35–983 

110TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1st Session 110–197 

STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS 

APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2008 

JUNE 18, 2007.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of 

the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mrs. LOWEY, from the Committee on Appropriations, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

together with 

MINORITY VIEWS 

[To accompany H.R. 2764] 

The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in 

explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for the 

Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, for 

the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 

INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT 

Page number 

Bill Report 

Summary of the Bill ................................................................................... 1 ...........

Committee Recommendations ................................................................... ........ 3 

Title I—Department of State and Related Agencies: 

Department of State ........................................................................... 2 6 

Administration of Foreign Affairs—Diplomatic and Consular Affairs ................................................................................................... 2 6 

Worldwide Security Upgrades ............................................................ ........ 15 

Capital Investment Fund ................................................................... 5 16 

Office of the Inspector General .......................................................... 5 17 

Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs ................................ 5 17 

Embassy Security Construction and Maintenance ........................... 6 22 

Worldwide Security Upgrades ............................................................ ........ 22 

Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service ..................... 7 26 

Payment to the American Institute of Taiwan ................................. 8 26 

Contributions to International Organizations .................................. 8 28 

Contributions for International Peacekeeping .................................. 9 32 


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Page number 

Bill Report 

International Commissions: 

International Boundary and Water Commission, U.S. and 

Mexico ....................................................................................... 11 35 

American Sections, International Commissions ........................ 11 35 

International Fisheries Commission .......................................... 12 36 

Other: 

Asia Foundation ........................................................................... 12 36 

International Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue .... 12 36 

Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program ............................... 13 37 

Israeli Arab Scholarship Program .............................................. 13 37 

East-West Center ......................................................................... ........ 37 

National Endowment for Democracy ......................................... 13 38 

Broadcasting Board of Governors ............................................... ........ 38 

Commission for America’s Heritage Abroad .............................. 15 41 

Commission on International Religious Freedom ..................... 15 41 

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe ............... 16 42 

Congressional-Executive Commission on the People’s Republic of China ................................................................................ 16 43 

United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission ............................................................................................ 16 43 

United States Institute of Peace ................................................. 17 44 

Title II—Export and Investment Assistance: 

Export-Import Bank of the United States ........................................ 23 45 

Overseas Private Investment Corporation ........................................ 26 47 

Trade and Development Agency ........................................................ 28 48 

Title III—Bilateral Economic Assistance: 

Child Survival and Health Programs Fund ...................................... 28 49 

Development Assistance ..................................................................... 34 57 

International Disaster and Famine Assistance ................................ 35 65 

Transition Initiatives .......................................................................... 35 66 

Development Credit Authority ........................................................... 36 66 

Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for International 

Development .................................................................................... 38 67 

Capital Investment Fund ................................................................... 39 67 

Operating Expenses of the USAID Office of the Inspector General 40 68 

Economic Support Fund ..................................................................... 40 68 

International Fund for Ireland .......................................................... 43 84 

Assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States (SEED) ........ 44 85 

Assistance for the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union 

(FSA) ................................................................................................. 45 87 

Inter-American Foundation ................................................................ 48 90 

African Development Foundation ...................................................... 48 90 

Peace Corps ......................................................................................... 49 90 

Millennium Challenge Corporation ................................................... 50 91 

Department of State: 

Global HIV/AIDS Initiative ......................................................... 51 92 

International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement ........... 52 99 

Andean Counterdrug Initiative .................................................. 53 106 

Migration and Refugee Assistance ............................................. 57 110 

Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund ............... 58 112 

Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs ......................................................................................... 58 112 

Department of the Treasury: 

International Affairs Technical Assistance ................................ 60 114 

Debt Restructuring ...................................................................... 60 115 

Title IV—Military Assistance: 

International Military Education and Training ............................... 63 115 

Foreign Military Financing Program ................................................ 65 119 

Peacekeeping Operations .................................................................... 69 127 


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Page number 

Bill Report 

Title V—Multilateral Economic Assistance: 

World Bank Group: 

Global Environment Facility ....................................................... 70 130 

International Development Association (IDA) ........................... 70 130 

Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency .............................. 70 131 

Inter-American Development Bank—Multilateral Investment 

Fund ................................................................................................. 70 131 

Inter-American Investment Corporation ........................................... ........ 132 

Asian Development Fund ................................................................... 70 132 

African Development Bank ................................................................ 71 133 

Contribution to the African Development Fund ............................... 71 133 

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ..................... ........ 133 

International Fund for Agricultural Development ........................... 71 133 

International Organizations and Programs ...................................... 72 133 

Title VI—General Provisions: 

House of Representatives Reporting Requirements ......................... ........ 144 

OVERVIEW 

The fiscal year 2008 budget request for the activities under the 

jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and 

Related Programs is $34,943,720,000 in new discretionary budget 

authority. The Committee recommendation includes a total of 

$34,243,000,000 in new discretionary budget authority, a decrease 

of $700,720,000 from the President’s request and an increase of 

$2,858,947,000 over the fiscal year 2007 enacted level, excluding 

enacted supplemental appropriations. The Committee’s recommendation, provided in this bill and detailed in the accompanying report, reflects the four priorities of the Committee: 

1. Oversight of foreign assistance programs 

2. Supporting our allies in the Global War on Terror 

3. Improving Aid Effectiveness by strengthening Development 

Assistance 

4. Responding to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and other 

health challenges 

OVERSIGHT OF FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Projects.—Congress has made significant reforms in the way it 

reviews funding for the Federal Government’ reforms which the 

Committee takes very seriously as it executes its constitutional authority. Earmarking or directed spending of Federal dollars does 

not begin with Congress. It begins with the Executive Branch. For 

example, in international affairs, the Administration has authority, 

in large measure, to determine grant/contract recipients of over 

$16.9 billion. In addition, the cooperative relationship developed 

over the years between the Committee, the Department of State, 

and the United States Agency for International Development 

(USAID) has provided the Administration with broad discretion to 

make awards, so long as the agencies follow the Congressional Notification procedures outlined in the Foreign Assistance Act and appropriations Acts. The Administration determines these projects 

through a process that is the functional equivalent of earmarking. 

When the Committee reviews the budget request, it submits these 

projects to rigorous review and may alter or modify them to reflect 

additional priorities. 


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Contractors.—The Executive Branch also engages in another 

practice which steers or directs money to specific entities or purposes through a process of contracting out various activities and 

services. In all diplomatic platforms throughout the world, as well 

as at the various international affairs agencies in Washington, the 

Administration increasingly relies on personal service contractors 

and foreign nationals to such an extent that their number rivals 

that of Federal direct-hire employees in the service of diplomatic 

missions. Many of these positions, in fact, are non-competitive or 

sole-sourced. When added together, the Executive Branch directs 

far greater spending to specific projects or corporations than is directed or earmarked by Congress. The practice of non-competitive 

contracting has exploded in the past five years. 

The Committee provides no recommendation at this time for specific projects contained in either the Administration’s budget or 

proposed by Members of Congress. Individual project allocations 

will be considered comprehensively after the Committee has had an 

opportunity to appropriately scrutinize all relevant information. 

SUPPORT TO OUR ALLIES IN THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR

The Committee’s fiscal year 2008 recommendation includes a 

total of $2,656,506,000 for Economic Support Fund (ESF) programs 

and $4,509,236,000 for Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programs. The vast majority of the ESF and FMF programs support 

ongoing and new assistance for our allies in the Global War on Terror. These accounts support traditional methods of providing 

United States taxpayer assistance in the form of programs, 

projects, and activities to improve economic and social development, support of existing military systems such as radios and spare 

parts for aircraft and trucks, as well as the purchase of new systems such as aircraft and radar systems. 

IMPROVING AID EFFECTIVENESS AND STRENGTHENING DEVELOPMENT

ASSISTANCE

The Committee’s fiscal year 2008 recommendation takes the first 

step in reversing a trend of diminishing resources appropriated directly to USAID. The President’s budget request cut the operating 

budget of USAID and transferred more USAID resources to accounts managed by the Department of State. The Committee believes that USAID is the nation’s primary international development agency and should play the leading role in shaping and implementing development policy and programs that address global 

poverty and promote economic growth. The Committee recommendation includes $1,733,760,000 for the Development Assistance account, an increase of $692,512,000 above the President’s request. The increased resources will fund an initiative on basic education for developing countries as well an expansion of safe water 

and environment programs. Access to quality primary education 

not only improves an individual’s chances for a better, more productive life, but also creates a more tolerant and informed citizenry. The Committee notes that operating costs for USAID have 

also been cut in the past several years and have resulted in the 

Agency proposing a scaled back plan for overseas presence. The 

Committee does not agree with this proposal to scale down 


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USAID’s presence overseas by closing or consolidating missions. 

The Committee is further concerned that the Agency has lost much 

of its technical expertise over the years. The Committee provides 

additional resources for the Agency’s operating budget to help increase recruitment and retention of technical staff at the Agency. 

RESPONDING TO THE GLOBAL HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC AND OTHER

HEALTH CHALLENGES

The Committee recommendation includes a total of 

$6,517,650,000 for global health programs, including HIV/AIDS. 

The Committee believes that addressing global health problems, including tuberculosis, avian flu, and HIV/AIDS, in the developing 

world is one of the best preventive measures that Congress can 

take to protect United States citizens. To this end, the Committee 

recommendation includes $100,000,000 to address avian influenza; 

$263,500,000 to address tuberculosis and extremely-drug resistant 

tuberculosis; and $352,000,000 to address malaria. In these programs, USAID will work with developing country public health departments to strengthen public health infrastructure and surveillance, detect cases of these and other deadly diseases, and provide 

treatment and care. 

The Committee recommendation also recognizes the imperative 

of addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The Committee is aware of 

the President’s recent announcement calling for the extension of 

the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative for an additional 5 years at a funding level of $30,000,000,000 over that time. The Committee lauds 

this commitment of additional resources but does not believe that 

this pledge is adequate to stem the toll of the pandemic in Africa 

and around the world. The Committee provides a total of 

$5,082,000,000 for bilateral HIV/AIDS efforts, and for the Global 

Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Committee expects that the bill funding the Department of Health and Human 

Services will include an additional $794,223,000, for total HIV/ 

AIDS funding of $5,876,223,000, $550,000,000 above the President’s fiscal year 2008 budget request. 

The Committee notes that Congress has provided 

$18,315,000,000 over the past five years for HIV/AIDS, including 

the fiscal year 2008 commitment. This is $3,300,000,000 over the 

President’s pledge over that same time period. The Committee expects that Congress will similarly be above the President’s commitment for the next five years as necessary to meet the United States 

commitment to fighting the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. 

FUNDING FOR IRAQ

The Committee recommendation does not include funding for 

Iraq operations and reconstruction. The President’s budget requested $456,000,000 in additional funding for these activities. 

However, the Committee notes that the emergency supplemental 

appropriations act for fiscal year 2007 (Public Law 110–28) included $2,862,550,000 for Iraq diplomatic operations and reconstruction. In addition, Congress provided an extension of the authority to de-obligate and re-obligate prior year appropriations to 

the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF), which, as of May 

1, 2007, had $3,119,000,000 in unexpended balances. Furthermore, 


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the Committee notes that the President requested $2,893,408,000 

in additional fiscal year 2008 emergency appropriations for diplomatic operations and reconstruction in Iraq. Therefore, the Committee has deferred providing appropriations for Iraq at this time. 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE 

The Committee’s fiscal year 2008 recommendation for the Department of State strongly supports ongoing efforts to strengthen 

diplomatic, embassy and border security, and to institutionalize 

management reforms. The Committee recommends a total of 

$9,977,192,000 for fiscal year 2008 for the Department of State. 

This amount is $36,604,000 below the request and $272,242,000 

below the amount appropriated for fiscal year 2007. Of the total 

amount provided, $9,818,292,000 is derived from general-purpose 

discretionary funds and $158,900,000 is scored as mandatory 

spending. 

The Committee recommendation includes a total of 

$6,982,357,000 for the discretionary appropriations accounts under 

Administration of Foreign Affairs; $2,656,400,000 for the accounts 

under International Organizations; $82,875,000 for International 

Commissions; and $96,750,000 for Other activities. The Committee’s recommended priorities for the Department of State are detailed in the following paragraphs. 

ADMINISTRATION OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $4,338,513,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 4,942,700,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 4,784,778,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥157,922,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 446,265,000 

The Committee recommends $4,784,778,000 for the Diplomatic 

and Consular Programs account, including $964,760,000 to continue funding for worldwide security upgrades, and $363,905,000 

for public diplomacy international information programs. 

This appropriation provides for the formulation and execution of 

United States foreign policy, including the conduct of diplomatic 

and consular relations with foreign countries, diplomatic relations 

with international organizations, and related activities. This account includes funding for the regional, program, and operations 

bureaus and offices of the Department of State and the Foreign 

Service. 

The recommendation is $157,922,000 below the request, and an 

increase of $446,265,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level, excluding 

emergency supplemental appropriations. Within this total, the recommendation of $964,760,000 for worldwide security upgrades, 

which is $282,811,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the 

same amount as requested. Security funding increases are described under the ‘‘Worldwide Security Upgrades’’ section below. 


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Border security program 

The recommendation includes $1,305,715,000 for the Department’s Border Security program, of which $861,950,000 is funded 

through collection of Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fees, 

$130,200,000 is funded through the collection of the Western Hemisphere Travel Surcharge, $31,800,000 is funded through Fraud 

Prevention fees, and $281,765,000 is to be funded through the Enhanced Border Security Program Fees and Visa Fraud Fees. The 

total amount is an increase of $156,836,000 above the fiscal year 

2007 level. This funding level includes a program increase of 122 

new positions. The Committee understands these new positions are 

critically needed to handle the increased domestic passport workload as well as changes in the visa process, including more extensive interviewing of applicants and the implementation of biometric 

collection. The Committee directs the Department to continue its 

bimonthly reporting on MRV fee revenue as specified in the conference report accompanying the fiscal year 2003 Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 108–11), and begin reporting on Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative fee revenue as provided through 

the Passport Security Enhancement Act of 2005 (Public Law 109– 167). 

The Committee urges the Department to continue to work on an 

interagency basis to strengthen the visa process to make it an effective anti-terrorism tool, while avoiding the creation of unnecessary barriers or delays to legitimate travel to the United States. 

The Committee requests the Department prepare and submit a 

report to the Committees on Appropriations on visa issuing posts 

that take longer than 30 days to request a personal interview after 

a non-immigrant visa request was submitted. In addition, the report should include information from the last three years on: the 

number and type of visa applications submitted to the Department; 

the number of visas approved; the number of visa applications subject to a Security Advisory Opinion; the percentage of visa applications rejected by type of visa applied for; the number of consular 

officers processing visa applications; and any new programs and 

initiatives to improve both the security and efficiency of the visa 

process. 

The Committee understands that the Department is examining 

the feasibility of conducting visa interviews by teleconference or 

similar electronic means. The Committee supports these efforts, including steps to conduct pilot demonstration projects. 

Russian, Eurasian and East European Research and Training 

The Committee recommendation includes $5,000,000 for the Russian, Eurasian, and East European Research and Training Program (Title VIII). The programs are to be administered by the Bureau for International Intelligence and Research. The Committee 

encourages the use of Title VIII funds to include comparative research and language training concerning Eurasian countries critical to the war against terrorism. 

Fees and transfers 

The Committee has included language in the bill, similar to language in prior years, which: (1) permits not to exceed $10,000,000 

to be transferred to the Emergencies in the Diplomatic and ConVerDate Aug 31 2005 09:32 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 035983 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR197.XXX HR197

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sular Service account for emergency evacuations and terrorism rewards; (2) provides $1,558,390 in fees collected from other Executive Branch agencies and $490,000 from reserves for lease or use 

of facilities at the International Center Complex, as authorized by 

law; (3) provides not to exceed $15,000 from reimbursements, surcharges, and fees for use of Blair House facilities in accordance 

with the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956; (4) requires notification of Congress before processing licenses for the export of satellites to China; and (5) makes not to exceed $6,000,000 

in fee collections available until expended for various activities. 

Interagency task force 

The recommendation continues base funding for costs associated 

with the operation of a United States Government interagency task 

force to monitor the United Nations headquarters renovation 

project. 

International cooperative administrative support services system 

(ICASS) 

The ICASS system was intended to empower all United States 

Government agencies located at an overseas post to more efficiently 

and economically provide administrative support services. The 

Committee expects that all overseas posts adopt the ICASS system. 

Intelligence and research 

The Committee recommendation includes the full request of $58,175,000 for the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, which is 

$6,300,000 and 8 positions above the fiscal year 2007 level. The increase is provided to augment the Bureau’s analytic staff in key 

areas such as terrorism, China, and Iran, and will strengthen the 

Bureau’s Humanitarian Information Unit, enhancing its ability to 

produce intelligence on critical humanitarian issues, such as food 

security, health, and migration issues. Funds also will be used to 

complete the initiative begun in fiscal year 2007 to provide electronic connectivity at the desktop in order to ensure the timely and 

efficient electronic dissemination of intelligence within the Department. 

Iraq base operations 

The Committee recommendation does not include the 

$65,000,000 requested for Iraq base operations. It is the Committee’s intent to consider these costs at the same time it considers the 

$1,881,608,000 requested as fiscal year 2008 emergency appropriations for Iraq operations. 

Minority recruitment and hiring 

The Committee remains strongly supportive of the educational 

partnership with Hostos Community College and Columbia University and urges the Department to continue its support in fiscal year 

2008. Similarly, the Committee urges the Department to continue 

support for the partnership with Howard University to recruit and 

prepare students from various institutions with large minority populations for positions in the United States Foreign Service. These 

programs assist the Department’s ongoing efforts to increase minority hiring and diversity by facilitating the preparation of nonVerDate Aug 31 2005 09:32 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 035983 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR197.XXX HR197

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traditional and minority students for careers in the Foreign Service 

and the Department of State. 

Overseas schools 

The Committee commends the consolidated Overseas Schools Assistance Program for its significant accomplishments in enhancing 

educational opportunities for children of American families living 

overseas and furthering mutual understanding between the people 

of the United States and the people of other countries. This program fulfills a dual purpose of providing a quality American-style 

education for children of United States citizens assigned overseas 

and demonstrating the best practices in American education to 

children and educators of other countries. The Committee also commends the Overseas Schools Advisory Council and its annual Program of Educational Assistance in generating United States corporate and foundation financial support and fostering volunteer activities for American-sponsored overseas schools. 

Passport Backlogs 

The Committee understands that the Department has taken several steps to address the dramatic rise in demand for passports, including the hiring of over 250 additional passport adjudicators in 

the past two years, expanding the hours of operation at all passport agencies, instituting mandatory overtime, and suspending all 

non-critical training and travel for passport staff. Unfortunately, 

these steps have proven insufficient to meet the increased demand 

for passports that resulted from implementation in January of this 

year of phase I of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative 

(WHTI). The Committee is deeply troubled by this persistent and 

growing backlog of passport applications. The recent announcement 

to address the immediate crisis by allowing alternate identification 

and paperwork for citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have yet to receive their passports likely 

will help. However, the announcement will not help those traveling 

to other regions of the world. 

The lack of adequate preparedness to meet the projected passport 

demands associated with implementation of WHTI is of great concern. The Committee notes that Border Security fee revenue in fiscal years 2007 and 2008 is projected to rise by $161,000,000 and 

$157,000,000 respectively, or over 13 percent each year. The Committee expects the Department of State to devote a much larger 

percentage of fee revenue in the next fiscal year to passport operations to ensure that adequate human and physical resources are 

available to process applications in a timely fashion. The Committee encourages the Department to consider, if appropriate, increasing the number of expedited slots available to registered, 

hand-carried agents as a means of accelerating approvals and reducing agency workload. Finally, the Committee requests that the 

Department submit quarterly reports to the Committees on Appropriations on the number of passport applications received (by category of application), the number of applications that are pending 

approval (by category), and the average processing time per category of application received. The reports should also include data 

on the implementation of the passport processing operational plan 

during the period, including the number of passport adjudicators 


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and contract staff on board, the number of new adjudicators and 

contract staff hired and trained, and any significant infrastructure 

improvements. 

Public diplomacy programs 

The Committee remains concerned by negative perceptions about 

the United States among foreign publics. A Pew survey conducted 

in 1999 and 2000 found that more than 50 percent, and as high as 

83 percent, of foreign populations around the world held favorable 

views of the United States. By January 2006, the favorability numbers had declined dramatically. A BBC World Service poll found 

that the United States was rated positively by respondents in only 

39 percent of the 33 nations surveyed. Some of this decline was due 

to a lack of priority for public diplomacy activities that followed the 

end of the Cold War. But, much of the current disfavor the nation 

is experiencing is the result of unpopular policies of the United 

States. Still, the Committee believes that a robust public diplomacy 

program is an essential component for improving how America is 

perceived abroad and ultimately to strengthening our national security. 

To that end, the Committee again has prioritized public diplomacy programs within the Diplomatic and Consular Programs account and has included bill language designating amounts specifically for public diplomacy efforts. For fiscal year 2008, the recommendation provides $363,905,000 for Public Diplomacy programs under this account, an increase of $34,171,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level. Within the amounts provided, $272,609,000 is 

for the regional bureaus, $50,131,000 is for the Bureau of International Information Programs, $34,527,000 is for the functional 

bureaus/other support costs and payments, and $5,000,000 is for an 

inter-agency public diplomacy centers. 

Annual base funding for United States Government public diplomacy programs has increased by more than $500,000,000, or 48 

percent, since 2001. The Committee expects the Department to continue to lead the effort to expand these programs and adapt them 

to address the specific foreign policy challenges facing the Nation. 

To build on the progress to date, and to solidify the role of the Department in leading the national public diplomacy effort, the recommendation includes $5,000,000 for the Secretary to establish 

and begin to operate a public/private interagency public diplomacy 

center which shall serve as a knowledge bank, and a program integration and coordination hub for United States public diplomacy 

programs. This center will improve interagency coordination, and 

better draw upon private sector knowledge and expertise to inform 

program strategies, to improve program results, and to apply existing resources in ways that are smarter, more innovative and more 

effective. The Committee notes the success of other interagency 

centers such as the National Counterterrorism Center, and expects 

the Department to promote the participation of all agencies whose 

mission areas include an international aspect. The recommended 

funding will support initial staffing and operational costs of establishing the center. The Committee expects the Department to submit a spending plan for this funding no later than sixty days after 

the enactment of this Act. 


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The budget request focus expands public diplomacy efforts primarily in the Arab and Muslim world. The Committee agrees with 

that view in large measure, but cautions the Department not to 

allow the focus on high priority areas to diminish ongoing public 

diplomacy efforts outside of these areas in order to maintain an effective worldwide public diplomacy program. 

The Committee continues to believe that separately identifying 

public diplomacy resources will facilitate the Committee’s ability to 

monitor funding levels and trends for these activities. The amount 

identified for public diplomacy programs includes the costs of personnel and programs throughout the Department. The Committee 

expects the Department to identify any impediments to optimal 

performance of public diplomacy programs and propose any necessary changes, including organizational changes, through the reprogramming process. The recommendation for public diplomacy 

will support the continuation of programs in the Arab and Muslim 

world, which have been expanded since fiscal year 2002. The Committee directs the Department to provide quarterly reports to the 

Committee, beginning three months after the enactment of this 

Act, on the steps taken to increase efforts to counter anti-American 

sentiments around the world. 

The Committee supports the Department’s initiative to encourage members of the Department of State to speak on the record; 

integrate public diplomacy into policy; strengthen the public diplomacy specialty; recognize public diplomacy skills as criteria for promotion for all Foreign Service; and implement a rigorous evaluation process of all public diplomacy programs. 

The Committee directs the Secretary of State to submit to the 

Committees on Appropriations on an annual basis a report on any 

anti-American incitement sentiment promulgated by government 

agencies and officials, government-media sources, governmentfunded universities, government-sponsored religious institutions, or 

any other governmental organs of countries receiving assistance 

from the United States. 

Further, the Committee commends the steps taken to increase efforts to counter disinformation and deliberate misinformation by 

monitoring hostile media and providing United States spokespersons and foreign media with factual information to respond to 

and to counter, malicious propaganda about the United States. The 

Department has greatly expanded United States media presence in 

Arab and regional media, and the number of media interviews by 

the Department in Arabic has increased more than four times over 

the number prior to 2005. The Committee strongly urges the Department to continue to improve United States efforts to communicate with the Arab and Muslim world in local languages. 

The Committee continues to support international broadcasting 

in general and efforts to expand the audience of listeners and viewers in the Arab and Muslim world in particular. Since September 

11, 2001, the Committee has made significant investments to expand international broadcasting efforts, primarily in the Arab and 

Muslim world. However, the Committee is concerned about allegations of the lack of oversight and transparency of Middle East 

Broadcasting Networks, which led to the December 2006 broadcast 

of live interviews with terrorist leaders and al Qaeda affiliates. The 

Committee expects the Secretary, as a member of the Board of the 


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Broadcasting Board of Governors, to ensure that United States 

broadcasting programs provide a balanced and comprehensive presentation of United States policy. 

Right-sizing the United States Government presence overseas 

The Committee continues to define right-sizing as the reconfiguration of overseas United States Government staff to the number 

necessary to achieve United States foreign policy goals. The Committee is convinced, and agrees with the recommendation of the 

Overseas Presence Advisory Panel, that rationalizing staffing and 

operations abroad has the potential for significant budgetary savings. It costs two to three times as much to maintain an employee 

outside of the United States as it does within the United States. 

The notion of right-sizing as a desirable means to improve security 

and gain efficiencies implies that the current number of overseas 

staff in some locations is greater than the minimum number necessary, and that the presence of a number greater than the minimum number presents an unnecessary and unacceptable financial 

and security burden. 

The Committee is very concerned about the escalation in staffing 

and additional housing requirements resulting from much higher 

than projected staff requirements for the United States mission in 

Iraq. Presently, the Department reports that the 619 apartments 

included in the New Embassy Compound are over 260 beds short 

of the requirements for American staff assigned to critical programs in Iraq. In addition, the Department reports a need for housing to accommodate over 500 third country nationals and other 

operational and maintenance staff. This is well above the estimates 

originally provided to the Committee. The Committee understands 

that providing a safe and secure work and housing environment to 

all embassy staff is essential. The Committee strongly urges the 

Department to use the most stringent criteria for determining 

staffing levels for the United States mission in Iraq. 

As part of the overall right-sizing function, the Committee encourages the Department to review the ICASS system and fully explore how ICASS can contribute to right-sizing efforts. The Committee has outlined its concern regarding the right-sizing of the 

United States Government presence overseas in report language 

since fiscal year 2001 and has included bill language designating 

funding for the Office of Right-Sizing the United States Government Overseas Presence since fiscal year 2004. The Committee remains frustrated by the lack of progress in meeting the intended 

results. Recognizing the difficulties inherent in changing world situations and conditions in specific host countries requiring movement of mission objectives, nevertheless, the Department has instances of overly optimistic staffing projections that have not been 

realized. These projections have led to new facilities with vacancies 

at the same time the Department is seeking ambitious growth in 

nearby posts. With increased security concerns and decreasing 

budgets, the Committee is steadfast in its belief that a more rigorous approach is necessary. 

Science fellowship programs 

The Committee commends the Secretary for sustaining a variety 

of science fellowship programs in the Department, including the 


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American Association for the Advancement of Science science-diplomacy fellows, the professional society fellows, and the recently established Jefferson Fellows Program. The Committee urges continued support for these valuable programs. 

The Committee also applauds the Office of Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary of State for continuing to promote 

the essential role of science and technology in diplomacy, and encourages the Department to continue to increase science and technology capacity and literacy within the Department and the role of 

science and technology in our nation’s foreign policy. The Committee requests that the Secretary be prepared to report during the 

hearings on the fiscal year 2009 request on the progress made during fiscal year 2008 to increase science and technology capacity and 

literacy within the Department. 

Special envoy 

The Committee encourages the Secretary of State to establish, at 

an appropriate time, a location for which a Special Envoy for Middle East peace may operate on an ongoing basis. 

Staffing 

The Committee believes that diplomatic and development programs are our first line of defense. The cornerstone of a robust diplomatic program is a trained and ready workforce. To this end, the 

Committee has provided increases under the diplomatic and consular programs account to fund and train a total of 2,886 new positions above attrition for the Department of State from fiscal years 

2001 to 2007, an increase of 19 percent. 

The fiscal year 2008 budget proposes to add another 254 positions as part of a multi-year initiative to reposition and augment 

its diplomatic posture to transition states and other countries key 

to supporting the United States Government presence overseas, to 

improve language proficiency and enhance the professional skills, 

and increase the size of the Active Response Corps within the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization. While 

supportive of improving the diplomatic readiness of the Department, the fiscal constraints facing the Committee have limited the 

ability to fully support all the new positions requested. 

The Committee reiterates its strong recommendation that the 

Department strengthen and utilize all of its diplomatic tools to ensure a peaceful resolution to the growing regional instability, outstanding conflicts and humanitarian crises of Central and East Africa. The Committee believes that more diplomatic resources 

should be directed towards resolving the region’s conflicts and crises, particularly in Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, Chad, the Democratic 

Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and Eritrea/Ethiopia. This would include: assigning, as a part of Global Repositioning, more diplomats to the entire Central and East Africa region so as to increase staffing in African embassies and to appoint 

field staff to support current and future Presidential Special Envoys; increasing its public diplomacy and foreign assistance programs; and providing added attention by the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization, who has the responsibility of both 

helping failed states and intervening before nations fall into crisis. 


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Stabilization and reconstruction 

The Committee recognizes the importance of improving the 

United States Government civilian capacity to conduct effective reconstruction and stabilization. The Committee understands that 

the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization 

will be the central entity to plan and coordinate United States Government civilian activities in pre- and post-conflict environments, 

and to coordinate the United States Government reaction to complex contingencies. Further, the Committee understands that this 

office would improve operational response time in the areas of reconstruction, stabilization, and humanitarian assistance. 

Education of all participants in a stabilization and reconstruction 

environment is vital for effective operations. The Committee urges 

the Department and USAID to expand opportunities for Department and USAID employees to enhance their training in such environments, including opportunities to attend short course training 

at the Center for Stabilization and Reconstruction Studies at the 

Naval Postgraduate School. 

Tibet 

The Committee recognizes the important role played by the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues in implementing this Act. The 

Committee recommendation continues at not less than the current 

service level for salaries and expenses for an office to support the 

Coordinator in carrying out the broad responsibilities detailed in 

section 621(d) of Public Law 107–228, as well as for convening coordinating meetings for appropriate United States Government 

agencies, non-governmental organizations, and representatives of 

the Tibetan leadership. 

Trafficking in persons 

The Committee continues to be concerned about the serious problem of international trafficking in persons. The Committee is troubled by the long delays in the process of considering and awarding 

grants to combat trafficking in persons. The Committee believes 

that the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Office at the Department of 

State should control the monies appropriated for TIP programs and 

not be subject to the decentralized influence of field posts and to 

the sequential process of grant approvals by the TIP Office and the 

subsequent apportionment of funds by the Office of Management 

and Budget. The Committee believes that the current collection, review and apportionment process is hampering the TIP Office’s ability to respond quickly to anti-trafficking program requirements. 

The Committee further believes that the Secretary should add 

six full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to the TIP office so that it 

can effectively monitor its anti-trafficking grants and can effectively fulfill the vital, Congressionally-assigned responsibility given 

to the Senior Policy Operating Group, which it chairs, of monitoring and coordinating the domestic and international anti-trafficking grants and policies of all U.S. agencies. The recommendation includes not less than $4,215,000 for the Office to Monitor and 

Combat Trafficking in Persons. It is the Committee’s firm belief 

that the practice of modern-day slavery must receive the full attention of the United States Government, and that the TIP Office is 


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uniquely positioned to offer the hope of freedom to trafficking victims. 

The Committee is concerned about the lack of transparency in 

the awarding of grants to combat human trafficking at the Department of State and USAID, as well as the lack of reporting data by 

the grantees. The Committee directs the Department of State, in 

coordination with USAID, to prepare and submit a report to the 

Committees on Appropriations on grants to combat human trafficking including the following: the grant, contract, and cooperative 

agreement review process; the selection criteria, purpose, number 

of applicants received and approved; and a summary of problems 

or investigations of the performance of any of the grants, contracts 

and cooperative agreements. This report shall be submitted to the 

appropriate committees within 90 days of enactment of this Act. 

Victims of terrorism compensation 

The Committee shares the concern voiced by families victims of 

terrorism of the need for the United States Government to provide 

timely compensation. As a first step in addressing this concern, the 

Committee recommendation includes $4,000,000, to be available 

until expended, for compensation to the families of members of the 

Foreign Service or other United States Government employees, or 

their dependents, who were killed in terrorist attacks since 1979. 

The Committee believes, however, that providing an appropriation 

for compensation in the absence of an authorization is not an advisable course. The eligibility, structure and amounts of a compensation program need to be carefully considered prior to the provision of funds. Therefore, the Committee has conditioned the obligation of these funds upon the enactment of subsequent authorizing legislation. The Committee directs the Department of State to 

develop a comprehensive legislative proposal and forward it to the 

committees of jurisdiction to provide just and equitable compensation for victims of international terrorism and their surviving family members, including United States foreign service, military, foreign service nationals, and civil servants. The Committee expects 

this proposal to be presented to the Congress within 60 days of enactment of this Act. 

Visa and passport security program 

The Committee remains highly interested in the Department’s 

ongoing work to both detect terrorist travel and disrupt efforts to 

use fraudulent travel documents through strengthening the capabilities of the Diplomatic Security enforcement programs and enhancing their work with foreign partners through the Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program. The Committee understands that overseas program results since fiscal year 2004 have yielded 1,050 arrests for document fraud and related offenses and in excess of 

3,500 visa refusals and revocations. The Committee is supportive 

of plans to add 17 new positions to enhance enforcement work overseas. The Committee also urges the Department to more aggressively implement the Visa and Passport Strategic Plan completed 

in December of 2006 during fiscal year 2008 and expects that the 

fiscal year 2009 request will more fully address the Plan’s implementation requirements, both for personnel and resources. 


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Worldwide security upgrades 

The Committee recommendation includes $964,760,000 for worldwide security upgrades within the Diplomatic and Consular Programs account, which is $282,811,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

level and the same as the request. Within the amount provided: 

$886,716,000 is for ongoing security activities, including guard 

services, physical security equipment, armored vehicles, chemical/ 

biological program, personnel, training, and wireless communications; $53,400,000 is for the protection of life and facilities, including creating secure environments for American Presence Posts, establishing an armored vehicle lifecycle replacement program for vehicles acquired with supplemental funding in fiscal years 2001 and 

2002, and increasing regional security officer support; $23,500,000 

is for enhancing the protection of Americans under Chief of Mission 

authority outside the mission; and $1,144,000 is to support the Foreign Service Modernization initiative. 

The Worldwide Security Upgrade (WSU) program provides the 

core funding for the protection of life, property, and information of 

the Department of State. WSU funding supports a worldwide guard 

force protecting overseas diplomatic missions and residences and 

domestic facilities. Security staffing of more than 1,300 personnel 

are deployed worldwide to protect United States Government staff 

and facilities. In addition, the WSU program appropriation supports the protection of national security information and the integrity of the Department of State’s network of information systems. 

The Committee recommendation includes the increase requested 

for physical security/protective equipment. These funds are used to 

provide local guard vehicles and equipment, bulletproof vests, 

training equipment, and Chem-Bio protection. The Committee is 

aware of proposals to develop and validate a pilot Chem-Bio agent 

detection and decontamination system for facilities and embassies 

and encourages the Department to consider supporting these types 

of pilot projects. 

Maintaining secure and efficient access to United States embassies requires continued vigilance. The development of new technology can play an important part in advancing both secure and 

timely access to diplomatic facilities worldwide. The Committee understands that an iris recognition-based identity system designed 

to provide a secure means of matching parents and their children 

has been successfully demonstrated in a public school system setting. The Committee encourages the Department to consider support for a demonstration project to create and test a similar iris 

recognition system to identify, track, and log visitors at select 

United States missions. 

CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $58,143,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 70,743,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 59,062,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥11,681,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 919,000 

The Committee recommends $59,062,000 for the Capital Invest- ment Fund, which is $919,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and 

$11,681,000 below the request. 


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In addition, the budget request estimates that $243,002,000 in 

expedited passport fees will be used to support the information 

technology modernization effort, for a total fiscal year 2008 spending availability of $303,745,000. 

The entire amount available under this heading, including fees, 

will support investments in new information technologies and infrastructure to improve the efficiency of Department of State operations. 

Since 2001, the Committee has invested more than 

$1,976,702,000 in the Department of State’s global information 

technology infrastructure to enable rapid and reliable communication between Washington and the more than 300 locations worldwide, while maintaining the highest possible standards of security 

of government information. The Committee expects the Department of State to maintain and protect this investment. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $29,914,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 32,508,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 32,508,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 2,594,000 

The Committee recommends $32,508,000 for the Office of Inspector General (OIG), which is the same as the request, and 

$2,594,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level excluding emergency 

supplemental appropriations. The Inspector General conducts oversight of the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of 

Governors. The Committee continues to highlight the requirement 

for OIG oversight of the Department of State’s efforts to implement 

worldwide security upgrades. 

The Committee recommendation includes language, as in previous years, waiving the statutory requirement that every post be 

inspected every five years, in order to provide greater flexibility to 

the Inspector General to use resources in the most critical areas. 

Middle East Broadcasting Networks, including Alhurra 

The Committee is concerned about recent reports regarding several Alhurra broadcasts during the period of November 2006 to 

March 2007. These reports involve allegations that Alhurra provided a platform for terrorists and those who support terrorists to 

broadcast in violation of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks’

policy and journalistic code of conduct. The Committee requests 

that the Inspector General immediately review and report not later 

than 120 days after enactment of this Act to the Committees on 

Appropriations on: the editorial policy in place in 2006 and 2007 

regarding broadcasts involving terrorists or those who support 

them; whether any changes were made to that policy or to 

Alhurra’s journalistic code during the period; who was responsible 

for enforcing the policy; what action, if any, was taken against 

those who violated the policy; what management changes have 

been made to ensure the policy and journalistic code is monitored 

and enforced; and whether there are clear lines of authority at 

Alhurra to provide for accountability of journalistic decisions. The 

Committee requests the Inspector General to report on the findings 

within 120 days of enactment of this Act. 


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EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

[INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS]

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $445,671,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 486,400,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 501,400,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 15,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 55,729,000 

The bill includes a total of $501,400,000 for the Educational and 

Cultural Exchange Programs of the Department of State. This 

amount is $55,729,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level excluding 

emergency supplemental appropriations, and $15,000,000 above the 

request. 

Funding provided under this heading supports international educational, professional, and cultural exchange programs, including 

the Fulbright student and scholar exchanges and the International 

Visitors Program, as well as related staff and administrative costs. 

These exchanges are a key critical investment in our nation’s public diplomacy effort. They involve one-on-one contact between 

American citizens and foreign nationals and help foster understanding and appreciation of other peoples and cultures. 

The following table displays the distribution of funds provided in 

the Committee recommendation: 

EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

(BUDGET AUTHORITY IN THOUSANDS)

Program/Activity FY2007 

enacted FY2008 request 

Committee 

recommendation 

Academic Exchanges 

Fulbright Program ............................................................................................................... $198,757 $222,645 $218,757 

Global Academic Exchanges ............................................................................................... 21,490 24,503 25,272 

Special Academic Exchanges ............................................................................................. 32,510 33,934 35,934 

Subtotal, Academic Exchanges .................................................................................. 252,757 281,082 279,963 

Professional and Cultural Exchanges 

International Visitor Program ............................................................................................. 71,275 74,255 82,255 

Citizen Exchange Program .................................................................................................. 63,250 70,950 70,950 

Special Professional and Cultural Programs ..................................................................... 7,418 7,683 15,802 

Subtotal, Professional and Cultural Exchanges ........................................................ 141,943 152,888 169,007 

Program Evaluation and Performance ................................................................................ 2,475 3,170 3,170 

Program Support ................................................................................................................. 48,496 49,260 49,260 

Total, Educational and Cultural Exchanges .............................................................. 445,671 486,400 501,400 

The Committee recommendation includes sufficient funds to support at not less than the amount requested: the Congress-Bundestag youth exchange program; the George Mitchell Fellowship program; the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program; 

South Pacific Exchanges, the Timor Leste Scholarship program; 

and the Ngwang Choephel Fellows program. 

The Committee urges the Secretary to continue funding of the 

disability exchange clearinghouse; the University of Miami Hemispheric program; the Future Leaders Exchange programs; the 

American-Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange; the 


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Junior Faculty Development program; the Youth Exchange and 

Study—Afghanistan program; the Language, Technology, Math and 

Science Exchange; the Educational Advising Centers; and the Edmund Muskie Graduate Fellowship program. 

The Committee recommendation includes a transfer of 

$6,000,000, from within funds provided under this heading, to a 

Trust Fund established by section 313 of the Legislative Branch 

Appropriations Act, 2001. This fund supports professional exchanges with emerging political leaders from Russia, the independent states of the former Soviet Union and other eligible countries. 

Tibetan Programs 

The Tibetan Fulbright Scholarship Program has provided support to almost 300 Tibetan students and professionals seeking 

higher education and professional training at United States universities. The Committee strongly supports these exchanges with Tibet 

and recommends $750,000 for the Tibetan Scholarship Program in 

fiscal year 2008. In addition, the Committee recommendation includes not less than $600,000 for the Ngwang Choephel Fellows 

program, the same as the request and the fiscal year 2007 level. 

Engagement of Arab and Muslim Peoples 

The Committee recommendation continues support for programs 

to engage Arab and Muslim audiences through educational and cultural exchanges and concurs with the high programmatic priority 

placed on these programs within this account. The Committee is 

particularly interested in efforts to target promising individuals not 

naturally drawn to Western sources of information, who live outside the capital cities and do not attend elite institutions. The 

micro-scholarship program is one such way to reach this audience 

by providing English language training to non-elite audiences, with 

the hope that learning English will open a window to the Englishspeaking world, helping to dispel misinformation and misunderstandings that can breed resentment of the United States and its 

citizens. The Committee expects the Department of State to allocate adequate funding to continue and expand Fulbright Exchanges, English Language Programs, and International Visitor 

programs, (including cultural exchanges) for these critical audiences. 

United States Olympic Committee 

The Committee is aware that the Bureau of Educational and 

Cultural Affairs is working with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) on multiple issues ranging from expanded exchanges to working with the newly formed Chicago Olympic bid 

committee. The Committee urges the Bureau to continue its work 

with USOC and, when possible, to assist the USOC in promoting 

its summer or winter Olympic bid to the International Olympic 

Committee as the eventual selection site of the Olympics. 

National Security Language Initiative 

The Committee supports the National Security Language Initiative, including the proposed expansion in fiscal year 2008 of programs to increase the number of American students and teachers 


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learning and mastering critical-need languages. These languages 

include Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Farsi and the Indic and 

Turkic languages. The Committee understands that this Initiative 

involves the expansion of programs supported by the Department 

of State, the Department of Education and the Department of Defense. Department of State programs supported through the Initiative include: the Intensive Language Summer Institutes; the Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants; the Teacher Exchange; the 

Fulbright Critical Language Scholarships; the Gilman Critical Language Scholarships, and the Citizen Exchange programs. The Committee recommendation includes sufficient funds to increase these 

critical language exchanges in fiscal year 2008. 

Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation 

The Committee understands that legislation to authorize several 

of the recommendations of the Congressionally-chartered Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program 

passed the House of Representatives (Public Law 108–199). The 

Committee looks forward to reviewing any new authorities enacted 

into law as a result of this legislation, including authorities authorizing appropriations for the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad 

Foundation. 

Public information 

Thousands of young Americans, including high school students, 

travel abroad to study. The families of these students often have 

difficulty determining the merits of private exchange programs. 

The Committee expects the Department of State to increase awareness of the resources available to assist families in the selection of 

exchange programs. 

Fee limitation 

The Committee recommendation includes a limitation of not to 

exceed $5,000,000 on the use of fees or other payments received 

from or in connection with English teaching, educational advising 

and counseling, and exchange visitor programs as authorized by 

law. 

Spending plan 

The Committee expects that a proposal for the programmatic and 

geographic distribution of available resources (including unobligated balances and recoveries) will be submitted through the normal reprogramming process within 60 days from the date of enactment of this Act. The Committee expects that the overall funding 

distribution will conform to the programmatic guidance above. 

Special projects 

In addition to funding provided to support academic and cultural 

exchanges requested in the budget or those funded annually by the 

Committee, the Committee recommendation includes $4,000,000 to 

support one-time special educational and cultural exchange projects 

that address an area, or areas, of mutual interest between the 

United States and the country of exchange. Exchange proposals 

should be for funding to support the actual exchange of people, and 

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ing to support the development and expansion of critical language 

programs at colleges, universities, and institutes are supported 

through the United States Department of Education. The Department should review and award on a competitive basis up to 

$500,000 for each award that meets appropriate guidelines and 

qualifications established by the Department of State and that are 

consistent with the underlying statutory authority. The Department of State should prepare and issue the solicitation for proposals within 60 days of enactment of this Act. 

Exchanges with the Caribbean 

The Committee recommends that the Department develop expanded cultural, educational, and professional exchanges between 

the United States and the Caribbean. The Committee recognizes 

that such people-to-people exchanges with the region are an important tool for developing understanding between communities and 

enhancing regional security. 

REPRESENTATION ALLOWANCES

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $8,175,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 8,175,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 8,175,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 0 

The Committee recommends $8,175,000 for representation allowances authorized by section 905 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as 

the request. These funds are used to reimburse Foreign Service Officers for expenditures incurred in their official capacities abroad in 

establishing and maintaining relations with officials of foreign governments and appropriate members of local communities. The Department shall submit a quarterly report to the Committees on Appropriations containing detailed information on the allotment and 

expenditure of this appropriation. 

