to contribute to the Comprehensive Peace and Recovery plan in states 

impacted by Boko Haram. These investments complement our humanitarian assistance 

programs, which meet immediate life-saving needs. In addition to helping communities and 

households in the more stable areas of northeastern Nigeria recover and be more resilient, these 

investments in expanding economic opportunities also help address some of the economic push 

factors and associated grievances that the Boko Haram exploited for recruitment from among the 

local population. 
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5. The Electrify Africa Act (now law) builds on the Power Africa Program (led by USAID) 

to create a strategy directing existing U.S. government resources from many agencies to 

encourage the installation of 20,000 megawatts of additional electrical power and to 

promote efficient institutional delivery of electrical service to rural and underserved areas. 

This law improves access to affordable and reliable electricity in order to unlock the 

potential for inclusive economic growth, job creation, food security, improved health and 

education and environmental outcome and poverty reduction. How will you work to 

ensure that access to electricity is prioritized and supported and to advance the goals of the 

Electrify Africa Act and the Power Africa program? 

Power Africa, in implementing the Electrify Africa Act of 2015, has helped facilitate the 

tlnancial close of 82 power projects valued at more than $14.5 billion, which are generating or 

expected to generate more than 7,300 megawatts (MW). Power Africa has also helped add over 

10 million new connections to on- and off-grid systems, enabling tens of millions of people to 

gain access to power for the tlrst time. Power Africa continues to build on these results and make 

strides towards achievement of the Electrify Africa Act goals. Power Africa is currently tracking 

approximately 780 power projects across the continent that have the potential to add more than 

75,000 MW of power capacity if Power Africa can help them reach financial close. 

Power Africa is also catalyzing investment in off-grid solutions including solar home systems 

and micro-grids, and is providing support to African utilities to more quickly and affordably 

extend the grid to more homes and businesses. U.S. Government agencies are deploying a 

diverse set of 160 different tools (financing, legal support, technical assistance, etc.) to advance 

catalytic projects across the continent. Power Africa's FY 2017 budget level demonstrates the 

U.S. Government's continued commitment to advancing the Electrify Africa Act goals. 

Power Africa has brought together a broad coalition of more than 140 partners, including 14 

bilateral and multilateral partners, and more than 130 private sector partners-- 60 of which are 

American businesses -- who are committed to working together with African governments to 

unlock the continent's vast energy potential. The U.S. Government's leadership has resulted in a 

groundswell of international momentum, as evidenced by our partners' collective commitment to 

invest more than $54 billion in the development of Africa's electricity sector. Power Africa is 

sustaining this momentum by supporting the private sector's work at all stages of power-project 

development, seizing opportunities to complement and leverage the work and resources of 

development partners, and supporting African governments, utilities, and regulators to develop 

enabling environments conducive to private investment and growth. Ultimately, we are working 

toward an energy secure future in which local communities and leaders- without the support of 

Power Africa- will be empowered to catalyze and sustain the progress needed to to achieve 

universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable electricity. 
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6. Is the Power Africa program building on the U.S experience in rural electrification as it 

tries to increase access to electricity for millions of African families and businesses? 

Yes- Power Africa is building on the U.S. rural electrification experience in several ways. The 

key challenge rural American communities faced less than a century ago is the same one we see 

in sub-Saharan Africa today: in remote areas, electricity providers face higher costs and a 

dispersed, lower-income customer base. In the United States, rural communities addressed this 

challenge by establishing non-profit, farmer-owned cooperatives that expanded electricity 

infrastructure with the help of low-interest loans provided by the newly created Rural 

Electrification Administration. 

Power Africa sees opportunities to build on this experience by supporting the establishment of 

rural cooperatives in areas where they make sense and by taking advantage of new technologies 

-including increasingly cost-effective solar panels, pre-pay meters, and mobile money- to 

enable a more efficient, flexible approach that optimizes on- and off-grid solutions. 

Power Africa is currently working with the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association 

(NRECA), which represents the interests of the U.S. rural cooperatives, to harness American 

experience and expertise. Specifically, NRECA and Power Africa are partnering in Uganda to 

develop master plans for rural electrification concession areas and reduce the cost of grid 

extension and connection; in Ethiopia to strengthen the utility's capacity to use geospatial 

analysis to plan and implement rural electrification activities; and in Liberia to help the national 

utility plan and implement rural electrification programs more effectively. 

7. How can these existing tools be expanded to better protect foreign investments in Africa 

against public and private sector corruption? 

Accelerated progress against corruption requires sustained and deepened effort. lt means 

focusing on corruption itself and in sectoral activities such as health and education that include 

anti-corruption elements. It also benefits from alignment among donors to ensure a more 

comprehensive approach. These efforts would be characterized by: 

• Sustained focus on promoting the rule of law, including strengthening judicial institutions 

to combat impunity; enhancing the ability of investigators and prosecutors to effectively 

prosecute corruption and secure convictions; bolstering the legal framework, especially 

laws aimed at preventing public and private sector corruption, promoting transparency 

and combating money laundering and fraud; and providing both the capacity and the and 

means for citizens to report on corruption. 
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• Continued focus on improving public sector institutions' processes and procedures to 

ensure a transparent and open use of public resources; clear ethical guidelines for public 

servants; enhanced internal controls and oversight procedures; and rigorous oversight 

over public finances and contracting. 

• Continued focus on strengthening anti-corruption and oversight institutions' ability to 

serve as independent watchdogs and hold government accountable. 

• Sustained commitment to critical global anti-corruption initiatives, including the Open 

Government Partnership and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which 

empower citizens, level the playing field for companies, and push governments to combat 

corruption and enhance transparency. 