PROTECTION OF FOREIGN MISSIONS AND OFFICIALS

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $9,270,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 18,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 28,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 10,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 18,730,000 

The Committee recommends a total of $28,000,000 for the Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials account, which is 

$18,730,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $10,000,000 above 

the request. 

This account reimburses local governments and communities for 

the extraordinary costs incurred in providing protection for international organizations, foreign missions and officials, and foreign 

dignitaries under certain circumstances. To be eligible for reimbursement under the regular program, the costs must be incurred 

in a city with 20 or more consular or diplomatic missions staffed 

by accredited personnel and all costs must be certified as eligible 

by the Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security. In addition, 

funds may be used for reimbursement for an extraordinary event 

in a jurisdiction that does not meet the regular program eligibility 


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requirements, once funds are made available for that purpose. The 

Committee expects the Department to treat all submissions diligently and provide reimbursement to local jurisdictions on a timely 

basis if claims are fully justified. 

The increase above the request is to provide reimbursement to 

jurisdictions with certifiable costs associated with the Organization 

of American States’ (OAS) 35th General Assembly in June 2005. 

Funds also are available to reimburse eligible costs of providing security protection to diplomatic delegations to the United Nations 

and other international organizations that were incurred during 

2002–2007 and where annual appropriations under this account 

were not sufficient to fully reimburse all certified expenses. 

EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $1,490,852,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 1,599,434,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 1,536,798,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥62,636,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 45,946,000 

The Committee recommends a total appropriation of 

$1,536,798,000 for Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance, which is $45,946,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and 

$62,636,000 below the request. The recommendation designates 

$806,900,000 as available only for priority worldwide security upgrades, acquisition, and construction, the full amount requested for 

such activities. The recommendation includes $729,898,000 for nonsecurity related costs, which is $137,621,000 above the fiscal year 

2007 level and $62,636,000 below the request. 

This account provides funds to manage United States Government real property overseas and maintain Government-owned and 

long-term leased properties at approximately 260 posts, and to 

lease office and functional facilities and residential units, not only 

for the Department of State, but also for all United States employees overseas. 

Worldwide security upgrades 

The Committee recommendation includes $806,900,000 for security projects, which is the same as the request and $91,675,000 

below the fiscal year 2007 level, to continue the capital security 

program of constructing new secure replacement facilities for the 

Department’s most vulnerable embassies and consulates and providing additional security measures and upgrades. The Committee 

expects that projects undertaken under this program will address 

the security of the highest priority facilities. In previous fiscal 

years, the Department has proposed to reprogram funds under this 

activity for projects that do not address top priority security 

vulnerabilities and for projects that will not result, when complete, 

in a facility that meets existing security standards. The Committee 

expects that worldwide security funds will be used only for projects 

that meet these specifications. 

By the end of fiscal year 2007, the Department projects that 41 

new facilities will be completed and 36 additional buildings will be 

under design or construction. These 77 new facilities represent 

nearly 40 percent of the 195 identified for replacement due to security concerns following the Nairobi/Dar es Salaam bombings in 


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1998. The Committee recommendation will support the construction of an estimated eleven new embassy compounds in fiscal year 

2008, and the acquisition of a number of secure sites for future embassy compound construction. The Committee recommendation also includes $99,722,000, 

which is the same as the request, to continue the compound security upgrade program. The Committee understands that this program includes the installation of forced entry/ballistic resistant roof 

hatches, vault doors and power-assisted vehicle barriers, and other 

similar measures. The Committee expects that this funding will 

also provide physical security improvements to residential compounds and other locations where American citizens gather. Priority should be given to residential and compound security. The 

Committee continues its expectation for proactive action to anticipate new emerging security threats. 

The Committee expects that a proposed spending plan for the entire amount of available resources for worldwide security upgrades 

will be submitted through the normal reprogramming process within 60 days of enactment of this Act. The Department of State shall 

notify the Committees on Appropriations immediately if there are 

any facilities that the Department believes face serious security 

risks. 

The Committee recommendation includes a provision (sec. 103) 

carried in prior years requiring all agencies and departments to 

fully meet their capital cost sharing obligations under subsection 

(e) of section 604 of the Secure Embassy Construction and 

Counterterrorism Act of 1999 in order to be allocated office space 

or other accommodations in newly constructed or renovated diplomatic facilities. 

Capital security cost sharing program 

The Committee continues to support the Capital Security Cost 

Sharing Program. Under this program, all agencies that have staff 

overseas under Chief of Mission authority pay a fair share of urgent, security-driven capital projects undertaken to replace embassies and consulates at the most vulnerable posts. The goals of this 

program are twofold. First, the program accelerates the replacement of unsafe, unsecured and outdated diplomatic facilities that 

are used overseas by United States Government agencies. This is 

planned as a 14-year, $17,500,000,000 program to replace 150 vulnerable embassy and consulate facilities with new compounds that 

fully comply with statutory security requirements. Second, the program will create incentives within all government departments and 

agencies to scrutinize and ‘‘right-size’’ their overseas presence to 

avoid unnecessary costs and security risks. Each agency with staff 

overseas under Chief of Mission authority has, built into their fiscal year 2008 budget request, an annual contribution towards construction of new secure diplomatic facilities based on the number 

of positions overseas and the type of space occupied. These contributions do not take the place of Department of State contributions, which are also growing, but create a larger, shared funding 

pool to accelerate replacement. 

The recommendation assumes a total program level of 

$1,163,075,000 in fiscal year 2008 for Capital Security Construction, including $692,178,000 under this account, $109,239,000 from 


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other reimbursements, and $361,658,000 from non-State agencies, 

based on positions worldwide. The Committee understands that the 

Capital Security Cost Sharing program will include agency involvement in setting priorities and in other aspects of the development 

of new embassy compounds. The Committee believes that the establishment of strong interagency coordination and cooperation will 

be critical to achievement of program goals and encourages the Department and the Administration to ensure that the management 

of this program is inclusive, cooperative and transparent. 

Operations 

The Committee recommendation provides $729,898,000 for oper- ations and maintenance activities, which is $62,636,000 below the 

request, and $137,621,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level. The 

Committee notes that the requested amount included $99,456,000 

in program increases. The Committee recommendation also includes $11,328,000 for headquarters operations. The Committee directs the Department of State to prioritize requested funding increases and to specifically identify amounts above current services 

in a comprehensive spending plan to be submitted no later than 60 

days after enactment of this Act. 

Assets management 

The budget request notes that the Department expects to realize $57,000,000 in assets management funds over the fiscal year 2007 

and 2008 period. The Committee expects that these funds will be 

used for opportunity purchases to replace uneconomical leases and 

for other priority capital acquisition purposes. In addition, as in 

previous years, the Committee expects that assets management 

funds will continue to be allocated in part to security construction 

needs. Any use of these or additional assets management funds in 

fiscal year 2008 is subject to reprogramming. In addition, with respect to the requirement that a reprogramming for any major new 

start be submitted, the Committees on Appropriations understands 

that requirement to mean that any rehabilitation or construction 

projects involving an ambassador’s residence will be subject to the 

requirement. In addition to regular reporting provided to the Committee on acquisition and disposal of overseas property, the Department shall submit a report to the Committee by November 6, 2007, 

listing all properties disposed of, or in process for disposal, along 

with associated actual or anticipated proceeds of sale, at posts 

which have had funding approved for the construction of a new secure compound in, or after, fiscal year 1999. 

The recommendation continues language carried in the bill in 

previous years that prohibits funds from being used for acquisition 

of furniture, furnishings and generators for other departments and 

agencies. 

The Committee commends the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) for continuing its internal management innovations 

to increase performance and accountability, to streamline operations, and to control costs. Recognizing that the increased complexity of a growing program of construction, real estate, operations/maintenance, and planning activities requires greater technological and information systems integration, the Committee encourages OBO to pursue development of integrated building manVerDate Aug 31 2005 09:32 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 035983 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR197.XXX HR197

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agement systems. Such technology upgrades to integrate disparate 

legacy systems will protect the large and continuing investment of 

taxpayer resources in overseas properties and those who occupy 

them. The Committee has provided sufficient resources to support 

this effort. 

The Committee expects that new embassy projects advanced by 

the Department of State will have been properly planned and 

right-sized, with regional considerations, projecting anticipated 

needs and requirements by the date submitted to Congress. 

Right-sizing the United States Government overseas presence 

The Committee directs the Office of Overseas Buildings Operation to continue to work closely with the Office on Right-Sizing 

the United States Government Overseas Presence to ensure that 

projected staffing levels for new embassy compounds are prepared 

in a disciplined and realistic manner and that these estimates become the basis for determining the size, configuration and budget 

of new embassy compound construction projects. In addition, the 

Committee notes several instances of requests made to the Committee for new embassies predicated upon vacating dysfunctional 

and insecure facilities currently occupied, or upon the need to move 

to new capital cities, where the Department has not abided by its 

original commitment to vacate or limit the residual presence in formerly occupied posts and properties. The justification for all facilities projects funded under this account must include a full explanation of regional efficiency and security planning, and related 

staffing assumptions. Such projects will not be approved for funding absent evidence of the application of a uniform right-sizing 

methodology. 

Beijing embassy 

The Committee anticipates the construction of the Beijing New 

Embassy Compound (NEC) to be completed on time and on budget 

with occupancy scheduled for the spring of 2008. With the 2008 

Summer Olympics scheduled to be held in Beijing, China, the Committee expects the Department to maintain existing facilities in 

Beijing through this time period. At that time, the Committee shall 

receive an update on the plans concerning the currently occupied 

buildings to achieve the best value for the government. The Committee understands that long-term growth projections demonstrate 

that the embassy’s staffing needs will require more space than the 

current and new compounds combined. Therefore, the Committee 

encourages the Department to examine the possibility of maintaining a presence in the current compound. 

Energy conservation and sustainable design 

The Committee commends the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) for its innovative work in the area of energy conservation and sustainable design, including being one of the finalists for the Platts Global Energy Awards competition. The Committee is aware of the work of the National Institute of Sustainable 

Energy in the area of ‘‘zero-energy’’ innovations and encourages 

OBO to consider partnering with the Institute to further develop 

energy concepts and products that are critical to the self-sustainability, security, and efficiency of diplomatic facilities worldwide. 


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EMERGENCIES IN THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE

[INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS]

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $4,940,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 19,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 14,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥5,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 9,060,000 

The Committee recommends $14,000,000 to enable the Secretary 

of State to meet unforeseen emergencies arising in the Diplomatic 

and Consular Service. This amount is $9,060,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 level and $5,000,000 below the request. Funding provided in this account is available until expended. 

The Committee has included a provision in the bill that permits up to $1,000,000 to be transferred from this account to the Repatriation Loans Program Account, as requested in the budget. This 

provision will ensure an adequate level of resources for loans to 

American citizens through the Repatriation Loans Program Account should that account require additional funds in fiscal year 

2008 due to an unanticipated increase in the number of loans. 

This appropriation provides resources for the Department of 

State to meet emergency requirements in the conduct of foreign affairs. The Committee recommendation provides funds for: (1) travel 

and subsistence expenses for relocation of American employees of 

the United States Government and their families from troubled 

areas to the United States and/or safe-haven posts; (2) allowances 

granted to Department of State employees and their dependents 

evacuated to the United States for the convenience of the Government; and (3) payment of rewards for information concerning terrorist activities. 

REPATRIATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

[INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS]

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $1,302,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 1,285,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 1,285,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥17,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $678,000 for the subsidy cost of repatriation loans and $607,000 for administrative 

costs of the program as authorized by 22 U.S.C. 2671, which is a 

combined $17,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as 

the request. 

This account provides emergency loans to assist destitute Americans abroad who have no other source of funds to return to the 

United States. 

PAYMENT TO THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $15,826,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 16,351,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 16,351,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 525,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $16,351,000 for the 

Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan, which is $525,000 


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above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. The 

recommendation, combined with an estimated $18,000,000 derived 

from visa fee revenues, will continue the amount available in the 

current year. The Institute is authorized to collect Machine Readable Visa fees, as well as reimbursements from agencies and user 

fees from trade show exhibitors. 

The Committee expects that the American Institute in Taiwan 

(AIT) will cover anticipated operating expenses in fiscal year 2008 

through a combination of appropriations and visa fee revenues. The 

Committee expects the Department to submit by November 1, 

2007, an AIT spending plan for fiscal year 2008, indicating the 

total amount of estimated fee collections, the amount of such fee 

collections allocated for operating expenses, and the total amount 

planned for operating expenses from all funding sources. 

The Taiwan Relations Act requires that programs concerning 

Taiwan be carried out by the American Institute in Taiwan and authorizes funds to be appropriated to the Secretary of State to carry 

out the provisions of the Act. The Institute administers programs 

in the areas of economic and commercial services, cultural affairs, 

travel services, and logistics. The Department of State contracts 

with the American Institute in Taiwan to carry out these activities. 

PAYMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY

FUND

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $125,000,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 122,500,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 158,900,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 36.400,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 33,900,000 

The Committee recommends $158,900,000 for the Payment to the 

Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund, which is 

$36,400,000 above the request and $33,900,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 level. The Committee recommendation consolidates in 

one account funding for this mandatory program. The combined account provides the same amount requested for this program in fiscal year 2008. The amount provided in the Committee recommendation is required to amortize the unfunded liability in the 

system, as documented by the annual evaluation of Fund balances. 

This appropriation, which is considered mandatory for budget 

scorekeeping purposes, is authorized by the Foreign Service Act of 

1980, which provides for an appropriation to the Fund in 30 equal 

annual installments of the amount required for the unfunded liability created by new benefits, new groups of beneficiaries, or increased salaries on which benefits are computed. The Retirement 

Fund is maintained through contributions made by participants, 

matching government contributions, special government contributions (including this account), interest on investments, and voluntary contributions. 


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INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS 

CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $1,151,318,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 1,354,400,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 1,354,400,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 203,082,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,354,400,000 for Contributions to International Organizations, which is $203,082,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 level, excluding emergency supplemental 

appropriations and the same as the request. The Committee recommendation does not include $53,000,000 

which was requested to pay United States assessments of the costs 

for UN Assistance Missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Administration requested these funds as part of fiscal year 2008 emergency 

funding; therefore the Committee recommendation for the United 

Nations Regular Budget is reduced by the same amount for a total 

of $442,778,000. 

The amount provided in the bill is intended for payment of obligations incurred as a result of United States membership in international organizations as authorized by conventions, treaties, or 

specific Acts of Congress for fiscal year 2008, to include payment 

of assessments for the United Nations (UN). The Committee continues the practice of providing funding in the bill consistent with 

a policy of zero nominal growth for the United Nations budget. 

The amount provides funding for the assessed costs of the 48 

international organizations, which includes the North Atlantic 

Treaty Organization and the related North Atlantic Assembly, the 

World Health Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 

the World Trade Organization, the Organization for the Prohibition 

of Chemical Weapons, the International War Crimes Tribunals for 

Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, the Organization of American 

States, and the Pan American Health Organization. 

Estimates of the amount required to cover fiscal year 2008 assessments have varied based on the most recent foreign currency 

exchange rates for the dollar, which has fluctuated since the budget request was formulated. The Committee expects that these exchange rate fluctuations may result in losses. The Department may 

propose to offset these by reprogrammings from other accounts, or 

deferring some activities included in the request that do not require funding in fiscal year 2008. 

Accumulation of United States arrears to international organizations 

The Committee would like to acknowledge its support for the 

statement of the United States Ambassador to the UN, Zalmay 

Khalilzad, during his confirmation hearing in which he said that 

he believes the ‘‘United States should pay its dues in full and on 

time’’. The Committee notes that past funding shortfalls in the Contributions to International Organizations (CIO) account, including 

those accrued due to last year’s continuing resolution, are forcing 

the Department of State into arrears. The fiscal year 2007 suppleVerDate Aug 31 2005 09:32 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 035983 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR197.XXX HR197

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mental Appropriations Act, 2007 (Public Law 110–28) provided, on an emergency basis, $50,000,000 to pay arrears to organizations 

that are involved in global efforts to combat international terrorism 

and to prevent the spread of avian influenza, leaving $80,000,000 

in arrears in the CIO account. 

The Committee continues to support the comprehensive reassessment of United States membership in each of the 48 international 

organizations for which funding is requested under this account, 

and continues to insist that the Department take the necessary 

measures to operate within the amount of funds provided under 

this account. The Committee expects the Department to take immediate action to evaluate and prioritize United States participation in, and funding for, international organizations. In a climate 

of limited resources the Committee continues to insist that the Department prioritize among organizations according to policy goals, 

and refrain from entering into new commitments without a commensurate increase in resources. 

Reform and budget discipline 

The Committee continues to insist on reform and budget discipline as a priority for all of the international organizations, including the development of processes to evaluate, prioritize and terminate programs. The Committee believes that the onus is on each 

international organization and the Department of State representatives to those organizations to reduce overall budgets and eliminate 

duplicative activities, excessive administrative costs, and inefficient 

operations. 

United Nations reform 

The Committee notes with approval a number of significant institutional and management reforms that have been carried forward, 

approved or initiated by the new Secretary General to include: a 

new ethics office; a new financial disclosure policy; establishment 

of a new whistleblower protection policy, which allows UN employees to report instances of waste, fraud, and abuse; establishment 

of a new peace-building commission to bring all key donors and recipients together to facilitate transition from conflict to development; and the creation of a central emergency response fund which 

allows UN humanitarian aid to begin to flow within hours of a natural disaster. 

The Committee continues to insist on improving accountability 

within UN organizations. Comprehensive reform of the UN is a 

very important issue for the Committee and must be a top priority 

for the Department in fiscal year 2008. Secretary General Ban KiMoon in a speech in 2007 at the Center for Strategic and International Studies stated that, ‘‘there is a need to change the working culture of the organization [UN] itself. We must build a staff 

that is truly mobile, multi-functional and accountable. We must 

hold all UN employees to the highest standards of integrity and 

ethical behavior.’’ The Committee strongly endorses this assertion 

and encourages the Department of State to advance a multifaceted 

effort to address a wide range of activities, such as management reform, personnel reform, and budget and program prioritization at 

the UN. The Committee encourages the Department to revive longstalled talks on a review of the UN mandate in order to remove 


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overlapping and duplicative mandates. The Committee continues to 

support efforts toward a more effective and efficient organization 

that works within budgetary constraints and further encourages 

the Department of State to pursue a reform agenda, which includes 

continued administrative and management reform, including improved internal oversight and accountability, identification of cost 

savings, and the allocation of resources to high priority programs 

and offices. 

Office of Internal Oversight Services 

The Committee continues to believe the UN must be a more 

transparent organization. One way of increasing transparency is to 

strengthen the role of the Office of Internal Oversight Services 

(OIOS). The Committee directs the Department of State to work to 

ensure the OIOS has both the resources and the authority to provide appropriate oversight to all activities managed by UN personnel. 

United Nations regular budget 

The Committee continues to support the United States policy of 

zero nominal growth budgets for international organizations. Toward this end, the Committee expects the Department of State to 

insist on the evaluation and prioritization of ongoing UN programs 

and activities, so that in the event of unanticipated requirements, 

budget offsets may be taken from activities and programs that 

have already been determined to be lower-priority by the organization. The Committee continues its direction to find appropriate offsets to accommodate such increases within a zero nominal growth 

budget. The UN Regular Budget biennium 2008–2009 budget totals $4,173,895,900 of which the United States is assessed at 22 percent. 

Language is included to require that any proposal that would result in the 2008–2009 UN biennial budget exceeding the budget level of $4,173,895,900 for 2008–2009 be communicated to the 

Committee in advance of the formal notification, consideration, and 

adoption of such a proposal in the General Assembly. The Committee expects the Secretary to notify the Committee in advance of 

any UN action to increase funding for any UN program without 

identifying an offsetting decrease elsewhere in the UN budget. 

Overall, the Committee requires more detailed information prior 

to the United States agreeing to such increases without identifying 

offsetting decreases and management reforms. Further, the Department of State must actively pursue a streamlined budget that reflects the true priorities of the organization, without duplicative 

and ineffective programs. 

Americans working in the United Nations 

The Committee encourages the Department of State to continue 

efforts to increase the number of qualified Americans employed by 

the UN and other international organizations. The Committee recognizes that Americans provide many skills that can contribute to 

making the UN more efficient, effective and accountable. The Committee remains dismayed that the representation of Americans in 

UN posts, in relation to geographic distribution, has remained relatively flat since 2001. 


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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 

The Committee notes, with approval, the efforts of the Department and the United States delegation to establish a cap on the 

cost of the NATO Headquarters project, and insists on the completion of an agreement between the Department of Defense and the 

Department of State as to the allocation of costs of the United 

States contribution to the project. To date, the Committee has provided $41,000,000 for the NATO Headquarters project. The Committee continues its direction to the Department to control the 

costs of this facility and to ensure the facility meets the necessary 

security requirements. The Department of State shall keep the 

Committee apprised of progress on this matter. 

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 

The Committee notes, with approval, the IAEA’s efforts to increase safeguards and efforts to provide essential assurance that 

nuclear materials used in peaceful nuclear programs are not diverted and misused for nuclear explosive purposes or by terrorists. 

The Committee recommendation includes full requested funding for 

the United States assessment for IAEA in fiscal year 2008. 

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) 

The Committee continues to support the work done by PAHO. 

PAHO has taken the lead in health issues in the Western Hemisphere, including border health concerns, diabetes, emerging diseases, and other health issues that have an impact on citizens of 

the United States and all citizens of the Americas. The Committee 

recommendation includes full requested funding for the United 

States assessment for PAHO in fiscal year 2008. 

World Health Organization (WHO) 

The Committee continues to support WHO. The Committee applauds WHO for its leadership in managing pandemic influenza 

preparation. The Committee recommendation includes the full requested funding for the United States assessment for WHO in fiscal year 2008. 

UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 

The Committee understands that the Department and the Administration are making good progress in working with UNESCO 

on areas of joint priority, including education and literacy, teacher 

training particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, clean water, natural 

disaster preparedness, including tsunami warning systems, civic 

education particularly in the Broader Middle East and North African countries, and press freedom. The Committee supports providing the necessary resources to assure continued progress in carrying out worthwhile programs in these areas. The Committee is 

particularly interested in UNESCO’s work related to the quality of 

basic education, in particular the evaluation of learning outcomes 

and the development of globally acceptable standards. The Committee assumes that within the funding provided, sufficient resources will be provided for the United States assessment for 

UNESCO. 


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Voting practices of United Nations 

The Committee directs the Department of State to report to the 

Committees on Appropriations on the voting practices of United 

Nation member states for the current and past 3 years on matters 

regarding the reform of the United Nations, Israel, and Darfur, 

Sudan. The Committee expects this report no later than August 15, 

2007. 

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $1,135,275,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 1,107,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 1,302,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 195,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 166,725,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,302,000,000 for Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities (CIPA), which 

is $166,725,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level, excluding emergency supplemental appropriations and $195,000,000 above the request. 

The Committee acknowledges that the number of peacekeeping 

operations throughout the world continues to grow, increasing the 

need for the international community to respond. Currently, the 

United States provides military observers and UN police for eight 

peacekeeping missions: Liberia (UNMIL), the Democratic Republic 

of the Congo (MONUC), Sudan (UNMIS), Ethiopia/Eritrea 

(UNMEE), Haiti (MINUSTAH), Timor-Leste (UNMIT), the Middle 

East (UNTSO), and Kosovo (UNMIK). UN peacekeeping operations 

are expanding to include more missions in more locations, and a 

significant increase in personnel necessary to facilitate such operations. 

The Committee understands that there are currently 15 UN 

peacekeeping operations with a total of approximately 100,000 

peacekeeping personnel, including military observers and troops, 

UN police, and civilian personnel. The Committee notes that the 

United States is the largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping 

budget—providing roughly a quarter of the total cost to operate all 

peacekeeping missions. In addition, the United States provides 

military training and logistical support for some peacekeeping operations. The Committee encourages the Department of State to 

work closely with other UN Member States to ensure peacekeeping 

mission mandates are clear, credible, limited to what is achievable, 

and that peacekeeping personnel are properly prepared, able to defend themselves, and able to fulfill their mandate. The Committee 

continues to support efforts to improve the performance and efficiency of UN peacekeeping missions through structural and procedural reforms. The Committee also supports efforts to better limit 

and focus the goals of such missions, and to set specific benchmarks for performance and mission termination. 

The Committee notes that the United States is providing an additional $293,200,000 in bilateral funding for peacekeeping efforts 

in the Peacekeeping Operations account in title IV. 

The Committee remains concerned about disturbing allegations 

of sexual abuse of minors by UN peacekeepers and civilian personnel. The Committee recognizes that the Department of State 


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has taken a leading role in urging the UN to take preventive measures in response to reports of sexual exploitation and abuse involving UN peacekeeping personnel. The Committee commends the Department for these efforts. The Committee notes that these efforts 

have led to significant reform in the planning and conduct of peacekeeping missions. The Committee continues to strongly urge the 

Administration, including the Department of State, to persist in 

pressing for further implementation of the recommendations contained in the Prince Zeid report, including personal accountability, 

and improvements in the systems of justice in troop contributing 

countries as a means to restore confidence in peacekeeping missions. Further, the Committee directs the United States to work to 

ensure adequate training is provided to peacekeeping personnel 

prior to deployment. 

The Committee is concerned that the Administration has not 

adequately planned for funding International Peacekeeping activities. Committee analysis has concluded that the Administration’s 

budget request in fiscal year 2008 for CIPA is a cut of 3 percent 

below the fiscal year 2007 level and that all missions except 

UNMIS are taking a reduction in the President’s request. The 

Committee continues to inquire as to the rationale used by the Secretary of State when requesting $28,275,000 below the fiscal year 

2007 level in the CIPA account. The Committee is concerned that 

peacekeeping missions could be adversely affected if the requested 

fiscal year 2008 funding level is enacted. The Committee notes that 

in the last year the Administration has voted for: a seven-fold expansion of the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Lebanon; the expansion of the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Darfur; reauthorization 

of the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Haiti; and a renewed peacekeeping mission in East Timor. 

The Committee further notes that some non-governmental organizations have concluded that the Administration’s budget request 

for fiscal year 2008 for CIPA could add $450,000,000 to the United 

States peacekeeping debt at the UN based upon expected billings 

for existing UN peacekeeping missions. Moreover, if the proposed 

UN missions in Chad/Central African Republic and Somalia are 

undertaken, outside experts estimate that the arrears would grow 

by another $300,000,000. This would bring United States debt to 

UN peacekeeping activities to approximately $1,000,000,000. The 

Committee is concerned that these debts are preventing the UN 

from paying the countries that provide troops for UN peacekeeping 

missions and will likely significantly impact India, Pakistan, and 

Bangladesh. 

The bill retains language carried in previous years requiring 15- 

day advance notice of any new or expanded mission, together with 

a statement of cost, duration, exit strategy, national interest, and 

source of funds to pay the cost. In addition, the bill continues language requiring an additional notification that the UN has taken 

appropriate measures to prevent UN employees, contractor personnel, and peacekeeping forces serving in any UN peacekeeping 

mission from trafficking in persons, exploiting victims of trafficking, or committing acts of illegal sexual exploitation and to hold 

accountable any such individuals who engage in any such acts 

while participating in the peacekeeping mission. 


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The bill also retains language requiring certification that American manufacturers and suppliers are provided equal procurement 

opportunities, and language making a portion of appropriations 

under this account available for two fiscal years. 

The Committee continues to support the efforts of the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) to identify waste, fraud 

and abuse, including sexual abuse in peacekeeping operations, and 

to recommend specific reforms to ensure that such practices are 

brought to an end. The Committee directs the Department of State 

to provide the necessary support to ensure that OIOS oversight is 

systematically brought to bear on every UN peacekeeping mission, 

including through the presence of resident auditors. The Committee directs the Department to request a performance report on 

the efforts of this Office to root out the causes of such waste, fraud 

and abuse. 

Western Sahara 

The Committee remains concerned about the continuing lack of 

progress in resolving the dispute over the Western Sahara, despite 

an enormous investment of funds in the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) peacekeeping mission. 

The Committee urges the Department of State to encourage a negotiated settlement to the dispute. 

Peacekeeping cap 

The Committee recognizes that the Administration has requested 

an adjustment to the cap noted above for assessment made during 

calendar years 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, to 27.1 percent. The 

Committee notes that in 1993, the United States recognized a 

lower peacekeeping assessment level than that applied by the UN, 

and since October 1, 1995, has limited through United States law 

(sec. 404 of Public Law 103–236) to a level of not more than 25 percent for assessments to Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities. 

The Committee wishes to emphasize that UN peacekeeping is a 

cost-effective and important force multiplier and that the use of 

multilateral organizations saves the lives of our men and women 

in the Armed Forces and wear and tear as well as substantial cost 

to equipment. For example, the Committee notes that the United 

States share of UN’s operations in Haiti are eight times cheaper 

than sending United States troops. Unfortunately, the Committee 

was unable to address the full scope of the legislative remedy requested by the President and consequently was only able to include 

a legislative provision addressing the adjustment of fiscal year 

2008 peacekeeping cap. 

Cyprus 

The Committee encourages the Department of State to continue 

the United States support for the UN peacekeeping operation in 

Cyprus (UNFICYP) at an amount no less than that made available 

to meet obligations in fiscal year 2007. 

Haiti 

The Committee urges the Secretary of State to provide significantly greater support for the hiring of Haitian-American and other 


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Creole- or French-speaking police officers than it presently does to 

enhance the 50 Americans currently serving within the UN police 

contingent of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti 

(MINUSTAH). The Committee also urges the Secretary of State to 

dispatch an additional 100 United States security professionals, up 

to the authorized level of 150, for the UN civilian police with emphasis on expertise in counter narcotics, vetting tactics and other 

areas that are compatible with Haiti’s specific needs and 

MINUSTAH’s efforts in Haiti. 

INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS 

INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION, UNITED STATES

AND MEXICO

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $32,950,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 102,155,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 46,155,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥56,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 13,205,000 

The Committee recommendation includes a total of $46,155,000 

for the International Boundary and Water Commission, United 

States and Mexico (IBWC), which is $13,205,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 level and $56,000,000 below the request. The amount 

provided includes $30,430,000 for Salaries and Expenses and 

$15,725,000 for construction. The recommendation includes language authorizing not to exceed $6,000 for representation expenses, 

as requested. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommendation for the Salaries and Expenses account is $30,430,000, which is $2,712,000 above the fiscal year 

2007 level and the same as the request. The amount recommended 

by the Committee provides additional resources for requested wage 

and price increases, and to fund the renegotiated contracts for continued operation and maintenance of several wastewater treatment 

plants. 

CONSTRUCTION

The Committee recommendation for IBWC construction provides $15,725,000, which is $10,493,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level 

and $56,000,000 below the request. 

The recommendation provides funding for ongoing projects as follows: Boundary-wide construction—$175,000; and Water Quantity 

Program—$15,550,000, including funding above the request for Rio 

Grande Flood Control System Rehabilitation. The Committee expects that carryover funding may be available to supplement fiscal 

year 2008 appropriations. Any allocation of funding, including carryover funding, shall be subject to reprogramming procedures set 

forth in section 615 of this Act. 

AMERICAN SECTIONS, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $9,962,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 10,395,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 10,630,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 235,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 668,000 


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The Committee recommendation includes $10,630,000 for American Sections, International Commissions, which is $668,000 above 

the fiscal year 2007 level and $235,000 above the request. Funds 

will support the United States share of expenses of the International Boundary Commission, the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada, and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission for fiscal year 2008. Of the amount provided, 

$1,530,000 is for the International Boundary Commission, 

$7,000,000 is for the International Joint Commission and 

$2,100,000 is for the Border Environment Cooperation Commission 

to improve the health and environmental conditions for the United 

States-Mexico border region. 

INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $23,694,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 21,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 26,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 5,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 2,306,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $26,000,000 for International Fisheries Commissions, which is $2,306,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $5,000,000 above the request. Funds support the United States share of the expenses of International Fisheries Commissions or related organizations, as well as the travel 

expenses of the United States commissioners. Within the total, not 

less than $16,325,000 is for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. 

The Committee directs the Department of State to submit a proposed spending plan for the total amount provided under this heading no later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. 

OTHER

PAYMENT TO THE ASIA FOUNDATION

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $13,821,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 10,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 15,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 5,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 1,179,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 for payment to the Asia Foundation, which is $1,179,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 level and $5,000,000 above the request. 

The Asia Foundation is a private, nonprofit institution, established to stimulate Asian democratic development and assist the 

peoples of Asian countries to shape their own destinies. The Committee continues to support Foundation programs on human rights, 

higher education, democratic governance, ethnic harmony, religious 

tolerance and legal/judicial reform in Afghanistan, Pakistan and 

Indonesia. Further, the Committee supports the efforts of Foundation programs in Cambodia. 

CENTER FOR MIDDLE EASTERN-WESTERN DIALOGUE

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $750,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 875,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 875,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 125,000 


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The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year 

2008 of interest and earnings from the Center for Middle EasternWestern Dialogue, expected to total $875,000. 

EISENHOWER EXCHANGE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $494,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 500,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 500,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 6,000 

The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year 

2008 of interest and earnings from the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program Trust Fund, expected to total $500,000. The Committee has urged the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated (EEF) to fashion its exchange programs to reflect the priority within all public diplomacy programs of building mutual understanding with Arab and Muslim populations worldwide. In this 

regard, the Committee continues to expect that the selection of foreign and United States fellows will reflect this priority. In addition, 

the Committee supports a nation-wide, merit-based recruitment 

and selection process for United States Fellows. The Committee expects EEF and the Department to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations by November 30, 2008, describing its 

achievements in these areas. 

The Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Act of 1990 authorized a 

permanent endowment for the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship 

Program to increase educational opportunities for young leaders in 

preparation for and enhancement of their professional careers and 

to advance peace through international understanding. The Act established the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program Trust 

Fund in the United States Treasury for these purposes. 

ISRAELI ARAB SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $370,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 375,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 375,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 5,000 

The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year 

2008 of interest and earnings from the Israeli Arab Scholarship 

Endowment Fund, expected to total $375,000. A permanent endowment of $4,978,500 for the Fund was established in fiscal year 1992 

with funds made available to the United States Information Agency 

under section 556(b) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, 

and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990, as amended. The 

income from the endowment is to be used for a program of scholarships for Israeli Arabs to attend institutions of higher education in 

the United States. 

EAST-WEST CENTER

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $18,994,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 10,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 0 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥10,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥18,994,000 


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The Committee recommendation does not include funding for the East-West Center, which is $18,994,000 below the fiscal year 2007 

level and $10,000,000 below the request. 

The Committee notes that the Center can solicit contributions 

and can compete for other Federal grants to support its research 

and training activities. The Center started receiving a direct grant 

from the Federal government in fiscal year 1961. 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $74,042,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 80,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 80,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 5,958,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $80,000,000 for the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which is $5,958,000 above 

the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. 

The NED is a private, non-profit corporation established to encourage and strengthen the development of democratic institutions 

and processes internationally through private-sector initiatives, 

training, and other activities, including those which promote pluralism, democratic governance, civic education, human rights, and 

respect for the rule of law. The NED provides funding for projects 

which are determined to be in the national interest of the United 

States and which are administered by private organizations and 

groups. 

RELATED AGENCIES

BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $646,750,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 668,225,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 682,380,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 14,155,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 35,630,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $682,380,000 for the 

Broadcasting Board of Governors, which is $35,630,000 above the 

fiscal year 2007 level, excluding emergency appropriations and 

$14,155,000 above the request. The appropriation accounts under 

this heading provide operational funding for the United States nonmilitary, international broadcasting programs—including the Voice 

of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), 

Radio Free Asia (RFA), Radio and Television Marti, the Middle 

East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN), including Radio Sawa— and the associated facilities, engineering and support activities. 

INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS

The Committee recommendation includes $671,632,000 to carry 

out United States International Broadcasting Operations, which is 

$32,506,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $14,155,000 above 

the request, after factoring in the seperate request for Cuba broadcasting. This account funds the operating and engineering costs of 

Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free 

Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks and the Broadcasting 

Board of Governors (BBG). The recommendation also includes 


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funding for Broadcasting to Cuba under this account. In the request, this funding was proposed under a separate account. 

Middle East Broadcasting Networks, including Alhurra 

The United States continues to face an enormous challenge to 

provide the people of Arab and Muslim countries with accurate information about United States policies and values. The Committee 

continues to support efforts to expand the audience of listeners and 

viewers in the Arab and Muslim world. The Committee recommendation includes $88,362,000 for television and radio broadcasting in Arabic, including Middle East Television and Radio 

Sawa, which is $5,412,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level, excluding emergency appropriations, and $13,402,000 below the request. 

The resources will provide for continued news capability of 24/7 

coverage, including breaking news. 

The Committee is deeply troubled by several programming decisions at Alhurra television during the period November 2006 

through March 2007. On more than one occasion, the network 

aired live, and without opposing comment, statements by Hezbollah 

and Hamas leaders that were hateful, anti-American, and antiIsrael. The Network’s coverage of the Holocaust Denial Conference 

also evidenced a lack of journalistic judgment and sensitivity. 

While just a portion of the overall broadcast program, these incidents call into question the management and overall journalistic 

philosophy of the Network’s leadership. 

Accordingly, the Committee recommendation has deferred providing the funds requested to enhance Alhurra’s programming in 

fiscal year 2008. In addition, the Committee recommendation includes up to $2,200,000 to provide for 24/7 streaming and 60-day 

archiving on the station’s website of all original programs for the 

Alhurra stream. The recommendation also includes up to 

$2,080,000 for the random translation of 20 hours per week of 

Alhurra’s original programming by an independent entity. All transcripts should be publicly available on the station’s website in a 

timely fashion. The Committee believes that these steps should enhance the transparency and accountability of Alhurra. 

The Committee also has requested that the Inspector General of 

the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors 

immediately review and report to the Committees on Appropriations on: the editorial policy in place in 2006 and 2007 regarding 

broadcasts involving terrorists or those who support them; whether 

any changes were made to that policy or the Alhurra’s journalistic 

code during the period; who was responsible for enforcing the policy; what action, if any, was taken against those who violated the 

policy; what management changes have been made to ensure the 

policy and journalistic code is monitored and enforced; and whether 

there are clear lines of authority at Alhurra to provide for accountability of journalistic decisions. 

Anti-jamming efforts 

The Committee continues to support initiatives by the BBG to 

defeat jamming and reach a wider audience for Radio Free Asia 

and Voice of America broadcasts to China, Tibet, Vietnam, and 

North Korea. The Committee is aware that new technologies may 

allow the VOA and RFA to more effectively defeat jamming efforts. 


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The Committee encourages the Board to evaluate the usefulness of 

these technologies. The Committee expects the BBG to expand such 

efforts in fiscal year 2008. Further, the Committee supports efforts 

to counter internet censorship imposed by China and Iran. 

Voice of America (VOA) 

The Committee recommendation includes $194,093,000 for VOA, 

which is $22,561,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and 

$15,747,000 above the request. The Committee recognizes VOA for 

its essential contribution to United States public diplomacy. 

The VOA’s English-language radio programming is especially important since it provides accurate, objective and comprehensive 

news to a potential English-speaking audience of 1.6 billion people 

worldwide. The Committee recommendation includes $8,000,000 for 

VOA English, which is $798,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level 

and $5,005,000 above the request. 

The Committee recommendation includes sufficient funding to 

fully restore the reductions proposed in the fiscal year 2008 request 

in the following VOA language services: Albanian; Bosnian; Croatian; Greek; Macedonian; Serbian; Ukrainian; Georgian; Uzbek; 

Hindi; Cantonese; Thai; and Tibetan. 

The recommendation for VOA includes the increase requested for 

broadcasting to North Korea in accordance with the North Korea 

Human Rights Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–333). 

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) 

The Committee recommendation provides $80,471,000 for RFE/ 

RL, which is $5,420,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and 

$5,326,000 above the request. Within these amounts, $4,635,000 is 

for Radio Farda, $3,980,000 is for Radio Free Afghanistan, 

$1,988,000 is for Radio Free Iraq. The Committee recommendation 

includes sufficient funds to fully restore the reductions proposed in 

the fiscal year 2008 request for the following language services: 

South Slavic; Romanian; Kazakh; Russian; and Ukrainian. 

Radio Free Asia (RFA) 

The Committee recommendation includes $35,220,000 for RFA, 

which is $3,636,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $3,763,000 

above the request. The Committee strongly supports increased 

broadcasting efforts to China, Tibet, Burma, Vietnam, North 

Korea, Laos, and Cambodia. The Committee recommendation includes sufficient funding to fully restore the reductions proposed in 

the fiscal year 2008 request in the Tibetan and Cantonese language 

services. In addition, the recommendation includes the increased 

funding proposed for broadcasting to North Korea to pursue objectives outlined in the North Korea Human Rights Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–333). 

Broadcasting to Cuba 

The Committee recommendation includes $33,681,000 for radio 

and television broadcasting to Cuba, which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2007 level and $5,019,000 below the request. 


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BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

The Committee recommendation includes $10,748,000 in new 

budget authority for broadcasting capital improvements, which is 

$3,124,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. The recommendation will provide for the continuation of 

base costs for maintenance, improvements, replacements and repairs, digital production capability development, and security upgrades at transmitting stations overseas. In addition, the recommendation will support the replacement of obsolete servers and 

computers in order to better safeguard the Agency’s internal communications systems and enhance the capabilities of Voice of America broadcasts. 

COMMISSION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF AMERICA’S HERITAGE

ABROAD

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $493,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 499,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 499,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 6,000 

The recommendation includes $499,000 for the Commission for 

the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad, which is $6,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. The 

recommendation will allow the Commission to fund its administrative expenses through appropriated funds while relying on other 

sources of funding for actual purchase and restoration of property. 

The Commission protects and preserves endangered cultural 

sites in Eastern and Central Europe important to the heritage of 

United States citizens, including cemeteries, monuments, and historic buildings. One of its primary tasks is to obtain protection and 

preservation assurances from the governments of the region. 

The Committee directs the Commission to submit its Congressional Budget Justification within not less than 30 days from the 

submission date of the President’s budget recommendations for fiscal year 2009. All submissions shall include at minimum a five 

year history of appropriations, the appropriations language requested, and a summary of both the built-in and programmatic 

changes recommended in the request. 

COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $3,000,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 3,300,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 3,400,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 100,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 400,000 

The recommendation includes $3,400,000 for the Commission on 

International Religious Freedom, which is $400,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 level, excluding emergency supplemental appropriations 

and $100,000 above the request. The Committee recommendation 

includes funding to allow the Commission to increase data developVerDate Aug 31 2005 09:32 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 035983 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR197.XXX HR197

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ment, hearings, analysis of policy, outreach and overall operations 

required to fulfill the Commission’s mandated responsibilities. 

The Committee commends the Commission on its efforts to promote international religious freedom in consultation with the Department of State, independent human rights groups, and other 

non-governmental organizations, religious leaders, academics, policy experts, the Intelligence Community, and government agencies. 

The Commission, established pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, conducts independent reviews and reporting of facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom 

abroad and recommends options for United States policies with respect to foreign countries engaging in or tolerating violations of religious freedom. 

The Committee commends the Commission for its work related 

to Saudi Arabia and urges the Commission to closely monitor and 

report on steps taken by the Saudi Government to implement the 

religious freedom reforms announced by the Department of State 

in July, 2006 following bilateral discussions between the two countries. 

The Committee directs the Commission to submit its Congressional Budget Justification within not less than 30 days from the 

submission date of the President’s budget recommendations for fiscal year 2009. All submissions shall include at minimum a five 

year history of appropriations, the appropriations language requested, and a summary of both the built-in and programmatic 

changes recommended in the request. 

COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $2,004,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 2,037,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 2,037,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 33,000 

The recommendation includes $2,037,000 for the Commission on 

Security and Cooperation in Europe, which is $33,000 above the 

fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. The Commission was established in 1976 to monitor compliance with the Final 

Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, with 

particular regard to provisions dealing with humanitarian affairs. 

The Committee directs the Commission to submit its Congressional Budget Justification within not less than 30 days from the 

submission date of the President’s budget recommendations for fiscal year 2009. All submissions shall include at minimum a five 

year history of appropriations, the appropriations language requested, and a summary of both the built-in and programmatic 

changes recommended in the request. 


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CONGRESSIONAL-EXECUTIVE COMMISSION ON THE PEOPLE’S

REPUBLIC OF CHINA

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $1,876,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 2,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 2,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 124,000 

The recommendation includes $2,000,000 for the CongressionalExecutive Commission on the People’s Republic of China, which is 

$124,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. 

The Committee commends the Commission for its ongoing efforts 

to monitor China’s compliance with international human rights 

agreements and standards and for its development and implementation of the Political Prisoner Database (PPD) project in accordance with section 302(b) of Public Law 106–286. The Committee 

understands that this database was globally accessible via the 

Internet beginning in November 2004 and serves as a unique and 

powerful resource for individuals, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and governments that wish to research 

political and religious imprisonment in China or advocate on behalf 

of prisoners. 

The Committee directs the Commission to submit its Congressional Budget Justification within not less than 30 days from the 

submission date of the President’s budget recommendations for fiscal year 2009. All submissions shall include at minimum a five 

year history of appropriations, the appropriations language requested, and a summary of both the built-in and programmatic 

changes recommended in the request. 

UNITED STATES-CHINA ECONOMIC AND SECURITY REVIEW

COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $2,962,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 4,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 4,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 1,038,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $4,000,000 for the necessary expenses of the United States-China Economic and Security 

Review Commission, which is $1,038,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

level and the same as the request. The recommendation includes 

a limitation of not more than $5,000 for the purpose of official representation, the same as the fiscal year 2007 level. The recommendation includes language, as requested, regarding the responsibilities of the Commission. The Committee commends the 

Commission for its efforts to monitor the evolving U.S.-China relationship. 

The Committee directs the Commission to submit its Congressional Budget Justification within not less than 30 days from the 

submission date of the President’s budget recommendations for fiscal year 2009. All submissions shall include at minimum a five 


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year history of appropriations, the appropriations language requested, and a summary of both the built-in and programmatic 

changes recommended in the request. 

UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE

OPERATING EXPENSES

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $22,064,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 30,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 25,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥5,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 2,936,000 

The recommendation includes $25,000,000 for the United States 

Institute of Peace, which is $2,936,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

level and $5,000,000 below the request. The recommended funding 

level will support initiatives by the Institute to help prevent sectarian violence, train democratic leaders, establish the rule of law, 

and disseminate best practices in conflict management that will assist in confronting some of the most complex foreign policy challenges facing our nation. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS—DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED

AGENCIES

The Committee recommends 9 of the general provisions carried 

in the fiscal year 2007 Act be deleted. These provisions (sections 

406, 408, 409, 410, 617, 625, 634, 635, 638) are either addressed 

elsewhere in permanent law, have been considered by the appropriate authorizing committee, or are no longer necessary. 

The Committee recommends the following general provisions for 

the Department of State. 

Sec. 101 of the bill includes language carried in prior years that 

permits funds appropriated in this title for the Department of State 

to be available for allowances and differentials as authorized by 

subchapter 59 of title 5 of the United States Code; for services as 

authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; and for hire of passenger transportation pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 1343(b). 

Sec. 102 of the bill includes language carried in prior years that 

requires the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of 

Governors to submit quarterly reports on cumulative balances and 

unobligated funds. 

Sec. 103 of the bill includes language carried in prior years that 

provides certain conditions related to the construction of diplomatic 

facilities. 

Sec. 104 of the bill includes language carried in prior years that 

prohibits the use of funds for any UN peacekeeping mission that 

involves United States Armed Forces under the command or operational control of a foreign national unless the President certifies 

that the involvement is in the national interest. 

Sec. 105 of the bill includes language carried in prior years that 

extends the prohibition on the use of funds to issue a visa to any 

alien involved in extrajudicial or political killings in Haiti, including exemption and reporting requirements. 

Sec. 106 of the bill includes language carried in prior years that 

clarifies the responsibilities of the Senior Policy Operating Group 

on Trafficking in Persons. The Committee understands that the 


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Operating Group is coordinating agency activities outlined in the 

Trafficking Victims Reauthorization Act of 2005. The Committee 

expects that all anti-trafficking policies, grants and grant policies 

are defined by this Act. The Operating Group is, and was intended 

to serve as, the forum for interagency coordination of anti-trafficking policies, even as final decisions regarding any such policies 

are necessarily vested with the President and the senior officials 

who comprise the Task Force. The Committee understands that the 

Senior Operating Group and its chair have successfully performed 

the coordinating functions assigned to them. 

Sec. 107 of the bill includes language carried in prior years regarding United States citizens born in the city of Jerusalem. 

Sec. 108 of the bill includes language carried in prior years requiring that any funding used to implement E-Government Initiatives shall be subject to section 615 of this Act. 

Sec. 109 of the bill includes language carried in prior years regarding certain consulting services. 

Sec. 110 of the bill includes language carried in prior years that 

prohibits the use of funds to expand the United States diplomatic 

presence in Vietnam beyond the level in effect July 11, 1995, unless the President makes a certification that several conditions 

have been met regarding Vietnam’s cooperation with the United 

States on POW/MIA issues. 

Sec. 111 of the bill includes language carried in prior years extending certain Broadcasting Board of Governors and Department 

of State basic authorities during fiscal year 2008. 

Sec. 112 of the bill includes language carried in prior years that 

restricts the availability of funds for contribution to the United Nations if the United Nations imposes any taxation on any United 

States persons. 

Sec. 113 of the bill includes language carried in prior years regarding certain transfers of funds. 

Sec. 114 of the bill includes language carried in prior years regarding certain restrictions on United States delegations to any 

specialized agency, body or commission of the United Nations. 

TITLE II—EXPORT AND INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE 

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES

INSPECTOR GENERAL

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $990,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 1,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 1,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 10,000 

The Committee recommends $1,000,000 for the Inspector General of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, which is the 

same as the request and $10,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level. 

SUBSIDY APPROPRIATION

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $26,382,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 68,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 68,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 41,618,000 


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The Committee recommends $68,000,000 for the Subsidy Appropriation of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, which is 

the same as the request and $41,618,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

level. 

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $72,468,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 78,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 78,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 5,532,000 

The Committee recommends $78,000,000 for the administrative 

expenses appropriation of the Export-Import Bank of the United 

States, which is the same as the request and $5,532,000 above the 

fiscal year 2007 level. 

As in prior years, the Committee directs the President of the Export-Import Bank to report quarterly to the Committee on the level 

of authorizations, subsidy used, and subsidy balances from current 

and prior years. 

The Committee commends the efforts of the Export-Import Bank 

to encourage the use of small businesses and recognizes the significant progress made. The Committee believes the Export-Import 

Bank also has a role to help increase the export of U.S. produced 

renewable energy and other environmentally beneficial exports. 

The Committee is encouraged by the forthcoming establishment of 

the Office of Renewable Energy Promotion, as outlined in Public 

Law 109–438, and looks forward to improvements in the ExportImport Bank’s ability to proactively identify new opportunities for 

renewable energy financing and to promote the export of renewable 

energy technologies. The Committee directs that no later than 90 

days following the enactment of this Act, the Export-Import Bank 

shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations, a comprehensive strategy to increase exports in renewable energy and environmentally beneficial products. 

Of the aggregate loan, guarantee and insurance authority available to it, not less than 10 percent should be in the area of renewable energy and environmentally beneficial products and services. 

The Committee directs further that no later than 90 days following the end of fiscal year 2008, the Export-Import Bank shall 

submit a report detailing all work carried out in fiscal year 2008 

related to renewable energy and environmentally beneficial products and services. 

The Committee supports in principle the drive for the Export-Import Bank to finance its administrative and credit subsidy costs 

with its collections. However, the Committee would like to evaluate 

the accuracy of the revised subsidy requirements and overall performance in 2008 prior to making a determination on self-sufficiency. 


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OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION

NONCREDIT ACCOUNT

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $41,851,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 47,500,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 47,500,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 5,649,000 

The Committee recommends $47,500,000 for the Noncredit Account of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) for 

administrative expenses, which is the same as the request and 

$5,649,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level. 

As in prior years, the Committee directs OPIC to continue to provide on a semi-annual basis written reports including the following 

information for each investment fund: the identity, selection process, and professional background of current and past managers; the 

fees and compensation currently provided to senior management; 

the amount of OPIC guarantees and actual investments made at 

the end of the previous six months; and any additional observations 

that OPIC may want to include. The Committee commends OPIC 

for its judicious management of its investment fund portfolio. 

The Committee commends the managers of OPIC for exploring 

new ways of meeting OPIC’s development mandate, but during 

times of high political risk and instability in some countries, OPIC 

also must fulfill its mandate of facilitating increased United States 

direct investment abroad and increase exports from the United 

States. The Committee is aware of OPIC’s policy that it only provides insurance for a project after a company has attempted to access the private market, and this policy has solidified OPIC’s role 

as insurer of last resort. With global risk remaining high for foreign direct investment, and investment’s primary role in creating 

jobs and raising income levels in the developing world, the Committee expects OPIC to retain its strong role as insurer of last resort for political risk insurance, including terrorism insurance, for 

United States companies. 

The Committee directs OPIC to consult with the Committee before exercising local currency loan guaranty authority, and to provide to the Committee, prior to the consultation, justification for 

the need to exercise such authority, the use of OPIC subsidy required, the degree to which the United States would be exposed to 

additional risk as a result of such transactions, and which other 

United States Government agencies have been consulted. 

The Committee directs the President of OPIC to continue current 

policy and consult with the Committee on Appropriations before 

any future financing for nongovernmental organizations or private 

and voluntary organizations is approved. 

Coordination with other United States Agencies that operate overseas 

The Committee acknowledges OPIC’s efforts to improve coordination with other United States Government agencies that operate 

overseas but believes improvements are still required. The Committee directs OPIC to reach out and closely coordinate with 

USAID, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Department of 

the Treasury and other agencies of the United States Government 


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to ensure that there is no duplication of effort with providing assistance and that foreign assistance and credit is not provided to 

countries on different terms by different agencies (including financing that could be considered debt by the Paris Club). Specifically, 

the Committee requests that any OPIC loan guarantee program 

should not compete with or displace any other ongoing United 

States Government loan guarantee program in the same country. 

Renewable energy and environmental beneficial investments 

The Committee believes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation has a role in helping to increase overall investment in renewable energy and other environmentally beneficial products and 

services and encourages OPIC to increase work in this area. 

The Committee directs that no later than 90 days following the 

end of fiscal year 2008, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation shall submit a report detailing all work carried out in fiscal 

year 2008 related to renewable energy and environmentally beneficial products and services. 

PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $20,073,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 29,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 20,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥9,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥73,000 

The Committee recommends $20,000,000 for the subsidy appropriation for OPIC’s direct and guaranteed loan credit programs, 

which is $9,000,000 below the request and $73,000 below the fiscal 

year 2007 level. 

The Committee continues prior year language required by the 

Federal Credit Reform Act that addresses representation expenses 

and availability of funds. 

TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $50,391,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 50,400,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 50,400,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 9,000 

The Committee recommends $50,400,000 for the Trade and Development Agency (TDA), which is the same as the request and 

$9,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level. 

The Committee believes TDA has a role in helping to promote 

the use of renewable energy and other environmentally beneficial 

products and services. The Committee commends the recent 

progress in this area and encourages TDA to further strengthen 

outreach efforts. 

The Committee directs that no later than 90 days following the 

end of fiscal year 2008, the United States Trade and Development 

Agency shall submit a report detailing all work carried out in fiscal 

year 2008 related to renewable energy and environmentally beneficial products and services. 


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TITLE III—BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE 

FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT 

UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL 

DEVELOPMENT 

CHILD SURVIVAL AND HEALTH PROGRAMS FUND

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $1,718,150,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 1,564,279,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 1,955,150,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 390,871,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 237,000,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,955,150,000 for the ‘‘Child Survival and Health Programs Fund’’ account, which is 

$237,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level excluding emergency 

supplemental appropriations and $390,871,000 above the request. The Committee has made available a total of $5,082,000,000 in 

this Act for HIV/AIDS of which $600,000,000 is funded through the 

‘‘Child Survival and Health Programs Fund’’ account, 

$4,450,000,000 is funded under the ‘‘Global HIV/AIDS Initiative’’ account, and $32,000,000 is provided from the Economic Support 

Fund, and regional accounts. The Committee has also made available a total of $263,500,000 

for tuberculosis of which $103,000,000 is funded through the ‘‘Child 

Survival and Health Programs Fund’’ account, at least 

$150,000,000 is funded under the ‘‘Global HIV/AIDS Initiative’’ account, and $10,500,000 is provided from other accounts. 

Allocation of child survival and health programs fund 

Fiscal year 2008 appropriations for the ‘‘Child Survival and 

Health Programs Fund’’ account are deemed to be allocated as follows: 

Global health funding 

Category Allocation 

Child Survival and Health Programs Fund: Child Survival and Maternal Health ............................................ $374,150,000 

Vulnerable Children ....................................................................... 15,000,000 

HIV/AIDS (bilateral) ...................................................................... 350,000,000 

Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria ............. 250,000,000 

Reproductive Health/Voluntary Family Planning ....................... 375,000,000 

Other Infectious Diseases .............................................................. 591,000,000 

Subtotal, Child Survival and Health Programs Fund ................. 1,955,150,000 

Other Global Health: 

Global HIV/AIDS Initiative ........................................................... 4,450,000,000 

Economic Support Fund ................................................................. 57,900,000 

Regional Accounts .......................................................................... 54,600,000 

Total, Global Health Funding .................................................... 6,517,650,000 

The Committee continues to concur with the program category 

definitions and their components that can be found on pages 9 

through 11 of House Report 107–142 and under the heading ‘‘Family Planning/Reproductive Health’’ on page 12 of Senate Report 

107–58. The Committee directs USAID to issue program guidance 

to the field on this matter in fiscal year 2008. 


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The Committee continues prior year language that prohibits the 

use of certain funds in this account for non-project assistance, or 

cash grants to governments. The provision of cash grants as general budget support for governments is no longer an appropriate 

development tool, given current funding constraints. To the extent 

that cash grants are necessary for countries in transition or for 

specific foreign policy goals, funds are available through the ‘‘Economic Support Fund’’ account. 

The Committee directs that USAID resume publication of its annual report on programs and activities carried out with funding 

from the ‘‘Child Survival and Health Programs Fund’’ account. This 

report should include a thorough description of the health programs funded by this account by country and describe the impact 

and outcomes of these programs. 

The Committee recommendation includes a total of 

$4,562,500,000 from other accounts, including regional accounts for 

child survival and other health programs. Of this total, 

4,450,000,000 is provided in the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative account; $57,900,000 is provided in the ‘‘Economic Support Fund’’ account; $52,200,000 is found in the ‘‘Assistance for the Independent 

States of the Former Soviet Union’’ account; and $2,400,000 is 

found in the ‘‘Assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States’’ account. 

Africa and Latin America 

The Committee is concerned that the proposed fiscal year 2008 

budget shifts funds away from Africa and Latin America. The Committee is aware that these regions are receiving significant funding 

due to the expansion of the Global AIDS Initiative. The Committee 

does not believe that this should result in a reduced level of funding for child survival and other health programs. The Committee 

directs USAID to program fiscal year 2008 resources for these regions only after consultation with the Committees on Appropriations. 

Child survival 

The Committee recommendation includes $374,150,000 for child 

survival and maternal health programs, which is $28,557,000 

above the request. 

Since 2005, most developing country governments have committed themselves to work toward the goal of reducing child mortality for children under five by two thirds and they are working 

together to reach these goals by increasing resources and overall 

technical assistance. The Committee believes that the United 

States should take a leadership role in this effort and directs 

USAID to examine its current child survival and maternal health 

portfolio to ensure that the Agency’s work is complementary to the 

efforts of others and that these efforts focus on this specific goal. 

The Committee further directs that no later than 180 days after 

enactment of this Act, USAID report to the Committees on Appropriations how its child survival programs are working toward the 

goal of reducing child mortality by two thirds. The report should 

provide specific information about how the funding supports country efforts to reduce child mortality as well as how USAID funding 

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port should include information about the results and impact of 

United States government funding by country in terms of lives 

saved, morbidity averted and improvements in child survival outcomes. 

Maternal health 

The Committee remains concerned that nearly 500,000 women 

die during pregnancy and childbirth every year. The Committee 

commends USAID for its pioneering work and encourages it to continue this work. 

The Committee continues to be concerned about the impact of obstetric fistula, which affects an estimated three million women in 

the developing world. The Committee instructs USAID to consult 

with the Committees on Appropriations on the programming of fistula program funds no later than 60 days following enactment of 

this Act. In addition, the Committee notes Ethiopia’s leading role 

in this area and encourages USAID to consider proposals from the 

Ethiopian North American Health Professionals Association for the 

Safe Motherhood project in Awassa, Ethiopia and the Fistula Foundation at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in fiscal year 2008. 

The Committee encourages USAID to consider providing funding 

in fiscal year 2008 to rebuild JFK Women’s Hospital in Liberia. 

Micronutrients 

The Committee recommendation includes not less than 

$30,000,000 overall for USAID’s micronutrient program, which is $30,000,000 above the request. The Committee continues to be supportive of USAID efforts to reduce Vitamin A deficiency, a cause 

of death for more than 2.8 million children annually. 

The Committee continues to be concerned about and supportive 

of programs that address iodine deficiency disorder (IDD), which is 

the leading preventable cause of mental retardation in children. 

The Committee is aware of the Kiwanis/UNICEF partnership and 

encourages USAID to consider such work in fiscal year 2008. 

Polio eradication 

Since 1988, the number of polio cases has fallen from an estimated 350,000 to less than 1,997 in 2006. The global partnership 

to eradicate polio has had significant success, but some of the most 

difficult work remains. The Committee recommendation includes 

32,000,000 for global polio eradication efforts. 

The Committee directs USAID to provide not later than the submission of the 653(a) report for fiscal year 2008 an operating plan 

for funds provided for polio control and eradication. This description will include allocations and outcome objectives for each bilateral and central program. USAID will collaborate with its partner 

organizations, including Rotary International, to develop this plan. 

Vaccines and immunizations 

Vaccinations and immunizations are highly effective interventions to reduce child deaths in the developing world. Since 2000, 

the GAVI Fund has worked to close the immunization gap in the 

developing world, saving over one million premature childhood 

deaths. The Committee recommendation includes $70,000,000 in 

fiscal year 2008 for the GAVI Fund. 


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In addition, the Committee is pleased to see that research on a 

meningitis vaccine is progressing. The Committee is aware of efforts to distribute the meningitis vaccine in the ‘‘meningitis belt’’ and encourages USAID to consider such programs in fiscal year 

2008. 

Other child survival activities 

The Committee is aware of the important work of the Hospital 

Bienfaisance de Pignon in Pignon, Haiti and urges USAID to continue providing support in fiscal year 2008. The Committee also encourages USAID to resume funding for Mission Out Reach Haiti. 

The Committee recognizes the work of Gift of Life International 

to expand its programs to assist Iraqi children, Operation Smile for 

a Global Standard of Care Initiative, and Creative Wellness Institute and encourages USAID to consider support for such efforts. 

Vulnerable children 

The Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 for displaced children, orphans, and blind children, which is $15,000,000 

above the request. As in previous years, assistance for children affected by HIV/AIDS is addressed elsewhere in the bill. 

Childhood blindness 

The Committee remains concerned that 1.5 million children are 

currently blind, and another 7 million suffer from poor vision. The 

Committee recommendation includes not less than $1,800,000 for 

childhood blindness programs in fiscal year 2008. 

HIV/AIDS 

The Committee recommendation includes $350,000,000 for HIV/ 

AIDS from this account, which is $35,722,000 above the request. 

The Committee supports the allocation of $31,000,000 from other 

accounts, in addition to funds provided under the Global HIV/AIDS 

Initiative account. Additional language regarding United States bilateral HIV/AIDS funding is found under the ‘‘Global HIV/AIDS 

Initiative’’ account heading. 

The President’s HIV/AIDS Initiative is making strides in addressing HIV/AIDS in the fifteen focus countries. This USAID 

funding is provided to support HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment 

and care programs in non-focus countries. The Committee is 

pleased to see the integration of non-focus countries into the country operating plan process and encourages USAID to continue this 

important process. 

Second wave countries 

The Committee is aware that the second wave of the HIV/AIDS 

pandemic is occurring in countries such as India, China, Ukraine, 

and Russia. USAID is a global leader in HIV/AIDS treatment, care 

and prevention research and implementation and the Committee 

expects that it is providing support to these countries both through 

country-level programs as well as through regional efforts. In addition, the Committee encourages USAID to provide technical assistance, where appropriate through the World Health Organization 

and UNAIDS, to assist these countries in the development and implementation of their national HIV/AIDS plans. 


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Regional programs 

The Committee understands that HIV/AIDS knows no borders 

and regional efforts are key to the overall effort. The Committee 

urges USAID, in coordination with the Global HIV/AIDS Coordinator to expand support for regional programs, including supporting the work of TREAT Asia, a regional collaborative research, 

education, and training network in the Asia and Pacific region. 

TREAT Asia currently serves as the Secretariat for a number of 

USAID-supported HIV prevention projects in the Mekong Delta 

and the Committee believes that these efforts should be expanded 

into other areas in the region. 

The Committee recognizes the emerging HIV/AIDS epidemics in 

Central Asia and Eastern Europe that are being fueled by the increase in intravenous drug use, including heroin. Emerging injecting drug epidemics have also been documented in South Africa, 

Kenya, and Nigeria. The Committee encourages USAID and the 

Global HIV/AIDS Coordinator to compile best practices from our 

program in Vietnam and scale up programs that provide HIV/AIDS 

and drug treatment for injecting drug users. 

Media 

The Committee understands that local and national media can 

provide an effective tool for combating HIV/AIDS. The Committee 

recommends that USAID, in collaboration with the Office of the 

Global HIV/AIDS Coordinator, at a minimum sustain its current 

media programs in Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and India and consider expanding activities to other countries in Africa. The Committee is aware of the work of Global Communications International, Local Voices, and Madagascar World Voice and encourages USAID to consider such programs in fiscal year 2008. 

Voluntary contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and 

Malaria 

The Committee recommendation includes $250,000,000 from the ‘‘Child Survival and Health Programs Fund’’ account to support the 

Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (Global 

Fund), which is $250,000,000 above the request. Further information and direction about the Committee’s recommendation is found 

under the heading ‘‘Global HIV/AIDS Initiative’’. The Committee appreciates that USAID continues to provide 

technical assistance to support Global Fund recipients and applicants. This work has strengthened Country Coordinating Mechanisms and has led to improved outcomes. The Committee notes 

that the bill language shifts technical assistance authority from the 

‘‘Child Survival and Health Programs Fund’’ account to the ‘‘Global 

HIV/AIDS Initiative’’ account. 

Other infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and malaria 

The Committee recommendation includes $591,000,000 for other 

infectious diseases, including tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, which 

is $11,500,000 below the request. 

Malaria 

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cation of an additional $2,500,000 from the Economic Support 

Fund. Overall, the Committee recommendation includes an estimated $352,500,000 from all accounts for malaria programs, of 

which $270,000,000 is for the President’s Malaria Initiative. 

The Committee is pleased to see the expansion of the United 

States Government’s commitment to addressing malaria through 

the establishment of the President’s Malaria Initiative. This comprehensive treatment, care, and prevention program has provided 

approximately one million insecticide treated bed-nets and has protected over two million people through indoor residual spraying 

campaigns. The Committee recognizes the need for increased technical assistance to improve country-level malaria programs and encourages USAID to work with the World Health Organization, 

where appropriate, to provide this assistance. 

Tuberculosis (TB) 

Each year, more than 8.9 million people develop active TB, and 

at least 2.4 million die of the disease annually. The Committee’s 

recommendation includes $103,000,000 for the prevention, care, 

and treatment of TB from this account, which is $23,760,000 above 

the request. The Committee supports the allocation of an additional 

$10,500,000 from other accounts, including regional accounts and 

at least $150,000,000 from the ‘‘Global HIV/AIDS Initiative’’ account for TB/HIV activities. Overall, the Committee recommendation includes an estimated $263,500,000 from all accounts for TB 

programs. The Committee continues to support the Global TB Drug 

Facility, which expands access to, and availability of, high-quality 

TB drugs to facilitate expanded treatment against the disease. 

The Committee is concerned about the emergence of drug resistant strains of tuberculosis, including extensively drug resistant-TB 

(XDR–TB), which threatens to undermine progress in AIDS treatment scale-up and progress in TB control globally. The Committee 

urges USAID, when appropriate, to work with the Office of the 

Global HIV/AIDS Coordinator to strengthen overall treatment efforts and elsewhere to slow the emergence of this strain. The Committee recognizes the leadership role that USAID, along with the 

World Health Organization, plays in the global effort and has increased the global TB appropriation to combat this threat. 

Neglected diseases and other infectious diseases 

The Committee provides an additional $38,000,000 for other infectious disease priorities. This Committee believes that a portion 

of this funding should be used to continue to support an initiative, 

started in fiscal year 2007, to test an integrated approach to the 

control of neglected diseases. The Committee is pleased with 

progress on this program. The Committee is also aware that this 

program must be targeted to those countries where these neglected 

diseases are endemic and urges the Agency to ensure that resources for this initiative are being used most appropriately. 

The Committee intends that these funds also be used to support 

improved surveillance, expanded efforts to address antimicrobial 

resistance, and for other emerging infectious disease issues. 


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Avian influenza 

The Committee recommendation includes $100,000,000 to combat 

avian influenza, which is the same as the request. The Committee 

remains supportive of USAID’s work to assist developing nations to 

improve their capability to prevent, detect, and respond to a possible avian influenza pandemic. Over the past three years, the 

Committee has appropriated $184,000,000 to support programs to 

contain or prevent an avian influenza pandemic. In addition, the 

Committee included $161,000,000 in the fiscal year 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 110–28). 

Reproductive health/voluntary family planning 

The Committee recognizes the important role that voluntary family planning programs play in a comprehensive global health effort. 

The Committee recommendation includes $441,000,000 for reproductive health and voluntary family planning, which is 

$116,200,000 above the request. The Committee directs that not 

less than $375,000,000 of this total be from the ‘‘Child Survival and 

Health Programs Fund’’ account, and $66,000,000 be from other accounts, including regional accounts. 

The Committee acknowledges USAID’s technical leadership in 

addressing the impact of population growth on ecologically sensitive areas. The Committee urges USAID to build upon its past investments in population-health-environment programs by expanding and scaling up projects in communities inhabiting areas rich in 

biodiversity, particularly in Africa and Asia. 

Reproductive health/voluntary family planning restrictions 

The Committee has continued prior year language that requires 

that none of the funds appropriated in this Act, or any un-obligated 

balances, be made available to any organization or program, which 

as determined by the President, supports and participates in the 

management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. The Committee has included a new provision that requires 

the Department of State to prepare a comprehensive analysis of the 

evidence and criteria used if the Department should determine that 

an organization or program supports and participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. The language also states that funds cannot be used to pay for 

the performance of abortions as a method of family planning or to 

motivate or coerce any person to practice abortion. Further, the 

language indicates that population funds shall be available only to 

voluntary family planning projects that offer, either directly or 

through referral, information about access to a broad range of family planning methods and services. An additional provision requires 

that in awarding grants for natural family planning under section 

104 of the Foreign Assistance Act, no applicant shall be discriminated against because of such applicant’s religious or conscientious 

commitment to offer only natural family planning. 

The Committee also has continued prior year language that 

states that nothing in the Act is to alter any existing statutory prohibitions against abortion that are included under section 104 of 

the Foreign Assistance Act. Further, the Committee has continued 

prior year language, which states that project service providers or 

referral agents cannot implement or be subject to quotas or other 


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numerical targets. The Committee has continued prior year language requiring that information on condom use shall be medically 

accurate and shall include the public health benefits and failure 

rates of such use. 

Research and development 

The Committee believes that USAID’s support for research and 

development on diseases and conditions that impact the developing 

world is important. These investments will leverage additional resources from foundations, private corporations and other country 

governments, including European donors. 

The Committee is aware of PATH’s HealthTech partnership and 

the work of the Seattle Biomedical Research Institute and encourages USAID to consider support for such programs in fiscal year 

2008. The Committee commends USAID for the research portfolio 

reports it has developed. The Committee requests that USAID continue to provide this annual report to the Committees on Appropriations no later than September 30, 2007. The Committee also requests USAID, after consultation with the Office of the Global HIV/ 

AIDS Coordinator, and other partners, to include abbreviated research plan information in its congressional budget justification for 

fiscal year 2009, including a spending table similar to that found 

on page 57 of the May 2006 Report. The table should include funding by health issue and product for fiscal years 2007, 2008 and estimates for 2009. 

Malaria and TB research 

Research on new vaccines and medicines for infectious diseases 

continues to be a priority for the Committee. The Committee encourages the continuation of a comprehensive malaria program at 

USAID that includes funding for operational research as well as 

treatment, care and prevention. The Committee urges USAID to 

continue to include drug and vaccine development and applied research in their global TB efforts in fiscal year 2008. 

HIV/AIDS and microbicides research 

The Committee recognizes the disproportionate impact of HIV/ 

AIDS on women and supports continued USAID investment in 

microbicides development at not less than $45,000,000. The Committee is aware of the work of the International Partnership for 

Microbicides and urges USAID to consider its work. Since 2001, 

USAID has supported applied research into all phases of HIV vaccine development. The Committee believes that a continued commitment to HIV/AIDS vaccine research is critical to the global HIV/ 

AIDS effort. The Committee is aware of the work of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and urges USAID to consider its 

work. The Committee further requests the development of strategies by USAID and the Global HIV/AIDS Coordinator to support 

product introduction, distribution, and use once a safe and effective 

microbicide and HIV vaccine have been developed. The Committee 

requests that this report be provided to the Committees on Appropriations within 180 days of enactment of this Act. 


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DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE 

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $1,508,760,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 1,041,248,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 1,733,760,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 692,512,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 225,000,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,733,760,000 for the ‘‘Development Assistance’’ account, which is $225,000,000 above the 

fiscal year 2007 level and $692,512,000 above the request. 

Funding in this account includes agriculture and rural development; literacy and basic education for children and adults; environment and clean energy; safe water; trade capacity building; economic growth; democracy; conflict mitigation; science and technology; and other programs related to long-term development. 

The Committee commends USAID for the work it is doing to expand opportunities in the developing world. The Committee believes that USAID should focus on establishing and expanding institutional and human resource capacities of developing countries 

in order to promote long-term development and build institutional 

capacity. 

Development assistance funding 

The funding assumptions included in the Committee’s recommendation for the funds in this account are as follows: 

Agriculture and Natural Resources ...................................................... $165,000,000 

Economic Growth ................................................................................... 400,000,000 

Education and Training ........................................................................ 662,510,000 

Basic Education .............................................................................. 519,900,000 

Higher Education ........................................................................... 142,610,000 

Biodiversity and Environment .............................................................. 175,000,000 

Safe Water and Water Management .................................................... 150,000,000 

Democracy and Conflict Management ................................................. 209,000,000 

Women’s Leadership Capacity Training .............................................. 35,000,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $365,000,000 in the ‘‘Development Assistance’’ account, that was requested in the ‘‘Economic Support Fund’’ account. The Committee directs that this 

funding be provided to the following countries and that it be in addition to the requested amounts from this account. 

Country Additional Funding 

Afghanistan ............................................................................................ $150,000,000 

Democratic Republic of Congo .............................................................. 10,000,000 

Liberia .................................................................................................... 30,000,000 

Pakistan .................................................................................................. 30,000,000 

Sudan ...................................................................................................... 145,000,000 

Total ................................................................................................. 365,000,000 

Basic education 

Education is a key building block for sustained economic growth 

and the strengthening of democratic institutions. For that reason, 

the Committee increased basic education funding from 

$126,000,000 in fiscal year 2001 to $550,000,000 in fiscal year 

2007. 

This year, the Committee directs $519,900,000 for basic education in the Development Assistance account and $230,100,000 

from other accounts for a total of $750,000,000. Of this total, the 

Committee directs that $265,000,000 should be used to implement 

assistance for developing countries for basic education consistent 


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with H.R. 2092, the Education for All Act of 2007, as introduced 

on May 1, 2007. This designation of funds is a continuation of the 

program included in the fiscal year 2006 report, which set aside 

$65,000,000 to support Fast Track Initiative programs. The Committee includes additional language regarding this program in the 

basic education general provision (sec. 667). 

The Committee recognizes that USAID’s education programs can 

be an important element in the United States Government’s overall 

strategy to counter extremist teachings in education settings. This 

is critically important in countries such as Pakistan, where the 

Committee encourages USAID to consider supporting organizations 

such as Dosti and the LibforAll Foundation. 

The Committee is aware of the work of Books for Africa and the 

SABRE Foundation, and encourages USAID to consider it in fiscal 

year 2008. 

Higher education 

The Committee is concerned that over the past 20 years USAID 

long-term training has declined. While these graduates have 

formed the basis for progress and economic growth in many developing countries, they are now at retirement age. The Committee 

supports beginning to restore long-term training to previous levels 

and directs USAID to expand this program up to 3,000 trainees in 

fiscal year 2008. 

The Committee recognizes the barriers that women face throughout Asia and the Middle East in their quest for higher education 

and encourages USAID to consider supporting the Asian University 

for Women in Bangladesh. 

The Committee is aware of the work of the African Methodist 

University and encourages USAID to consider its work in fiscal 

year 2008. 

Scholarship program in Latin America 

The Committee believes that the Cooperative Association of 

States for Scholarships (CASS) program continues to show success 

and is a very important investment. The Committee encourages 

USAID to consider the work of the Center for Intercultural Education and Development in fiscal year 2008 and to consider expanding this program in East and North Africa in the coming year. 

American schools and hospitals abroad 

The Committee provides up to $23,000,000 for the American 

Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program in fiscal year 2008. 

The Committee recognizes the important contributions made by institutions funded by the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad 

program. 

The Committee expects continued support for traditional recipients in the Middle East. The Committee also continues to be impressed with the results of programs at the American University 

of Beirut; Johns Hopkins University’s Centers in Nanjing, China, 

and Bologna, Italy; Hadassah Medical Organization; Shaare Zedek 

Hospital in Jerusalem; Feinberg Graduate School of the Weizmann 

Institute of Science, Tel Aviv University, and Lebanese American 

University. The Committee is aware of the proposed work of 

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menia; the American University in Kosovo; and the James Jordan 

Foundation. The Committee encourages USAID to consider supporting these organizations in fiscal year 2008. 

Women’s leadership training 

The Committee continues to support the Women in Development 

office and believes that it should be empowered to monitor, assess, 

and make recommendations regarding gender integration at 

USAID. The Committee continues to support an appropriation of 

$15,000,000 for women’s leadership training. The Committee is 

aware of the work of Global POWER and encourages USAID to 

consider such work in fiscal year 2008. The Committee recommendation includes up to $20,000,000 to 

support the establishment of the GROWTH Fund, which is intended to enhance economic opportunities for very poor, poor, and 

low-income women in developing countries. Programs supported by 

the Fund should increase women-owned enterprise development; 

property rights for women; women’s access to financial services; 

women in organizational leadership positions; women’s ability to 

benefit from global trade; and improve women’s employment benefits and conditions. The Committee includes additional language regarding this program under title VI general provisions (sec. 683). 

Urban programs 

The Committee is aware that urban populations in developing 

countries are growing rapidly, threatening the quality of life for billions of people. Within less than ten years, more people will be living in the world’s cities than in the world’s rural areas. The Committee is concerned that USAID staff and technical expertise on 

this issue has been declining sharply while urban problems globally 

are growing. 

Trade 

The Committee recommendation includes $214,000,000 for trade 

capacity building, which is $127,000,000 above the request. The 

Committee recognizes the importance that trade plays in economic 

growth of countries. The Committee directs that no less than the 

fiscal year 2007 level be provided to support implementation of free 

trade agreements. The Committee encourages USAID to continue 

its important work in providing trade capacity building assistance 

to help poor and marginalized communities adapt to and benefit 

from bilateral and multilateral trade agreements in order to ensure 

that our foreign assistance continues to be transformative. 

The committee is aware of the work of Light Years IP, World Vision, and Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance Ethiopia and 

encourages USAID to consider supporting such work in fiscal year 

2008. 

Microfinance 

The Committee recognizes the ability of micro-enterprise programs to fundamentally change the economic framework of a country. The Committee expects USAID’s programs to reach the largest 

possible number of micro-enterprises, whether through grants to 

private, non-governmental organizations that on-lend to micro-enterprises or by sponsoring economic policy reforms that directly 


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stimulate such enterprises. The Committee recommends 

$225,000,000 for micro-enterprise programs in fiscal year 2008. The 

Committee is aware of the work of Opportunity International, 

Esperanza International Foundation, Student in Free Enterprise’s 

Africa Entrepreneurship Program, and the EHC Microcredit Program in Bangladesh and encourages USAID to consider their work 

in fiscal year 2008. 

The Committee is concerned that many of these programs are 

managed through large contracting mechanisms that may not 

reach those most in need. The Committee encourages USAID to 

work as often as possible with civil society organizations that have 

indigenous networks to reach those most in need, including those 

infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. 

Agriculture 

The Committee believes that the agricultural sector in developing countries is critical to economic growth, the alleviation of 

hunger and poverty, and political and environmental stability The 

Committee has provided up to $165,000,000 for these programs and 

encourages the Agency to continue to make this a priority. 

The Committee encourages USAID to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture to promote agricultural reform efforts that 

support the needs of private small-holder farms, including those 

run by women. 

The Committee is aware of the work of the International Fertilizer Development Center, the Global Crop Diversity Trust, and 

Women’s Campaign International and encourages USAID to consider such work in fiscal year 2008. 

Dairy development 

The Committee remains concerned about the decline in overall 

agricultural funding, particularly for livestock and dairy activities, 

which reach large numbers of rural people. The Committee directs 

USAID to dedicate no less than $30,000,000 in fiscal year 2008 to 

dairy and livestock development. The Committee further encourages USAID to place greater emphasis on these activities whenever 

possible in Afghanistan, Sudan, and Haiti. 

Collaborative research support programs 

The Committee believes the Collaborative Research Support Programs (CRSPs) are good investments and urges USAID to support 

efforts by CRSPs to expand their activities in Africa and South 

Asia. The Committee recommends that USAID fund CRSPs in fiscal year 2008 at $28,000,000. The Committee directs USAID to expand CRSP programs to include water, horticulture, climate 

change, or other pressing needs as determined by Congress and 

USAID. 

Access to clean water and water management 

Competition for scarce fresh water is predicted to be a major 

source of international conflict during the twenty-first century in 

Africa, as it is now within the Middle East. Lack of access to safe 

drinking water and adequate sanitation is the leading preventable 

cause of death in the world and causes global losses of up to $380 

billion in economic activity annually. 


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The Committee provides a bill-wide total of $300,000,000 for safe 

water and water management programs. The Committee has designated $150,000,000 from this account to be used for long-term 

safe water and water management programs in Africa and the 

Middle East. This funding should be provided to high priority countries that are chosen based on the criteria laid out in the Senator 

Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act (Public Law 109–121) and the 

activities carries out with this funding should reflect the law. The 

Committee directs USAID to develop a strategy, as required in the 

Act, that includes the designation of high-priority countries based 

on need as well as country interest and potential to improve water 

safety and management. This strategy should be provided to the 

Committees on Appropriations no later than 180 days after enactment of this Act. The Committee directs USAID to consult with the 

Committee prior to obligation of these funds. 

The Committee is aware of the work of the Millennium Water Alliance and encourages USAID to consider supporting such programs in fiscal year 2008. 

Environmental programs 

The Committee is aware that much can be done through our foreign assistance programs to address environmental issues. As is described below, the Committee recommendation includes not less 

than $355,000,000 in the Development Assistance account for environment and clean energy programs. 

The Committee recommendation also includes in title II a provision that encourages the Export-Import Bank to encourage exports 

in renewable energy and other environmentally beneficial products. 

This initiative could result in an estimated $1,000,000,000 in additional green exports in 2008. The Committee recommendation also 

includes direction to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation 

and the United States Trade and Development Agency urging them 

to increase investments in this area. 

The Committee requests a report from the Department of State 

no later than 90 days of enactment of this Act that outlines the 

current actions, in all accounts that the Department is undertaking 

to improve the environment, to promote clean energy, and to address global climate change. 

Biodiversity and environment 

The Committee strongly endorses continued USAID investment 

in conservation, biodiversity, and environmental programs, and directs USAID to provide $175,000,000 in fiscal year 2008. The Committee urges USAID to continue its important work for the Amazon 

Basin Initiative, national resource management work in Afghanistan, Russia, and Lebanon. In addition, the Committee encourages 

USAID to consider carrying out conservation efforts in marine 

areas, where the preservation of coral and tropical fish is essential. 

The Committee is aware of the work being done in the Congo Basin 

Forest Partnership, including programs to protect great apes in 

West and Central Africa, and urges the Agency to continue this 

work in fiscal year 2008. The Committee remains concerned with 

the destruction of orangutan habitat in Sumatra and Borneo and 

encourages USAID to consider work in these countries in fiscal 

year 2008. The Committee is concerned about reports that USAID 


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directly and indirectly supports recreational, sport and trophy 

hunting in its assistance programs in Africa. The Committee directs USAID to provide no funds to programs that support or promote recreational, sport, or trophy hunting as a conservation tool. 

Clean energy and climate change 

The Committee notes with concern recent reports regarding atmospheric brown clouds (ABCs, visible areas of brown colored atmosphere) impact on the environment and climate, particularly in 

Asia. The Committee encourages USAID to fund programs that increase regional cooperation in addressing climate issues, and build 

local science and policy capacity to address these difficult issues. 

The Committee is especially interested in USAID’s plans to incorporate research showing a link between atmospheric pollution and 

agriculture yields into USAID’s Famine Early Warning System. 

The Committee is aware of concern that USAID initiatives aimed 

at reducing global carbon emissions and providing reliable power at 

rural HIV/AIDS clinics may be having the unintended consequence 

of increasing lead poisoning in developing countries due to unsafe 

recycling of lead batteries and encourages USAID to support work 

to address this issue in fiscal year 2008. 

Property rights 

Property rights, sound regulation of commercial activity and 

other components of the rule of law are adversely affected by inefficient, lengthy, and often corrupt systems of registering small business and land titles. The Committee supports programs that promote property rights and create private real estate markets in select countries. The Committee is aware of the work of the Institute 

for Liberty and Democracy and the International Real Property 

Foundation Program and encourages USAID to consider such work 

in fiscal year 2008. 

Credit unions, cooperatives, and partnerships 

The Committee supports the essential role of credit unions and 

cooperatives working to alleviate poverty, and to promote economic 

development and democracy building in the areas of agriculture, financial systems, rural electricity, telecommunications infrastructure, housing, and health. The Committee expects USAID to continue its programs in fiscal year 2008. 

Western Hemisphere programs 

The Committee is concerned that the President’s proposed budget 

recommended a significant cut to country programs in the Western 

Hemisphere. The Committee recommendation therefore includes an 

increase of $56,000,000 in order to restore country program funding 

levels in this region to at least the fiscal year 2006 levels. 

India 

The Committee is concerned that the fiscal year 2008 request 

significantly reduced development assistance to India. The Committee directs the Agency to provide a total of $10,000,000 for clean 

energy development, water and sanitation programs, women’s 

rights programs, and basic education programs in India. The ComVerDate Aug 31 2005 09:32 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 035983 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR197.XXX HR197

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mittee directs USAID to consult with the Committees on Appropriations prior to programming these fiscal year 2008 funds. 

Sudan 

The Committee recommendation includes a total of $558,300,000 

for Sudan, which is $104,100,000 above the request. 

[Amount in thousands] 

Fiscal year 

2008 request 

Committee 

recommendation 

Darfur: 

International Disaster and Famine Assistance ...................................................................... $88,500,000 $88,500,000 

Transition Initiatives ............................................................................................................... 2,000,000 2,000,000 

Economic Support Fund .......................................................................................................... 20,000,000 20,000,000 

Peacekeeping Operations ........................................................................................................ 0 100,000,000 

Subtotal, Darfur ...................................................................................................................... 110,500,000 210,500,000 

North/South: 

Child Survival and Health Programs Fund ............................................................................ 0 23,300,000

Development Assistance ......................................................................................................... 0 145,000,000 

Economic Support Fund .......................................................................................................... 245,900,000 81,700,000 

International Disaster and Famine Assistance ...................................................................... 25,000,000 25,000,000 

Non-proliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs ..................................... 4,000,000 4,000,000 

Transition Initiatives ............................................................................................................... 3,000,000 3,000,000 

Peacekeeping Operations ........................................................................................................ 41,400,000 41,400,000 

Foreign Military Financing ...................................................................................................... 100,000 0 

International Military Education and Training ....................................................................... 300,000 300,000 

International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement .......................................................... 24,000,000 24,000,000 

Subtotal, North/South ............................................................................................................. 343,700,000 347,700,000 

Total, Sudan For Ops ......................................................................................................... 454,200,000 558,200,000 

The Committee is interested in expanding health and development activities in South Sudan. In particular, the Committee urges 

USAID to consider establishing an institute for agriculture, science 

and technology in southern Sudan. The Committee believes that 

this would be an opportunity to harness local capacity and direct 

it toward the reconstruction and development of southern Sudan by 

bringing the region out of decades of economic isolation, and to provide training and technical expertise from donor countries. The 

Committee urges the Agency to begin efforts to establish this Institute in southern Sudan and report to the Committees on Appropriations within 60 days of enactment of this Act as to plans for 

the fiscal year. 

The Committee encourages USAID to establish a program to encourage the return of the Sudanese Lost Boys and Lost Girls to 

southern Sudan for a period of no less than five years to contribute 

to post-conflict revitalization there. Many of those who survived 

were resettled in the United States. Those individuals who apply 

for and are accepted into this program shall retain their immigration status in the United States. The Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan 

are a group of young refugees, displaced during Sudan’s 21-year 

civil war, who trekked hundreds of miles to escape the violence in 

their homeland. This program should provide the resources needed 

for them to return to southern Sudan. The Committee directs 

USAID to consult with the Committee prior to beginning this program. 

The Committee notes that funding for several programs in Sudan 

is provided in other accounts. The Committee remains concerned 

about the personal protective security of the President of Southern 

Sudan and Vice President of the Government of National Unity, 


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Salva Kiir. The fiscal year 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Act 

(P.L. 110–28) required a report and the Committee reiterates its interest in that report. The Committee supports the President’s request for funding for security sector reform in Southern Sudan, including transforming and professionalizing the Southern People’s 

Liberation Army (SPLA), and providing training and infrastructure 

development to the police, justice and corrections systems. The 

Committee also supports efforts to promote disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants, with particular 

attention placed on the psycho-social needs of former child soldiers. 

Language related to peacekeeping, the on-going genocide in 

Darfur and diplomacy efforts related to Darfur is found in the 

‘‘Peacekeeping Operations’’ account report language. 

The Committee has again included a general provision, section 

669, conditioning funds for the Government of Sudan on its efforts 

to bring stability and security to Darfur. The Committee has modified the section from previous years to note the new definition of 

Cooperation with AFRICOM 

The Committee is encouraged by ongoing cooperation between 

USAID, the Department of State and the Department of Defense 

to address the underlying factors that give rise to radicalism and 

terrorism. The Committee expects that this cooperation will grow 

with the establishment of AFRICOM and requests regular updates 

on joint planning and programming. 

United States university support for developing countries 

The Committee encourages working with American institutions 

of higher education. The Committee expects that competitive procedures will be applied with regard to proposals. The Committee also 

expects USAID to give priority to proposals that have sound technical merit, well-planned budgets, and concrete and realistic objectives. 