Where the United States has an explicit foreign policy and development interest in reducing 

corruption, better interagency planning coordination can improve the delivery of complementary 

assistance, for example, providing a dual focus on improving internal controls and public 

financial management as well as offering judicial and prosecutorial capacity building. U.S. 

agencies have a variety of different expertise to focus on problems of corruption where we have 

willing and committed country government partners. Furthermore, within USAID missions, a 

holistic approach to strategy and program development- integrating the technical expertise of 

democracy and governance specialists, general counsel, financial oversight, and health and 

education sectors- can focus resources on addressing the problem from a variety of angles that 

are specific and appropriate to each sector. Similar to gender and other issues, considering 

corruption explicitly during the concept and design phase will often permit identification of 

opportunities to integrate anti-corruption practices into Mission programs. 

8. What policies can Congress adopt to protect existing and encourage further investments 

in Africa and reduce corruption across the continent? 

Congress could emphasize the importance of initiatives to fight corruption and encouraging 

investment in Atrica 

• Open Government Partnership (OGP): The OGP is a multilateral initiative that aims to 

secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower 

citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance. 

Examples of OGP anti-corruption tools include reforming the government budgeting 

process; enhancing public availability of expenditure data to "follow the money"; and 

creating e-procurement and online asset disclosure platfonns to minimize fraud and 

corruption. 

• Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (E!Tl) The E!Tl serves as a tool for countries 

to improve the management of their oil, gas and mining sectors. Examples of E!Tl tools 
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include the publishing of extractive resource management data, open data concerning 

mineral and extractive licensing and concessions, and open data concerning extractive 

taxes and revenues. 

Congress could sustain funding that enables US AID to continue to work in rule of law 

strengthening and in bolstering anti-corruption institutions, processes, and norms throughout the 

continent. 
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Questions for the Record 

The State Department!USAID FY 2018 Africa Budget 

October 11, 2017 

Acting Assistant USAID Administrator for Africa Cheryl Anderson 

Submitted by Rep. Ami Bera 

Sub-Saharan Africa faces critical development challenges, particularly among burgeoning 

youth populations. A key way to address these challenges is to attract more private sector 

investment. The United States can help address this problem by enhancing stability across 

the region and working with host nation governments, private sector partners, and 

multilateral agencies to establish a better business environment by building institutional 

capacity, streamlining the regulatory environment, and fighting corruption. What tools 

currently exist to protect individuals and businesses investing in Africa from public and 

private sector corruption? 

Tools to protect individuals and businesses from public and private sector corruption fall into 

three categories legal/regulatory reform tools, institutional capacity and oversight tools, and 

transparency and accountability approaches and tools. 

Legal and regulatory reform tools can be integrated into broader efforts to improve the 

business environment, or the perfonnance of particular sectors, such as health or education. For 

example, in Tanzania, USAID has partnered with the the Government of Tanzania's Ethics 

Secretariat to improve public officials' asset disclosure and verification. They have also worked 

together to disseminate and socialize the Public Leadership Code of Ethics. 

Examples of these measures include: 

• Drafting/strengthening the legal framework to fight corruption, including laws mandating 

public officials' asset disclosure and banning illicit enrichment, and laws requiring ethical 

disclosures, among others. 

• Drafting/strengthening the legal framework to build transparency and accountability, 

such as laws requiring disclosure and reconciliation of profits and tax revenues in the 

extractive sector. 

• Reviewing and reforming the legal framework to mitigate risks to foreign investors, such 

as review of asset seizure regulations, contract enforcement mechanisms, government 

procurement laws, etc 

• Creating and strengthening public procurement laws and regulations to ensure 

procurement integrity. 

Institutional capacity and oversight tools empower independent bodies that can counter 

corrupt activities. In Mali, USAID is building the capacity of the Supreme Audit Institution to 

conduct performance audits and monitor public spending and service delivery. In Liberia, 
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USAID works to strengthen public sector management human and institutional capacity within 

targeted ministries, agencies, and commissions in support of the Government of Liberia's Public 

Financial Management Reform Strategy. Some examples of institutional capacity and oversight 

tools include: 

• Creating or supporting an independent anti-corruption body tasked with monitoring and 

investigating cases of public corruption. 

• Strengthening the capacities of Supreme Audit Institutions to provide regular budget 

oversight and monitoring. 

• Creating objective criteria for the appointment of judges and prosecutors, and allowing 

civil society or other anti-corruption bodies to monitor the process. 

• Enhancing public financial management, including creating more transparent and clear 

tax reporting processes, streamlining budgeting and expenditure management, and 

creating single treasury accounts to minimize opportunities for waste, fraud, and 

corruption. 

Transparency and accountability approaches get to the heart of developing corruptionresistant systems. For example, in Mozambique US AID is strengthening the capacity of 

journalists to produce quality content, with a special emphasis on investigative journalism. 

Transparency and accountability tools include: 

• Training investigative journalists and supporting high profile, high-impact reporting on 

corruption. 

• Creating whistleblower processes to report fraud and corruption. 

• Supporting citizen groups to increase their ability to demand greater transparency and 

accountability of their governments, and to monitor compliance with commitments and 

obligations. 

• Supporting individual change agents, or individuals within government willing and able 

to push reforms. 

• Supporting transparency and outreach among judicial oversight bodies, courts, and civil 

society. 

• Using international anti-corruption nonns and standards to deepen and elevate refonn, 

e.g.: 

o Open Government Partnership (OGP): OGP anti-corruption tools include 

reforming the government budgeting process; enhancing public availability of 

expenditure data to "follow the money"; and creating e-procurement and online 

asset disclosure platforms to minimize fraud and corruption. 

o Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITT): EITT tools include the 

publishing of extractive resource management data, open data concerning mineral 

and extractive licensing and concessions, and open data concerning extractive 

taxes and revenues.