No later than March 1, 2008, the Administrator of USAID shall 

submit a report to the Committee on the status of activities undertaken with universities (including competitive as well as non-competitive awards,). Such a report shall include: (1) the status of 

funding proposals by the organization associated with each activity; 

(2) the degree to which each proposal is consistent with United 

States development assistance and foreign policy goals for the 

country or region in which the activity would take place; (3) the degree to which matching or other funds would be provided by the 

organization to complement the Federal contribution; (4) to the extent known at the time, any decision by USAID or the Department 

of State on funding the activity, including the proposed funding 

level; and (5) any other relevant information deemed important by 

USAID or the Department of State. In addition, the Committee requests that USAID identify an office or organization within 

USAID, or within the Department of State if appropriate, to which 

inquiries can be directed on the status of university programs. 


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INTERNATIONAL DISASTER AND FAMINE ASSISTANCE

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $361,350,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 297,300,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 322,350,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 25,050,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥39,000,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $322,350,000 for the 

International Disaster Assistance and Famine Assistance account, 

which is $39,000,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level and 

$25,050,000 above the request, excluding emergency supplemental 

appropriations. The reduction below fiscal year 2007 is due to a 

$51,500,000 shift from this account to the ‘‘Development Assistance’’ account for fiscal year 2008 to better support development activities in Sudan. As a result, the Committee recommendation provides $12,500,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level for ongoing and 

emerging humanitarian assistance. 

The Committee encourages the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) to coordinate with the Office of Conflict Response and 

Stabilization (CRS) at the Department of State as CRS develops its 

Active Response Corps and Civilian Reserve Corps. Any such corps 

should take into account the existing capacity of OFDA to respond 

to both man-made and natural emergencies and not be duplicative. 

The Committee requests that OFDA consult with the Committee 

regarding opportunities to strengthen OFDA’s response capacity if 

the Civilian Reserve Corps is established, including the development of a database of civilian responders. 

Famine prevention and relief pilot program 

The Committee recommendation includes $20,000,000 for famine 

prevention and relief, which is $20,000,000 above the request. The 

Committee directs USAID to implement a pilot study designed to 

evaluate the relative advantages of purchasing local food commodities and shipping commodities from abroad with the additional 

funding. The study should identify both benefits and drawbacks of 

local commodity purchase programs and strategies for maximizing 

the effectiveness of local purchases. USAID should consult with the 

Committees on Appropriations as it designs the study. The Committee expects that the results of the study will inform the fiscal 

year 2009 budget process and request. 

Sudan 

The Committee recommendation includes not less than 

$113,500,000 for humanitarian assistance under this heading for 

Sudan. The Committee notes that $51,500,000 previously provided 

in this account for assistance to south Sudan is included within the 

‘‘Development Assistance’’ account. It is the Committee’s intent 

that this shift of funds will assist in the transition in south Sudan 

from a state of crisis to one of reconstruction. The budget request 

also proposed shifting these funds, but the shift was to the ‘‘Economic Support Fund’’ account. 


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TRANSITION INITIATIVES

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $39,600,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 37,200,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 40,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 2,800,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 400,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $40,000,000 for the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), which is $400,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $2,800,000 above the request. 

The Committee requests that USAID report on a semi-annual 

basis the expenditures and specific use of OTI funds, by country, 

including organizations implementing the program. 

DEVELOPMENT CREDIT AUTHORITY

[INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS]

Program Account: 

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $20,790,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 21,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 21,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 210,000 

Administrative Expenses: 

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $7,920,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 7,400,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 7,400,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥520,000 

The Committee recommendation includes a ceiling of 

$21,000,000, on the amount that may be transferred from bilateral 

economic assistance accounts for the subsidy cost of loan guarantees under the Development Credit Authority program, which is 

$210,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. 

The Committee recommendation includes $7,400,000 for administrative expenses, which is $520,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level 

and the same as the request. 

PAYMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY

FUND

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $38,700,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 36,400,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 0 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥36,400,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥38,700,000 

The Committee recommendation does not include funding for the 

mandatory Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund within title III. Instead, all funding requested for the 

Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund is 

provided within title I of this Act. 


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OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

[INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS]

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $626,832,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 609,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 625,700,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 16,700,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥1,132,000 

The Committee recommends a total of $625,700,000 for Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for International Development, which is $16,700,000 above the request and $1,132,000 

below the fiscal year 2007 level excluding emergency appropriations. 

Workforce model 

The Committee is encouraged by the Agency’s use of the workforce model, which is an important tool towards ‘‘rationalizing’’

staffing decisions. The model predicts future workload and staffing 

demands and attempts to identify workforce gaps and develop solutions to fill those gaps. The Committee expects the Agency to place 

greater emphasis on analyzing the proper mix between Headquarters vs. Overseas staff and direct hires vs. non-direct hires. 

The Committee also expects the Agency to increase its efforts to attract and retain expert technical staff and improve the ability to redirect staff in a timely fashion to areas of strategic importance. The 

Committee expects to see a rapid increase in the Agency’s ability 

to attract, retain, and promote high performing staff. 

Contract notification 

The Committee is concerned about sole source contract awards 

and the use of Indefinite Quantity Contracts (IQC) by USAID. The 

Committee directs USAID to notify the Committees on Appropriations fifteen days prior to: awarding any sole source contract in excess of $30,000,000; raising the ceiling on any IQC in an amount 

greater than $50,000,000; issuing a Task Order within an IQC in 

excess of $100,000,000. 

CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $69,300,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 126,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 87,300,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥38,700,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 18,000,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $87,300,000 for the 

Capital Investment Fund, which is $38,700,000 below the request 

and $18,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level. In total, the Committee recommendation includes $75,144,500 for USAID participation in the Capital Security Cost-Sharing Program, under which all 

agencies with overseas staff operating under Chief of Mission authority contribute toward the costs of constructing secure embassy 

compounds, and $12,155,500 for information technology. 

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ular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. 

The Committee also has included bill language under Operating 

Expenses of USAID that requires congressional notification before 

USAID commits to open or close overseas missions. 

Capital security cost-sharing program 

The President’s request includes a significant increase over fiscal 

year 2007 for this program and while the Committee supports the 

concept of Capital Security Cost-Sharing (CSCS), such a large increase is not possible. In future Congressional Budget Justifications, the Committee expects the Agency to provide specific detail 

on the criteria used to assess its contribution to the CSCS program 

and the amounts, by mission, assumed in the request. As with all 

budget justifications, an explanation of change from the prior year 

level should also be included. In order to continue progress in this 

area, the Committee recommendation includes $75,144,500, which 

is $24,855,000 below the request. 

Information technology 

The Committee recommendation includes $12,155,500 for information technology improvements, which is $13,845,000 below the 

request. Within that amount, the Committee recommends that 

these resources be used to support the Joint Assistance Management System, the Joint Financial Management System, and the 

Global Acquisition System. 

OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $35,640,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 38,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 38,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 2,360,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $38,000,000 for 

USAID, Office of the Inspector General, which is $2,360,000 above 

the fiscal year 2007 level excluding emergency supplemental appropriations and the same as the request. 

The Committee requests that the Office of the Inspector General 

provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations within 45 

days of enactment of this Act that summarizes the oversight work 

the Office will be undertaking in fiscal year 2008. The Committee 

is particularly interested in the plans in Afghanistan, Iraq and 

those related to the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative. 

OTHER BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE 

ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $2,455,010,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 3,319,567,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 2,656,506,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥663,061,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥201,496,000 


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The Committee recommendation includes a total of 

$2,656,506,000 for the Economic Support Fund (ESF), which is 

$201,496,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level and $663,061,000 

below the request, excluding emergency supplemental appropriations. 

ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND 

[In thousands] 

Fiscal year 

2008 request 

Committee 

recommenda- tion 

Africa: 

Burundi ................................................................................................................................... $0 $3,000 

Democratic Republic of Congo ............................................................................................... 29,000 19,000 

Ethiopia ................................................................................................................................... 5,000 3,000 

Kenya ...................................................................................................................................... 0 4,000 

Liberia ..................................................................................................................................... 73,545 43,545 

Sierra Leone (Special Court) .................................................................................................. 0 13,000 

South Africa ............................................................................................................................ 10,000 5,000 

Sudan ...................................................................................................................................... 245,900 101,700 

Tanzania ................................................................................................................................. 3,600 3,000 

Africa Regional ....................................................................................................................... 7,250 6,000 

Subtotal—Africa ................................................................................................................ 374,295 201,245 

East Asia and the Pacific: 

Burma ..................................................................................................................................... 2,790 6,000 

Cambodia ................................................................................................................................ 12,170 12,170 

East Timor .............................................................................................................................. 8,640 18,000 

Indonesia ................................................................................................................................ 60,000 55,000 

Laos ........................................................................................................................................ 470 500 

Mongolia ................................................................................................................................. 6,200 6,200 

North Korea ............................................................................................................................. 2,000 0 

Philippines .............................................................................................................................. 25,996 20,000 

Taiwan .................................................................................................................................... 200 0 

Tibet ........................................................................................................................................ 2,000 5,000 

Vietnam ................................................................................................................................... 5,700 5,000 

Other Asia ............................................................................................................................... 26,560 18,000 

Subtotal—East Asia and the Pacific ................................................................................ 152,726 145,870 

Europe and Eurasia: 

Cyprus ..................................................................................................................................... 11,000 11,000 

Irish Visa Program .................................................................................................................. 1,000 1,000 

Turkey ...................................................................................................................................... 850 0 

Subtotal—Europe and Eurasia .......................................................................................... 12,850 12,000 

Near East: 

Algeria ..................................................................................................................................... 1,165 0 

Bahrain ................................................................................................................................... 1,100 0 

Egypt ....................................................................................................................................... 415,000 415,000 

Iran ......................................................................................................................................... 75,000 25,000 

Iraq ......................................................................................................................................... 298,000 0 

Jordan ..................................................................................................................................... 263,547 263,547 

Kuwait ..................................................................................................................................... 470 0 

Lebanon .................................................................................................................................. 42,100 45,000 

Libya ....................................................................................................................................... 500 0 

Morocco ................................................................................................................................... 15,500 16,500 

Tunisia .................................................................................................................................... 200 2,000 

West Bank/Gaza ...................................................................................................................... 63,500 63,500 

Yemen ..................................................................................................................................... 8,450 8,450 

Middle East Partnership Initiative ......................................................................................... 75,000 55,000 

Middle East Regional Cooperation ......................................................................................... 3,800 5,000 

Other Near East ...................................................................................................................... 0 5,000 

Subtotal—Near East .......................................................................................................... 1,263,332 903,997 

South Asia: 

Afghanistan ............................................................................................................................ 693,000 543,000 


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ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND—Continued 

[In thousands] 

Fiscal year 

2008 request 

Committee 

recommendation 

India ........................................................................................................................................ .................... 3,000 

Pakistan .................................................................................................................................. 382,900 350,000 

South Asia Regional ............................................................................................................... 720 1,500 

Subtotal—South Asia ........................................................................................................ 1,076,620 897,500 

Western Hemisphere: 

Bolivia ..................................................................................................................................... 17,000 17,000 

Colombia ................................................................................................................................. 139,500 218,500 

Cuba ....................................................................................................................................... 45,700 9,000 

Dominican Republic ................................................................................................................ 10,000 8,000 

Ecuador ................................................................................................................................... 6,000 6,000 

Guatemala .............................................................................................................................. 10,000 12,000 

Haiti ........................................................................................................................................ 63,394 63,394 

Mexico ..................................................................................................................................... 14,000 12,000 

Peru ......................................................................................................................................... 30,000 30,000 

Trade Capacity Building ......................................................................................................... 0 10,000 

Other Western Hemisphere ..................................................................................................... 28,150 20,000 

Subtotal—Western Hemisphere ......................................................................................... 363,744 405,894 

Global: 

Asia-Pacific Partnership ......................................................................................................... 26,500 5,000 

Human Rights and Democracy Fund ..................................................................................... 35,000 40,000 

OES Initiative .......................................................................................................................... 7,800 0 

Wheelchairs ............................................................................................................................. 0 5,000 

Reconciliation Programs ......................................................................................................... 0 23,000 

Trafficking in Persons ............................................................................................................ 6,700 14,000 

Extractive Industries Transparency ........................................................................................ 0 1,000 

House Democracy Assistance Program .................................................................................. 0 2,000 

Subtotal—Global ............................................................................................................... 76,000 90,000 

Total ESF: ....................................................................................................................... 3,319,567 2,656,506 

Israel 

The Committee recommendation includes no funding for programs in Israel in this account, which is the same as the request. 

In 1998, Israel and the United States reached an agreement to increase Foreign Military Financing assistance to Israel by 

$60,000,000 per year for ten years and to decrease Economic Support Fund assistance by $120,000,000 per year for ten years. Fiscal 

year 2008 marks the end of Economic Support Fund assistance for 

Israel under that agreement. The Committee recommendation includes $2,400,000,000 for Israel under the Foreign Military Financing program. 

The Committee is aware of negotiations between the Government 

of Israel and the Department of State on a new bilateral aid agreement between the United States and Israel. The Committee expects 

to consider the new framework for assistance to Israel in the fiscal 

year 2009 appropriations cycle. The committee is also aware of the 

success of the Binational Research and Development Funds that 

were established in the mid 1970s to foster science and technology 

cooperation between the United States and Israel and encourages 

the Administration to request additional funds in the future to increase the endowments for these funds through a multi-year process. 


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Economic boycott of Israel 

The Committee has continued a general provision (section 634) 

from previous years that addresses the Arab League boycott of 

Israel. The Committee strongly opposes this boycott and believes 

that the Department of State must take strong action to combat 

this practice. 

Egypt 

The Committee recommendation includes $415,000,000 for programs in Egypt, which is the same as the request. Within the 

amount provided for project assistance, not less than $50,000,000 

shall be made available for democracy, governance and human 

rights programs and $50,000,000 shall be used for education programs. 

The Committee recommends that not less than 50 percent of the 

funds provided for Egypt for democracy, governance, and human 

rights be provided through nongovernmental organizations for the 

purpose of strengthening Egyptian civil society organizations, enhancing their participation in the political process, and enhancing 

their ability to promote and monitor human rights. The Committee 

further recommends that not less than 50 percent of the funds provided for Egypt for education be used to improve access to basic 

education. The remainder of the funds provided for education shall 

be used to strengthen institutions of higher education, promote academic freedom, and fund educational and cultural exchange programs. 

Religious freedom in Egypt 

The Committee remains concerned about the problems faced by 

Egypt’s Coptic Christian community and believes that the Government of Egypt needs to do everything possible to provide full opportunity for Coptic Christians in employment and education. The 

Committee expects the Department of State to make every effort 

to reinforce the importance of actively enforcing the religious freedoms that are, in fact, provided for in the Egyptian Constitution. 

The Committee further directs the Department of State to fund 

programs that advance civic participation and human rights in the 

Coptic Community. 

Jordan 

The Committee recommendation includes $263,547,000 for programs in Jordan, which is the same as the request. 

The Committee notes, with appreciation, Jordan’s strong support 

for the United States, most especially in the Global War on Terror 

and recognizes the added economic and security impact on Jordan, 

including the hardships to communities in Jordan resulting from 

the influx of refugees from Iraq. Furthermore, Jordan has played 

a leadership role in facilitating efforts to bring peace between 

Israelis and Palestinians. The Committee believes the amount provided for ESF assistance will help Jordan accommodate economic 

issues as it continues to implement economic reforms. The Committee expresses its continued support for Jordan and notes that 

in the fiscal year 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public 

Law 110–28), Congress provided $75,000,000 in security assistance 

for Jordan, $45,000,000 for assistance to Iraqi refugees, and an adVerDate Aug 31 2005 09:32 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 035983 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR197.XXX HR197

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ditional $10,300,000 in economic assistance for Jordanian communities hosting large refugee populations. 

Morocco 

The Committee recommendation includes $16,500,000 for pro- grams in Morocco, which is $1,000,000 above the request. 

West Bank and Gaza 

The Committee recommendation includes $63,500,000 for programs in the West Bank and Gaza territories, which is the same 

as the request. However, the Committee recommendation does not 

provide any of the requested amounts under the Child Survival and 

Health Program Fund account or the Non-proliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs account. The Committee 

intends that programs requested under the Child Survival and 

Health Programs Fund account be supported by funding from the 

ESF account. The Committee further directs the Secretary of State 

to submit a report to the Committee on Appropriations, no later 

than 90 days after enactment of this Act, outlining a short and long 

term strategy for providing visible social service projects to the Palestinians by moderate and effective forces in the West Bank and 

Gaza to counter the forces of radicalism. 

Iraq programs 

The Committee recommendation includes no funding in this ac- count for programs in Iraq, which is $298,000,000 below the request. The Committee feels that the Government of Iraq should be 

assuming increasing responsibility for the reconstruction of Iraqi 

infrastructure and the provision of essential services. Furthermore, 

the Committee expects funds provided in the fiscal year 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 110–28), to be fully obligated before considering requests for additional funds. The Committee is concerned about the plight of religious minorities in Iraq 

and intends that from within the unobligated amounts provided in 

previous years under the heading ‘‘Economic Support Fund’’ for 

Iraq, not less than $10,000,000 should be provided to assist religious minorities in the Nineveh Plain region of Iraq, of which 

$8,000,000 should be provided for internally-displaced families and 

$2,000,000 should be provided for microfinance programs. 

Africa programs 

The Committee recommendation includes $201,245,000 for programs in Africa, which is $173,050,000 below the request. The 

Committee recommendation includes an additional $184,200,000, 

which was requested under the Economic Support Fund for Sudan, 

Liberia and Congo, in the Development Assistance account. If this 

transfer is taken into account, the Committee recommendation is 

$11,150,000 above the request. 

Liberia 

The Committee recommendation includes $43,545,000 for programs in Liberia, which is $30,000,000 below the request. The 

Committee recommendation includes an additional $30,000,000 in 

the Development Assistance account. The Committee notes that 

Congress provided an additional $45,000,000 for security assistance 


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to Liberia in the fiscal year 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Act 

(Public Law 110–28). 

The Committee is concerned about the lack of functional legal 

structures and the inaccessibility of justice in Liberia. The Committee directs the Department of State and USAID to develop policies and programs to promote and strengthen the rule of law in Liberia. Additionally, the Committee urges USAID to work with the 

Government of Liberia to establish a program to provide legal information services to indigent persons, and support national institutions and groups providing legal assistance. The Committee also 

expects United States assistance programs to advance human 

rights, including through the establishment of rights-based training 

for members of the judiciary, justice ministry, police, traditional 

leaders, and communities experiencing high levels of rights violations. 

Sudan 

The Committee recommendation includes $101,700,000 for 

Sudan, which is $144,200,000 below the request. The Committee 

recommendation includes an additional $145,000,000 under the Development Assistance account. 

Democratic Republic of Congo 

The Committee recommendation includes $19,000,000 for pro- grams in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is $10,000,000 

below the request. The Committee recommendation includes an additional $10,000,000 in the Development Assistance account. The 

Committee notes that Congress provided an additional $15,000,000 

for ESF programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the fiscal 

year 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 110–28). 

The Committee intends for funds provided in this account to address post-conflict needs including demobilization, disarmament 

and reintegration of militias and armed forces, particularly child 

soldiers, reform of the justice and security sector reform, promoting 

human rights and stenghtening democratic governance. 

Afghanistan programs 

The Committee recommendation includes $543,000,000 for programs in Afghanistan, which is $150,000,000 below the request. 

The Committee recommendation includes an additional 

$150,000,000 for Afghanistan in the Development Assistance account. 

The Committee has included language that limits the expenditure of these funds to not more than $225,000,000 until the Secretary of State certifies to the Committees on Appropriations that 

the Government of Afghanistan at both the national and provincial 

level is cooperating fully with United States funded eradication and 

interdiction efforts in Afghanistan. Understanding the certification 

may include sensitive or classified information, the Department of 

State may submit the certification to the Committee in the form of 

a classified report. 

The Committee is greatly concerned that a few provincial governments are not fully supporting efforts to eradicate poppy growth 

and interdict the heroin byproduct of these poppies. Without full 

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cial governments, for eradication and interdiction programs, the 

Committee believes the illegal drug trade with Afghanistan will 

flourish. The Committee cannot condone increasing assistance for 

Afghanistan if the government is not willing to fully participate in 

ending the growth and trade of an illegal drug that tears apart the 

fabric of society and has the potential to undermine the legitimacy 

of the government. 

Within available funds, the Committee urges USAID to continue 

support for the refurbishment of the existing Wazir Akbar Kahn 

Hospital and the management of health care delivery in Kabul. The 

Committee understands that this hospital has been a tremendous 

success and is ably serving the residents of Kabul. 

The Committee supports the work of the Turquoise Mountain 

Foundation in Kabul’s historic city center to rebuild and restore the 

cultural heritage of Afghanistan. The Kabul Revitalization Project 

aims to help the process of restoring stability to the capital of Afghanistan and acts as an economic catalyst for Kabul and other Afghan communities. The Committee urges USAID to consider these 

activities. 

Afghan Women and Girls 

The Committee recommendation directs that $15,000,000 of the 

funds made available for Afghanistan be provided as grants to support training and equipment to improve the capacity of women-led 

Afghan nongovernmental organizations and to support the activities of such organizations. 

Independent Human Rights Commission 

The Committee believes that the work of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission has been indispensable in advancing the rights of women and promoting human rights through 

out Afghanistan. The Committee strongly urges continued support 

for the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and other 

Afghan human rights organizations. 

Afghanistan Crop Substitution Pilot Program 

The Committee is interested in determining if there are alternative approaches to encourage farmers ensnared in illicit crop production to pursue other crops. To this end, the Committee directs 

the Department of State and USAID to establish a pilot program 

to test the effectiveness of crop substitution, combined with an appropriate offset to encourage legitimate alternatives to poppy production for Afghan poppy farmers within an area in which poppy 

production is prevalent, such as in the Helmand or Nangarhar 

provinces. The Committee encourages the pilot program to provide 

seeds for alternative crops (for which there is internal market demand) and in areas in which there is adequate infrastructure for 

access to market; technical assistance to such Afghan poppy farmers on how to best plant, grow, and harvest the alternative crops; 

and an appropriate offset that would significantly address the difference in income that such Afghan poppy farmers would otherwise 

earn had they continued to grow and sell poppy. 


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Indonesia 

The Committee recommendation includes $55,000,000 for programs in Indonesia, which is $5,000,000 below the request. The 

Committee notes Indonesia’s strong and continued support in the 

Global War on Terror and recognizes the progress made by the 

Government of Indonesia to advance democracy and the rule of 

law. 

Irish Visa program 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 for the 

Walsh Irish Visa program, which is the same as the request. This 

program, authorized since 1998, assists young people who are residents of Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland with 

developing job skills and conflict resolution abilities. Eligible youth 

receive non-immigrant visas that enable them to work for up to 

three years in the United States. 

Middle East regional programs 

The need for fresh water is a reality for all parties in the Middle 

East. Fresh water is essential for economic development, agriculture, health, and improving the quality of life for everyone in 

the region. Therefore, the Committee strongly supports the continued efforts of the International Arid Lands Consortium in addressing the critical issues of water, energy, and agriculture and land 

use in the Middle East and Central Asia, and urges USAID to continue such work. This support should be allocated from bilateral, 

centrally managed or regional programs either in this account or 

in other accounts funded by this Act. 

Lebanon 

The Committee recommendation includes $45,000,000 for programs in Lebanon, which is $2,900,000 above the request. The 

Committee directs that not less than $10,000,000 should be used 

for scholarships and other direct support of the American educational institutions in Lebanon. Providing an American education 

to the young people of Lebanon and the region makes a unique contribution to the long term development of political and economic 

stability in that country. Broadening understanding of American 

values in the Middle East is particularly important to the efforts 

of the United States to counter violence and terrorism. 

Iran 

The Committee recommendation includes $25,000,000 for programs in Iran, which is $50,000,000 below the request. The Committee is concerned that of the $25,000,000 appropriated for democracy programs in Iran in fiscal year 2006, less than $2,000,000 had 

been expended as of the end of May 2007. The Committee is further concerned at the lack of adequate justification for the funds 

that have been requested in fiscal year 2008. The Committee urges 

that within the amount provided, $5,000,000 be provided for women’s rights and support programs with a particular focus on minority communities. The Committee is aware of the work of the National Endowment for Democracy on these issues and encourages 

support for such programs. 


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The Committee encourages the Department of State to assess 

and report back within 90 days of enactment of this Act on the feasibility, the cost and impact of implementing efforts to restrict the 

supply of refined gasoline to Iran to prevent the acquisition of nuclear weapons by Iran under cover of its nuclear program and provide a plan to implement such actions if deemed necessary by the 

Executive branch with approval from Congress. 

Middle East partnership initiative 

The Committee recommendation includes $55,000,000 for the 

Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), which is $20,000,000 

below the request. 

The Committee directs that within the funds provided for MEPI, up to $6,000,000 be for a scholarship program to educate students 

from countries with significant Muslim populations at the American educational institutions in those countries. The American educational institutions are uniquely positioned to improve understanding and strengthen shared values with the Muslim world. The 

Committee notes the work of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) in providing timely translations of Arabic, Farsi, 

and Turkish media, as well as original analysis of political, ideological, intellectual, social, cultural, and religious trends in the Middle 

East. The Committee urges support for the work of organizations 

which provide accurate translations and balanced analysis. 

The Committee urges consideration of programs in the higher 

education sector that engage scientists in the Middle East to establish new international partnerships through cooperative research 

and development activities, provide former weapons scientists the 

opportunity to participate in scientific research with their civilian 

counterparts and to develop the skills for sustainable success in the 

civilian scientific world. The United States Civilian Research and 

Development Foundation has a proven track record in this arena 

and the Committee urges consideration of their work under MEPI. 

The Committee recognizes the importance of efforts to promote 

democratic governance and civic participation in the Arab world, 

and commends the Department of State for supporting ‘‘Street 

Law’’ in its creation of an Arab-language curriculum, ‘‘Islam and 

Democracy: Toward Effective Citizenship.’’ The Committee urges 

the Department of State, through the Middle East Partnership Initiative, the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, or another appropriate program, to support the establishment of a Global Center for Education about Democracy and Islam to adopt and 

disseminate the curriculum in various countries throughout the 

Arab world. 

The Committee is aware of the work of the Education for Employment Foundation and the Sesame Workshop and encourages 

consideration of their work in fiscal year 2008. 

Middle East Regional Cooperation Program 

The Committee believes that the Middle East Regional Cooperation Program, a peer-reviewed competitive grants program that is 

specifically focused on promoting technical cooperation between 

Arab and Israeli scientists, students, and communities on topics 

relevant to development in the Middle East, plays an important 

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ommendation includes $5,000,000, which is $1,200,000 above the 

request. 

East Timor 

The Committee recommendation includes $18,000,000 for pro- grams in East Timor, which is $9,360,000 above the request, to 

support income producing projects and other reconstruction activities. 

Tibet 

The Committee recommendation includes not less than 

$5,000,000 in assistance for programs that preserve cultural traditions, and promote economic development and environmental conservation in Tibetan communities. The Committee encourages the 

Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues to take a leadership role in 

allocating and monitoring these activities. 

The Committee is aware of the valuable assistance the Bridge 

Fund has provided to promote Tibetan-owned and operated businesses and educational, cultural and natural resource conservation 

projects in Tibet and recommends continued funding for this program. The Committee recommendation includes $250,000 to be made 

available through a nongovernmental organization for the purpose 

of providing training and education of Tibetans in democracy activities, and monitoring the human rights situation in Tibet. The 

Committee supports the use of a greater portion of the funds made 

available, for activities that have a primary impact inside Tibet, to 

the extent practicable. The Committee encourages USAID to work 

closely with the Office of the Special Coordinator on Tibetan Issues 

in carrying out these programs. The Committee is aware of the 

work of the National Endowment for Democracy on these issues 

and encourages support for such programs. 

The Committee encourages organizations involved in China rule 

of law programs to seek out opportunities to conduct programs that 

can improve the human rights situation and the administration of 

justice in Tibetan areas, including Tibetan areas outside the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). 

The Committee is also aware of a proposal by the China Aid Association to train human rights defenders and democracy activists 

in Chinese society and produce necessary tools, including books, 

DVDs, and website materials to raise awareness of basic freedoms 

and rights and encourages its consideration. The project would also 

conduct training seminars on the issue of democracy, free and fair 

elections, and rule of law for key activists. 

Cyprus 

The Committee recommendation includes $11,000,000 for Cyprus, which is the same as the request. The Committee is concerned that funds used for programs on Cyprus have been obligated without appropriate advanced consultation with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. The Committee intends that 

United States funds support measures aimed at reunification of the 

island and the Committee expects the Administration to consult 

with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus on the obligation 

of funds and to assure maximum transparency in their allocation. 


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The Committee requires that the Department of State submit to 

the Committee on Appropriations a report on the obligation and expenditure of all bilateral funds made available for Cyprus in this 

Act including the recipients of funds, the uses to which they are 

being put, and their role in helping achieve the reunification of the 

island. 

Human Rights and Democracy Fund 

The Committee recommendation includes $40,000,000 for the 

Human Rights and Democracy Fund, which is $5,000,000 above the 

request. The Committee further directs that up to $5,000,000 of 

this amount be provided for the promotion of international religious freedom through groups that are able to develop legal protections and promote cultural and societal understanding of international norms of religious freedom. The Committee further directs 

that up to $2,000,000 of funds under this heading should be made 

available for democracy programs in Syria. The Committee is 

aware of the work of the Center for International Media Assistance 

of the National Endowment for Democracy and encourages the Department of State to consider support for such programs. 

Democracy programs 

The Committee is concerned about the effectiveness of the democracy programs funded in this Act and the continued fragmentation of the administration of such programs across United States 

Government entities. The Committee therefore directs the Government Accountability Office to initiate a comprehensive assessment 

of the capacity of the United States Government to effectively administer democracy programs worldwide. This shall include a review of the respective capacities of the following entities with respect to their ability to effectively administer grants and/or contracts and provide effective strategic direction and support to such 

programs: the Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian 

Assistance at USAID; the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, 

and Labor at the Department of State; the Middle East Partnership Initiative at the Department of State; and the National Endowment for Democracy. The report should be delivered to the 

Committees on Appropriations no later than 180 days following enactment of this Act. 

Trade Capacity Building Program 

The Committee recommendation includes $10,000,000 for Trade 

Capacity Building in this account, which is $10,000,000 above the 

request. 

Labor programs 

The Committee recognizes the important role of labor programs, 

including trade union strengthening programs, in the promotion of 

democracy, the rule of law, economic development, poverty reduction, and international trade programs overseas. The Committee 

requests that the Office of the Director of Foreign Assistance integrate labor programs into the transformational development framework and provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations on 

this effort within 180 days of passage of this Act. 


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The Committee is concerned about the potential loss of capacity 

of current programs prior to them being fully integrated into global, regional, or country-based strategies. The Committee is aware 

of the work of the American Center for International Labor Solidarity and encourages USAID to consider such work in fiscal year 

2008. 

Internet freedom 

The Committee believes that ensuring the freedom of Internet 

communication in dictatorships and autocracies throughout the 

world is a high and critical national interest priority of the United 

States. In this regard, the Committee notes that Chinese president 

Hu Jintao recently announced the establishment of an urgent initiative to ‘‘purify’’ the Internet via further monitoring and censorship of Internet use and further punishment of persons engaged in 

uncensored Internet communication, and further notes that similar 

initiatives have recently been mounted by the Governments of 

Cuba and Russia. The Committee anticipates that USAID will 

underake the Internet freedom initiative established by this section 

as among its highest priorities, and anticipates that the funds provided for the initiative will be obligated with all deliberate speed 

to those that best meet the standards established by the section. 

The Committee further anticipates that reports and regular briefings will be provided by senior USAID officials to Members and 

staff of the Committee on the progress made by the Agency in fulfilling the above objectives commencing with an initial briefing 30 

days from the date of enactment of this Act. 

Kimberley Process 

To strengthen the Kimberley Process (KP) and tighten restrictions blocking conflict diamonds from the world market, KP signatory countries require sustained assistance to implement enforcement of the certification scheme within their own borders. The 

Committee has provided adequate funds to handle the increasing 

problems in Africa and Latin American including massive fraud in 

Brazil and Guyana, conflict diamonds entering the world market 

from Coˆte d’Ivoire via Mali and Ghana, and credible reports of 

smuggling from Zimbabwe through South Africa and DRC. The 

Committee has also provided funding for implementation of the 

Clean Diamond Trade Act (CDTA) based on GAO recommendations 

submitted in 2006 to correct poor enforcement, inadequate resources, better statistics, and the need for independent audits of 

the KP here in the United States. 

Foundation for Environmental Security and Sustainability 

The Committee continues to support the work of the Foundation 

for Environmental Security and Sustainability (FESS) in its critical 

efforts at safeguarding U.S. national security interests through a 

focus on the environmental components of security in pursuit of 

transformational development in rebuilding and developing countries. The Committee recognizes the achievements of FESS in promoting peace and security, democracy and just governance, and 

economic growth to mitigate problems in some of the most troubled 

and conflicted areas of the world before they become intractable to 

intervention. 


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Pakistan program 

The Committee recommendation includes $350,000,000 for pro- grams in Pakistan, which is $32,900,000 below the request. This 

reduction shall be applied to the request designated as budget support. 

The Committee acknowledges the strong support that the Government of Pakistan has provided in the Global War on Terror and 

notes the toll that terrorism has exacted on the Pakistani people. 

The robust levels of aid contained in this and prior Acts for Pakistan are an indication of the importance of Pakistan as an ally to 

the United States. 

However, the Committee is concerned about human rights in 

Pakistan, especially women’s rights, and the pace of reform on 

democratic governance and rule of law. The Committee also notes 

the importance of the upcoming elections and international expectations for a free and fair process. The Committee therefore directs 

that from within the recommended funding level, $15,000,000 be 

provided through local and international NGOs working on human 

rights, independent and free media, women’s empowerment, political party development and justice sector reform issues in Pakistan. 

The Committee further notes the importance of education in creating a more prosperous and tolerant society and urges that funding for primary and secondary education, particularly for girls and 

focused in rural areas, be a primary objective of bilateral United 

States assistance to Pakistan. 

The Committee notes that the Administration’s request includes $90,000,000 for assistance to the Federally Administered Tribal 

Areas (FATA). The Committee notes that Congress provided authority to transfer up to $110,000,000 from the Department of Defense for this purpose in the fiscal year 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 110–28). The Committee expects that 

performance benchmarks, oversight mechanisms and implementation processes required of that assistance shall also apply to funds 

in this Act for FATA territories. The Committee urges that 

$20,000,000 of the funds designated for FATA be provided for rural 

access, health and education needs in South and North Waziristan 

Provinces. 

Western Hemisphere programs 

The Committee continues to be concerned about falling assistance levels to Latin America. The fiscal year 2008 budget request 

for foreign operations to Latin America decreases by 8.9 percent. 

The administration shifted funding from one account to another 

and placed an emphasis on free trade, to the exclusion of social 

issues and policies that would help solve the region’s widespread 

poverty and unequal distribution of wealth. The Committee believes that USAID must make a concerted effort to attack the underlying and pervasive poverty that is the root of the problems in 

the region. 

Colombia 

The Committee acknowledges that Colombia is a vital partner 

and ally of the United States. The Committee recognizes the strategic importance of Colombia, and therefore the Committee has 

taken the significant step to ‘‘restructure’’ the way it provides asVerDate Aug 31 2005 09:32 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 035983 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR197.XXX HR197

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sistance to Colombia. The Committee recommendation includes 

$218,500,000 for ESF programs in Colombia, which is $79,000,000 

above the request. The Committee includes language in the Colombia general provision (section 649) that these funds be apportioned 

directly to USAID for continued support of new and ongoing development programs, with permissive language under the ESF heading allowing funds to be transferred to the Development Assistance 

(DA) account as necessary to accomplish programs designed for 

specific assistance programs. The Committee directs USAID to develop a plan to bring a more comprehensive rural development 

strategy that extends the reach of government, services and livelihoods into the rural areas. 

The Committee believes that USAID should provide support for 

alternative crop programs such as cocoa diversification projects, 

coffee, hearts of palm and other high value crops in Colombia and 

strengthen the ability of farmers to form cooperatives and improve 

their access to markets. 

The Committee expects that the increased resources provided for 

Colombia will result in an increase of funding for internally displaced persons (IDP) organizations such as civil society organization, and for such organizations in municipalities and departments 

that have a high IDP population. 

Guatemala 

The Committee recommendation includes $12,000,000 for ESF 

programs in Guatemala which is $2,000,000 above the request. The 

Committee is gravely concerned with reports detailing the frequency of human rights abuses against girls and women. According 

to human rights groups following this issue, more than 2500 

women and girls have been killed since 2001. The Committee notes 

that the Guatemalan legal system has been slow to proceed and 

bring the responsible parties to justice. The Committee recommends that $1,000,000 be made available for programs and activities to combat crimes of violence specifically targeting women 

and girls, and to support initiatives for legal reform to bring domestic Guatemalan law in line with international standards on violence and discrimination against women. 

Bolivia 

The Committee recommendation includes $17,000,000 for ESF 

programs in Bolivia, which is equal to the request. The Committee 

notes that the Administration has shifted alternative development 

assistance, formerly funded within the Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI), to ESF. The Committee further notes that the shifting 

of accounts was not accompanied with a comparable increase in the 

request. The Committee expects that these funds will be allocated 

to USAID for continued support of ongoing programs. 

Ecuador 

The Committee recommendation includes $6,000,000 for ESF 

programs in Ecuador, which is the same as the request. The Committee notes that the Administration has shifted alternative development assistance, formerly funded within the Andean 

Counterdrug Initiative (ACI), to ESF. The Committee further notes 

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parable increase in the request. The Committee expects that these 

funds will be allocated to USAID for continued support of ongoing 

programs. 

Peru 

The Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for ESF 

programs in Peru, which is the same as to the request. The Committee notes that the Administration has shifted alternative development assistance, formerly funded within the Andean 

Counterdrug Initiative (ACI), to ESF. The Committee further notes 

that the shifting of accounts was not accompanied with a comparable increase in the request. The Committee expects that these 

funds will be allocated to USAID for continued support of ongoing 

programs. 

Haiti 

The Committee believes that the development of an effective, autonomous legislative branch of government in Haiti is critical to 

that country’s democratization and stability. The Committee is encouraged by the free and fair elections of the Haitian Parliament 

in April 2006 and by the Parliament’s work on critical issues such 

as justice sector reform. However, the Committee is concerned by 

the lack of basic infrastructure needed to enable the Parliament to 

effectively carry out its work, most notably the lack of space within 

which to hold public hearings, house professional staff, and establish key legislative resources such as a legislative library and archives. While the Committee typically prefers to direct U.S. foreign 

assistance to supporting the development of capabilities and institutions rather than the procurement of physical space, the Committee finds that, in this case, physical space appears to be the singularly pressing need to enable the development of the Parliament 

as an institution. The Committee directs the Secretary to review 

the Parliament’s current facility needs and to consider granting an 

exception to current Department policy and allow a portion of the 

$23,900,000 requested for activities to improve governance in Haiti 

to be used by the Government of Haiti to purchase the U.S. Embassy property adjacent to the Haitian Parliament for transer to, 

and ownership by, the Haitian Parliament. 

Cuba 

The Committee recognizes the challenges to implementing, monitoring, and evaluating democracy assistance programs in Cuba. 

The Committee notes with great concern the November, 2006 GAO 

report (GAO–07–147) which identifies problems with internal controls—both over the awarding of Cuba program grants and oversight of grantees—and that grant funds are being used properly 

and that grantees are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Committee is concerned with the efficacy of this program and therefore provides not more than $9,000,000 for ESF programs in Cuba, which is $36,700,000 below the request and requires a spending plan and strategy for how these funds will be 

utilized prior to obligation of any funds. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned that communication between the Department 

of State and USAID is ineffective and lacking with regard to grantees’ in-country activities. The Committee encourages the Secretary 


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of State and USAID Administrator to work jointly to improve communication between responsible State and USAID bureaus and offices and urges the USAID Administrator to work to improve 

USAID’s management and oversight of grantees. 

Burma programs 

The Committee recommendation includes $6,000,000 for pro- grams in Burma, which is $3,210,000 above the request. These 

funds are critical to supporting democracy activities in Burma, including continuation of newspapers, publications and media activities, programs along the Burma-Thailand border, activities of Burmese student groups and other organizations located outside 

Burma. 

Conflict resolution and reconciliation programs 

The Committee recommendation includes $12,000,000 for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Programs. In addition, the Committee recommendation indicates that not less than $11,000,000 be 

used to establish a new reconciliation program, the Middle East 

People-to-People Coexistence Program. All funds for the Middle 

East People-to-People Coexistence Program shall be distributed 

through a competitive grant program organized by the Department 

of State. The Department of State shall develop application and 

evaluation procedures for selecting NGO entities for grants as well 

as for reviewing program accomplishments. 

The Committee recognizes the importance of conflict resolution 

and reconciliation programs as a tool for creating a climate of peace 

in regions of conflict. The Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation 

Programs bring together individuals of different ethnic, religious, 

and political backgrounds from areas of civil conflict and war. 

Within the amounts provided for these programs, funding should 

be made available through an established process for organizations 

that provide such programming. 

With the establishment of the Middle East People-to-People Coexistence Program, the Committee recognizes that the historical 

application of funds for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Programs will change. Therefore, the Committee requests the Department of State devise an equitable funding distribution of these 

funds to ensure that the grant application and award process recognizes projects that fall into the category of Middle East Peopleto-People Coexistence Program and other areas of conflict. 

The Committee requests that the Department of State initiate an 

annual report on the status of applications and funding for these 

and other organizations supported through this program. Such report should be provided to the Committee not later than May 1 of 

each year. 

Child survival, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases funding 

The Committee notes the strong support of the Administration 

for programs to address adverse child, maternal, reproductive, and 

environmental health and the increasing incidence of tuberculosis 

and HIV/AIDS co-infection. The Committee has included not less 

than $57,900,000 for health and child survival activities in the Economic Support Fund. 


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Trafficking in persons program 

The Committee recommendation includes $14,000,000 for the 

Trafficking in Persons program, which is $5,300,000 above the request. 

Asia-Pacific Partnership Program 

The Committee recommendation includes not more than 

$5,000,000 for the Asia-Pacific Partnership Program, which is 

$21,500,000 below the request. 

Energy partnerships 

The Committee directs the Secretary of State to pursue strategic 

energy partnerships with major energy-producing and energy-consuming nations in an effort to increase international energy security and decrease the United States current energy dependence on 

volatile regions. Whereas the Secretary of State, or his/her designee, in conjunction with the Secretary of Energy, or his/her designee, is required to report back to the Committee, within 120 days 

of enactment the status of fostered relationships among international energy organizations, whether they be state or privately 

owned. This report shall include, though is not limited to, the 

amount of energy dependence the United States has on said region, 

as well as the amount of international aid provided by the United 

States to the region. Within the report, the Secretary is required 

to outline any possible security threats to the energy relationship 

between the United States and the identified region or regions. The 

report shall include, but is not limited to, the Middle East region, 

the African region, and the Southeast Asian region. 

Parliamentary exchanges 

The Committee recommendation includes $2,000,000 for the 

House Democracy Assistance Commission, which is $2,000,000 

above the request. 

The Committee notes that this program is not included in the fiscal year 2008 justification material and is therefore subject to the 

notification requirements of section 615. 

INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR IRELAND

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $13,365,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 0 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 15,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 15,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 1,635,000 

The Committee recommends a total of $15,000,000 for the International Fund for Ireland in support of the Anglo-Irish Accord, 

which is $15,000,000 above the request and $1,635,000 below the 

2007 level. The Committee encourages the Fund to address the important issue of social reintegration by promoting long-term development and education. 


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ASSISTANCE FOR EASTERN EUROPE AND THE BALTIC STATES

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $273,900,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 289,322,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 297,332,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 8,010,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 23,432,000 

The Committee recommends a total of $297,332,000 for Assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, which is $8,010,000 

above the request and $23,432,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level. 

The Committee notes that funds provided from this account shall 

be used for assistance and for related programs for Eastern Europe 

and the Baltic States. Programs which predominantly benefit other 

regions of the world shall not be funded from this account. 

The Committee has recommended the same bill language as in 

previous Acts that authorizes the President to withhold funds for 

economic revitalization for Bosnia if he determines that Bosnia is 

not in compliance with the Dayton Accord regarding the presence 

of foreign forces and has not terminated intelligence cooperation 

with Iranian officials. All funds are subject to the provisions of section 628 of this Act. 

The following table compares fiscal year 2008 funding for the 

programs covered by this account, as well as the President’s request for fiscal year 2008 and the Committee recommendation: 

ASSISTANCE FOR EASTERN EUROPE AND THE BALTIC STATES (SEED) 

[$ in thousands] 

FY 2008 request 

Committee 

recommendation 

Albania ............................................................................................................................................. $16,200 $20,200 

Bosnia and Herzegovina .................................................................................................................. 22,900 28,900 

Bulgaria ........................................................................................................................................... 0 0 

Croatia ............................................................................................................................................. 0 0 

Kosovo .............................................................................................................................................. 151,246 144,232 

Macedonia ........................................................................................................................................ 18,900 25,000 

Montenegro ...................................................................................................................................... 7,572 8,000 

Romania ........................................................................................................................................... 0 0 

Serbia ............................................................................................................................................... 51,300 56,000 

Europe Regional ............................................................................................................................... 21,204 15,000 

OSCE ....................................................................................................................................... [5,565] [5,565] 

Southern .................................................................................................................................. [15,639] [9,435] 

Total ................................................................................................................................... 289,322 297,332 

Regional programs 

The Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 for regional programs. This category funds environmental infrastructure, 

independent media support, civil society and rule of law, health 

promotion and care, economic development and other programs. 

The Committee supports programs that provide distance learning 

opportunities for students in the Balkans and urges consideration 

of programs such as the International Center for Entrepreneurial 

Studies. 

Rule of law 

The Committee views efforts to promote the rule of law worldwide as a critical component of United States foreign policy. The 


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Committee strongly supports the public service projects initiated by 

the American Bar Association (ABA) to strengthen democracy 

through programs that promote the rule of law in transitional 

countries. These effective programs rely predominantly on the volunteer efforts of American lawyers and have achieved sustainable 

results. The Committee recommends continued funding through cooperative agreements for the ABA’s programs. The Committee continues to note that ABA should not rely upon United States funding to renovate or build facilities, but should instead use private financing as agreed in 2003. 

The ABA has expanded its legal reform efforts into Asia, Africa, 

Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East, with programs in Jordan, Bahrain, Morocco, Iraq, Afghanistan, Rwanda, 

Kenya, Liberia, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Ecuador, Costa 

Rica, and Mexico. The Committee recommends support for such 

programs from the appropriate accounts. The Committee continues 

to support the use of cooperative agreements for funding such programs. 

Training and exchanges 

The Committee urges continued support for the East Central European Scholarship Program (ECESP) cooperative agreement in 

both Albania and Macedonia during fiscal year 2008. 

The Committee recommendation does not include funding for the 

Russian, Eurasian and Eastern European Research and Training 

Program (Title VIII) under this heading. The Committee provides 

funding for these programs under Title I of this Act. 

Kosovo 

The Committee continues to support programs that help Kosovo 

to develop the human and institutional resources needed for selfgovernment, particularly programs that help meet the pressing 

need for the modern administrative and technical skills required to 

transform Kosovo into a prosperous and democratic state. The 

Committee encourages the Department of State to consider a proposal by the American University in Kosovo to establish a United 

States School of Public Service that will train Kosovars to build 

and manage their own public services and infrastructure. 

Child survival, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases funding 

The Committee notes the strong support of the Administration 

for programs to address adverse child, maternal, reproductive, and 

environmental health and the increasing incidence of tuberculosis 

and HIV/AIDS co-infection in Eastern Europe. As this account is 

phasing down, the Administration should be developing strategies 

to continue these important programs from other accounts. In order 

to demonstrate its support for these high priority activities, the 

Committee has allocated not less than $2,400,000 for health and 

child survival activities. 

Of this amount, the Committee recommendation includes 

$700,000 for child survival and maternal health; and $1,700,000 for 

family planning/reproductive health programs. 


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ASSISTANCE FOR THE INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER SOVIET

UNION

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $452,000,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 351,585,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 397,585,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 46,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥54,415,000 

The Committee recommends a total of $397,585,000 for the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union, which is $46,000,000 

above the request and $54,415,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level. 

The Committee notes that funds provided from this account shall 

be used for assistance and for related programs for states of the 

former Soviet Union. Programs which predominantly benefit other 

regions of the world shall not be funded from this account. The 

Committee continues in subsection (a) prior year language applying 

the provisions of section 498B(j) of the Foreign Assistance Act. A 

general provision (section 617) also includes long-standing language on human rights and non-use of funds for enhancing military capacities, and provides all funds subject to separate notification. 

The following table compares fiscal year 2008 funding for the 

programs covered by this account with the President’s request for 

fiscal year 2008: 

ASSISTANCE FOR INDEPENDENT STATES OF FORMER SOVIET UNION (FSA) 

[$ in thousands] 

Fiscal year 

2008 request 

Committee 

recommendation 

Europe and Eurasia: 

Armenia ................................................................................................................................... $35,000 $68,000 

Azerbaijan ............................................................................................................................... 18,000 18,000 

Belarus .................................................................................................................................... 10,000 11,000 

Georgia .................................................................................................................................... 50,500 50,500 

Moldova ................................................................................................................................... 13,300 13,300 

Russia ..................................................................................................................................... 50,000 60,000 

Ukraine .................................................................................................................................... 71,000 77,000 

Regional FSA ........................................................................................................................... 19,284 14,000 

OSCE Regional ........................................................................................................................ 2,935 4,000 

Subtotal, Europe and Eurasia ............................................................................................ 270,019 315,800 

South and Central Asia: 

Kazakhstan ............................................................................................................................. 14,397 15,470 

Kyrgyz Republic ....................................................................................................................... 23,815 23,841 

Tajikistan ................................................................................................................................ 26,880 26,000 

Turkmenistan .......................................................................................................................... 5,500 5,500 

Uzbekistan .............................................................................................................................. 8,474 8,474 

Central Asia Regional ............................................................................................................. 2,500 2,500 

Subtotal, South and Central Asia ...................................................................................... 81,566 81,785 

Total ........................................................................................................................................ 351,585 397,585 

Child survival, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases funding 

The Committee notes the strong support of the Administration 

for programs to address adverse child, maternal, reproductive, and 

environmental health and the increasing incidence of tuberculosis 

and HIV/AIDS co-infection in Russia, Ukraine, and the Central 

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tion should be developing strategies to continue these important 

programs from other accounts. In order to demonstrate its support 

for these high priority activities, the Committee has allocated not 

less than $52,200,000 for health and child survival activities. 

Of this amount, the Committee recommendation includes 

$5,100,000 for child survival and maternal health; $11,100,000 for 

family planning/reproductive health; $26,000,000 for HIV/AIDS in 

non-focus countries; and $10,000,000 for tuberculosis programs. 

The Committee is aware of the work of Hellenicare (formerly the 

World Council of Hellenes’ Primary Health Care Initiative) and the 

Eurasian Medical Education Program of the American College of 

Physicians and the Committee encourages USAID to consider such 

work in fiscal year 2008. 

The Committee supports the work of the Institute for Global 

Health to reduce high rates of teen pregnancy and infant mortality, 

in addition to the prevention of non-communicable diseases, in the 

former Soviet Union. 

United States-Russia Investment Fund 

It is the Committee’s view that all of the reflows from the United 

States-Russia Investment Fund (TUSRIF) should be used to endow 

a new foundation called the ‘‘United States-Russia Foundation for 

Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law.’’ Given the overwhelming importance of the United States-Russia relationship and 

the strong United States interest in Russia’s future development as 

a stable, prosperous, market-oriented, and democratic state, the 

Committee is convinced that TUSRIF should be treated as an exception and that all of the reflows should be available to endow this 

foundation. While supporting the stated goals and objectives of this 

foundation, the Committee strongly believes that the foundation 

must strive for balance in the activities it will support. At least as 

much attention should be devoted to supporting rule of law, civil 

society, transparency and access to information, as to supporting 

business education, economic reform, and technology development. 

Energy security 

The Committee notes the ongoing efforts by the Russian Federation to control and manipulate energy supplies in central Asia and 

Eastern Europe, including those which support the economies of 

United States allies in Europe. The Committee encourages the efforts of the Department of State to diplomatically support the development of alternate energy sources and supply lines outside of 

the control of the Russian Federation. The Committee also supports 

the Department’s efforts to ensure that funds accruing to a government from energy sales are transparently collected and disbursed. 

The Committee in particular notes efforts in Chad and Azerbaijan. 

The President’s recent initiatives to support alternative sources 

of energy, including biofuels, open new possiblities for diplomatic 

engagement. The Committee requests that the Department be prepared to report to the Committee, not later than 60 days following 

enactment of this Act, regarding its efforts to improve the diversity 

and reliability of energy supplies to the United States and Europe. 


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Russia-Iran 

The Committee has carried for several years language restricting 

assistance for the government of Russia due to its support for the 

Iranian nuclear program. Russian cooperation with Iran has, at the 

minimum, contributed to Iran’s uranium enrichment capability. In 

addition, Russia’s continued support for Iran’s ballistic missile capacity has directly contributed to increasing regional instability. 

The Committee continues its restrictions on funding for the Russian government again this year. 

Support of peaceful resolution of South Caucasus conflicts 

The Committee continues its strong support for confidence-building measures among the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. 

The Committee expects the Department of State to use its authority under section 498B of the Foreign Assistance Act as necessary 

to carry out such programs. The Committee continues to be concerned about the plight of the victims of the Nagorno-Karabakh 

conflict, and recommends that up to $6,000,000 should be made 

available to address ongoing humanitarian needs in NagornoKarabakh. The Committee has included renewed authority for the 

President to provide humanitarian assistance to the region, notwithstanding the restrictions of section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act. The bill language is unchanged from previous years. 

Democracy and human rights 

The Committee recognizes the excellent work of the Eurasia 

Foundation in promoting democratic change at the grass roots level 

throughout the independent states of the former Soviet Union and 

urges USAID to consider such work in fiscal year 2008. The Committee recommends continued funding of the Foundation. The Committee also notes the many accomplishments of the Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), which has, for the 

last decade, helped to channel the research activities of weapons 

scientists in the Former Soviet Union (FSU) in constructive directions. The Committee encourages continued funding for CRDF from 

this account. CRDF is expanding its activities globally, including 

work with scientists and engineers from the Middle East, North Africa, and elsewhere outside the FSU region, and the Committee encourages the Administration to fund these activities from the appropriate accounts. 

The Committee recognizes the value of the work that the Moscow 

School of Political Studies has done to educate young Russian professionals and public servants on how to participate honestly and 

productively in running their own country and supports continued 

funding. 

Ukraine 

The Committee believes that the greatest hope for Ukrainian democracy rests with realizing the economic aspirations of the 

Ukrainian people. The Committee thus supports the Administration’s emphasis on strengthening Ukrainian economic growth. The 

Committee strongly supports United States efforts to strengthen 

Ukraine’s democratic institutions and encourages the Office of the 

Director of Foreign Assistance to prioritize funding for such programs which are selected through a competitive process and are 


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consistent with United States policy. The Committee supports the 

work of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and the 

U.S.-Ukraine Foundation. 

Belarus 

The Committee is deeply concerned with the increasingly repressive regime in Belarus and encourages the government of Belarus 

to return to the democratic community. The Committee supports 

the efforts of the Department of State, USAID, and the European 

states to help the Belarusian people access accurate and timely information. 

INDEPENDENT AGENCIES 

INTER-AMERICAN FOUNDATION

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $19,305,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 19,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 19,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥305,000 

The Committee recommends $19,000,000 for the Inter-American 

Foundation (IAF), which is the same as the request and $305,000 

below the fiscal year 2007 level. The Committee notes that the IAF 

has $300,000 in carry over balances. 

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $22,770,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 30,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 30,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 7,230,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for the African Development Foundation, which is $7,230,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. 

The Committee continues to support the African Development 

Foundation’s efforts to identify and leverage non-appropriated resources. The Committee requests the President of the Foundation 

to include this data in the congressional budget justification accompanying the fiscal year 2009 budget request. 

The Committee maintains bill language carried in prior years on 

investments authorized by the Foundation’s Board; interest earned; 

ability of the Board to waive the $250,000 cap on grants in exceptional circumstances; a requirement to report to the Committee if 

such authority is exercised; and the ability to permit a project for 

which the Board has waived the cap if the increase is due solely 

to foreign currency fluctuations. 

PEACE CORPS

(INCLUDING TRANFER OF FUNDS)

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $319,640,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 333,500,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 333,500,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 13,860,000 


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The Committee recommends $333,500,000 for the Peace Corps, 

which is $13,860,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same 

as the request. 

The Committee again has included language permitting the 

Peace Corps Director to transfer up to $2,000,000 to establish an 

account to help mitigate the effects of currency exchange fluctuation. The Committee also expects the Peace Corps to transfer into 

this account net gains due to beneficial currency fluctuations when 

applicable. 

MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $1,752,300,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 3,000,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 1,800,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥1,200,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 47,700,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,800,000,000 for the 

Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which is $47,700,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 level and $1,200,000,000 below the request. The recommended reduction reflects the constrained budgetary situation in fiscal year 2008. A funding limitation of 

$95,000,000 is set for administrative expenses. 

The Committee continues its support for the MCC and regards 

it as a significant step forward in the provision of accountable and 

transformative foreign assistance. The Committee appreciates the 

MCC’s early and frequent consultations regarding potential compact and threshold assistance and expects this to continue in fiscal 

year 2008. 

The Committee does not believe that MCC assistance is a substitute for USAID programs and is concerned that this appears to 

be the trend in the fiscal year 2008 proposed budget. The Committee believes that MCC investments should be a complement to 

current aid programs. 

Donor coordination 

The Committee commends the MCC for its progress coordinating 

with other United States development programs in-country and encourages additional improvements in this area. The Committee 

places considerable importance on the MCC’s compliance with the 

Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and expects the MCC to 

reach out to other United States Government programs and bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors to ensure that MCC programs are 

closely coordinated and build local capacity to the greatest extent 

possible. The Committee directs that no later than 90 days following the end of fiscal year 2008, the Millennium Challenge Corporation shall submit a report detailing its progress towards compliance with the principles in the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness. 

Civil society consultation 

The Committee is concerned that MCA-eligible governments are 

not consulting adequately with civil society prior to compact design. 

The Committee encourages MCC to work with governments to require consultation prior to the submission of a proposal. 


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Threshold countries 

The Committee has again included a provision authorizing 10 

percent of funds for threshold country programs. The Committee 

notes that countries can be simultaneously eligible for compacts 

and for threshold programs. However, the Committee notes that 

the primary purpose of threshold assistance is to help countries ineligible for compacts address the deficiencies which prevent them 

from becoming eligible. The Committee expects the MCC to clarify 

its threshold program guidance to reflect the circumstances under 

which countries may be eligible for both compact and threshold 

funding. 

Multi-year compacts 

The Committee includes once again a provision that requires the 

MCC to only enter into compacts for which it has complete funding 

available from existing appropriations. The Committee will not 

allow the MCC to commit future Congresses to funding prior year 

compacts. 

Lower middle income countries 

The Committee reiterates its support for the provisions under 

section 609(b)(2) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 which requires lower middle income countries to make an incremental contribution relative to their national budget in support of the poverty 

reduction objectives of the compact. The Committee expects this information to be detailed in each appropriate compact. 

Compacts with regional governments 

As in previous years, the Committee requires the MCC to consult 

with the Committee immediately upon determining that the national government of an eligible country is not an appropriate partner with which to negotiate compacts, and that engagement with 

a regional or other sub-national entity is required. 

Funding 

The Committee is concerned that the flexibilities of 609(g) may 

be misinterpreted by some Compact-eligible countries. Congress 

provided 609(g) authority as a last resort to overcome otherwise insurmountable obstacles to compact development and implementation. The Committee directs the MCC to include in its country notification paperwork guidance on the 609(g) function. The Committee 

directs the MCC to include in any congressional notification for 

609(g) funding a description of the matching funding, in-kind contribution, or other complementary support provided by the eligible 

country. 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE 

GLOBAL HIV/AIDS INITIATIVE

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $3,246,520,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 4,150,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 4,450,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 300,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 1,203,480,000 


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The Committee recommendation includes $4,450,000,000 for the ‘‘Global HIV/AIDS Initiative’’ account, which is $1,203,480,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 level and $300,000,000 above the request. As in previous years, the Committee appropriates all funding for the fifteen focus countries in this account. 

This account is the primary source of funding for the Emergency 

Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Amounts under the ‘‘Child Survival and Health Programs Fund’’ account, other accounts in this 

Act, and funding provided from other appropriations Acts are also 

included in PEPFAR. 

The Committee recommendation includes total Emergency Plan funding of $5,082,000,000 as outlined in the table below, which is 

$1,835,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $585,722,000 

above the request. In addition to the amounts within this Act, the 

Committee notes that the President’s budget request includes $794,000,000, including $300,000,000 for the Global Fund, within 

the Department of Health and Human Services. The Committee 

recommendation includes $550,000,000 for the United States contribution to the Global Fund in this Act, $250,000,000 within the 

‘‘Child Survival and Health Programs Fund’’ account and 

$300,000,000 within this account, which is $550,000,000 above the 

request. 

Global HIV/AIDS Funding Category Allocation 

Global HIV/AIDS Initiative (bilateral) ................................................. $4,150,000,000 

CSHF—HIV/AIDS (bilateral) ................................................................ 350,000,000 

Global Fund (CSH account) .................................................................. 250,000,000 

Global Fund (GHAI account) ................................................................ 300,000,000 

Other Accounts ...................................................................................... 32,000,000 

Subtotal—Foreign Operations .............................................................. 5,082,000,000 

HHS—Programs (request) .................................................................... 794,223,000 

Total—PEPFAR ..................................................................................... 5,876,223,000 

The Committee requests the submission of quarterly obligation 

and transfer reports as required in prior years. 

Non-focus countries 

The Committee is concerned that the fiscal year 2008 Congressional Budget Justification did not provide adequate information on 

activities in the non-focus countries. These include countries such 

as Russia, China, and India that are experiencing rapid growth of 

their HIV/AIDS epidemics. The Committee directs that the fiscal 

year 2009 budget request provide more specific information about 

the types of activities that will be carried out in both the focus and 

non-focus countries. 

TB/HIV co-infection 

The Committee notes that TB is a leading killer of people with 

HIV/AIDS, and urges the Global HIV/AIDS Coordinator (Coordinator) to take steps to increase the priority for TB/HIV co-infection 

programs in country operating plans. XDR–TB is worsening in subSaharan Africa and the Committee encourages the Coordinator to 

work with USAID to ensure that the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative 

(GHAI) activities are complementary to USAID’s overall efforts to 

reduce global TB incidence. The Committee is pleased that joint 

HIV/TB programs were funded at approximately $120,000,000 in 


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fiscal year 2007 and directs the Coordinator to support these programs at a level of $150,000,000 in fiscal year 2008. 

Prevention Programs 

The Committee believes that the United States must significantly increase its funding and support for evidence-based HIV/ 

AIDS prevention to slow the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. The Institute of Medicine’s report entitled ‘‘PEPFAR Implemention: Progress 

and Promise’’ found that the thirty-three percent set-aside for abstinence-until-marriage prevention programs has had a detrimental 

impact on the ability of the GHAI to reach its targets. Therefore, 

the Committee includes bill language that provides the Administration with flexibility to implement HIV/AIDS prevention programs 

without this limitation in funding. The Committee expects the Coordinator to be prepared to present information to the Committees 

on Appropriations regarding the impact of this policy change on its 

ability to reach its targets at the fiscal year 2009 hearings. 

Human capacity issues 

The Committee understands that the GHAI has undertaken significant efforts to train health care workers, including community 

health care workers, doctors, nurses, and other health professionals, as part of the overall effort. The Committee supports these 

activities and encourages the continuation and expansion of them 

to include pediatric training in fiscal year 2008. The Committee requests a report from the Coordinator no later than 90 days after 

passage of this Act that outlines the plans for health care worker 

training in fiscal year 2008 and provides information about how 

this training will impact overall health programs in the 15 focus 

countries. The Committee is aware of the work of Physicians for 

Peace; the TOUCH Foundation; the Orotta School of Medicine in 

Eritrea; and Catholic Medical Mission Board and encourages the 

GHAI to consider such work in fiscal year 2008. 

UNAIDS and technical assistance 

To this end, the Committee has previously noted the importance 

of AIDS coordination at the country-level, as articulated in the 

‘‘Three Ones’’ principles spearheaded by UNAIDS. Worldwide, 

UNAIDS plays an invaluable role in ‘making the money work’

through in-country coordination, capacity building, technical assistance, and monitoring and evaluation activities. These are critical 

functions which must be expanded to keep pace with both the 

AIDS epidemic and the growing global response to it. The Committee therefore urges the Coordinator to continue support for 

UNAIDS in fiscal year 2008. 

Treatment and use of generic medications 

The Committee notes the contribution the United States has 

made by making HIV/AIDS treatment a GHAI priority. As a result 

of United States funded initiatives, including the Global Fund, 

nearly one million people are currently receiving treatment. Unfortunately, this achievement is overshadowed by the slow uptake of 

generic HIV/AIDS drugs by the GHAI. The Committee directs the 

GHAI to take every step possible to expand the use of generic 

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oping country regulatory systems are hindering the use of generics 

and the Committee directs the GHAI to work with governments, 

civil society organizations, and others in focus and non-focus countries to strengthen and improve the drug regulatory systems in 

order to ensure the rapid review and approval of new and generic 

life-saving medications. 

The Committee directs the Coordinator to provide the Committees on Appropriations with a report on the use of generic drugs 

in the focus and non-focus countries no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act. The report should provide specific information 

about first-line, second-line and pediatric formulations purchased 

by the GHAI by country, including a list of medications (generic 

and name brand) purchased, the unit price, the total cost by medication, their manufacturer and the per patient annual cost. The report should include a list of the regimens (generic and name brand) 

currently supported by PEPFAR and a comparison of these regimens to the nationally approved regimens in the focus countries for 

comparison purposes. The report should also include information 

by country about the current state of regulatory systems in the 

focus and non-focus countries and the steps that the GHAI will 

take in fiscal year 2008 to strengthen these systems. 

Future HIV medications 

The Committee shares the concern of leading HIV/AIDS specialists that our current repertoire of anti-HIV medications will increasingly fail in the coming decades. Development of the next generation of drugs will depend upon significant investments in research and development. The Committee requests that the Coordinator report not later than 180 days following enactment of this 

Act on sources of market risk that hinder private sector investment 

in new drug development. 

The Committee requests that the Coordinator and the Partnership for Supply Chain Management Systems work with clinical and 

research experts, industry, other significant purchasers, and distributors of anti-HIV medications in the developing world, such as 

the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, to assess the capacity of the current HIV formulary to treat HIV/AIDS over the 

next twenty to thirty years. Once the assessment is complete, the 

Committee requests that the Coordinator work with its partners to 

issue a joint report on the total amounts, types, and desired capabilities for the next generation of anti-HIV medications. The Committee requests that the Coordinator update the Committee quarterly on the progress of these reports. 

New technologies 

As the pandemic continues to grow, the Committee is pleased to 

see progress on medically-based prevention methods. Recent research on microbicides and male circumcision raises questions as to 

whether the GHAI is flexible enough to respond to these new opportunities. The Committee urges the Coordinator to provide resources to efforts to expand access to new and effective prevention 

technologies. As part of this effort, the Committee urges the Coordinator to consider allocating additional GHAI funds to support 

treatment in settings where clinical trials are underway or where 


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the population is being prepared for a clinical trial, including those 

trials related to an HIV/AIDS vaccine and microbicides. 

Nutritional support 

Food and nutrition are important components of a comprehensive 

approach to HIV/AIDS. However, many PEPFAR programs operate 

in areas of chronic food insecurity. Report language in previous 

years has requested a strategy as well as a report on current GHAI 

activities related to food security. The Committee has not been satisfied with the reports or the actions taken by the GHAI to improve 

food security for those they serve. 

The Committee notes the GHAI’s efforts to enhance reporting of 

food and nutritional support and requests that data on resources 

allocated for food and nutritional support and numbers of people 

served be included in the next Annual Report to Congress. 

Understanding that providing direct food aid does not fit within 

the immediate mandate or expertise of the Initiative, the Committee requests a report within 45 days of enactment of this Act 

that outlines the specific steps that the GHAI will take in fiscal 

year 2008 to work with other agencies, multilateral organizations, 

and the private sector to ensure that those served by the GHAI are 

food secure. Of the funds provided, the Committee directs that no 

less than $100,000,000 be used to support sustainable approaches 

to long-term food security and food assistance programs, including 

livelihood programs, where feasible, linking with sustainable agriculture programs. 

HIV/AIDS and education 

The Committee believes that education is a highly cost effective 

HIV/AIDS prevention intervention. Educated girls tend to delay 

sexual debut and men and women who are educated make better 

life decisions. The Committee is aware of the work of the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help and encourages 

the GHAI to consider such work in fiscal year 2008. 

Orphans and vulnerable children 

The Committee supports programs that support orphans and vulnerable children and urges the Coordinator to meet the ten percent 

statutory mandate. The Committee expects that these resources 

will be used to build the long-term capacity of local organizations, 

including faith-based organizations, and communities to support 

and deliver services and the capacity of families to identify, locate, 

protect, and care for orphans and vulnerable children affected by 

HIV/AIDS. 

Gender and HIV/AIDS 

The Committee is alarmed by the dramatic increase in HIV infections among girls and women. The Committee commends the recent steps that the Coordinator has taken to address the complexities of gender within its program, including the development of 

three strategies to address gender-based violence, changing social 

norms among men and boys, and the vulnerabilities of adolescent 

girls. 

The Committee is concerned that the reproductive health needs 

of women and girls are not being adequately addressed by the 


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GHAI and requests that the Coordinator report within 90 days of 

the enactment of this Act on the steps it will take in fiscal year 

2008 to address this gap. 

Mother-to-child transmission 

The Committee continues to support funding for programs to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV as an integral 

component of a comprehensive approach to fighting HIV/AIDS. The 

Committee also understands that expanding MTCT services in the 

focus countries will require a new effort to reach women in their 

homes, where they choose to give birth, rather than in medical facilities. The Committee encourages the Coordinator to work with 

USAID’s maternal health programs, which have been working to 

improve these services for many years. In addition, the Committee 

encourages the Coordinator to provide the resources and technical 

assistance necessary to expand access to MTCT services, improve 

the ability of programs to offer the most effective drug regimens 

possible in all instances, and encourage stronger linkages between 

MTCT and care and treatment programs. 

Pediatric HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention 

The Committee commends the Coordinator for emphasizing 

treatment for children in the GHAI. The Committee notes that the 

GHAI is striving to reach a 15 percent treatment goal for children 

that is not legislatively mandated.The Committee directs the Coordinator to continue this work and develop a plan for reaching the 

15 percent treatment goal for children. The Committee requests 

that the Coordinator submit a detailed plan no later than 90 days 

after enactment of this Act for reaching this goal, including a description of the resources required; possible incentives for programs 

to treat children; and specific steps to identify and treat HIV-exposed and infected children. 

Safe blood program 

The Committee remains concerned about the problem of unsafe 

or contaminated blood as a source of HIV infection in the developing world. The Committee is encouraged that the GHAI has 

made safe blood programs a central part of its strategy and recommends continued funding for such programs. The Committee expects the Coordinator to consider joint funding for multi-country 

programs that provide blood free of malaria, HIV, and other bloodborne diseases, and to train health care professionals in proper 

medical procedures and practices for blood transfusions. 

New partners initiative 

The Committee commends the Coordinator for the establishment 

of the ‘‘New Partners Initiative’’. The Initiative’s purpose is to increase the number of partners by establishing a competitive grants 

process for organizations which may have little or no experience in 

working with the federal government. The Committee expects that 

a competitive process will be put in place to review these proposals. 

Priority should be given to proposals that have technical merit, 

cost-effective budgets, and achievable objectives. 

Additionally, the Initiative is intended to develop indigenous capacity so that affected countries can address HIV/AIDS on their 


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own and decrease dependence on foreign organizations and skills. 

The Committee is aware of the work of Hiwot HIV/AIDS Prevention Care and Support Program, African Services Committee, and 

Project DREAM and encourages GHAI to consider such work in fiscal year 2008. 

Voluntary contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria 

The fiscal year 2008 budget request for the United States contribution to the Global Fund totals $300,000,000. Of that amount, 

no funding is requested from this Act and $300,000,000 is requested for the Act providing appropriations for the Department of 

Health and Human Services. The Committee recommendation includes $250,000,000 from the ‘‘Child Survival and Health Programs 

Fund’’ account, and $300,000,000 from this account, for a total of 

$550,000,000 for the United States contribution to the Global Fund 

from this Act. 

This funding is subject to provisions in Public Law 108–25. Any 

funding not released to the Global Fund due to the provisions in 

this Act or Public Law 108–25 should be used by the Coordinator 

for programs to strengthen the Global Fund and for additional 

funding to ‘‘non-focus’’ countries. The Committee expects the Coordinator to consult with the Committee on the use of such funds. 

Oversight and management of the Global Fund 

The Committee is concerned that the President’s request did not 

include an allocation from this Act for the Global Fund. Since the 

establishment of the Global Fund, this Committee has been responsible for oversight of the Global Fund and intends to continue this 

engagement. In the past few months, the Committee has been concerned about reports of alleged mismanagement of Global Fund resources by the previous Executive Director. The Committee was 

pleased to see immediate action by the Board and commends the 

Board for its decision to quickly appoint a new Inspector General. 

The Committee remains concerned that the Global Fund is not 

providing adequate information about commitments and disbursements. The Committee directs the Coordinator to report within 45 

days of enactment of this Act on the actions that the Global Fund 

will be taking in the coming year to provide more specific oversight 

information. Specifically, the Committee is interested in receiving 

regular audits of administrative expenditures, and detailed information on principal recipients and sub-recipients, including the 

identity of sub-recipients, the relationship of sub-recipients to principal recipients, the amount and nature of sub-recipient grants, 

and periodic reports on the results achieved by recipients and subrecipients. 

The Committee continues to include a provision that conditions 

twenty percent of the United States contribution to the Global 

Fund on certain steps that the Global Fund needs to take to improve its efficiency, transparency, and accountability. 

The provision requires that the Global Fund establish a permanent, full time Inspector General and the Committee expects that 

this position will be filled by November 30, 2007. 


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Future of the Global Fund 

The Committee applauds the Global Fund and its Board for undertaking a strategic planning process, which is setting forward a 

vision for the next five years. The Committee continues to include 

language that urges the Coordinator to underscore the United 

States commitment to funding a performance-based, results-oriented, financing instrument to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and 

malaria. The Committee directs the Coordinator to notify the Committee of any proposal and/or action that would move the Global 

Fund from project support to budget support, erode the Global 

Fund’s results-based disbursement structure, or lessen the role of 

the technical review panel. 

Technical assistance 

The Committee is pleased with interagency coordination and cooperation in the provision of technical assistance to Global Fund recipients. The Committee continues to support this effort and encourages attention to efforts that help establish and sustain Country Coordinating Mechanisms and Principal Recipients, monitor 

grants, and otherwise improve the performance of Global Fund 

grants. The Committee includes permissive authority for the Coordinator to use up to five percent of the funds made available in this 

Act for contribution to the Global Fund to provide technical assistance to Global Fund grants, working through the World Health Organization and UNAIDS, where appropriate. Finally, the Committee notes that this authority has been shifted from the ‘‘Child 

Survival and Health Programs Fund’’ account to the ‘‘Global HIV/ 

AIDS Initiative’’ account in the fiscal year 2008 bill language. 

INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $472,616,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 634,600,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 568,475,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥66,125,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 95,859,000 

The Committee recommends $568,475,000 for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE), which is $66,125,000 

below the request. A limitation of $38,000,000 is recommended for 

administrative expenses. The Committee expressly does not provide 

$10,000,000 in administrative expenses for Iraq in fiscal year 2008. 

The Committee notes that $7,000,000 was provided for such requirements in the fiscal year 2007 Supplemental Appropriations 

Act (Public Law 110–28). 

The Committee continues the requirement in the bill that the Director of Foreign Assistance shall provide to the Committees on Appropriations not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment 

of this Act and prior to the initial obligation of funds appropriated 

under this heading, a report on the proposed uses of all funds 

under this heading on a country-by-country basis for each proposed 

program, project, or activity. 


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NARCOTICS, GANGS, TERRORISM AND CRIME

Criminal youth gangs 

The Committee provides not less than $8,000,000 for programs 

to combat transnational crime and criminal youth gangs, which is 

$3,000,000 above the request. The Committee notes with alarm the 

rise in violent crime in Central American countries where the 

‘‘mara’’ or gang problem is overwhelming the law enforcement capabilities of many governments. The Committee is concerned that 

collaboration between criminal groups and drug traffickers, underfunded and sometimes corrupt police forces, and deportations from 

the United States are contributing to this problem. The Committee 

encourages the Administration to reevaluate current policy with regard to the ‘‘maras’’ and recommends that the Department of State 

and USAID report back to the Committee within 90 days after enactment of this Act regarding steps taken by their agencies that 

will reduce criminal gang activity in Central America and have an 

immediate impact of the daily lives of those citizens, especially the 

poor, who are the most frequent victims of violent crime. 

INL anti-crime programs 

Organized crime and terrorist groups throughout the world have 

long used narcotics as a means to generate revenues to support 

armed conflict and spread turmoil. The Committee continues to 

support a strong United States counternarcotics assistance program in order to protect United States communities from the ravages of drugs, but increasingly to deny drug profits. The Committee 

recommendation includes $12,000,000 for anti-crime programs, 

which is $2,000,000 below the request. 

Intellectual property 

The Committee recommendation supports funding from within 

this heading for programs to combat intellectual property piracy. 

International demand reduction programs 

The Committee strongly supports demand reduction programs. 

The Committee directs that within the funds provided for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, $12,000,000 shall 

be provided for the drug demand reduction program. Such funding 

will be available to reduce worldwide drug abuse. The Committee 

commends the Department of State on their efforts, specifically 

with regard to activities undertaken in Afghanistan and Central 

America. The Committee encourages the Department to expand the 

program into more communities. 

International law enforcement academies (ILEA) 

The Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 for funding for the academies, which is $1,500,000 below the request. The 

Committee notes that this cut was taken without prejudice, and 

due entirely to budget constraints and should not be seen as a reflection on the work accomplished at the various academies. 

International organizations (IO) 

The Committee recommendation includes $4,000,000 for international organizations, which is $1,500,000 below the request. The 


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Committee notes that the Organization of American States is receiving an additional $3,000,000 in assistance provided within the 

Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) account in fiscal year 2008. 

Inter-agency interdiction efforts 

The Committee directs the Bureau of International Narcotics and 

Law Enforcement Affairs at the Department of State to report to 

the Committees on Appropriations not later than 45 days from the 

date of enactment of this Act on the use of aerial assets to include 

fixed and rotary wing aircraft in coordination with and in support 

of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) counternarcotics operations in Colombia and Afghanistan. 

Police training 

The Committee recognizes that the United States plays an important role in training and professionalizing foreign police around 

the world. United States training promotes high quality, standardized civilian police, justice sector and corrections training in operating procedures, code of conduct, ethics standards, and human and 

civil rights. The Committee notes that such training is critical to 

eliminating the mistreatment and violence that occurs to those in 

need of protection. Furthermore, the Committee is gravely concerned with the treatment of women and girls and urges the Department of State to focus training on how to prevent and respond 

to gender-based violence against women and girls. The Committee 

directs the Secretary of State to report to the Committees on Appropriations not later than March 1, 2008 on efforts to provide 

United States assistance to foreign police to address gender-based 

violence. This report should include: (1) an overview of all the Department’s efforts to develop and provide such assistance to foreign 

police on gender-based violence; (2) information on the curriculum/ 

training developed to provide or incorporate into said assistance; 

(3) the specific types of United States assistance provided to foreign 

police forces; (4) the number of countries/security forces that have 

received training and the cost of these trainings; and (5) the challenges encountered in pursuing this policy. 

Program development and support (PD&S) 

The Committee recommendation includes up to $15,000,000 for 

PD&S, which is $4,550,000 below the request. The reduction is 

commensurate with the overall reduction to the INCLE account. 

Further the Committee is concerned that the Department of State 

has not provided an overall accounting of PD&S for all activities 

and directs the Department of State not later than 45 days after 

enactment of this Act to provide a report on all PD&S for fiscal 

years 2006, 2007 and 2008. This report shall include a detailed listing of activities associated with the expenditure of such funds and 

any possible overlap of resources from other accounts such as the 

Andean Counterdrug Initiative and supplemental funding. 

Trafficking in persons (TIP) 

The Committee recommendation includes $6,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for activities to prevent trafficking in persons (TIP), which 

is $1,050,000 above the request. 


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AFRICA

The Committee recommendation includes $33,730,000 in INCLE 

funding for the Africa region, which is $450,000 below the request. 

Democratic Republic of Congo 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,500,000 in INCLE 

funding for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is $250,000 

below the request. 

Ghana 

The Committee recommendation includes $300,000 in INCLE 

funding for Ghana, which is $200,000 below the request. 

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

The Committee recommendation includes $71,535,000 in INCLE 

funding for the Western Hemisphere region, which is $21,005,000 

above the request. The Committee is concerned that the Administration continues to pledge help to our neighbors in the Americas, 

but the budget request fails to reflect these pledges. The Committee notes that assistance as a whole to the region has decreased 

by 8.9 percent in the request. The Committee is concerned that this 

downward funding trend will be seen as the underlying precept of 

President Bush’s ‘‘revolution in expectations.’’ The Committee is 

dedicated to fundamentally transforming the security agenda of the 

Americas. The funding provided in the INCLE account is a vital 

tool in confronting nontraditional, multidimensional threats to security and prosperity such as organized crime, terrorism and gang/ 

drug related activities. The Committee is gravely concerned that 

the Administration’s request is a retrenchment of United States 

diplomatic efforts and will inevitably cause a lessening of our political and commercial engagement in the region. The Committee understands the need to secure and strengthen our relationship with 

the region and therefore has increased the funding levels in the 

INCLE account for this region by 11 percent over the fiscal year 

2006 level. 

Colombia 

The Committee recommendation is part of a bill wide strategy to 

restructure the way the United States provides assistance to Colombia. The Committee has redistributed assistance to help the Colombian government focus on justice and rule of law as well as address the underlying and pervasive poverty that is the root of many 

of the problems in Colombia as well as the region. 

The recommendation moves Rule of Law programs (except funding for judicial reforms) from the Andean Counterdrug Initiative 

(ACI) account to the INCLE account. The bill provides $22,250,000 

for Rule of Law programs in Colombia. Without funding for judicial 

reform which is funded within the Economic Support Fund (ESF) 

account, this appears to be a small increase of $407,000 from the 

fiscal year 2008 budget request. However, when human rights activities and judicial reform programs in Colombia funded in ESF 

are included, the Committee has funded rule of law programs for 

Colombia at a total level of $38,750,000, which is $10,907,000 

above the request. 


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Mexico 

The Committee recommendation includes $27,500,000 for programs in Mexico, which is $316,000 below the request. 

The Committee remains concerned about increasing instability 

along the Texas/Mexico border, including illegal trafficking of 

drugs, arms, cash, and people. The Committee continues to monitor 

reports that members of drug cartels have crossed the border wearing Mexican military uniforms and carrying and firing assault 

weapons. The Committee requests that the Department of State 

consult with the Committee on the use of funds made available for 

Mexico under ‘‘INCLE’’ to ensure such funds are used only to support the fight against human, drug, and weapon smuggling. The 

Committee directs the Department of State to work with the Department of Homeland Security to obtain reports of investigations 

into incursions and to make those available to the Committee. 

Violence against women in Mexico 

The Committee is concerned about violence against women in 

Mexico. The Committee encourages the Department of State to 

support ongoing efforts to identify unknown women murder victims 

in Ciudad Jua ́ rez and Chihuahua, Mexico through forensic analysis, including DNA testing, conducted by independent, impartial 

experts already working in the state who are sensitive to the special needs and concerns of the victims’ families, as well as support 

for efforts to encourage families from Chihuahua and other Mexican states who have women or girls missing in their families to report these cases to the Attorney General’s office of Chihuahua and 

the federal Special Prosecutor’s Office for violent crimes against 

women. 

Dominican Republic 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for the Dominican Republic, which is $150,000 below the 

request. 

Bolivia 

The Committee recommendation includes $500,000 in INCLE 

funding for Bolivia, which is $100,000 below the request. 

Haiti 

The Committee is encouraged that the political situation in Haiti 

seems to have stabilized, and gang violence seems to have decreased. Yet the Committee is gravely concerned that Haiti has become a major transshipment point for drugs that are shipped from 

Colombia via Venezuela. Additionally, Haiti does not seem to be 

any more economically viable as a result of hundreds of millions of 

dollars in aid it has received from the United States and other nations. 

Guatemala 

The Committee recommendation includes $4,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for Guatemala, which is $1,320,000 below the request. 


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Jamaica 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for Jamaica, which is $9,000 below the request. 

Western hemisphere regional 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for the western hemisphere regional, which is $1,000,000 

above the request. 

Eastern Caribbean 

The Committee recommendation includes $250,000 in INCLE 

funding for the eastern Caribbean, which is $250,000 below the request. 

South and Central Asia 

The Committee recommendation includes $307,850,000 in INCLE 

funding for the South and Central Asia region, which is $3,900,000 

below the request. 

Afghanistan 

The Committee recommendation includes $274,800,000 for counternarcotics programs in Afghanistan, which is the same as the request. The Committee fully supports the program. 

The Committee includes a limitation on the use of funds for aerial eradication through the spraying of herbicides. 

The Committee directs the Secretary of State to report to the 

Committees on Appropriations not later than 45 days from the date 

of enactment of this Act on the extradition status of Afghan drug 

kingpins and narco terrorists, the destruction of Afghan heroin laboratories, local Afghan prosecutions of heroin-related crimes, and illegal border crossings by foreign nationals from Pakistan into Afghanistan. 

Bangladesh 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for the Bangladesh, which is $500,000 below the request. 

India 

The Committee recommendation includes $2,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for India, which is $1,600,000 above the request. The Committee remains supportive of efforts to assist law enforcement 

agencies within the Government of India with respect to disaster 

management and response, access to justice for women, and trafficking of persons. The Committee continues to urge the Administrator of USAID to seek authority to support such programs if such 

authority does not currently exist. 

Pakistan 

The Committee recommendation includes $27,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for Pakistan, which is $5,000,000 below the request. 


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NEAR EAST

The Committee recommendation includes $11,800,000 in INCLE 

funding for the Near East region, which is $76,500,000 below the 

request. 

Jordan 

The Committee recommendation includes $2,500,000 in INCLE 

funding for Jordan, which is $1,000,000 above the request. The 

Committee commends the efforts of the Kingdom of Jordan in police training and supporting United States efforts in Iraq. The 

Committee notes that Jordan is an essential and unwavering partner and ally of the United States. 

Iraq 

The Committee recommendation does not include funding for 

Iraq. 

United Arab Emirates 

The Committee recommendation includes $400,000 in INCLE 

funding for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is $100,000 

above the request. 

Lebanon 

The Committee recommendation does not include funding for 

Lebanon. The Committee strongly supports the Government of Lebanon, but notes that the fiscal year 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 110–28) included $60,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for similar activities. 

EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

The Committee recommendation includes $13,960,000 in INCLE 

funding for the East Asia and the Pacific region, which is 

$4,280,000 below the request. The Committee does not include 

funding for Thailand as they are subject to section 608 Military 

Coup restrictions. 

Cambodia 

The Committee recommendation includes $100,000 in INCLE 

funding for Cambodia, which is $100,000 below the request. 

Indonesia 

The Committee recommendation includes $8,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for Indonesia, which is $2,050,000 below the request. 

Laos 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for Laos, which is $580,000 below the request. 

Malaysia 

The Committee recommendation includes $400,000 in INCLE 

funding for Malaysia, which is $400,000 below the request. 


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Mongolia 

The Committee recommendation includes $350,000 in INCLE 

funding for Mongolia, which is $320,000 below the request. 

Philippines 

The Committee recommendation includes $2,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for the Philippines, which is $850,000 above the request. 

Vietnam 

The Committee recommendation includes $100,000 in INCLE 

funding for Vietnam, which is $100,000 below the request. 

East Asia and Pacific Regional 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 in INCLE 

funding for the East Asia and Pacific region, which is $720,000 

above the request. 

ANDEAN COUNTERDRUG INITIATIVE

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $721,500,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 442,812,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 312,460,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥130,352,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥409,040,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $312,460,000 for the 

Andean Counterdrug Initiative, which is $130,352,000 below the 

request. 

The Andean Counterdrug Initiative account is the continuation of 

an initial three-year counterdrug assistance effort, which has primarily funded United States assistance to Colombia and to a lesser 

extend other regional follow-on activities since 2000. This assistance is part of an ongoing, comprehensive, regional effort to stem 

the flow of drugs from the Andes into the United States and to support regional stability. At first glance, the amount provided in this 

account for fiscal year 2008 would appear to be a cut of approximately 29 percent. In reality this is not the case, as the Committee 

has not reduced its commitment to the Andean Region, but rather 

has redistributed assistance in a number of ways. For example, in 

fiscal year 2008 the funds to support economic development, alternative development programs and democratic institution building 

efforts in the countries of Latin America, including: Colombia, 

Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil, Venezuela, and Panama will be 

funded under the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) and Economic Support Fund (ESF) accounts instead 

of from this account; if these funds were added back to the ACI account, the overall cut would be less than 5 percent. 

The Committee has embraced and enhanced the restructuring of 

the ACI account as proposed by the Administration in the fiscal 

year 2008 request in order to begin ‘‘normalizing’’ our relationship 

with Colombia and the other countries of the region. To begin this 

‘‘normalization’’, the Committee has moved $79,000,000 from the 

ACI account to the ESF account. This is in addition to the 

$192,500,000 carried within the budget request for a total of 

$271,500,000 in ESF of funds formerly funded within the ACI account. The Committee has also transferred $22,250,000 of funding 

out of the ACI account for rule of law activities and moved these 


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funds to the INCLE account. The Committee notes that this is a 

total of $293,750,000 of funding that was previously funded within 

the ACI account. 

The Committee continues the requirement in the bill that USAID 

provide to the Committees on Appropriations not later than 45 

days after the date of the enactment of this Act and prior to the 

initial obligation of funds appropriated under this heading, a report 

on the proposed uses of all funds under this heading on a countryby-country basis for each proposed program, project, or activity. 

The Committee requests that USAID submit to the Committees 

on Appropriations a semi-annual report with respect to the Andean 

Counterdrug Initiative, including those funds for Colombia in ESF 

and INCLE. Each report shall include an accounting of all aircraft, 

vehicles, boats and lethal equipment (other than ammunition) 

transferred to the militaries or police of any nation with funds 

made available under this heading. Additionally, the Committee requires that the personnel cap and Plan Colombian reports as required in the fiscal year 2000 emergency supplemental also be submitted to the Committees on the Appropriations. A limitation of $17,000,000 is recommended for administrative 

expenses for the Department of State and $7,800,000 for USAID. 

Funding by Country and Activity 

From funds appropriated under this heading, the Committee directs the following amounts for each activity by country: 

ANDEAN COUNTERDRUG INITIATIVE 

[$ in thousands] 

FY 2008 

request 

Committee rec- ommenda- tion 

Bolivia: 

Bolivia—Alternative Development/Institution Building ................................................................. [17,000] 1

Bolivia—Interdiction ...................................................................................................................... 30,000 30,000 

Subtotal—Bolivia ........................................................................................................................... 30,000 30,000 

Colombia: 

Colombia—Alternative Development/Institution Building ............................................................. [139,500] 1

Colombia—Interdiction .................................................................................................................. 366,968 236,616 

Subtotal—Colombia ....................................................................................................................... 366,968 236,616 

Ecuador: 

Ecuador—Alternative Development/Institution Building ............................................................... [6,000] 1

Ecuador—Interdiction .................................................................................................................... 7,000 7,000 

Subtotal—Ecuador ......................................................................................................................... 7,000 7,000 

Peru: 

Peru—Alternative Development/Institution Building ..................................................................... [30,000] 1

Peru—Interdiction .......................................................................................................................... 36,844 36,844 

Subtotal—Peru ............................................................................................................................... 36,844 36,844 

Brazil ........................................................................................................................................................ 1,000 1,000 

Panama .................................................................................................................................................... 1,000 1,000 

Critical Flight Safety Program ................................................................................................................. [50,000] 2 [39,300] 

Administrative Expenses .......................................................................................................................... [17,000] [17,000] 

Total moved to ESF ................................................................................................................................. 192,500 271,500 

Total with ESF transfer ........................................................................................................................... 442,812 312,460 

1 Funded within ESF. 

2 Funded within Colombia allocation. 

Colombia 

Since fiscal year 2000, funding for Colombia provided by this 

Committee totals more than $4,300,000,000. Approximately 76 perVerDate Aug 31 2005 09:32 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 035983 PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR197.XXX HR197

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cent of that amount—$3,300,000,000, over one million dollars per 

day for the past seven years—has gone to the Colombian security 

forces. The Committee observes that the President’s fiscal year 

2008 budget summary for the National Drug Control Strategy indicates that the primary mission for the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) 

is to reduce the entry of illegal drugs into the United States, yet 

the Committee is disappointed to note that since the beginning of 

Plan Colombia in 2000 the amount of hectares of coca cultivated in 

Colombia has gone up, not down and the area involved in illicit 

drug production has increased by over 42 percent. Furthermore, 

the Committee observes that the Justice Department’s 2007 National Drug Threat Assessment stated that there have been no sustained cocaine shortages or indications of stretched supplies in the 

United States. An analysis performed for the Office of National 

Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) by the RAND Corporation states 

that the cocaine supply and availability remains robust. This fact 

is reinforced by estimates of cocaine’s low retail-level price and 

high level of product purity within the United States. The Committee is concerned that the perennial goal of reducing Colombia’s 

cultivation, processing and distribution to restrict supplies enough 

to drive up prices and diminish purity has not worked and the drug 

economy continues to grow—further weakening the fabric of Colombian society. The Committee notes that this is now year eight of 

an ever more evolving multi-year plan. This program is not working and the Administration’s fiscal year 2008 request for Colombia 

is virtually identical to previous requests, which contradicts assurances that the Administration has provided to Congress over the 

years that the social component to Colombian aid would be significantly increased and that gradual ‘‘Colombianization’’ of the program would take effect. The Committee recommendation includes $236,616,000 for 

counterdrug activities for Colombia, which is $130,352,000 below 

the request. The Committee acknowledges that Colombia is a vital 

partner and ally of the United States. The Committee recognizes 

the strategic importance of Colombia, and therefore the Committee 

has taken the significant step to restructure the way it provides assistance to Colombia, for a number of reasons; specifically the Committee believes that there must be a concerted effort to attack the 

underlying and pervasive poverty that is the root of the problems 

in Colombia as well as the region. 

The Committee would be remiss if it did not acknowledge the 

successes in Colombia and the measurable improvements that have 

resulted in the everyday lives of the Colombian people. Clearly, Colombia has made remarkable progress. The Committee believes it 

is time to fund assistance to Colombia through the same mechanisms used to fund other strategic partners. In a budget sense, that 

means providing funding for some of the activities, carried out by 

Plan Colombia, in the ESF and INCLE accounts. It is from these 

two accounts that the other United States strategic partners receive funding for similar activities. Of the funds transferred 

$218,500,000 will be funded under ESF and $22,250,000 will be 

funded under INCLE. The Committee observes that in total, Colombia will receive $530,608,000, which is $59,102,000 below the 

request, for activities once funded solely in the ACI account. 


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It is important, however, to note that the Committee continues 

to provide significant funding for Colombia through this account. 

The Committee provides, through the ACI account, a total of 

$236,616,000 for Colombia, of which $229,016,000 is for Interdiction and Eradication activities. This is $130,352,000 below the request. The Committee believes that it is important to maintain our 

efforts on this front. In addition, the Committee provides, within 

the ACI account, $39,300,000 for the Critical Flight Safety Program, which is a commensurate reduction to the package of assistance. The Committee directs the Secretary of State, in consultation 

with the Secretary of Defense, to report to the Committees on Appropriations no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act on 

the future, multiyear strategy of the United States assistance program to Colombia. The strategy should include all aspects of current and future United States assistance. In addition, the Committee directs the Director of Foreign Assistance to carefully review 

all Colombian activities to determine the most appropriate appropriation account for funding. Specifically, the fiscal year 2009 Congressional Budget Justification should provide, as appropriate, 

funding for Alternative Development in the ‘‘Development Assistance’’ and the ‘‘Economic Support Fund’’ accounts and, as appropriate, funding for Interdiction/Eradication in the ‘‘Foreign Military 

Financing’’ or the ‘‘International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement’’ accounts. 

The Committee continues to have grave concerns with the current aid package that emphasizes hard-side assistance over development assistance. The Committee remains concerned about the 

Administration’s follow up program. The Committee’s funding plan 

emphasizes a more balanced strategy shifting aid from the military 

and strengthening civilian governance, humanitarian assistance 

and rural development. The Committee also intends to initiate a 

plan to transition more of the military operations from the United 

States responsibility to the Colombian Government. The Committee 

expects a follow up strategy on steps to normalize funding for Colombia, similar to the approach used in this bill, which leads towards an eventual ‘‘nationalization’’ of the Colombian program. 

Within the funding provided in this bill the Committee intends to: 

• Realign the funding from a 76 percent (military/police aid)—

24 percent (alternative development) closer to a 55 percent 

(military/police aid)—45 percent (alternative development) 

split. 

• Increase aid to strengthen the justice sector, providing more 

prosecutors and training for the Fiscalia and the Attorney General’s office. 

• Increase the social component of aid to Colombia. Begin a 

gradual-managed ‘‘Colombianization’’ of the military package. 

Transition away from United States military operations to the 

government of Colombia, with a greater emphasis on interdiction rather than eradication. 

Colombia/Human rights 

The Committee is aware of reports alleging that the head of Colombia’s army collaborated extensively with militias that the Department of State considers terrorist organizations, including a militia headed by one of the country’s leading drug traffickers. The 


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Committee is concerned about allegations that the Uribe government may be implicated in links between militias and top military, 

police and ministry officials and directs the Secretary of State to 

report to the Committees on Appropriations not later than 45 days 

from enactment of this Act on the veracity of such allegations. Understanding the contents of such a report may include sensitive or 

classified information, the Department of State may submit the report to the Committee in the form of a classified report. 

Peru 

The Committee directs that not less than $36,844,000 from funds 

under this heading shall be available for Peru. The Committee continues to believe that there is a very real danger of increased coca 

production and of drug trafficking through Peru through the so 

called ‘‘balloon effect’’ which can be seen in the increased number 

of hectares of coca production in Peru. 

The most recent United States Government estimates are that 

there are 38,000 hectares of coca cultivation in Peru, including 

4,000 hectares in new areas. There are reports that the coca farmers are becoming more violent and better organized and that terrorist organizations have openly identified with the coca growers. 

Of the funds provided for Peru in this account, $33,044,000 shall 

be available for Interdiction/Eradication. The Committee notes that 

$30,000,000 is provided for Alternative Development/Institution 

Building from within the ESF account. The Committee directs that 

not less than the amount provided in fiscal year 2006 in funding 

for Demand Reduction programs, previously funding with ACI 

funds, shall be available for programs in Peru within the INCLE 

account. 

The Committee urges USAID to consider extending its agreement with The Field Museum of Chicago on the Cordillera Azul 

National Park project in central Peru after the original agreement 

period ends in 2007. The Committee understands that this alternative community development and conservation education project 

has already demonstrated effective use of ACI funds to prevent 

coca cultivation and urges USAID to consider entering into similar 

agreements elsewhere in the region. 

Human rights 

The Committee calls on the Department of State to ensure that 

all United States laws regarding human rights, including section 

651 of this Act, are strictly applied in Colombia and each of the Andean nations. The Committee includes a general provision, modified from previous years, requiring that the Secretary of State certify that certain human rights conditions have been met before 35 

percent of funds may be made available for assistance for the Colombian Armed Forces. 

MIGRATION AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $833,033,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 773,500,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 829,900,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 56,400,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥3,133,000 


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The Committee recommends a total of $829,900,000 for Migra- tion and Refugee Assistance, $3,133,000 below the fiscal year 2007 

level, excluding emergency supplemental appropriations and 

$56,400,000 above the request. A limitation of $22,500,000 is recommended for administrative expenses. The Committee notes that 

the fiscal year 2007 Supplemental appropriations Act (Public Law 

110–28) included $130,500,000 for this account which is available 

for obligation through fiscal year 2008. The Committee will continue to monitor the availability of these no-year funds to ensure 

there is adequate funding for these essential humanitarian assistance activities. 

GAO Review of Cash Assistance Programs 

The Committee provides up to $2,000,000 to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) for a comprehensive review of all 

Cash Assistance and Emergency Cash Assistance programs operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. The Committee directs the GAO to report to the Committees on Appropriations no later than eight months after enactment of this Act on 

whether any refugee who is receiving military training as a member of the so-called Palestine Liberation Army or any other guerilla 

type organization or who has engaged in any act of terrorism has 

received payments from the UNRWA Cash Assistance or Emergency Cash Assistance programs; whether UNRWA has control 

mechanisms in place to prevent such payments; and whether it is 

possible to certify UNRWA’s compliance with section 301(c) of the 

Foreign Assistance Act. 

Migration to Israel 

The Committee’s recommendation includes not less than 

$40,000,000 for refugees from the former Soviet Union and Eastern 

Europe and other refugees resettling in Israel. 

Tibetan refugees 

The Committee recommends not less than $2,500,000 from this 

account for Tibetan refugees in Nepal and India. The Committee 

remains concerned about the situation of Tibetan refugees 

transiting through Nepal to resettlement in India, and in particular the decision by Nepal to bar the reopening of the Tibetanrun offices in Kathmandu that provide vital services to refugees. In 

light of recent events in Nepal, the Committee expects that the 

Government of Nepal will fulfill its commitment to provide safe 

passage to Tibetans fleeing repression in their homeland, and respect the rights of the legally resident Tibetan refugee community 

that lives in Nepal. 

Gender-based violence 

Sexual exploitation and violence against women and girls is an 

ongoing problem among internally displaced and refugee populations. The Committee notes that despite stated Committee intent, 

the Department of State did not scale up resources and target 

funding for programs to address these issues in fiscal year 2006. 

The Committee urges the Department to prioritize funding to address these critical issues. The Committee directs the Department 

to provide a report within 120 days of enactment of this Act on 


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United States Government funding from this account during fiscal 

year 2006 and 2007 for programs that target gender-based violence. 

Unaccompanied refugee minors 

The Committee is concerned by the dearth of referrals for refugee 

processing of unaccompanied minors, including orphans and children who are developmentally disabled and who ultimately spend 

their childhoods in refugee camps at risk of harm and without any 

available parent or guardian to care for them. The Committee 

urges the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration to work 

with experienced refugee resettlement agencies, the Department of 

Homeland Security, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner 

for Refugees on a strategy to appropriately prioritize screening and 

identify vulnerable unaccompanied refugee minors for expeditious 

resettlement to the United States. 

Western Sahara 

The Committee understands that the United Nations Security 

Council extended the UN peacekeeping mission in the Western Sahara for six months on April 30th, 2007 and called upon Member 

States to consider funding confidence building measures permitting 

increased contact between those who have been separated from 

their families. The Committee encourages the Department to give 

careful consideration to this request. 

UNITED STATES EMERGENCY REFUGEE AND MIGRATION ASSISTANCE

FUND

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $55,000,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 55,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 45,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥10,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥10,000,000 

The Committee recommends $45,000,000 for the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund, which is $10,000,000 below 

both the fiscal year 2007 level, excluding emergency supplemental 

appropriations and the request. The Committee notes that the fiscal year 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 110–

28) included an additional $55,000,000 for this account in fiscal 

year 2007. The Committee will continue to monitor the availability 

of these no-year funds to ensure there is adequate reserve in this 

emergency account. 

The Committee recommendation does not include the language 

requested in the budget to override the $100,000,000 cumulative 

limit on this account in the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act 

of 1962. 

NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED

PROGRAMS

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $405,999,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 464,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 467,000,000 

Change from request ...................................................................... 3,000,000 

Change from enacted level ............................................................. 61,001,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $467,000,000 for Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs 


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(NADR), which is $3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level, excluding emergency supplemental appropriations and $61,000,000 

above the request. 

The following table compares the President’s fiscal year 2008 request and the Committee recommendation: 

[$ in thousands] 

Programs FY 2008 

request 

Committee rec- ommenda- tion 

Nonproliferation Programs: 

Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund ....................................................................................... $30,000 $38,000 

Export Control and Related Border Security Assistance ................................................................ 41,270 41,270 

Global Threat Reduction (formerly NWMDE) ................................................................................... 53,500 53,500 

IAEA Voluntary Contribution ........................................................................................................... 50,000 50,000 

CTBT International Monitoring System ........................................................................................... 18,000 10,000 

Subtotal—Nonproliferation Programs ..................................................................................................... 192,770 192,770 

Anti-Terrorism Programs: 

Anti-terrorism Assistance ............................................................................................................... 124,311 124,311 

Terrorist Interdiction Program ........................................................................................................ 18,345 18,345 

CT Engagement with Allies ............................................................................................................ 1,000 1,000 

Counterterrorism Financing ............................................................................................................ 6,368 6,368 

Subtotal—Anti-Terrorism Programs ........................................................................................................ 150,024 150,024 

Regional Stability & Humanitarian Assistance: 

Humanitarian Demining Program ................................................................................................... 66,485 66,485 

International Trust Fund ................................................................................................................. 10,000 13,000 

Small Arms/Light Weapons Destruction ......................................................................................... 44,721 44,721 

Subtotal—Regional Stability & Humanitarian Assistance ..................................................................... 121,206 124,206 

Total ......................................................................................................................................................... 464,000 467,000 

Inter-agency cooperation on nonproliferation activities 

The President has requested $192,770,000 under this account for 

fiscal year 2008 non-proliferation activities. The Committee recognizes the Department of Energy’s lead role in the prioritization of 

resources and considers the non-proliferation programs of the Departments of State, Energy, Defense, and Homeland Security critical components of protecting the United States and supporting 

international security. 

The Committee is particularly concerned that the United States 

government invests strategically to secure material of special concern. The Committee requests a report, not later than 60 days following enactment of this Act, describing the joint non-proliferation 

activities of the Department of State with its partner agencies and 

international organizations, including a detailed description and 

assessment of past and ongoing efforts to catalogue special nuclear, 

chemical, and biological material. This report shall be classified at 

an appropriate level. 

Counterterrorism financing 

The Committee recognizes that Counterterrorism Financing is a 

valuable asset in assisting foreign countries’ efforts to identify, 

freeze, and prevent the use of financial institutions, businesses, 

and charitable organizations as conduits for money to terrorist organizations, including giving countries an investigative ability to 

follow the money trail and arrest terrorists preemptively. 

The Committee continues to support the work of the Department 

of State, the Department of Justice and the Department of Treasury in assisting countries who are at risk to terrorist financing. 


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However, overall budgetary constraints did not provide sufficient 

opportunity for the Committee to increase the funding level. 

International trust fund 

The Committee recommends $13,000,000 for the International 

Trust Fund, which is $3,000,000 above the request. The Committee 

recognizes the significance of the assistance provided by the Trust 

Fund for assistance to victims. 

Small arms/light weapons destruction—manpads 

The Committee strongly supports the Small Arms/Light Weapons 

Destruction program for its clear and effective results in aiding 

participants in the elimination of grenades, guns, and man-portable 

air defense systems (MANPADS). Already, the program has destroyed more than 800,000 weapons, 80 million rounds of ammunition and 17,000 MANPADS. The Committee recommendation includes $44,721,000 for the program, which is the same as the request. This recommendation is based on the Committee’s concern 

that the increase in the proliferation of small arms and light weapons by terrorists, criminals and human rights abusing governments 

contributes to an increase in violence and instability in conflict regions around the world, putting American security interests at risk. 

The Committee believes that the program has proven to be highly 

successful, thus requiring increased support and funding. 

Voluntary contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency 

(IAEA) 

The Committee recommends $50,000,000, which is the same as 

the request, for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 

These funds are essential to assist in the development and implementation of safeguards and expanding nuclear safety activities. 

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY 

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $19,800,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 24,800,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 18,000,000 

Change from request ...................................................................... ¥6,800,000 

Change from enacted level ............................................................. ¥1,800,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $18,000,000 for international technical assistance by the Department of the Treasury, 

which is $1,800,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level and $6,800,000 

below the request. In operation since 1991, Treasury’s Office of 

Technical Assistance (OTA) provides expert fiscal and monetary 

policy advisors to developing and in-transition countries. The Committee notes that in any given year, requests for assistance and expertise provided by OTA far exceed either the budget request or 

the Committee’s ability to fund. The Committee directs the Department to include more useful information in its future budget requests, including the countries, projects, project costs assumed in 

the request level, and an explanation of change from the prior year. 

The Committee directs the OTA to notify the Committee prior to 

the obligation of funds for the compensation or travel expenses of 


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any individual who is not an employee of the Department of the 

Treasury. 

DEBT RESTRUCTURING

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $64,350,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 207,300,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 200,300,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥7,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 135,950,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $200,300,000 for international debt restructuring by the Department of the Treasury, 

which is $135,950,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and 

$7,000,000 below the request. The Committee makes $20,000,000 

under this heading available for the Tropical Forest Conservation 

Act (TFCA) programs and does not fund the enhanced HIPC initiative request. Funds in this account are subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. 

TROPICAL FOREST CONSERVATION ACT (TFCA)

The Committee directs the Department to provide a report by 

December 15, 2007, on potential debt reduction/restructuring initiatives for any unallocated balances remaining at the end of fiscal 

year 2007. The Committee expects the Department of the Treasury 

to consult with the Committee 15 days prior to the Treasury determination that additional countries are found eligible for TFCA. 

TITLE IV—MILITARY ASSISTANCE 

FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT 

INTERNATIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $85,877,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 89,500,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 85,076,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥4,424,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥801,000 

The Committee recommends $85,076,000 for the International 

Military Education and Training (IMET) program, which is 

$4,424,000 below the request. 

IMET is part of the overall United States security assistance program, and through it the United States Government provides training to predominantly military students from allied and friendly nations. The IMET program exposes students to the United States 

professional military establishment and the American way of life, 

including democratic values and rule of law, and respect for individual and human rights. In 1990, Congress directed the Department of Defense to establish a program within IMET—called Expanded-IMET or ‘‘E–IMET’’—focused on training foreign civilian 

and military officials in three areas: managing and administering 

military establishments and budgets; creating and maintaining effective military judicial systems and military codes of conduct; and 

fostering greater respect for the principle of civilian control of the 

military. 


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Expanded International Military Education and Training 

The Committee recommends $175,000 in E–IMET assistance for 

Libya and $350,000 in E–IMET assistance for Angola. 

Combined Military Training—Egypt and Israel 

The Committee notes that since 2000 Egypt has sent 4,082 students to receive United States Military training and Israel has sent 

1,726 to receive similar training. The Committee further notes that 

Egypt has had 151 students who have taken training that included 

Israeli students and Israel has had 120 students who have taken 

training including Egyptian students. The Committee is encouraged by this noting that soldiers who train together are more likely 

to foster cooperation in future operations. The Committee urges the 

Department of State to establish a program to promote such joint 

training. 

Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation 

The Committee has included a requirement that not later than 

60 days after enactment of this Act, the Department of State submit a report addressing how the Western Hemisphere Institute for 

Security Cooperation program contributes to the promotion of 

human rights, respect for civilian authority and the rule of law, the 

establishment of legitimate judicial mechanisms for the military, 

and achieving the goal of right sizing military forces. 

Guatemala 

The Committee recommendation includes $500,000 for regular 

IMET programs for Guatemala. The Committee has included language that provides training, other than E–IMET, only for the 

Guatemalan Air Force and Navy and also provides IMET training 

for the Guatemalan Army Corps of Engineers entirely for training 

to improve disaster response capabilities and to participate in 

international peacekeeping operations. The Committee notes that 

this assistance may only be provided if the Secretary of State certifies that the Guatemalan Air Force, Navy and Army Corps of Engineers are respecting human rights, and that civilian judicial authorities are investigating and prosecuting, with the military’s cooperation, military personnel who have been implicated in gross 

violations of human rights. 

The Committee notes that providing regular IMET assistance for 

the Guatemalan Navy, Air Force and Army Corp of Engineers will 

provide the United States the ability to support the Government of 

Guatemala’s efforts at defense reform, to control its borders against 

illicit drug trafficking, and to build its disaster response capability. 

Specifically, access to the full range of IMET courses, from professional military education to technical training, would help in the 

prevention of loss of military expertise due to attrition. The Committee is aware that the Guatemalan Air Force has received no 

technical training for 14 years. The Committee is concerned that 

the Government of Guatemala cannot maintain and field an effective force against narcotics trafficking and other illicit activity, or 

protect their borders without this training. IMET for the Guatemalan Navy is critical to enhancing its professional development, 

interdiction capability. Such training will strengthen the Guatemalan Navy’s ability to counter narcotics trafficking along the 


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riverine network, as well as along the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines that are increasingly heavy transit zones for drugs. 

The Committee continues to monitor the Guatemalan Government’s implementation of military reforms guaranteed by the 1996 

Peace Accords. The Committee notes that since the signing of the 

1996 Peace Accords, the Guatemalan Army has made some 

progress in reduction of force size and reduction of the military 

budget. The Committee acknowledges efforts by the Guatemalan 

military to deemphasize the internal security mission that was part 

in parcel of its training, doctrine, and education. 

Equatorial Guinea 

The Committee recommendation includes no funding for Equatorial Guinea. 

Democratic Republic of Congo 

The Committee recommendation includes $300,000 for IMET programs for Democratic Republic of Congo (DROC), which is $200,000 

below the request. The Committee understands that the Department is focusing on security sector reform and post-conflict activities. The Committee supports these activities. 

Kenya 

The Committee recommendation includes $350,000 for IMET programs for Kenya, which is $200,000 below the request. The Committee notes that this is the first year Kenya has not been subject 

to American Servicemembers’ Protection Act (ASPA) restrictions 

and recommends a gradual increase in training activities. 

Mozambique 

The Committee recommendation includes $250,000 for IMET programs for Mozambique, which is $50,000 below the request. The 

Committee supports efforts to promote coastal security in the 

southwest Indian Ocean region. 

Mali 

The Committee recommendation includes $150,000 for IMET programs for Mali, which is $100,000 below the request. The Committee notes that this is the first year Mali has not been subject 

to American Servicemembers’ Protection Act (ASPA) restrictions 

and recommends a gradual increase in training activities. 

Sudan 

The Committee recommendation includes $300,000 for IMET programs for Sudan, which is the same as the request. 

Tanzania 

The Committee recommendation includes $150,000 for IMET programs for Tanzania, which is $150,000 below the request. 

Iraq 

The Committee recommendation does not include funding for 

Iraq IMET programs, which is $2,000,000 below the request. 


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Indonesia 

The Committee recommendation includes $974,000,000 for IMET 

programs for Indonesia, which is the same as the request. 

Kyrgyz Republic 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,100,000 for IMET 

programs for the Kyrgyz Republic, which is $100,000 below the request. 

Argentina 

The Committee notes that although Argentina is subject to 

Brooke sanctions and unable to receive other military assistance, 

section 638(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act provides authority for 

training activities. Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes $947,000 for Argentina IMET programs, which is the same 

as the request. 

The Committee is aware that the Government of Argentina has 

not implemented Federal Court orders including two default judgments and daily sanctions rendered by the United States District 

Court of Northern Illinois. Should the Government of Argentina 

fail to comply with these court orders in a timely fashion, the Department of State, in consultation with the Department of Defense, 

should withhold funds provided for Argentina’s IMET program. 

East Timor 

The Committee recommendation includes $400,000 for IMET programs for East Timor, which is the same as the request. 

Bulgaria 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,500,000 for IMET 

programs for Bulgaria, which is $200,000 below the request. 

Armenia and Azerbaijan 

The Committee recommendation includes IMET assistance levels 

of $500,000 for each of the countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

Fiji and Thailand 

The Committee recommends no IMET assistance for each of the 

countries of Fiji and Thailand due to section 608 Military Coup restrictions. Should the President determine and certify to the Committees on Appropriations that a democratically elected government has taken office, the Committee will entertain a reprogramming of funds. 

International training programs 

The Committee understands that IMET assistance provides 

grants for military education and training to military and civilian 

students from foreign countries to help these countries move toward self-sufficiency in defending themselves. The Committee appreciates that in addition to providing training this program is intended to also expose foreign students to American democratic values, particularly military respect for civilian control of the military 

and the government and for internationally recognized standards of 

individual and human rights. With this in mind, the Committee is 

gravely concerned that there may be a significant overlap and duVerDate Aug 31 2005 09:32 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 035983 PO 00000 Frm 00118 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR197.XXX HR197

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plication of efforts between the Department of State and the Department of Defense in the conduct of training the military of foreign nations. The Committee is concerned that the 

Counterterrorism Fellowship Program (CTFP) security cooperation 

program is in fact being used to circumvent Congressionally mandated restrictions with regard to human rights. The Committee directs the Department of State to produce a report on the differences between IMET and CTFP. In development of the report 

the Secretary of State shall collaborate with the Secretary of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget. 

FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $4,550,800,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 4,536,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 4,509,236,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥26,764,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥41,564,000 

The Committee recommends $4,509,236,000 for the Foreign Mili- tary Financing Program, which is $41,564,000 below the fiscal year 

2007 level and $26,764,000 below the request. 

The Foreign Military Financing (FMF) assistance program provides grants for the acquisition of United States defense equipment, services and training. The FMF program enables key allies 

and friendly nations to improve defensive capabilities, and fosters 

bilateral military relationships with the United States and interoperability with United States forces. 

Unallocated flexibility fund 

The Committee believes that foreign policy decisions rest with 

the Secretary of State as the principal advisor to the President on 

international discourse and proceedings and that this authority 

should not be delegated or abdicated by the Department of State 

nor superseded by other departments or agencies within the Executive branch. The Committee is very concerned that the Department 

of State has relinquished the responsibility to provide continuous 

supervision and general direction of sales of military articles and 

the provision of services and training. The Committee notes that 

pursuant to sections 1 and 2 of Chapter 1 of the Arms Export Control Act (Public Law 90–629) it remains the policy of the United 

States to enter into international arrangements with friendly countries which further the foreign policy objectives of the United 

States to achieve specific national defense goals and objectives of 

mutual concern. The Committee notes that it is the Secretary of 

State’s responsibility to ensure all such sales and training shall 

only be approved when it is consistent with the foreign policy interests of the United States, as embodied in the Foreign Assistance 

Act of 1961, and to the extent the military requirement necessitates and the economic and financial capability of the recipient 

country allows—with particular regard being given to the proper 

balance among military assistance and economic assistance, particularly as to the impact the military assistance will have on programs of social and economic development in the recipient country. 

The Committee further notes the law states that under the direction of the President, the Secretary of State, taking into account 

other activities abroad, such as military operations, food and ecoVerDate Aug 31 2005 09:32 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 035983 PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR197.XXX HR197

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nomic assistance, shall be responsible for the general direction of 

sales, leases, financing, cooperative projects, and exports, including 

determining whether there will be a sale to, or financing for, a 

country and the amount and scope thereof and whether such activities can and will be integrated with other United States actions 

which best serve the foreign policy of the United States. With this 

in mind, the Committee is concerned that the Department of Defense is seeking to make permanent and expand to other countries 

some security and foreign assistance programs know as ‘‘Section 

1206 authority’’ which have traditionally been under the supervision of the Department of State and USAID under the pretext 

that ‘‘speed and efficiency’’ in training and equipping other countries provides the ability to keep pace with adversaries and act 

quickly when circumstances require change. 

The Committee does not dispute that a failure to act rapidly and 

early increases the risk to vital United States security interests 

and likely brings about a need for direct United States intervention, but the Committee notes that the Departments of State and 

Defense have vastly different missions, and although they are not 

mutually exclusive they cannot be substituted for, or replace one 

another. Therefore, the Committee has included a new provision 

within the FMF account to allow the Secretary of State the flexibility to respond quickly to emerging needs and seize foreign policy 

opportunities. This proposed new flexibility fund is intended to assist the Secretary of State to quickly and effectively respond to contingencies in foreign countries or regions providing resources that 

can be drawn upon immediately to address a range of needs including training, procurement and capacity building of a foreign country’s national military forces to conduct, among other activities, 

counterterrorist operations or participate in or support military 

and stability operations. 

The Committee is therefore providing $5,000,000 of unallocated 

FMF which shall remain available until expended. The Committee 

intends that these funds should be coordinated through a joint Department of State and Department of Defense review. The Committee further directs that these funds shall not be used to replenish or backfill any funds that were specifically denied by the Committee. The Committee further expects that the Department of 

State will not prejudice the availability of these funds by pre-programming and use this new ability in the spirit it was provided. 

The Committee further expects that any use of these funds shall 

be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees 

on Appropriations. 

Administrative expenses 

The Committee recommends $43,500,000 for FMF administrative 

expenses, of which $1,600,000, as requested, is for African Military 

Health Affairs and $41,900,000, as requested, is for DSCA administrative costs. 

NEAR EAST COUNTRIES

The Committee recommendation includes $3,934,736,000 for 

countries funded within the Near East region, which is $336,000 

above the request. 


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Israel 

The Committee recommends a total FMF program of not less 

than $2,400,000,000 in grants for Israel, which shall be available 

within 30 days of enactment of this Act. Of this amount, approximately $1,507,500,000 is for continuation and maintenance of ongoing acquisition programs, $892,500,000 is for potential new acquisition programs, and $631,200,000 is for off shore procurement of 

military equipment. 

This recommendation is the same as the request. 

The Committee remains committed to helping Israel maintain 

sovereignty and security. Therefore, the Committee is convinced 

that the United States must make every effort to carry out its longstanding policy of assisting our ally Israel to maintain its technological advantage. 

Jordan 

The Committee recommends a total FMF program of 

$200,000,000 for Jordan, which is the same as the request. 

The Committee strongly supports the Administration’s efforts to 

improve Jordanian security and to this end provided $45,000,000 

in the fiscal year 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public 

Law 110–28). Under the leadership of King Abdullah, Jordan plays 

a critical role in supporting peace and security in the Middle East. 

The Committee is well aware that Jordan’s security requirements are extensive, particularly in the areas of ground force modernization and border security. The Committee recommendation includes $73,000,000 to sustain equipment previously furnished and 

$127,000,000 for potential new programs in Jordan. 

Egypt 

The Committee recommends a total FMF program of 

$1,300,000,000 for Egypt, which shall be transferred within 30 

days of enactment of this Act. Of this amount, $526,769,000 is for 

continuation and maintenance of ongoing acquisition programs and 

$773,231,000 is for potential new acquisition programs. This recommendation is the same as the request. 

The Committee notes that section 699 of the general provisions 

includes additional language with respect to conditionality of FMF 

funding. Additional explanatory language is included in description 

of section 699 in this report. 

The Committee is convinced that continued military cooperation 

between Egypt and the United States remains in the national security interests of both countries. However, the Committee believes 

that Egypt must initiate a significant modernization of its military 

structure to transform it to a modern, professional, and efficient 

military force. The Committee notes that United States military 

representatives from the United States Central Command 

(USCENTCOM) have been encouraging the Egyptian military to 

initiate programs designed to transform its military force but these 

programs have not yet been embraced by the Egyptians. The Committee strongly recommends that the Egyptian military work with 

the USCENTCOM to develop and implement programs that will 

lead to a more modern and professional Egyptian military. Furthermore, the Committee directs the Department of State, to include 


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with the fiscal year 2009 budget request, a list of the projects included in the request for such transformational efforts. 

Lebanon 

The Committee recommendation includes $7,000,000 in FMF pro- gram funds for Lebanon in FY 2008, which is $2,600,000 below the 

request. The Committee notes that the fiscal year 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 110–28) provided $220,000,000 for Lebanon. The Committee further notes that on 

May 24, 2007 the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy notified the 

Congress that $30,600,000 was being transferred under section 

1206 authority for training and equipment. 

The Committee is encouraged that the United States is reaching 

out to the Lebanese government to assist with the purchase of 

spare parts, maintenance, and training for its military. However, 

the Committee is mindful that areas of the country, most particularly in the south, remain under the influence of both Syria and 

Iran. The Committee continues to direct the Departments of State 

and Defense to work closely together to ensure that the FMF or 

section 1206 programs for Lebanon supports equipment and training for the Lebanese military that will not support in any way terrorist groups that continue to operate in certain parts of the country and that no assistance from either supplemental funding or section 1206 is provided to or through any individual, or private or 

government entity, that advocates, plans, sponsors, engages in, or 

has engaged in, terrorist activity. 

The Committee notes that it is in the national security interests 

of the United States to achieve a variety of goals in Lebanon, including the disarmament of all militias in Lebanon and the extension of Lebanese sovereignty throughout the country. The Committee directs the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to submit a report to the Committee on Appropriations no later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, on 

progress made on advancing these goals and protecting Lebanon’s 

eastern border. 

Tunisia 

The Committee recommendation includes a total FMF program 

for Tunisia of $5,000,000, which is $2,936,000 above the request. 

The Committee notes that the United States and Tunisia have enjoyed a longstanding relationship of cooperation and friendship 

based on shared values. Tunisia is an important ally of the United 

States and a valued partner in the global war on terror. The Committee supports Tunisia’s efforts to transform their military and 

the increased emphasis Tunisia has placed on counter-terrorism 

and international peacekeeping. The Committee notes that the Tunisian army has actively joined in humanitarian relief efforts, participating in earthquake relief in India and Pakistan, as well as 

contributing in peacekeeping activities in Congo, Cambodia, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Eritrea. 

The Committee understands that the Tunisian armed forces are 

relying on outdated equipment which does not allow it to take full 

advantage of the joint military exercises conducted with the United 

States armed forces. The Committee would have liked to provide 

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vide sufficient opportunity and encourages the State Department to 

allocate the additional resources to the highest priority cases. 

Further, the Committee wants to recognize that Tunisia has 

truly been a pioneer and visionary in establishing rights for women 

and the Committee commends these efforts. 

AFRICA COUNTRIES

The Committee recommendation includes $10,550,000 for countries funded within the Africa region, which is $1,750,000 above 

the request. The recommendation provides full funding for all requested countries and $1,750,000 in regional funding. 

SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES

The Committee recommendation includes $255,900,000 for countries funded within the South and Central Asia region, which is 

$50,000,000 below the request. 

Pakistan 

The Committee recommends a total FMF program of 

$300,000,000 for Pakistan, which is the same as the request. The 

Committees notes that Pakistan has been an important ally of the 

United States in the War on Terrorism and this reduction is not 

a reflection of a lessening of the Committee’s appreciation for Pakistan’s support. While the Committee remains concerned about 

Pakistan’s slow progress with regard to democracy reforms and 

human rights, the reduction to FMF programs is non-prejudicial 

and due to overall budgetary constraints. The Committee is gravely 

concerned that the Administration’s management of the FMF program for Pakistan may be incurring future debt and commitments 

to which the Committee has not previously agreed. 

EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC COUNTRIES

The Committee recommendation includes $23,575,000 for countries funded within the East Asia and the Pacific region, which is 

$7,700,000 below the request. The recommendation does not include funding requested for Fiji and Thailand, as both countries 

are under section 608 coup sanctions. These funds are appropriated 

within regional funding. 

Philippines—Extrajudicial Activities 

The Committee recognizes the robust network of civil society organizations in the Philippines, which are critical to sustaining the 

country’s tradition of advocacy and public debate. The Committee 

is highly concerned with reports of extrajudicial killings by the 

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National 

Police (PNP), noting reports of more than 800 extrajudicial killings 

since 2001. The Committee is deeply concerned with the effect 

these killings may be having on the work of civil society organizations. The Committee directs the Department of State to report to 

the Committees on Appropriations not later than 90 days after the 

enactment of this Act on the status of investigations into 

extrajudicial killings and gross violations of human rights by the 

AFP and PNP. 


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Indonesia 

The Committee recommends a total FMF program for Indonesia 

of $8,000,000, which is $7,700,000 below the request. 

The Committee provides that of the $8,000,000 recommended for 

Indonesia, not more than $6,000,000 may be available prior to the 

Secretary of State making the certification contained in section 682 

of this Act. 

The Committee makes this recommendation mindful of continuing concern about the professionalism of the Indonesian military and strongly supports the efforts of the civilian authorities in 

Indonesia to promote the rule of law, including efforts to exert control over the Indonesian military forces (TNI). This funding in no 

way signals decreased concern about the poor human rights record 

of the Indonesian military forces and is intended only as a sign of 

measured support for the continuing efforts of the civilian Government of Indonesia. 

The government of Indonesia is a strategic ally of the United 

States, especially in the continuing Global War on Terror and these 

funds will be used to purchase such things as spare parts and communications equipment. The Committee is encouraged and supportive of the efforts of United States military representatives of 

the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) to work with the 

Indonesian military to transform its structure into a modern, professional and efficient military force. 

In addition to the report required in sec. 687 of this Act, the 

Committee directs that not later than 90 days after enactment of 

this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations that describes the following: the utilization of any United States supplied equipment to Indonesian security forces, including the military, police, and other security agencies and any connection to human rights violations since 2000; any 

connections between United States trained Indonesian individuals 

and units, including the military, police, and other security agencies and human rights violations since 2000; ongoing efforts to 

monitor the use of United States supplied equipment and training 

in Indonesia; and any strategy linking United States military assistance to Indonesia to progress on human rights. 

WESTERN HEMISPHERE COUNTRIES

The Committee recommendation includes $62,750,000 for countries funded within the Western Hemisphere region, which is 

$20,050,000 below the request. The Committee is concerned that 

the Administration has dramatically pulled away from security assistance in the region. The following table compares the President’s 

request for fiscal year 2008 and the Committee recommendation: 

[In thousands] 

Country FY 2008 

request 

Committee 

recommendation 

Bahamas .................................................................................................................................................. $0 $80 

Belize ....................................................................................................................................................... 0 100 

Bolivia ...................................................................................................................................................... 0 25 

Chile ......................................................................................................................................................... 0 300 

Colombia .................................................................................................................................................. 78,000 48,000 


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[In thousands] 

Country FY 2008 

request 

Committee 

recommendation 

Dominican Republic ................................................................................................................................. 0 725 

Ecuador .................................................................................................................................................... 0 25 

El Salvador .............................................................................................................................................. 4,800 4,800 

Guatemala ............................................................................................................................................... 0 250 

Guyana ..................................................................................................................................................... 0 75 

Haiti ......................................................................................................................................................... 0 990 

Honduras .................................................................................................................................................. 0 500 

Jamaica .................................................................................................................................................... 0 500 

Nicaragua ................................................................................................................................................ 0 500 

Panama .................................................................................................................................................... 0 775 

Peru .......................................................................................................................................................... 0 25 

Suriname .................................................................................................................................................. 0 80 

Eastern Caribbean ................................................................................................................................... 0 1,000 

Western Hemisphere ................................................................................................................................ 0 4,000 

Subtotal—Western Hemisphere ................................................................................................. 82,800 62,750 

Argentina 

The Committee recommendation does not include funding for Argentina as they are currently in default in payment of principal 

and interest of more than six months of a loan to the United 

States. 

Colombia 

The Committee is restructuring the assistance package. Colombia is a vital partner and ally of the United States. The Committee 

has grave concerns with the current aid package that overwhelmingly emphasizes hard-side assistance over development assistance. 

The Committee believes that any new Plan Colombia must be a 

more balanced strategy that shifts the aid from the military and 

strengthens civilian governance, humanitarian assistance and rural 

development and transitions more of the military operations to the 

government of Colombia. The Committee fully recognizes the strategic importance Colombia plays in the hemisphere and therefore 

instructs the Bureau of Political Military Affairs at the Department 

of State in consultation with the Bureau of Western Hemisphere 

Affairs at the Department of State, Southern Command and the 

Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to provided a strategy no later than 120 days from enactment of this Act for reducing 

military assistance to Colombia in a gradual-managed approach to 

‘‘Colombianization’’ of the military package. To this end the Committee recommendation includes $48,000,000 for the FMF program 

in Colombia, which is $30,000,000 below the request. The Committee instructs that within the funds provided the Riverine interdiction efforts (boats, bases, training and spare parts) should be 

fully funded at $12,250,000 and Naval aviation operations and 

interdiction/security operations at $5,000,000. 

Guatemala 

The Committee recommendation provides $250,000 for FMF programs for Guatemala and carries language to allow FMF for the 

Air Force and Navy to obtain spare parts only if the Secretary of 

State certifies that the Guatemalan Air Force, Navy and Army 


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Corp of Engineers is respecting human rights, and civilian judicial 

authorities are investigating and prosecuting, with the military’s 

cooperation, military personnel who have been implicated in gross 

violations of human rights and the Guatemala Congress has adopted and the Guatemalan President and Vice President have approved the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). The Committee understands that there is uncertainty as to whether the Guatemalan Congress will embrace and 

pass the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala 

(CICIG) to investigate clandestine groups who have made threats 

and carried out attacks against human rights defenders. The Committee has been informed that the Constitutional Court in Guatemala on May 10, 2007 issued an opinion that there is nothing unconstitutional about the CICIG agreement, and that it does not affect the autonomy of the Prosecutor General. Additionally, the 

Committee has been told that the court will rule that approval of 

the CICIG only requires a simple majority of 80 votes in the 158 

member Guatemalan Congress. The Committee notes the Constitutional Court’s ruling is a significant boost for CICIG, since it neutralizes the ‘‘constitutional’’ arguments of CICIG’s opponents and it 

lowers the votes required for approval. The Committee notes that 

on Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 the Guatemalan Congress held an extraordinary session during which the Constitutional Court’s favorable opinion on the CICIG was formally presented to the Guatemalan Congress. The Committee is encouraged by this ruling and 

is hopeful that the Guatemalan Congress will approve the CICIG. 

Access to FMF funding, particularly for spare parts for the Guatemalan Air Force and Navy, would be used to support the Government of Guatemala’s efforts to combat transnational crime on the 

sea, on the rivers, and in the air. Guatemala is a strategic 

chokepoint for the flow of drugs and other threats towards the 

United States. Funding will also strengthen the Navy’s ability to 

counter narcotics trafficking along the riverine network, as well as 

along the coastline of the Pacific and Atlantic sides that are increasingly heavy transit zones for drugs. Funding for FMF will also 

increase Guatemala’s disaster response and peacekeeping capabilities. The Committee continues to call attention to the fact that the 

language still restricts funding from the Guatemala Army. 

EUROPE AND EURASIA COUNTRIES

The Committee recommendation includes $123,225,000 for countries funded within the Europe and Eurasia region, which is 

$6,100,000 below the request. 

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

The Committee recommendation includes a total FMF program 

for Bosnia and Herzegovina of $7,000,000, which is $800,000 below 

the request. 

Bulgaria 

The Committee recommendation includes a total FMF program 

for Bulgaria of $11,200,000, which is $2,000,000 below the request. 

The Committee’s reduction is based on insufficient budget justification for the integrated logistics system ($1,000,000) and the personnel management system ($1,000,000). 


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Georgia 

The Committee recommendation includes a total FMF program 

for Georgia of $9,000,000, which is $1,000,000 below the request. 

The Committee does not believe it is appropriate to provide 

$1,150,000 for ‘‘Cubic Defense Transformation Advisors’’ from within FMF. The Committee recommends that the remaining $150,000 

be used for vehicle or helicopter support. 

Romania 

The Committee recommendation includes a total FMF program 

for Romania of $18,400,000, which is $3,975,000 above the request. 

Armenia and Azerbaijan 

The Committee recommends a FMF program of $3,000,000 for 

each of the countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $223,250,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 221,200,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 293,200,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 72,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 69,950,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $293,200,000 for Peacekeeping Operations (PKO), which is $72,000,000 above the request. 

Funding provided under the PKO account is intended for activities that are not funded through mechanisms of the UN peacekeeping activities account. The PKO account funds United States 

assistance to international efforts to monitor and maintain the 

peace in areas of special concern to the United States, and provides 

funds to other related programs carried out in furtherance of the 

national security interests of the United States. In fiscal year 2008, 

contributions are planned for programs in Africa, the Multinational 

Force and Observers (MFO) Mission in the Sinai, and the Global 

Peacekeeping Operations Initiative (GPOI), and other activities. 

The Committee recommendation includes no funding and no authority for the Administration to use up to $25,000,000 for stabilization and reconstruction activities (Conflict Response Fund). 

The Committee does not believe that the PKO account is the appropriate funding source for such a wide ranging initiative. 

The Committee observes with great concern that the fiscal year 

2008 request for the PKO account appears to overwhelmingly 

prioritize Security Sector Reform programs over other activities. 

The Committee agrees that security sector reform is an important 

initiative for the United States to address, but notes that the Administration leaves little flexibility in case of an emergency in addressing regions of instability, where peace remains tenuous, instability remains a constant and where conflicts continue to flare up. 

Denial of expansion of extraordinary authorities 

While the Committee recognizes the need for flexibility to respond to emerging threats, the Committee notes that the President 

currently possesses extraordinary authorities provided within the 

Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and therefore the Committee is 

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thorities which the Committee notes already provides for quick disbursement of funding for international crises. Additionally, the 

Committee recommendation does not include authorization for 

PKO funds to be used notwithstanding section 660 of the Foreign 

Assistance Act. The Administration requested this authority to provide support to the Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units, 

a center in Italy at which GPOI partners can build a professional 

gendarme capacity. The Committee supports the proposed program 

and expects other G8 nations to support this program, or the Administration to use funding from other accounts with the necessary 

authority, such as the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement account. 

Africa 

The Committee recommendation includes $176,000,000 for PKO 

activities in Africa, which is $96,000,000 above the request. The 

Committee is supportive of PKO activities in Africa. Within the amount provided, not less than $41,400,000 is included for programs in South Sudan, which is the same as the request. The Committee recommendation includes no funding for the 

Africa Regional Account, which is $4,000,000 below the request. 

This level does not include operations to be funded from the Global 

Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI). 

Darfur 

The Committee recommendation includes $100,000,000 for voluntary peacekeeping activities in Darfur. The Committee is distressed that the Administration did not request any funding for the 

continued support of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) 

within this account and has requested an inadequate amount within the Contribution for International Peacekeeping Account (CIPA) 

for the UN peacekeeping efforts. The Committee is disappointed 

that there is no clear and defined timeline for a transition to a UN/ 

AMIS hybrid force. However, the Committee believes that the Department should be planning for any contingency and is gravely 

concerned that no funding requested for AMIS, and inadequate 

funding within CIPA for a future UN peacekeeping force, is indicative of a lack of commitment on the part of the Administration to 

the vital needs of a strong and robust peacekeeping mission to protect civilians in Darfur. The Committee urges the Administration 

to submit a budget amendment to meet any future peacekeeping 

needs. 

The Committee finds that global diplomacy to end the ongoing 

genocide in Darfur has been tragically ineffective. United States 

diplomatic leadership efforts have been uncertain and erratic. 

International diplomacy has been marked by sporadic and uncoordinated engagement by many governments and multilateral organizations. Contact Groups, comprised of representatives of key governments and multinational entities, proved invaluable to bringing 

peace to South Sudan in 2005 and to the Balkans in the 1990s. The 

Committee strongly urges the Department of State to exercise a 

stronger leadership role internationally, including by working with 

key partners to establish a structured international diplomatic coalition in the form of a Contact Group encompassing countries with 

substantial influence, to pressure Sudan to end the genocide in 


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Darfur, stop blocking the UN peacekeepers called for in Security 

Council Resolution 1706, and conclude a viable and sustainable 

peace agreement with all the stakeholders in Darfur. 

Trans-Sahara counter terrorism initiative 

Within the recommendation for Africa, the Committee includes 

$10,000,000 for the Trans-Sahara Counter Terrorism Initiative, 

which is the same as the request. The Committee directs the Department of State and USAID to submit a report detailing the 

funding and operations of the Trans-Sahara Counter Terrorism Initiative. This report should describe how programs funded from this 

account are complemented by programs funded from USAID’s development accounts. 

Multinational force observers (MFO) 

The Committee is aware that the MFO adjusted its mission in 

the Sinai after the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) withdrew from 

Gaza, including the ‘‘Philadelphi’’ corridor along the Egyptian 

boundary and that since September 1, 2005 the MFO has undertaken the additional responsibility of monitoring the deployment of 

Border Guards along the Egyptian side of the border between 

Egypt and Gaza to combat acts of terrorism, smuggling and border 

infiltration and to ensure that deployment is consistent with the 

terms of the agreement between Egypt and Israel. The Committee 

further notes that since October, 2004, there have been five terrorist incidents in the Sinai, with two directly targeting MFO personnel. Within the amount provided, not less than $22,000,000, 

which is $1,000,000 above the request, is provided for the MFO. Of 

the funds provided, the Committee directs that $21,000,000 is for 

the MFO program to support, among other initiatives, the ongoing 

peace efforts in the Middle East and $1,000,000 is for force protection to purchase additional fully armored vehicles (FAVs). 

Global peace operations initiative (GPOI) 

The Committee acknowledges that the number of peacekeeping 

operations throughout the world continues to grow, increasing the 

need for the international community to respond with military and 

related complex security operations to bring the stability and security that is fundamental to social, economic, and political progress 

in countries in crisis. Africa is facing greater peacekeeping needs, 

and the international community recognizes the importance of 

more comprehensive measures for ensuring peace. 

The GPOI program incorporates previous capabilities-building 

programs at the State Department for Africa—the African Crisis 

Response Initiative (ACRI) and its successor, the African Crisis Operations Training (ACOTA). From fiscal years 1997–2005, the 

United States spent just over $121,000,000 on GPOI’s predecessor 

programs. In fiscal year 2005, the Group of Eight Nations launched 

a new collaboration, the GPOI. The goal of this five-year program 

is to increase the capacity of countries to deploy to international 

peace support operations by training 75,000 peace support troops 

worldwide by 2010 (with an emphasis on Africa), develop transportation and logistics support, increase the number of gendarme 

units deployable to international operations and facilitate deployments for these peacekeeping units. The Committee recognizes that 


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under GPOI the Department of State has expanded the activities 

to include 18 partners and is helping to strengthen strategic and 

operational management capacities at the African Union (AU) and 

the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAAS). To 

date, GPOI program funds have been used to train approximately 

19,191 troops, including 1,218 trainers around the world. In addition, in order for GPOI countries to be effective partners in multinational operations, their military leaders should be educated in 

the same core competencies and curriculum. The Committee 

strongly encourages the Secretary of State to consider sending 

GPOI participants to common educational programs in the United 

States. 

The Committee recommendation includes $95,200,000 for these 

efforts, which is the same as the request. In addition to activities 

in Africa, the Committee commends GPOI’s performance in the 

Asia-Pacific Area and encourages the Department of State to build 

on these successes in other regions. 

The Committee expects the fiscal year 2009 budget request for 

GPOI to include a detailed summary of the achievements of GPOI 

to date and specific information linking the budget request to fiscal 

year 2009 performance objectives. The Administration is encouraged, if possible, to submit the achievement summary before the 

fiscal year 2009 budget request. 

TITLE V—MULTILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE 

FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT 

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS 

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $79,200,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 106,763,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 106,763,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 27,563,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $106,763,000 for the 

Global Environment Facility (GEF), administered by the World 

Bank, which is $27,563,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the 

same as the request. The Committee recommendation includes 

$80,000,000 as the second scheduled payment of five to the fourth 

replenishment of the GEF. 

CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $940,500,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 1,060,000,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 950,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥110,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 9,500,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $950,000,000 for the 

regularly scheduled United States contribution to the International 

Development Association (IDA), which is $9,500,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $110,000,000 below the request. The Committee provides full funding for the current year contribution to the 


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International Development Association. The Committee does not 

provide fuding to pay for arrears as requested. 

CONCERNS ABOUT THE MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS

Availability of information 

The Committee again requests copies of all annual reports and 

information about the basic functions of each institution as they become available, including the European Bank for Reconstruction 

and Development and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Future and continued support for the banks cannot be 

guaranteed unless future requests are justified by the Department 

of the Treasury as well as the management of each individual institution. 

Budget support 

The Committee continues to be concerned about the recent trend 

of providing World Bank loans and grants through budget support 

in lieu of project level support. The Committee believes that providing assistance by means of budget support should be employed 

only as an emergency measure and, if excessive or frequent, can 

undermine the principle of encouraging countries to become fiscally 

responsible and good stewards of internal resources. Furthermore, 

it thwarts the Committee’s ability to effectively monitor implementation of foreign assistance to ensure effective expenditure of appropriated dollars. Future support for funding increases of the World 

Bank and the other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) cannot be guaranteed if the MDBs increase their reliance further on 

budget support. The Committee directs the Secretary of the Treasury to consult with the Committee before any changes in budget 

support ceilings are adopted by any of the MDBs. 

Anticorruption provisions 

The Committee has been pleased at the level of transparency reforms that the Secretary of the Treasury has instigated at the multilateral development banks. Specifically these reforms have been 

key in the fight against corruption at all levels of the Bank’s operations. The Committee was encouraged by recent efforts by the 

Inter-American Development Bank and the Asian Development 

Bank to begin adopting these standard procedures. However, the 

Committee is dismayed to learn that the Department of the Treasury has yet to receive sufficient information from the World Bank 

to allow the Secretary to certify World Bank compliance with the 

Anti-corruption general provision included in the fiscal year 2007 

appropriations bill. The Committee has modified this provision and 

included language in section 681. 

CONTRIBUTION TO THE MULTILATERAL INVESTMENT GUARANTEE

AGENCY

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $0 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 1,082,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 0 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥1,082,000 


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The Committee recommendation includes no funding for the Multilateral Investment Guaranty Agency, which is $1,082,000 below 

the request. The Administration has made all scheduled annual 

commitments to the most recent capital increases. 

CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTER-AMERICAN INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $0 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 7,264,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 0 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥7,264,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 0 

The Committee recommendation includes no funding for the 

Inter-American Investment Corporation. The Committee is encouraged that the IIC has adopted new operating policies and a new 

information disclosure policy. Since the United States is the largest 

single shareholder of the IIC, the Committee is pleased with the 

new transparency concerning information. 

CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENTERPRISE FOR THE AMERICAS

MULTILATERAL INVESTMENT FUND

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $1,725,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 29,232,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 25,000,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥4,232,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 23,275,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $25,000,000 for the Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund, which is 

$23,275,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $4,232,000 below 

the request. The Committee recommendation includes $25,000,000 

as the second of six installments of the MIF-II replenishment. The 

Committee is encouraged by the MIF’s progress in improving transparency and adopting reforms. The Committee notes that MIF’s 

plan to make public its Project Performance Monitoring Reports 

and Project Completion Reports is a first for a multilateral development institution. 

CONTRIBUTION TO THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $99,000,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 133,906,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 115,306,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥18,600,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 16,306,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $115,306,000 for the 

Asian Development Fund, the concessional facility of the Asian Development Bank, which is $16,306,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

level and the $18,600,0000 below the request. The Committee recommends $115,306,000 be made available for the third scheduled 

payment of four to the ninth replenishment of the Asian Development Fund. 


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CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $3,602,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 2,037,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 2,037,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 0 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... ¥1,565,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $2,037,000 for African 

Development Bank, which is $1,565,000 below the fiscal year 2007 

level and the same as the request. 

CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $134,343,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 140,584,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 135,684,000 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥4,900,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 1,341,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $135,684,000 for the 

concessional facility for the African Development Bank, which is 

$1,341,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $4,900,000 below 

the request. This amount is for the final payment of a three-year 

commitment under the agreement for the tenth replenishment of 

African Development Fund. 

CONTRIBUTION TO THE EUROPEAN BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND

DEVELOPMENT

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $0 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 10,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 0 

Change from request ................................................................... ¥10,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 0 

The Committee recommendation includes no funding for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2007 level and $10,000 below the request. 

The United States has made all scheduled annual commitments to 

the most recent capital increases. 

CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL

DEVELOPMENT

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $14,850,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 18,072,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 18,072,000 

Change from the request ............................................................ 0 

Change from the enacted level ................................................... 3,222,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $18,072,000 for the 

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which is 

$3,222,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. This amount is for the second of three payments for the seventh replenishment of IFAD. 

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS

Fiscal year 2007 enacted level ........................................................... $326,163,000 

Fiscal year 2008 request .................................................................... 289,400,000 

Committee recommendation .............................................................. 333,400,000 

Change from request ................................................................... 44,000,000 

Change from enacted level ......................................................... 7,237,000 


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The Committee recommendation includes $333,400,000 for International Organizations and Programs, which is $7,237,000 above 

the fiscal year 2007 level and $44,000 above the request. 

The following table compares the President’s request for fiscal 

year 2008 and the Committee recommendation: 

Organization Amount in thousands FY 2008 

proposed 

Committee rec- ommenda- tion 

Center for Human Settlements (UN—HABITAT) ...................................................................................... $1,000 $900 

International Civil Aviation Organization ................................................................................................ 950 900 

International Conservation Programs ...................................................................................................... 6,000 6,200 

International Contributions for Scientific, Educational & Cultural Activities ........................................ 1,000 1,000 

International Development Law Organization ......................................................................................... 300 300 

IMO Maritime Security Programs ............................................................................................................. 400 400 

International Panel of Climate Change/UN Framework Convention on Climate Change ....................... 5,320 5,320 

Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund ........................................................................................................ 19,000 19,000 

OAS Development Assistance Programs .................................................................................................. 5,225 5,000 

OAS Fund for Strengthening Democracy ................................................................................................. 2,500 2,500 

Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe ................................................................................ 4,000 4,000 

UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) .................................................................................................................. 123,000 128,000 

UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) .................................................................................................................. 14,000 0 

UN Development Program (UNDP) ........................................................................................................... 75,300 110,000 

UN Environment Program (UNEP) ............................................................................................................ 9,524 10,500 

UN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative ....................................................................................... 10,000 0 

UN Office of Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) ..................................................................... 2,000 1,500 

UN Population Fund (UNFPA) .................................................................................................................. 0 23,000 

UN Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights ....................................... 1,425 1,485 

UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture ............................................................................................... 4,750 5,200 

UN Women’s Fund (UNIFEM) ................................................................................................................... 950 3,600 

UNIFEM Trust Fund .................................................................................................................................. 0 1,800 

World Meteorological Organization .......................................................................................................... 1,900 1,900 

World Trade Organization Technical Assistance ..................................................................................... 950 900 

Total ........................................................................................................................................... 243,799 330,405 

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) 

UNDP is an essential and effective United States partner in confronting the major global challenges facing the international community, especially in the areas of democratic governance, conflict 

prevention and recovery, poverty reduction, and HIV/AIDS. The 

Committee recommendation includes not less than $110,000,000 as 

the United States contribution to UNDP’s core budget for fiscal 

year 2008. 

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) 

UNICEF is an essential United States partner in achieving child 

survival and health objectives, especially those in the areas of immunization, HIV/AIDS, and early childhood development. The 

Committee recommendation includes not less than $128,000,000 for 

a contribution to UNICEF. The Committee is aware of UNICEF’s 

new accelerated child survival initiative and encourages USAID to 

consider their successful model in implementing its own programs. 

This provision of core support does not preclude USAID from providing additional funding for specific UNICEF projects. 

United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) 

UNIFEM is an essential United States partner in global efforts 

to provide economic, social and political opportunities to women. 

The Committee recommendation includes a total of $3,600,000 for 


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UNIFEM, and a $1,800,000 contribution to the Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence Against Women. 

TITLE VI—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

The restructuring undertaken by the Committee at the beginning 

of the 110th Congress incorporated State Department operations, 

commissions and related agency within the appropriations for foreign assistance and operations. Commensurate with the additional 

resources the committee has included an additional title which 

thereby adjusts the section numbers of the general provisions accordingly. 

The Committee recommends 16 of the general provisions carried 

in the fiscal year 2007 Act be deleted. These provisions (sections 

526, 554, 572, 578, 580, 582, 587, 588, 591, 592, 594, 595, 598, 

599A, 599B, 599C) are either addressed elsewhere in permanent 

law, have been considered by the appropriate authorizing committee, or are no longer necessary. 

The Committee recommends the following new and revised general provisions: 

Sec. 607. ‘‘Prohibition Against Direct Funding for Certain Countries’’ is modified by lifting the restriction on ‘‘International Military Education and Training’’ (IMET) for Libya. 

Sec. 609. ‘‘Transfer Authority’’ is modified by combining section 

402 of the fiscal year 2007 Science, State, Justice and Commerce 

Appropriations Act with sections 519 and 509 of the fiscal year 

2007 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act; making them subsection (a), (b), and (c) respectively. No other substantive changes 

have been applied. 

Sec. 611. ‘‘Availability of Funds’’ is modified by combining section 

602 of the fiscal year 2007 Science, State, Justice and Commerce 

Appropriations Act with section 511 of the fiscal year 2007 Foreign 

Operations Appropriations Act and adding ‘‘International Military 

Education and Training’’ to the extension of availability of funds. 

Sec. 615. ‘‘Reprogramming Notification Requirements’’ is modified by combining section 605 of the fiscal year 2007 Science, State, 

Justice and Commerce Appropriations Act with section 515 of the 

fiscal year 2007 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act; making 

them subsection (a) (b), and (c) (d) respectively. The Committee intends to extend the human health and welfare exemption to all 

funding in this bill. 

Sec. 617. ‘‘Independent States of the Former Soviet Union’’ is 

modified to be similar to the fiscal year 2007 House passed Foreign 

Operations bill by deleting ‘‘Kazakhstan’’ from the list of notification counties. 

Sec. 619. ‘‘Statement’’ is modified by striking tables for ‘‘Child 

Survival and Health Programs Fund’’, ‘‘Global HIV/AIDS Initiative’’, ‘‘Democracy Fund’’, ‘‘Andean Counterdrug Initiative’’ and 

‘‘International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement’’. 

Sec. 622. ‘‘Child Survival and Health Activities’’ is revised by 

changing the dollar amount to $441,000,000 and including a provision which exempts funding for the provision of contraceptives in 

developing countries from the March 28, 2001 Memorandum to the 

Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. 


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Sec. 623. ‘‘Afghanistan’’ is modified by changing ‘‘should’’ to ‘‘shall’’ with regard to humanitarian, reconstruction and related assistance as well as with regard to programs to directly address the 

needs of Afghan women and girls. 

Sec. 625. ‘‘Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria’’ is modified by including additional benchmarks upon which 

the Global Fund contribution is conditioned. 

Sec. 630. ‘‘Financial Market Assistance’’, is modified by deleting ‘‘In Transition Countries’’ from the header and modifying the last 

sentence to read countries eligible to receive United States assistance. 

Sec. 633. ‘‘Special Authorities’’, is modified by deleting subsection(f), (i), and (l) of the fiscal year 2007 Act. Subsection (i), Middle East Foundation’’, has been modified to exclude the provision 

that a majority of the board of directors be United States citizens. 

Sec. 637. ‘‘Ceilings and Designated Funding Levels’’, is modified 

by combining section 417 of the fiscal year 2007 Science, State, 

Justice and Commerce Appropriations Act with section 538 of the 

fiscal year 2007 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. Additionally the word ‘‘earmark’’ has been substituted with ‘‘designated 

funding level’’ wherever it appeared. There are no other substantive changes to the provision. 

Sec. 638. ‘‘Prohibition on Publicity or Propaganda’’ is modified by 

combining section 601 of the fiscal year 2007 Science, State, Justice 

and Commerce Appropriations Act with section 539 of the fiscal 

year 2007 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. 

Sec. 648. ‘‘Haiti’’ funding levels have been modified. 

Sec. 649. ‘‘Colombia’’ is a new general provision providing not more than $530,608,000 shall be provided for assistance to Colombia, of which $218,500,000 shall be directly apportioned to USAID 

for alternative development programs, of which $15,000,000 is for 

Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities and not more than 

$49,500,000 is available for military assistance and training and 

$22,250,000 is for rule of law programs funded under the heading 

‘‘International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement’’ (INCLE). 

The provision includes language formerly contained under the 

heading ‘‘Andean Counterdrug Initiative’’ (ACI) which extends the 

availability of funds provided for assistance for Colombia to support 

a unified campaign against narcotics trafficking, against activities 

by organizations designated as terrorist organizations, and to take 

actions to protect health and human welfare and adds language to 

the proviso to include ‘‘illegal self-defense groups’’ and ‘‘illegal security cooperatives’’. It continues the language directing the Secretary 

of State to consult with the Committee if the implementation of the 

expanded authorities changes from that described in the May 2003 

report to Congress. 

Sec. 654. ‘‘Libya’’ is a new general provision which provides that 

no funds under this Act may be for any diplomatic operations in 

Libya until the President certifies to Congress that the Government of Libya has taken ‘‘irrevocable’’ steps to pay the settlement 

to the surviving families of Pan Am Flight 103 bombing and works 

in good faith to resolve the La Belle Discotheque bombing and 

other unresolved acts of terrorism. 

Sec. 656. ‘‘Limitations on Assistance to Colombia’’ is similar to 

section 556 of the 2007 Act and is modified by changing the 


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amount of assistance withheld from the Colombian armed forces 

prior to a written certification from the Secretary of State from 25 

percent to 35 percent. The provision adds two new requirements: 

1) that the Government of Colombia is ensuring that the armed 

forces are not violating land and property rights of indigenous and 

Afro-Colombian communities and 2) that civilian judicial authorities are making demonstrable progress in dismantling paramilitary 

networks. Additionally, funding for critical flight safety and or any 

alternative development programs are exempted from the withholding. Additionally, the term ‘‘paramilitary groups’’ is broadened 

to include successor groups that have demobilized but continue illegal operations. 

Sec. 657. ‘‘Prohibition on Assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation’’ is modified by combining section 403 of the 

fiscal year 2007 Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Act with section 558 of the fiscal year 2007 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act; making the provision applicable to all 

funding within the Act. No other substantive changes have been 

applied. 

Sec. 658. ‘‘Support of Peace Process and Demobilization in Colombia’’ is similar to the ‘‘Assistance for Demobilization and Disarmament of Former Irregular Combatants in Colombia’’ general provision contained in the fiscal year 2007 Act. Subsection (a) of the 

provision provides $23,000,000 in ESF for demobilization activities, 

subject to certain conditions. Subsection (b) provides $3,000,000 for 

the OAS mission to support peace in Colombia and retains language requiring consultation and notification before the obligation 

of funds for demobilization of paramilitaries. 

Sec. 659. ‘‘West Bank and Gaza Programs’’ is modified by a new 

paragraph which restricts security assistance contingent upon the 

establishment and compliance with benchmarks for such assistance. 

Sec. 660. ‘‘Contributions to the United Nations Population Fund’’ is modified by changing the dollar figure, inserting new funding 

limitations and reiterating the application of current law. The 

Committee finds that there are no provisions in this bill that shall 

be construed to deny funding to any organization or program solely 

because the organization operates in a country where the government of such country engages in coercive abortion or involuntary 

sterilization. The Committee believes that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) provides critically needed assistance to 

women around the world. UNFPA operates in more than 140 countries and complements USAID’s population programs in 60 countries. United States government engagement with UNFPA is an essential part of our effort to reduce maternal and child mortality 

and improve the lives of women overseas. 

The Committee is concerned that the Administration has withheld funding approved by Congress for UNFPA in each of the last 

five years. The Committee does not believe that any provisions included in this bill justify withholding this funding. Additionally, 

the Committee is concerned that there is a lack of methodology, 

consistent criteria, and transparency in formulating the decision. 

In fact, the Department of State continues to ignore the recommendations of its own hand-selected investigation and assessment team, which found, in 2002, that there was no evidence that 


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UNFPA knowingly supported or participated in the management of 

a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization in 

China. The team recommended that United States Government 

funds be made available to UNFPA. This report additionally recommended that unless and until all forms of coercion in Chinese 

law and practice are eliminated, no United States Government 

funds should be allocated directly for population programs in 

China. This bill contains provisions prohibiting any United States 

contribution to UNFPA from being used in China, requires the 

United States contribution to UNFPA to be held in a segregated account and reduces funding to UNFPA by one dollar for each dollar 

of its own funding it spends on programs in China. These provisions are included to ensure that no funds may be spent on population programs in China. However, consistent with the recommendations of the 2002 Department of State assessment team, 

the Committee strongly supports UNFPA’s critical work around the 

world and increases funding to $40,000,000 for these efforts. 

Sec. 663. ‘‘Funding for Serbia’’ is modified by deleting the determination and certification requirement regarding Radovan 

Karadzic and differentiates between Montenegro and Serbia. 

Sec. 667. ‘‘Basic Education’’ is modified by changing the dollar figure. The Committee provides a total of $750,000,000 for United 

States government programs for assistance in developing countries 

for basic education. Of this total, $265,000,000 should be used to 

implement assistance in developing countries for basic education 

consistent with H.R. 2092, the Education for All Act of 2007, as introduced on May 1, 2007. This designation of funds is a continuation of the program included in the fiscal year 2006 report, which 

provided $65,000,000 to support Fast Track Initiative programs. 

For those programs being implemented consistent with H.R. 

2092, the Committee believes that program funds should be implemented in such a way that supports an international effort to provide all children with a quality basic education in order to achieve 

the goal of universal basic education by 2015 as agreed to at the 

World Education Forum held in Dakar, Senegal in 2000. Funds 

should be used to support programs in countries in conflict, emerging from conflict, or experiencing humanitarian crisis. 

The Committee intends that these funds should be used to ensure an adequate supply of trained teachers; to promote programs 

that expand training and implementation of effective curricula; to 

provide adequate infrastructure; to build systems to provide continuing support, training, and professional development for all educators; to eliminate fees for educational services, including fees for 

tuition, uniforms, and materials, and provide access to education 

without additional costs to families through simplified multilateral 

mechanisms; to identify and replicate successful interventions that 

improve access to education and the quality of education, such as 

scholarships, school lunch, and school health programs; to build 

systems to ensure continuing information collection, monitoring, 

and evaluation of education services and financing; to ensure that 

schools are not incubators for violent extremism; to provide human 

rights and conflict-resolution education; to promote programs that 

teach civic education and life skills; to support other initiatives 

that have demonstrated success in increasing access, improving 

learning outcomes and increasing educational opportunities for the 


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most disadvantaged populations, such as children in remote or 

rural areas, religious or ethnic minorities, orphans and children 

impacted by HIV/AIDS, child laborers or victims of trafficking, children affected by conflict, and children living with disabilities; to increase the number of comprehensive schools; and to carry out other 

activities to further the goals of the Education for All Fast-Track 

Initiative. 

The Committee believes that schools can serve as the center of 

communities—bringing together parents, students, teachers, and 

government officials. Therefore, the Committee encourages USAID 

to ensure that schools supported through our programs include 

school lunch and health programs. 

Within these schools, the Committee is concerned about the quality of the education and believes that students should receive a 

quality education, including reading, writing, and math skills appropriate to the age of the students. The Committee is aware of efforts currently being undertaken by USAID, the World Bank, the 

William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and others to establish 

international basic education standards and to measure learning 

outcomes. The Committee supports these efforts and encourages 

USAID to continue this collaboration to further the implementation 

of this work. The Committee is also concerned about national curricula. In particular, the Committee is concerned about the content 

of national curriculums and encourages USAID to take every action 

possible to ensure that national curriculums in countries supported 

by the United States promote tolerance, understanding of others 

and respect, and do not promote hatred. Additionally, the Committee encourages USAID to take every action possible to ensure 

that schools in countries supported by the United States government are not incubators for violent extremism. 

The Committee intends that country education programs be 

managed by program officers with a background and competency in 

education. The Committee also mandates the establishment of a 

Coordinator of United States Government Activities to provide 

basic education assistance in developing countries, to be responsible for implementation of United States government assistance 

for developing countries for basic education. 

The Committee requires the President to send a new comprehensive basic education strategy to the Committee within 90 days of 

enactment of this bill. The strategy shall include specific objectives, 

indicators and approaches to increase access and quality of basic 

education; outline how the United States government will ensure 

a smooth transition and continuum of educational activities in 

countries affected by armed conflict; assign priorities and responsibilities to relevant executive branch agencies; and outline how coordination will be improved both within the United States government and with other donors. 

The Committee requests a report on the implementation of the 

United States government assistance for basic education programs, 

including country specific information on programs and activities 

being funded, schools supported, capacity building being provided 

to the federal, regional, and local government representatives, as 

well as information about how these activities support the overall 

basic education strategy requested in this Act. The Committee requests that this report also include information about how our proVerDate Aug 31 2005 09:32 Jun 19, 2007 Jkt 035983 PO 00000 Frm 00139 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR197.XXX HR197

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grams complement and support the national education plans in the 

countries where we work. The Committee requests a report within 

60 days of enactment of the Act that provides a summary of the 

national curriculum being taught in each country where United 

States assistance for basic education is being provided. In the report, the Committee requests information about whether these 

standards and curriculum are being followed and what steps 

USAID will be taking to ensure that they are being followed in 

every school being supported with United States funding. 

The Committee requires that USAID consult with the Committee 

on Appropriations prior to obligation of assistance in developing 

countries for basic education. 

Sec. 668. ‘‘Reconciliation Programs’’ is modified by changing the funding level to $12,000,000 and directing $11,000,000 to 

MEPDCP. 

Sec. 669. ‘‘Sudan’’ is modified to note a new definition of the Government of Sudan, to ensure that the regional government of South 

Sudan is not subject to the same restrictions, and to facilitate implementation to the Darfur Peace Agreement. 

Sec. 670. ‘‘Trade Capacity Building’’ is modified by changing the dollar figure to $525,000,000. 

Sec. 671. ‘‘Excess Defense Articles for Central and South European Countries and Certain Other Countries’’ is modified by deleting ‘‘Uzbekistan’’. Sec. 672. ‘‘Assistance to Colombia Law Enforcement to Combat 

Illegal Armed Groups’’ is a new provision which in subsection (a) 

withholds funds if the Secretary of State determines that Colombian law enforcement or intelligence agency have been infiltrated 

by illegal groups. Subsection (b) continues a provision carried in 

prior Acts that denies visas to supporters of illegal groups. 

Sec. 675. ‘‘Limitation on Economic Support Fund Assistance for 

Certain Foreign Governments That Are Parties to the International 

Criminal Court’’ is modified by deleting subsection (e) of the fiscal 

year 2007 Act. 

Sec. 676. ‘‘Tibet’’ is modified by increasing the funding directive 

from $4,000,000 to $5,000,000. 

Sec. 677. ‘‘Western Hemisphere’’ is similar to section 576 of the 

2007 Act except subsection (b) is stricken and replace by FMF 

funding levels for Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Belize. 

Sec. 682. ‘‘Indonesia’’ is modified by deleting prior restrictions 

that are no longer applicable and requiring a report instead of a 

certification. 

Sec. 683. ‘‘Enhancing Women’s Economic Opportunities’’ is modified by including a new provision. The Committee recommendation 

includes a total of $35,000,000, specifically targeted to women’s 

leadership and capacity-building. Of that amount, $15,000,000 is 

intended to support women’s leadership training and up to 

$20,000,000 in intended to support the establishment of the 

GROWTH Fund. The GROWTH Fund shall be available to USAID 

missions as additional funding to support specific activities that enhance women’s economic opportunities or to integrate gender into 

existing economic opportunity programs. Funds should also be used 

to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to local, indigenous civil society, with a strong focus on women’s organizations, 


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particularly to carry out activities to enhance women’s economic opportunity. 

The Secretary of State shall submit within 180 days an annual 

report on the implementation of this fund to the Committees on 

Appropriations. The report shall identify the amount provided to 

each recipient, including contractors, sub-contractors, grantees, and 

sub-grantees; whether such recipients are local indigenous or international entities; and whether such entities are non-governmental 

organizations, community-based organizations, private entities or 

government entities. The report shall also disaggregate recipient 

entities by sex, where appropriate. Such reports shall be made 

available to the public on the Internet websites of USAID. 

Appropriations to the GROWTH Fund are in addition to other 

funds available for such purposes and shall remain available until 

expended. 

Sec. 684. ‘‘Peacekeeping Cap’’ is a new general provision that lifts 

the congressional restrictions on assessed costs of United Nations 

peacekeeping missions from 25 percent to 27.1 percent for fiscal 

year 2008. 

Sec. 685. ‘‘Limitation on Basing in Iraq’’ is a new general provision to this bill and similar to a provision (section 627) of the 

House-passed 2007 Science, State, Justice, and Commerce appropriations bill. The provision restricts funds from this Act to be used 

to enter into a basing agreement between Iraq and the United 

States. 

Sec. 687. ‘‘Report on Indonesian Cooperation’’ is a Secretary of 

State reporting requirement analogous to section 599G of the 2007 

Act. It is modified to apply only to IMET training and includes four 

new requirements. 

Sec. 688. ‘‘Limitation on Assistance to Foreign Countries that 

Refuse to Extradite to the United States Any Individual Accused 

in the United States of Killing a Law Enforcement Officer’’ is modified by removing the waiver. 

Sec. 689. ‘‘Governments That Have Failed to Permit Certain Extraditions’’ is modified by removing the waiver. 

Sec. 690. ‘‘International Monetary Fund Budget and Hiring Ceilings’’ is a new provision to this bill. It is similar to a provision (section 579) of the House-passed 2007 Foreign Operations appropriations bill. The provision acknowledges that a sound fiscal position 

is necessary for macroeconomic stability and poverty reduction. In 

this regard, the Committee is concerned that country authorities, 

in response to International Monetary Fund (IMF) efforts to promote prudent fiscal positions, may limit the hiring of new teachers 

and health workers, as well as the building of new schools and 

health facilities. The Committee directs the United States Executive Director to urge IMF management and staff to encourage governments to protect social spending on poor people while keeping 

overall budget spending within a level that does not undermine 

economic stability. 

Sec. 691. ‘‘Environment Programs’’ is modified by changing the 

dollar figure to $501,000,000 and deleting programmatic earmarks 

from the provision. 

Sec. 694. ‘‘War Crimes in Africa’’ is modified by deleting subsection (d). 


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Sec. 696. ‘‘Oversight of Iraq Reconstruction’’ is modified to apply 

the authority to all reconstruction funds in Iraq in fiscal years 

2006, 2007, and 2008. 

Sec. 698. ‘‘Neglected Diseases’’ is modified by increasing the funding level allotted from $15,000,000 to $18,000,000. 

Sec. 699. ‘‘Assistance for Egypt’’ is a new provision to this bill. 

The Committee is concerned that Egypt has failed to take adequate 

steps to promote and protect human rights. Recent actions encroaching on the independence of the Judiciary, including Egypt’s 

highest court, and abuses by the police in detaining and arresting 

demonstrators have called into question Egypt’s commitment in 

this area. The Committee is also concerned about the smuggling of 

weapons and illicit goods into Gaza through tunnels and such networks along Egypt’s border with Gaza. Therefore, the Committee 

conditions $200,000,000 of the $1,300,000,000 in military assistance for Egypt to a certification by the Secretary of State that the 

Government of Egypt is taking concrete and measurable steps to 

address these concerns and reports to the Committee. The Committee expects the report to contain the following elements: (1) 

steps towards enactment of a new judicial law, including the principal components of the law and the separation of the budget of the 

judiciary from that of the Ministry of Justice; (2) steps to review 

criminal procedures and train police leadership in modern policing 

to curb abuses including training on handling mass demonstrations, crowd control, arrest procedures and mass detentions, on 

human rights and on criminal procedures and due process; and (3) 

steps to detect and destroy the smuggling network into Gaza including but the number of arrests made, amount of illegal cash 

seized, number of individuals sentenced, number of tunnels detected and number of tunnels destroyed. 

Sec. 699A. ‘‘Relief for the Hmong and Montagnards’’ is a new section which amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with regard to the admission qualifications for certain Hmong and 

Montagnard refugees. 

Sec. 699B. ‘‘Report on Anti-Corruption Activities’’ is a new section requiring a report on the level of corruption activities in each 

country receiving assistance under the headings ‘‘Development Assistance’’, ‘‘Assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States’’, and ‘‘Assistance for the States of the Former Soviet Union’’. Sec. 699C. ‘‘Programs to Improve Democracy, the Rule of Law, 

and Governance in Iran’’ is a new section which provides that $50,000,000 should be available for democracy, rule of law and governance programs in Iran. 

PROVISIONS RETAINED FROM FISCAL YEAR 2007 ACT

The following general provisions from the fiscal year 2007 bill 

were retained in the fiscal year 2008 bill unchanged except for 

technical corrections, references to prior fiscal years, and new section numbers where appropriate: 

Sec. 601. ‘‘Compensation for United States Executive Directors to 

International Financial Institutions’’. 

Sec. 602. ‘‘Restrictions on Voluntary Contributions to United Nations Agencies’’. 

Sec. 603. ‘‘Limitation on Residence Expenses’’. 

Sec. 604. ‘‘Unobligated Balances Report’’. 


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Sec. 605. ‘‘Limitation on Representational Allowances’’. Sec. 606. ‘‘Prohibition on Taxation of United States Assistance’’. Sec. 608. ‘‘Military Coups’’. Sec. 610. ‘‘Commercial Leasing of Defense Articles’’. Sec. 612. ‘‘Limitation on Assistance to Countries in Default’’. Sec. 613. ‘‘Commerce and Trade’’. Sec. 614. ‘‘Surplus Commodities’’. Sec. 616. ‘‘Limitation on Availability of Funds for International 

Organizations and Programs’’. Sec. 618. ‘‘Prohibition on Funding for Abortions and Involuntary 

Sterilization’’. Sec. 620. ‘‘Special Notification Requirements’’. Sec. 621. ‘‘Definition of Program, Project, and Activity’’. Sec. 624. ‘‘Notification of Excess Defense Equipment’’. Sec. 626. ‘‘Prohibition on Bilateral Assistance to Terrorist Countries’’. Sec. 627. ‘‘Debt-For-Development’’. Sec. 628. ‘‘Separate Accounts’’. Sec. 629. ‘‘Enterprise Fund Restrictions’’. Sec. 631. ‘‘Authorities for the Peace Corps, Inter-American Foundation and African Development Foundation’’. Sec. 632. ‘‘Impact on Jobs in the United States’’. Sec. 634. ‘‘Arab League Boycott of Israel’’. Sec. 635. ‘‘Eligibility for Assistance’’. Sec. 636. ‘‘Reservations of Funds’’. Sec. 639. ‘‘Prohibition of Payments to United Nations Members’’. Sec. 640. ‘‘Nongovernmental Organizations—Documentation’’. Sec. 641. ‘‘Prohibition on Assistance to Foreign Governments that 

Export Lethal Military Equipment to Countries Supporting International Terrorism’’. Sec. 642. ‘‘Withholding of Assistance for Parking Fines Owed by 

Foreign Governments’’. Sec. 643. ‘‘Limitation on Assistance for the PLO for the West 

Bank and Gaza’’. 

Sec. 644. ‘‘War Crimes Tribunals Drawdown’’. 

Sec. 645. ‘‘Landmines’’. 

Sec. 646. ‘‘Restrictions Concerning the Palestinian Authority’’. 

Sec. 647. ‘‘Prohibition of Payment of Certain Expenses’’. 

Sec. 650. ‘‘Limitation on Assistance to the Palestinian Authority’’. 

Sec. 651. ‘‘Limitation on Assistance to Security Forces’’. 

Sec. 652. ‘‘Foreign Military Training Report’’. 

Sec. 653. ‘‘Authorization Requirement’’. 

Sec. 655. ‘‘Palestinian Statehood’’. 

Sec. 659. ‘‘West Bank and Gaza Program’’. 

Sec. 661. ‘‘War Criminals’’. 

Sec. 662. ‘‘User Fees’’. 

Sec. 664. ‘‘Community Based Police Assistance’’. 

Sec. 665. ‘‘Special Debt Relief for the Poorest’’. 

Sec. 666. ‘‘Authority to Engage in Debt Buybacks or Sales’’. 

Sec. 673. ‘‘Cuba’’. 

Sec. 674. ‘‘Gender-Based Violence Training’’. 

Sec. 678. ‘‘United States Agency for International Development 

Management’’. 

Sec. 679. ‘‘OPIC Transfer Authority’’. 

Sec. 680. ‘‘Reporting Requirement’’. 


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Sec. 681. ‘‘Anticorruption Provisions’’. 

Sec. 686. ‘‘Prohibition on Use of Torture’’. 

Sec. 692. ‘‘Uzbekistan’’. 

Sec. 693. ‘‘Discrimination Against Minority Religious Faiths in 

the Russian Federation’’. 

Sec. 695. ‘‘Combating Piracy of United States Copyrighted Materials’’. 

Sec. 697. ‘‘United Nations Headquarters Renovation’’. 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

RESCISSIONS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of the rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following is submitted describing the 

rescissions recommended in the accompanying bill: 

There are no rescissions recommended in the accompanying bill. 

CHANGES IN THE APPLICATION OF EXISTING LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted 

describing the effect of provisions in the accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the application of existing law. 

Language is included in various parts of the bill to continue ongoing activities in fiscal year 2008 which require annual authorization or additional legislation, which to date has not been enacted. 

The bill includes provisions which place limitations on the use of 

funds in the bill or change existing limitations and which might 

under some circumstances be construed as changing the application 

of existing law. 

The bill includes a number of provisions, which have been virtually unchanged for many years, which are technically considered 

legislation. 

The bill provides that several of the appropriations shall remain 

available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year. In all cases 

it is deemed desirable to carry such language in order to provide 

for orderly administration of such programs and effective use of 

funds. 

In various places in the bill, the Committee recommendation continues the prior year’s practice of designating amounts within appropriation accounts in order to fund specific programs, and in 

some places made adjustments to designations. 

The bill contains a number of general provisions and other language provisos that have been carried in prior years which include 

limitations and conditions on funding provided in the Act. 

Additional changes in the fiscal year 2008 bill, which may be construed as changing existing law, are as follows: 

Under ‘‘Diplomatic and Consular Programs’’ language is included 

designating funding, transfer authority, and limitations on certain 

programs, offices and activities. 

Under ‘‘Diplomatic and Consular Programs’’ language, carried in 

prior years, is included designating the availability and use of certain fees. 


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Under ‘‘Capital Investment Fund’’ language, carried in prior 

years, is included stating that section 135(e) of Public Law 103–236 

shall not apply. 

Under ‘‘Office of Inspector General’’ language, carried in prior 

years, is included that notwithstands section 209(a)(1) of Public 

Law 96–465. 

Under ‘‘Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs’’, language, carried in prior years, is included designating the availability and use of certain fees. 

Under ‘‘Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service’’

language, carried in prior years, is included permitting the transfer 

of not to exceed $1,000,000 to the ‘‘Repatriation Loans Program Account’’. 

Under ‘‘Contributions to International Organizations’’, includes 

language carried in prior years requiring notification of any increase in the United Nations biennial budget. 

Under ‘‘Contributions to International Peacekeeping Activities’’, 

language, carried in prior years, is included regarding extended 

availability of funds. Language is included prohibiting funds to be 

obligated for any new or expanded United Nations peacekeeping 

mission unless the United Nations has taken appropriate measures 

to prevent sexual exploitation and to hold accountable individual 

who engage in such activity. 

Under ‘‘International Broadcasting Operations’’ language, carried 

in prior years, is included setting limitations on funds available for 

certain expenses and receipts. 

Under ‘‘United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission’’ language is included regarding printing, compensation, 

and other issues related to the Commission’s work and authority. 

Sec. 101 includes language, carried in prior years, regarding allowances and differentials. 

Sec. 102 includes language, carried in prior years, requiring the 

Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors to 

provide quarterly reports on the cumulative balances of any unobligated funds. 

Sec. 103 includes language, carried in prior years, requiring 

inter-agency cost sharing with respect to the construction and use 

of diplomatic facilities. 

Sec. 104 includes language, carried in prior years, placing certain 

limitations on funds available for peacekeeping missions. 

Sec. 105 includes language, carried in prior years, regarding the 

denial of certain visa requests. 

Sec. 106 includes language, carried in prior years, regarding certain limitations with respect to the Senior Policy Operating Group 

on Trafficking in Persons. 

Sec. 107 includes language, carried in prior years, regarding 

United States Citizens born in Jerusalem. 

Sec. 108 includes language, similar to language in prior years, 

making E-Government Initiatives subject to the reprogramming 

procedures in section 615 of the Act. 

Sec. 109 includes language, carried in prior years, regarding limitations on expenditures for consulting services. 

Sec. 110 includes language, carried in prior years, prohibiting the 

expenditure of funds in violation of section 609 of the Departments 


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of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999. 

Sec. 111 includes language, carried in prior years, extending certain authorities of the Department of State and Broadcasting 

Board of Governors for fiscal year 2008. 

Sec. 112 includes language, carried in prior years, regarding the 

taxation of United States persons and restrictions in contributions 

to United Nations Delegations. 

Sec. 113 includes language, carried in prior years, regarding the 

treatment of certain personnel actions. 

Sec. 114 includes language, carried in prior years, establishing 

limitations on funds for United Nations Delegations chaired or presided over by certain prohibited countries. 

Under ‘‘Export-Import Bank of the United States’’, authority is 

provided for Sections 1(a) and (b) of Public Law 103–428 to remain 

in effect until October 1, 2008. Under ‘‘Export-Import Bank of the 

United States, Subsidy Appropriations’’, funds are appropriated for 

the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, insurance, and tied-aid 

grants. Such costs shall be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and may be used for the disbursement 

of direct loans, loan guarantees, and insurance and tied-aid grants 

obligated in fiscal years 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. These funds 

are available for obligation until September 30, 2026. Under ‘‘Export-Import Bank of the United States, Administrative Expenses’’, authority is provided to extend subsection (a) of section 117 of the 

Export Enhancement Act of 1992 until October 1, 2008; and a directive is included under the program account that not less than 

10 percent of the aggregate loan, guarantee, and insurance authority available to the Export-Import Bank under this or any prior Act 

for renewable energy and environmentally beneficial products and 

services. 

Under ‘‘Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Program Account’’, funds are appropriated for the cost of direct and guaranteed 

loans, to be derived by transfer from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation Noncredit Account. Such costs shall be as defined 

in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and may be 

used for direct loan and loan guaranty commitments incurred or 

made during fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010. These funds are 

available for obligation until 2016, 2017, and 2018, depending on 

the initial date of obligation. Authority is provided for OPIC to undertake programs in Iraq. 

Under ‘‘Child Survival and Health Programs Fund’’ language is 

provided that designates how the funds should be allocated among 

various activities; not to exceed $350,000, in addition to funds otherwise available for such purposes, may be used to monitor and 

provide oversight of programs for displaced and orphaned children 

and victims of war; $70,000,000 is made available for a contribution to The GAVI Fund; and language is included that provides not 

less than $250,000,000, subject to matching contributions, for a 

contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and 

Malaria, which shall be expended at the minimum rate necessary 

to make timely payments for projects and activities. 

Under ‘‘Development Assistance’’, language is provided that designates how the funds should be allocated among various activities, 

including $519,000,000 for basic education, $300,000,000 for safe 


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water; and $175,000,000 for biodiversity. Language is included designating $35,000,000 shall be made available only for programs to 

improve women’s leadership capacity in recipient countries. 

Under ‘‘Development Credit Authority’’, authorized transfers, 

when added to the funds transferred pursuant to the authority contained under this heading in Public Law 107–115, shall not exceed 

$21,000,000. Such costs shall be as defined in section 502 of the 

Congressional Budget Act of 1974. The Provisions of section 

107A(d) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as contained in section 306 of H.R. 1486 as reported by the House Committee on 

International Relations on May 9, 1997, shall be applicable to direct loans and loan guarantees. 

Under ‘‘Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for 

International Development’’, USAID is prohibited from entering 

into domestic leases, except when necessary for continuity of operations, and to terminate a lease executed on September 30, 2005. 

Language is included permitting the Secretary of State to utilize 

sections 610 and 109 of the Foreign Assistance Act to transfer 

funds to this account from funds appropriated to carry out chapter 

1 of part I of that Act. 

Under ‘‘Capital Investment Fund’’, the Administrator of USAID 

is authorized to charge fair and reasonable rent in buildings constructed using funds appropriated under this heading, and such 

rental payments are designated as offsetting collections; and the 

assignment of employees or contractors to buildings is subject to 

the concurrence of the Administrator of USAID. Language is included that limits funding for implementing the Capital Security 

Cost Sharing Program to $75,144,500. 

Under ‘‘Economic Support Fund’’, not less than $415,000,000 is 

made available only for Egypt of which not less than $135,000,000 

shall be for project assistance, of which $50,000,000 is for democracy programs and not less than $50,000,000 is for education; not 

more than $300,000,000 may be available for Afghanistan subject 

to certification on poppy eradication and interdiction efforts; 

$218,500,000 is available only for Colombia alternative development assistance; $263,547,000 should be made available only for 

assistance for Jordan; not more than $63,500,000 may be made 

available for West Bank and Gaza; not less than $45,000,000 

should be available for Lebanon of which not less than $10,000,000 

should be available for American educational institutions for scholarships and other programs; $11,000,000 should be available for 

Cyprus; $1,000,000 is available for administrative expenses from 

funds available for Timor-Leste; funds may be spent for programs 

and activities for the Central Highlands of Vietnam; and funding 

made available for Middle East Financing Facility, Middle East 

Enterprise Fund, or any other similar entity shall be subject to regular notification procedures. 

Under ‘‘Assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States’’

does not carry provision and funding on rule of law programs for 

training and judges. 

Under ‘‘Assistance for the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union’’, limits to administrative expenses for programs under 

section 807 of Public Law 102–511 to 6 percent, and directs that 

not less than $52,150,000 should be made available for assistance 

for child survival and health activities. 


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Under ‘‘African Development Foundation’’, funds made available 

to grantees may be invested for project purposes when authorized 

by the Board of Directors, instead of by the President as in current 

law; authorizes the limitation in section 505(a)(2) of $250,000 to be 

waived in exceptional circumstances, but only up to $10,000. 

Under ‘‘Peace Corps’’, language, carried in prior years, is in- cluded that permits the Director to transfer up to $2,000,000 to 

help mitigate exchange rate losses. 

Under ‘‘Millennium Challenge Corporation’’, language is included 

allowing up to 10 percent of funds for assistance to threshold countries but restricting the availability of funds until after the submission of a report describing the proposed implementation of the 

threshold program for fiscal year 2007. Section 605(e)(4) of the relevant authorization act is also applied to funds appropriated under 

this heading. Administrative expenses are limited to $95,000,000. 

Language is included requiring the MCC to fully fund compacts. 

Under ‘‘Global HIV/AIDS Initiative’’, not less than $300,000,000 

is made available for a contribution to the Global Fund to Fight 

AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which shall be expended at the 

minimum rate necessary to make timely payments for projects and 

activities. Language is also included to provide up to five percent 

of the Global Fund contribution to be used for technical assistance 

related to the activities of the Global Fund. 

Under ‘‘International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement’’, the Department of State is given the authority to use section 608 

of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide excess property to 

a foreign country; provides not less than $15,000,000 for International Law Enforcement Academies; funds demand reduction 

programs at $12,000,000; not less than $8,000,000 for programs to 

combat transnational crime and criminal youth gangs; a limitation 

of $38,000,000 is placed on administrative expenses; and a limitation that no funds shall be available for aerial eradication programs in Afghanistan. 

Under ‘‘Andean Counterdrug Initiative’’, assistance for Colombia 

is made available consistent with the provisions authorizing and 

limiting such assistance as are contained in Public Law 107–206; 

section 482(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act is waived, subject to 

notification; the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Administrator of USAID, shall provide to the Committee 45 days after the 

date of enactment a report on the proposed uses of all funds under 

this heading on a country-by-country basis for each proposed program, project or activity; not less than $5,000,000 for programs to 

protect biodiversity, indigenous reserves and Afro-Colombian lands 

from aerial spraying; not more than 10 percent of funds for aerial 

fumigation may be provided before a certification; determination 

that no effect alternatives exist to reduce drug cultivation and 

spraying is conduced in accordance with Colombian laws; not less 

than 10 percent of funds provided for interdiction is allocated for 

major drug interdiction operations; a limitation of $17,000,000 is 

placed on administrative expenses of the Department of State; requires a certification in order to provide assistance for the Bolivian 

military; and not more than $7,800,000 may be available for administrative expenses of the United States Agency for International Development. Provision providing support for unified campaign carried under section 649. 


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Under ‘‘Migration and Refugee Assistance’’, limits administrative 

expenses to $22,500,000; provides $40,000,000 to resettle humanitarian migrants to Israel. 

Under ‘‘Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related 

Programs’’, a limitation of $38,000,000 is placed on funding for the 

Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund with authority to use 

such funds outside of the Independent States of the former Soviet 

Union and international organizations when it is in the national 

security interests of the United States to do so; conditions a contribution to the IAEA on a determination that Israel is not denied 

the right to participate or otherwise being discriminated against in 

that Agency; administrative expenses for operation and management of the demining program are limited to $700,000; and extends 

availability of ‘‘Anti- terrorism Assistance’’ and ‘‘Export Control and 

Border Security’’ funding to 2009. 

Under ‘‘International Affairs Technical Assistance’’, provides 

funds notwithstanding any other provision of law that restricts assistance to foreign countries. 

Under ‘‘Debt Restructuring’’ funds are provided for the cost of 

selling, reducing or canceling debts owed to the United States, of 

modifying concessional credit agreements with least developed 

countries, and of canceling amounts owed as a result of loans or 

guarantees; provides $20,000,000 to carry out part V of the Foreign 

Assistance Act of 1961; funds are provided for the Secretary of 

Treasury to pay the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Trust Fund 

amounts for the benefits of countries that are eligible for debt reduction; provides that section 411 of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 shall not apply to funds under 

this heading; denies funding for Sudan or Burma until a determination that a democratically elected government has taken office. 

Under ‘‘International Military Education and Training’’, provides up to $3,000,000 available until expended; requires human rights 

certification of that Guatemalan Air Force, Navy and Army Corp 

of Engineers; provides only expanded military education and training for Libya and Angola; reporting requirement on Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. 

Under ‘‘Foreign Military Financing Program’’ not less than 

$2,400,000,000 is appropriated for Israel, of which not less than 

$631,200,000 shall be available for the procurement in Israel of defense articles and defense services and that all funds for Israel 

must be disbursed within 30 days of enactment of this Act; 

$1,300,000,000 shall be made available for grants only for Egypt; 

a limitation of $41,900,000 is provided for administrative expenses; 

$200,000,000 shall be made available for Jordan; and a limitation 

of $395,000,000 from certain other funds may be obligated for expenses incurred pursuant to section 43(b) of the Arms Export Control Act; $5,000,000 is available until expended; provides funding 

for Guatemala in accordance with certification requirements on 

human rights, judicial authorities ability to investigate implications to gross violations of human rights and the International 

Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) has become 

law. 

Under title IV, funds for a number of international financial institutions are made available for contributions; funds are made 


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available for the United States share of the paid-in portion of the 

increase in capital stock of certain institutions; and limitations are 

placed on callable capital subscriptions. 

Under ‘‘General Provisions’’: 

Sec. 607. ‘‘Prohibition Against Direct Funding for Certain Countries’’, includes language, carried in prior years but modified by lifting the restriction on ‘‘International Military Education and Training’’ (IMET) for Libya. 

Sec. 611. ‘‘Availability of Funds’’ includes language, carried in 

prior years but is modified by combining section 602 of the fiscal 

year 2007 Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations 

Act with section 511 of the fiscal year 2007 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act and adding ‘‘International Military Education and 

Training’’ to the extension of availability of funds. 

Sec. 615. ‘‘Reprogramming Notification Requirements’’ includes 

language, carried in prior years but is modified by combining section 605 of the fiscal year 2007 Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Act with section 515 of the fiscal year 2007 

Foreign Operations Appropriations Act; making them subsection 

(a)(b), and (c)(d) respectively. The Committee intends to extend the 

human health and welfare exemption all funding in this bill. 

Sec. 617, ‘‘Independent States of the Former Soviet Union’’ includes language, carried in prior years but deletes ‘‘Kazakhstan’’

from the list of notification countries. 

Sec. 622, ‘‘Child Survival and Health Activities’’ includes language, carried in prior years but is revised by making technical corrections, by reverting to prior year bill language on family planning/reproductive health spending, and adding a provision on contraceptives. 

Sec. 623, ‘‘Afghanistan’’ includes language, carried in prior years 

but is modified by changing ‘‘should’’ to ‘‘shall’’ and by removing 

provisions related to a specific Afghan human rights organization 

and capacity building. 

Sec. 625, ‘‘Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria’’ includes language, carried in prior years but is modified to 

include benchmarks upon which the Global Fund contribution is 

conditioned. 

Sec. 630, ‘‘Financial Market Assistance’’ includes language, carried in prior years but is modified by deleting ‘‘In Transition Countries’’ from the header striking the funding level and making applicable to countries eligible to receive United States assistance. 

Sec. 633, ‘‘Special Authorities’’, includes language, carried in 

prior years which is modified by deleting subsection (f), (i), and (l) 

of the fiscal year 2007 Act. Subsection (i), Middle East Foundation’’, 

has been modified to exclude the provision that a majority of the 

board of directors be United States citizens. 

Sec. 637, ‘‘Ceilings and Designated Funding Levels’’, includes 

language, carried in prior years which is modified by combining 

section 417 of the fiscal year 2007 Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Act with section 538 of the fiscal year 2007 

Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. Additionally the word ‘‘earmark’’ has been substituted with ‘‘designated funding level’’ wherever it appeared. There are no other substantive changes to the 

provision. 


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Sec. 638, ‘‘Prohibition on Publicity or Propaganda’’ includes language, carried in prior years but which is modified by combining 

section 601 of the fiscal year 2007 Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Act with section 539 of the fiscal year 2007 

Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. 

Sec. 649, ‘‘Colombia’’ is a new general provision providing capped 

funding for Colombia at $530,608,000, and setting funding limits 

for the various accounts that provided funding to make up the 

overall funding level. Provision also provides funding for alternative development programs, military assistance and training, 

and rule of law programs. The provision includes language formerly 

contained under the heading ‘‘Andean Counterdrug Initiative’’

(ACI) which extends the availability of funds provided for assistance for Colombia to support a unified campaign against narcotics 

trafficking, against activities by organizations designated as terrorist organizations, and to take actions to protect health and 

human welfare. It continues the language directing the Secretary 

of State to consult with the Committee if implementing the expanded authorities. 

Sec. 654, ‘‘Libya’’ is a new general provision providing no funds 

may be made available for any diplomatic operations in Libya until 

Presidential certification that settlements to the surviving families 

of Pan Am Flight 103 bombing have been paid. 

Sec. 656, ‘‘Limitations on Assistance to Colombia’’ is similar to 

section 556 of the 2007 Act and is modified by changing the 

amount of assistance withheld from the Colombian armed forces 

prior to a written certification from 25 percent to 35 percent. Funding for critical flight safety and or any alternative development programs are exempted from the withholding. 

Sec. 657, ‘‘Prohibition on Assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation’’ includes language, carried in prior years but 

is modified by combining section 403 of the fiscal year 2007 

Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Act with section 558 of the fiscal year 2007 Foreign Operations Appropriations 

Act; making the provision applicable to all funding within the Act. 

No other substantive changes have been applied. 

Sec. 658, ‘‘Support of Peace Process and Demobilization in Colombia’’ is a new general provision which modifies the section 

599E, Assistance for Demobilization and Disarmament of Former 

Irregular Combatants in Colombia, contained in the fiscal year 

2007 Act. Provides funding in ESF for demobilization and OAS activities and retains language requiring consultation and notification before the obligation of funds for demobilization of 

paramilitaries. 

Sec. 659, ‘‘West Bank and Gaza Programs’’ includes language, 

carried in prior years which includes an additional prohibition on 

obligation for security assistance. 

Sec. 660, ‘‘Contributions to the United Nations Population Fund’’

includes language, carried in prior years and includes new language directing a dollar-for-dollar reduction for programs in China. 

Sec. 663, ‘‘Funding for Serbia’’ includes language, carried in prior 

years but deletes the determination and certification requirement 

regarding Radovan Karadzic and includes language which differentiates between Serbia and Montenegro. 


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Sec. 667, ‘‘Basic Education’’ includes language, carried in prior 

years but provides new language with regard to direction on programs in developing countries. 

Sec. 669, ‘‘Sudan’’ includes language, carried in prior years but 

is modified by removing subsection (a) of the fiscal year 2006 Act, 

exempting support for the Darfur Peace Agreement from restrictions under this section, and updating the certification provision to 

include ceasefire commitments made in the Darfur Peace Agreement. 

Sec. 671, ‘‘Excess Defense Articles for Central and South European Countries and Certain Other Countries’’ includes language, 

carried in prior years but is modified by deleting ‘‘Uzbekistan’’. Sec. 673, ‘‘Cuba’’ is the same general provision as included in the 

House-passed Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related 

Programs Bill, fiscal year 2007 bill and prohibits counternarcotics 

assistance in this Act to the Government of Cuba. 

Sec. 674, ‘‘Limitation on Economic Support Fund Assistance for 

Certain Foreign Governments That Are Parties to the International 

Criminal Court’’ includes language, carried in prior years but is 

modified by deleting subsection (e) of the fiscal year 2007 Act. 

Sec. 677, ‘‘Western Hemisphere’’ is similar to section 576 of the 

2007 Act except subsection (b) is stricken and replaced by FMF 

funding levels for Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Belize. 

Sec. 682, ‘‘Indonesia’’ includes language, carried in prior years 

but is modified by deleting prior restrictions that are no longer applicable. 

Sec. 684, ‘‘Peacekeeping Cap’’ is a new general provision that lifts 

the congressional restrictions on assessed costs of UN peacekeeping 

missions from 25 percent to 27.1 percent for fiscal year 2008. 

Sec. 685, ‘‘Limitation on Basing in Iraq’’ is a new general provision to this bill and similar to a provision (section 627) of the 

House-passed 2007 Science, State, Justice, and Commerce appropriations bill. The provision restricts funds from this Act to be used 

to enter into a basing agreement between Iraq and the United 

States. 

Sec. 687, ‘‘Report on Indonesian Cooperation’’ is a Secretary of 

State reporting requirement analogous to section 599G of the 2007 

Act which applies only to IMET training and includes new requirements. 

Sec. 688, ‘‘Limitation on Assistance to Foreign Countries that 

Refuse to Extradite to the United States and Individual Accused in 

the United States of Killing a Law Enforcement Officer’’ includes 

language, carried in prior years but deletes the waiver. 

Sec. 689, ‘‘Governments That Have Failed to Permit Certain Extraditions’’ includes language, carried in prior years but removes 

the waiver. 

Sec. 690, ‘‘International Monetary Fund Budget and Hiring Ceilings’’ is a new provision to this bill. It is similar to a provision (section 579) of the House passed fiscal year 2007 Foreign Operations 

appropriations bill. The provision directs the United States Executive Director to urge IMF management and staff to encourage governments to protect social spending on poor people while keeping 

overall budget spending within a level that does not undermine 

economic stability. 


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Sec. 694, ‘‘War Crimes in Africa’’ includes language, carried in 

prior years but deletes subsection (d) from the 2007 Act. 

Sec. 696, ‘‘Oversight of Iraq Reconstruction’’ includes language 

which applies the authority to all reconstruction funds in Iraq in 

fiscal years 2006, 2007, and 2008. 

Sec. 699, ‘‘Assistance for Egypt’’ is a new general provision which 

conditions a portion of FMF subject to certification and report. 

Sec. 699A, ‘‘Relief for the Hmong and Montagnards’’ is a new section amending the Immigration and Nationality Act with regard to 

the admission qualifications for certain Hmong and Montagnard 

refugees. 

Sec. 699B, ‘‘Report on Anti-Corruption Activities’’ is a new section providing for a report with regard to countries receiving assistance under the headings ‘‘Development Assistance’’, ‘‘Assistance for 

Eastern Europe and the Baltic States’’, and ‘‘Assistance for the 

States of the Former Soviet Union’’ on the level of corruption activities in such countries. 

Sec. 699C, ‘‘Programs to Improve Democracy, the Rule of Law, 

and Governance in Iran’’ is a new section providing $50,000,000 for 

democracy, rule of law and governance programs in Iran. 

APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following table lists the appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not authorized by law for 

the period concerned: 

Agency/Activity Last Year Authorized Authorization Level 

Appropriations in 

Last Year of Authorization 

Appropriations in the 

Bill 

Department of State/Administration of 

Foreign Affairs ................................... 2003 $5,290,390,000 $5,874,914,000 $7,141,257,000 

Department of State/International Organizations ............................................ 2003 $1,529,702,000 $1,672,000,000 $2,656,400,000 

Department of Stat/International Commissions ............................................ 2003 $71,385,000 $57,730,000 $148,785,000 

Department of State/Other .................... 2003 $72,000,000 $69,986,000 $96,750,000 

Broadcasting Board of Governors .......... 2003 $644,486,000 $599,560,000 $682,380,000 

Commission on International Religious 

Freedom ............................................. 2003 $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $3,400,000 

U.S. Institute of Peace ........................... 2003 Such sums as 

may be necessary 

$16,256,000 $25,000,000 

Export/Import Bank Subsidy Appropriation .................................................... 2006 $100,000,000 $74,000,000 $68,000,000 

Export/Import Bank Administrative Expenses ............................................... 2006 $73,200,000 $72,468,000 $78,000,000 

Export/Import Bank Inspector General ... 2006 $1,000,000 $990,000 $1,000,000 

Overseas Private Investment Corporation Administrative Expenses ............ 2003 Such sums as 

may be necessary 

$39,626,000 $47,500,000 

Overseas Private Investment Corporation Noncredit Account ...................... 2003 Such sums as 

may be necessary 

$23,844,000 $20,000,000 

Child Survival and Health Programs 

Fund (see note below) ....................... Population (1987); 

Health and 

Disease 

Prevention (1987); 

Child Survival 

Fund (1987) 

Population 

($290,000,000); 

Health and 

Disease Prevention 

($180,000,000); 

Child Survival 

Fund 

($75,000,000) 

Population 

($234,625,000); 

Health and 

Disease Prevention 

($166,762,000); 

Child Survival 

Fund (75,000,000) 

$1,957,150,000 

(includes 

$375,000,000 for 

Population) 


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Agency/Activity Last Year Authorized Authorization Level 

Appropriations in 

Last Year of Authorization 

Appropriations in the 

Bill 

Development Assistance (see note 

below) ................................................ Agriculture (1987); 

Education (1987); 

Energy and 

selected 

development 

activities (1987) 

Agriculture 

($760,000,000); 

Education 

($180,000,000); 

Energy and 

selected 

development 

activities 

($207,000,000) 

Agriculture 

($693,613,000); 

Education 

($155,000,000); 

Energy and 

selected 

development 

activities 

($149,990,000) 

$1,733,760,000 

(includes: 

$519,000,000 for 

basic education; 

other programs 

difficult to 

determine due to 

changing 

definitions 

programs since 

last authorized) 

International Disaster and Famine Assistance ............................................. 1987 $25,000,000 $70,000,000 $322,350,000 

Transition Initiatives .............................. None (same 

authorities as 

International 

Disaster 

Assistance) 

NA NA $40,000,000 

Development Credit Authority ................ None NA NA $21,000,000 (by 

transfer) 

Development Credit Authority—administrative expenses .............................. None NA NA $7,400,000 

Operating Expenses of the United 

States Agency for International Development .......................................... 1987 $387,000,000 $340,600,000 $625,700,000 

Capital Investment Fund ....................... None NA NA $87,300,000 

Operating Expenses of the United 

States Agency for International Development—Inspector General .......... 1987 $21,750,000 $21,000,000 $38,000,000 

Economic Support Fund ......................... 1987 $3,800,000,000 $3,555,000,000 $2,656,506,000 

International Fund for Ireland ............... 1988 $35,000,000 $35,000,000 $15,000,000 

Assistance for Eastern Europe and the 

Baltic States (see note below) .......... None NA NA $297,332,000 

Assistance for the Independent States 

of the Former Soviet Union ............... 1993 $410,000,000 $417,000,000 $397,585,000 

Inter-American Foundation .................... 1993 $31,000,000 $30,960,000 $19,000,000 

African Development Foundation ........... 1987 $3,872,000 $6,500,000 $30,000,000 

Peace Corps ........................................... 2003 $365,000,000 $295,069,000 $333,500,000 

Millennium Challenge Corporation ........ 2005 Such sums as 

may be necessary 

$1,488,000,000 $1,800,000,000 

International Narcotics Control and Law 

Enforcement ....................................... 1994 $171,500,000 $100,000,000 $568,475,000 

Andean Counterdrug Initiative ............... None NA NA $312,460,000 

Migration and Refugee Assistance ........ 2003 $820,000,000 $781,884,000 $813,900,000 

U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration 

Assistance Fund (see note below) .... 1962 Such amounts as 

may be necessary 

NA $45,000,000 

Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, 

Demining and Related Programs (see 

note below) ........................................ 2003 $226,200 NA $467,000,000 

Debt Restructuring ................................. 2004 Such sums as 

may be necessary 

$94,440,000 $200,300,000 

International Affairs Technical Assistance ................................................... 1999 $5,000,000 $1,500,000 $18,000,000 

International Military Education and 

Training ............................................. 2003 $85,000,000 $79,480,000 $85,076,000 

Foreign Military Financing ..................... 2003 $4,107,000,000 $6,104,632,000 $4,459,236,000 

Peacekeeping Operations ....................... 1999 $83,000,000 $76,500,000 $293,200,000 

Multilateral Investment Fund ................ 1997 $100,000,000 $27,500,000 $25,000,000 

Note: Programs recommended herein under ‘‘Child Survival and Health Programs Fund’’ and ‘‘Development Assistance’’ were last authorized 

under a different account structure than that recommended in this bill; the account structure included a number functional accounts, as described above. Microenterprise programs were reauthorized in 2004, covering the period through 2009. 

Note: Programs recommended herein under ‘‘Support for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States’’ were last authorized in the Support for East 

European Democracy (SEED) Act 1989; however, these funds were authorized for discrete programs and not for the account as a whole. In fiscal year 1991, the first general appropriations act after enactment the SEED Act included $369,675,000 for this account. 


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Note: Funds for the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Program (ERMA) are authorized in such amounts as may be 

necessary; however, appropriations which would result in a balance in the fund more than $100,000,000 are prohibited (22 U.S.C. 2601(c)) 

absent a waiver this provision law. 

Note: Programs recommended herein under ‘‘Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs’’ include some major programs 

for which authorizations appropriations were provided for fiscal year 2002; these programs include $73,000,000 authorized for antiterrorism assistance and $142,000,000 authorized for nonproliferation activities. In addition, some programs now in this account were previously in accounts which had authorizations of appropriations in prior years. 

Note: The Tropical Forest Conservation Act 1998 was reauthorized in 2004, including program authorization through 2007. 

TRANSFER OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following table lists the transfers of funds 

included in the accompanying bill. 

APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL

Account to which the transfer is made Amount Account to which the transfer is made Amount 

Diplomatic and Consular Programs .......... $10,000,000 Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service.$10,000,000 

Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service.$1,000,000 Repatriation Loans Program Account ........ $1,000,000 

Child Survival and Health Programs Fund $6,000,000 Operating Expenses of the United States 

Agency for International Development.

$6,000,000 

Funds appropriated in the Act to carry out 

part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 

1961 and under ‘‘Assistance for eastern Europe and the Baltic States’’.

$21,000,000 Development Credit Authority .................... $21,000,000 

Economic Support Fund ............................. $218,500,000 Development Assistance ............................ $218,500,000 

Peace Corps ............................................... $2,000,000 Foreign Currency Fluctuations Account ..... $2,000,000 

Funds appropriated under title III of this 

Act.

$20,000,000 Overseas Private Investment Corporation 

Program Account.

$20,000,000 

COMPARISON WITH THE BUDGET RESOLUTION

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional 

Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (Public Law 93– 344), as amended, the following table compares the levels of new 

budget authority provided in the bill with the appropriate allocation under section 302(b) of the Budget Act. 

[In millions of dollars] 

302(b) allocations— This bill—

General purpose discretionary ................ 34,243 33,351 34,243 1 33,225 

Mandatory ............................................... 159 159 159 159 

1 Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

FIVE-YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS

Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget and 

Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (Public Law 93–344), as amended, Act of 1974, the following table contains five-year projections 

prepared by the Congressional Budget Office of outlays associated 

with the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill: 

[In millions of dollars] 

Budget Authority ................................................................................ 34,402 

Outlays: 

2008 .............................................................................................. 16,984 

2009 .............................................................................................. 8,971 

2010 .............................................................................................. 3,473 

2011 .............................................................................................. 2,171 

2012 .............................................................................................. 2,441 


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ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget and 

Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (Public Law 93–344), as amended, the financial assistance to State and local governments is as follows: 

[In millions of dollars] 

Budget Authority ................................................................................ not applicable 

Fiscal Year 2008 outlays resulting therefrom .................................. not applicable 

CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY

Clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives states that: 

Each report of a committee on a bill or joint resolution 

of a public character shall include a statement citing the 

specific powers granted to the Congress in the Constitution 

to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution. 

The Committee on Appropriations bases its authority to report 

this legislation from Clause 7 of Section 9 of Article I of the Constitution of the United States of America which states: 

No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of Appropriations made by law. . . 

Appropriations contained in this Act are made pursuant to this 

specific power granted by the Constitution. 

STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following is a statement of general performance goals and objectives for which this measure authorizes funding: 

The Committee on Appropriations considers program performance, including a program’s success in developing and attaining 

outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing funding recommendations. 

COMPLIANCE WITH RULE XIII, CL. 3(e) (RAMSEYER RULE) 

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, 

as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, 

existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman): 

SECTION 1238 OF THE FLOYD D. SPENCE NATIONAL 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 

SEC. 1238. UNITED STATES-CHINA ECONOMIC AND SECURITY REVIEW 

COMMISSION. 

(a) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(c) DUTIES.—

(1) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than øJune¿ December 1 

each year (beginning in 2002), the Commission shall submit to 


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Congress a report, in both unclassified and classified form, regarding the national security implications and impact of the bilateral trade and economic relationship between the United 

States and the People’s Republic of China. The report shall include a full analysis, along with conclusions and recommendations for legislative and administrative actions, if any, of the 

national security implications for the United States of the 

trade and current balances with the People’s Republic of China 

in goods and services, financial transactions, and technology 

transfers. The Commission shall also take into account patterns of trade and transfers through third countries to the extent practicable. 

* * * * * * * 

ø(g) APPLICABILITY OF FACA.—The provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the activities 

of the Commission.¿ 

FOREIGN OPERATIONS EXPORT FINANCING, AND 

RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1990 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE V—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

* * * * * * * 

ESTABLISHING CATEGORIES OF ALIENS FOR PURPOSES OF REFUGEE

DETERMINATIONS

SEC. 599D. (a) * * * 

(b) ESTABLISHMENT OF CATEGORIES.—

(1) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(3) Within the number of admissions of refugees allocated for 

each of fiscal years 1990, 1991, and 1992 for refugees who are 

nationals of the Soviet Union under section 207(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and within the number of such 

admissions allocated for each of fiscal years 1993, 1994, 1995, 

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 

2006, øand¿ 2007 , and 2008 for refugees who are nationals of 

the independent states of the former Soviet Union, Estonia, 

Latvia, and Lithuania under such section, notwithstanding any 

other provision of law, the President shall allocate one thousand of such admissions for such fiscal year to refugees who 

are within the category of aliens described in paragraph (2)(B). 

* * * * * * * 

(e) PERIOD OF APPLICATION.— (1) Subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on the date of the 

enactment of this Act and shall only apply to applications for 

refugee status submitted before October 1, ø2007¿ 2008. (2) Subsection (c) shall apply to decisions made after the date 

of the enactment of this Act and before October 1, ø2007¿ 

2008. 


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(3) Subsection (d) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall only apply to reapplications for refugee status submitted before October 1, ø2007¿ 2008. 

* * * * * * * 

ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN SOVIET AND INDOCHINESE

PAROLEES

SEC. 599E. (a) * * * 

(b) ALIENS ELIGIBLE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS.—The benefits 

provided in subsection (a) shall only apply to an alien who— (1) * * * 

(2) was inspected and granted parole into the United States 

during the period beginning on August 15, 1988, and ending on 

September 30, ø2007¿ 2008, after being denied refugee status. 

* * * * * * * 

SECTION 404 OF THE FOREIGN RELATIONS 

AUTHORIZATION ACT, FISCAL YEARS 1994 AND 1995 

SEC. 404. ASSESSED CONTRIBUTIONS FOR UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS. 

(a) * * * 

(b) LIMITATION ON UNITED STATES CONTRIBUTIONS.—

(1) * * * 

(2) SUBSEQUENT FISCAL YEARS.—(A) * * * 

(B) REDUCTION IN UNITED STATES SHARE OF ASSESSED

CONTRIBUTIONS.—Notwithstanding the percentage limitation contained in subparagraph (A), the United States 

share of assessed contributions for each United Nations 

peacekeeping operation during the following periods is authorized to be as follows: 

(i) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(v) For assessments made during calendar year 2008, 

27.1 percent. 

* * * * * * * 

SECTION 3001 OF THE EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR DEFENSE AND FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, 2004 

SEC. 3001. SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION. 

(a) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(h) PERSONNEL, FACILITIES, AND OTHER RESOURCES.—(1) The Inspector General may select, appoint, and employ such officers and 

employees as may be necessary for carrying out the duties of the 

Inspector General, subject to the provisions of title 5, United States 

Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and the 

provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such 


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title, relating to classification and General Schedule øpay rates.¿ 

pay rates, and may exercise the authorities of subsections (b) 

through (i) of section 3161 of title 5, United States Code (without 

regard to subsection (a) of such section). 

* * * * * * * 

(o) TERMINATION.—(1)(A) * * * 

(B) For purposes of calculating the termination of the Office of 

the Inspector General under this subsection, any United States 

funds appropriated or otherwise made available for øfiscal year 

2006 or fiscal year 2007¿ fiscal years 2006 through 2008 for the reconstruction of Iraq, irrespective of the designation of such funds, 

shall be deemed to be amounts appropriated or otherwise made 

available to the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund. 

* * * * * * * 

(p) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—For the purposes of carrying out 

the duties of the Inspector General, any United States funds appropriated or otherwise made available for fiscal years 2006 through 

2008 for the reconstruction of Iraq, irrespective of the designation of 

such funds, shall be deemed to be amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund. 

SECTION 1054 OF THE JOHN WARNER NATIONAL 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007 

(Public Law 109–364) 

SEC. 1054. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITIES RELATING TO THE SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION. 

(a) DUTIES.—For purposes of carrying out the duties of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction under section 3001(f) 

of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense 

and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004 (Public 

Law 108–106; 117 Stat. 1235 et seq.; 5 U.S.C. App., note to section 

8G of Public Law 95–452), any United States funds appropriated 

or otherwise made available for øfiscal year 2006¿ fiscal years 2006 

through 2008 for the reconstruction of Iraq, irrespective of the designation of such funds, shall be deemed to be amounts appropriated 

or otherwise made available to the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction 

Fund. 

* * * * * * * 

SECTION 212 OF THE IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY 

ACT 

GENERAL CLASSES OF ALIENS INELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE VISAS AND

INELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION; WAIVERS OF INADMISSIBILITY

SEC. 212. (a) CLASSES OF ALIENS INELIGIBLE FOR VISAS OR ADMISSION.—Except as otherwise provided in this Act, aliens who are 

inadmissible under the following paragraphs are ineligible to receive visas and ineligible to be admitted to the United States: 

(1) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(3) SECURITY AND RELATED GROUNDS.—


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(A) * * * 

(B) TERRORIST ACTIVITIES.— (i) * * * 

(ii) EXCEPTION.—Subclause ø(VII)¿ (IX) of clause (i) 

does not apply to a spouse or child— (I) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(vii) Clause (vi) shall not apply to the Hmong or 

Montagnards on the basis of any act or event occurring 

in or before 1975. 

* * * * * * * 

EARMARKS

Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of 

Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains no congressional 

earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined 

in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of rule XXI. 


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(179) 

MINORITY VIEWS OF THE HON. JERRY LEWIS AND HON. 

FRANK WOLF 

Chairwoman Lowey is to be commended for the reasonable and 

thoughtful manner in which she conducted the business of the subcommittee in her first year as Chairwoman. The subcommittee’s 

work this year has been a bipartisan, collaborative effort. In spite 

of the comity reflected in much of the subcommittee’s work, however, we have genuine policy differences with the Democrat majority and a divergence in views over the level of funding necessary 

to address the critical needs of this bill. 

The State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill provides $34,243,000,000 in discretionary budget authority, which is $700,000,000 below the President’s budget request, 

and $2,966,000,000 above fiscal year 2007. The bill provides funding for the Department of State, the United States Agency for 

International Development, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, 

the export finance agencies, the Peace Corps, various international 

organizations including the United Nations, the Department of 

Treasury’s international programs, bilateral and multilateral assistance to foreign countries, and the World Bank and other multilateral development banks. While the bill provides significant increases for many of these activities, in total the bill provides funding below the level requested by the Administration. 

We appreciate that the Subcommittee Chairwoman allowed the 

Minority to provide input into drafting the bill. Specifically, we 

commend the Chairwoman’s commitment to the protection of 

human rights and to improving the lives of children and families 

around the world. We fully support the Chairwoman’s efforts to increase funding for embassy security, public diplomacy, educational 

and cultural exchanges, for the protection of human rights, assistance for those afflicted with HIV/AIDs and to prevent the spread 

of this and other diseases, and for refugee assistance. 

ITEMS OF CONCERN

While Chairwoman Lowey’s committee mark is positive in many 

respects, we would be remiss if we did not outline several specific 

areas where we would have written this bill differently. 

IRAQ

We are disappointed that the bill does not provide any of the 

President’s Budget Request of $391,800,000 for assistance for Iraq 

for fiscal year 2008. We believe that this decision sends a terrible 

message to our troops fighting in Iraq and to the Foreign Service 

Officers and civilians working for the Department of State and 

USAID who are risking their lives trying to help the Iraqi people. 


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We have a number of specific concerns. First, we believe that not providing the requested $16,000,000 for counterterrorism and demining activities is shortsighted and potentially dangerous. This 

program has trained more than 1,000 Iraqis in explosive detection 

and removal, therefore helping to protect the lives of our military 

and also improving public safety to reduce insurgent access to 

deadly munitions. 

Second, no funds are provided as requested to continue the development of effective civilian law enforcement anti-terrorism organizations in Iraq, specifically focusing on strengthening terrorist financing and money laundering programs. 

Third, no funds are provided for the International Military Education and Training program that would continue English-language 

training and professional military training for Iraqi military officers in the United States. This training improves the Iraqi military’s awareness of international human rights norms, fostering respect for the principle of civilian control of the military and the 

rule of law. Such funding is crucial if public statements by Members about wanting the Iraqis to be able to defend themselves are 

in fact accurate and not purely rhetorical. Fourth, a total of $90,000,000 would improve Iraq’s ability to execute its national budget, a crucial step towards Iraq’s self-reliance. 

Funding is requested for economic policy, subsidy, legal and regulatory reform, which is crucial to enable Iraq to stimulate local 

economies to counter the impact of the insurgents. Additionally, 

this assistance would help Iraq create jobs in the agricultural sector and increase food production, thereby stimulating Iraq’s second 

largest economic sector. These funds would directly weaken the insurgent base in rural areas. 

Finally, a total of $25,000,000 would bolster national reconciliation and political reform as well as support fair provincial elections in 2008 and fair national elections in 2009. An increase of 

$25,000,000 would assist the development of the Iraqi criminal justice system. These necessary funds would allow the Iraqi government to identify, bring to justice, and incarcerate insurgents and 

terrorists who are trying to destabilize the country. 

Given the extensive debate in the Congress over the last few 

months, a decision not to provide funding in the State, Foreign Operations bill for Iraq sends a signal that all statements by Members 

of Congress who want Iraqi’s to be able to take control of their own 

country are purely rhetorical. 

MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION

The President requested $3 billion for the fifth year of operations 

of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The request reflects the strong demand from countries already eligible for MCC 

funding and those countries likely to become newly eligible in fiscal 

year 2008. We are disappointed that the bill only provides $1.8 billion for the MCC, a level that is a 40 percent cut from the President’s request. 

Congressional action this year will be the deciding factor on the 

future of MCC assistance. We are especially concerned that many 

Members of the majority see the MCC mostly as a Presidential priority and as a partisan issue. We believe the majority would have 


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a different view of a program if they were to ask the citizens of the 

MCC countries—not just the recipients of the funds, but the beneficiaries of the good governance and anticorruption policies instilled 

by the MCC. 

The primary argument made by the majority for not providing 

increases to MCC funding is that MCC disbursements are too slow. 

Therefore, additional funds are not needed. The MCC was designed 

to provide assistance for a country for a 5-year period and must be 

funded entirely by Congress up front in the first year. The MCC 

is different from the traditional development assistance programs 

in that it does not receive incremental, precarious funding. The 

premise of the MCC is that there is a commitment between the 

United States and developing countries that the developing country 

would receive U.S. assistance only if they govern justly, contribute 

their own funding to invest in their citizens, and root out corruption. These are requirements that traditional development assistance programs do not have. 

Additionally, lost in the debate is the fact that seven of the next 

eight agreements, or compacts, awaiting MCC funding are with African nations. By cutting MCC assistance, this bill effectively cuts 

development assistance to Africa; these are African nations which 

have improved governance, increased funding for education, and 

fought corruption. 

MCC funding is not channeled through the normal foreign assistance nongovernmental organizations, and this may be another reason that MCC funding is controversial. The Republicans would 

argue that the developing world is ready and waiting for a new opportunity to fight poverty and generate economic growth. The status quo approach has not worked. The MCC is a results-driven approach to development assistance which combines many of the lessons learned from our efforts over the last few decades. This is a 

critically important program, a new way to create partnerships 

with countries, and these partnerships are based on accountability, 

country ownership, and a commitment to economic growth. 

We appreciate the Chairwoman’s verbal commitment to work toward higher levels of funding for the MCC as this bill moves 

through the appropriations process. 

COLOMBIA

We remain deeply concerned about the future of the relationship 

between the U.S. and Colombia as a result of provisions and funding decisions in this bill. President Uribe won his presidential election with an 84 percent approval rating. The citizens of Colombia 

support him overwhelmingly yet that level of support is not reflected in language included in the bill and accompanying report. 

The Colombian Government has been a critical ally of the United 

States in the fight against narcotics production and trafficking. 

However, instead of recognizing the progress that Colombia has 

made over the past decade, this bill cuts funding. Moreover, it 

shakes the very basis of the cooperative relationship that the U.S. 

has developed with the Colombian government. This is no way to 

treat such an important ally. 

Additionally, there is a $100,000,000 shift in focus of U.S. 

counter-narcotics and counterterrorism policy for Colombia from 


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eradication and interdiction towards alternative development. The 

United States is the only partner of Colombia providing external 

support for eradication and counterterrorism, while international 

organizations and other donor countries assist with alternative development programs. Therefore, such a shift would have significant 

effects on the ability of the Colombian Government to continue its 

commitment to fight coca cultivation, the primary source of funding 

of terrorism in the Western Hemisphere. 

Human rights violations by members of the Colombian Government and military have been included in recent press reports and 

through several indictments of high level officials. It is apparent 

that the very reason these people have been indicted in Colombia 

is that President Uribe has cleared the way for investigations and 

provided support for their resolution. We believe that to criticize 

the Government of Colombia because of past and ongoing investigations and prosecutions of corrupt officials and human rights abusers is counterproductive. Yet, Republicans are steadfast in our belief that human rights abuses cannot be tolerated by any country, 

including an ally of the United States. 

The provision of U.S. assistance has been directly responsible for 

bringing stability to Colombia. When Plan Colombia started, the 

country was torn by civil war. The Colombian people couldn’t travel 

freely throughout the country. Since Plan Colombia began, 

kidnappings have fallen by 75 percent, the Gross Domestic Product 

of Colombia has increased from 1.5 percent a year to 7 percent annually, and U.S. exports to Colombia have grown from $3.6 billion 

to $5.4 billion a year. 

In summary, we appreciate the Chairwoman’s efforts to recognize 

our interest in minimizing cuts to assistance for Colombia. However we are still concerned that provisions in the bill reshape a 

long-standing program that has helped to stabilize and develop a 

country into one that is unproven, and different from what the 

Government of Colombia or its people desire. 

CUBA

We are disappointed that the bill falls short of the President’s request to fund the program recommendations made in July 2006 by 

the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba. The Castro regime 

is the only non-democratically elected government in the Western 

Hemisphere. It exerts absolute control over all media. As a result, 

the Cuban people do not have access to reliable, independent information. Now is the time to demonstrate a commitment to a future 

of freedom for Cuba and to fund programs that will facilitate a 

peaceful democratic transition. Specifically, we believe that the bill 

should do more to support broadcasting to Cuba. Additional investments in transmission capabilities to overcome jamming will result 

in larger audiences for our television and radio broadcasts. In addition, the bill provides only 20 percent of the requested funding for 

civil society and democratic development programs, including programs to break the regime’s information blockade. We will work to 

increase this funding as the bill moves forward. 


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183 

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK

We are disappointed that the majority chose to not include the 

President’s fiscal year 2008 proposal that allows the Export-Import 

Bank to directly utilize its offsetting collections for its administrative and credit subsidy costs. We believe this budgetary change is 

good for the U.S. taxpayer and good for U.S. exporters. We are 

pleased that the Chairwoman committed to working with us and 

other Members on this issue as the bill moves along in the process 

and towards conference. 

ANTI-CORRUPTION AMENDMENT

We are pleased that the Chairwoman accepted an amendment by 

the Ranking Member requiring the reporting by the Secretary of 

State on the degree of corruption in countries that receive U.S. foreign assistance. Corruption robs countries of their rightful economic growth, deters investment in areas that need it most and, 

at its very worst, condemns its people to life without hope. 

For purposes of this bill, corruption can in many ways make our 

foreign assistance ineffective. Unfortunately, we have seen the impact of corruption in many places around the world. We are convinced that corruption can be measured and can be fought. Unfortunately, there is a resistance by many in the development community to make fighting corruption a requirement for a country to receive our assistance. 

The Millennium Challenge Corporation is one way the United 

States has begun to change that. The MCC requires that recipient 

countries score better than their peer group on the issue of corruption. This requirement provides incentives for countries to reform 

entire institutions, prosecute corrupt officials, and instill long-term 

policies that will help all levels of their societies. This is one part 

of the so-called ‘‘MCC effect’’. 

Republicans are convinced that those governments that receive 

U.S. assistance must understand that fighting corruption begins 

with their governments, and we appreciate the efforts of the Chairwoman in supporting these goals. 

EFFECTIVENESS OF USAID

The minority agrees with the report language accompanying this 

bill regarding the need to strengthen the United States Agency for 

International Development, the nation’s primary international development agency. Yet, focusing solely on providing U.S. foreign assistance the way it has been done for 40 years is neither progressive nor realistic. We also support the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s approach to development assistance by requiring country-ownership of their aid package, and we recognize that countries 

with good governance and low corruption may have a better ability 

of lifting their people out of poverty through economic growth. 

VICTIMS OF TERRORISM

The minority is pleased that the majority has included language 

regarding a comprehensive approach to compensating dependents 

of victims of terrorism. 


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FAMILY PLANNING

Republicans are opposed to new language provisions included in 

the bill regarding funding for family planning programs overseas. 

The President of the United States clearly stated in his May 3, 

2007, letter to the Speaker of the House that he would veto any 

legislation that weakens current Federal policies and laws on abortion. Despite receiving the letter well before the bill was crafted, 

the majority chose to include four separate provisions on this issue. 

As a result of these language provisions alone, we do believe that 

this bill will be vetoed. While we support strongly the President’s 

position on these policies, we question the decision of the majority 

to effectively place in jeopardy humanitarian assistance and assistance to our partners in the Global War on Terror. 

CONCLUSION

In closing, while we have real policy differences and spending 

concerns relating to this legislation, it is our hope that between 

now and conference negotiations with the Senate later this year, 

we can address the most contentious issues. Our sincere desire is 

to work with Chairwoman Lowey to fashion a responsible, balanced 

conference report worthy of broad, bipartisan support. 

Æ 


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