Title: A resolution commending the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary for its significant accomplishments and contributions to the economic and social development of the Americas.
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
This resolution commends the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on its 50th anniversary for significant contributions to strengthening democracy, peace, and economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean, and it expresses the Senate's committment to continue supporting the work of the IAF.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 297 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 297

 Commending the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on the occasion of its 
50th anniversary for its significant accomplishments and contributions 
        to the economic and social development of the Americas.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             July 31, 2019

  Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Rubio, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Cruz, and Mr. 
 Kaine) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                     Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Commending the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on the occasion of its 
50th anniversary for its significant accomplishments and contributions 
        to the economic and social development of the Americas.

Whereas December 30, 2019, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of 
        the Inter-American Foundation (referred to in this preamble as the 
        ``IAF''), an independent Federal agency in the United States that 
        prioritizes sustainable, community-led development across Latin America 
        and the Caribbean;
Whereas the IAF was created under section 401 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 
        1969 (22 U.S.C. 290f) ``to achieve conditions in the Western Hemisphere 
        under which the dignity and the worth of each human person will be 
        respected and under which all men will be afforded the opportunity to 
        develop their potential, to seek through gainful and productive work the 
        fulfillment of their aspirations for a better life, and to live in 
        justice and peace'';
Whereas the IAF invests in effective grassroots solutions that promote 
        prosperity and peace, and advance the growth of democratic institutions;
Whereas the unique development model of the IAF, applied through more than 5,000 
        community-led grants, has empowered millions of marginalized and 
        underserved people in the Americas to achieve dignified livelihoods, 
        effective civil engagement, and safer, more peaceful, and more just 
        communities;
Whereas the IAF's model--

    (1) has demonstrated that making direct grants to grassroots groups and 
civil society organizations in underserved and vulnerable communities is 
cost-effective;

    (2) fosters self-reliance by requiring grantees to mobilize local 
resources for their own projects and by connecting them to networks of new 
partners;

    (3) leverages additional resources from private and community partners; 
and

    (4) incentivizes broad civic engagement and local ownership of 
community development;

Whereas the IAF--by investing in grassroots approaches that create businesses, 
        jobs, and leadership opportunities in communities--reinforces the 
        commitment of individuals to strengthening their own communities;
Whereas investments made by the IAF have created an extensive network of 
        grassroots innovators and changemakers who--

    (1) are positively disposed to the United States;

    (2) are better positioned to partner with other United States 
Government agencies and other public and private funders; and

    (3) have gone on to leadership roles at the local and national levels;

Whereas investments made by the IAF have improved the quality of life and 
        democracy in the Americas by strengthening the capacity of individuals 
        to participate in civic life, engage constructively with their local 
        officials, and hold their governments accountable;
Whereas, by listening and responding to the priorities of communities and 
        investing in projects that utilize and validate local knowledge and 
        expertise, the IAF has fostered trust and goodwill with the people of 
        Latin America and the Caribbean; and
Whereas the IAF's support of community-led efforts designed to increase 
        opportunities for development and the strengthening of civil society and 
        democratic governance has advanced the national interests of the United 
        States and promoted democratic values across the Western Hemisphere: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) commends the Inter-American Foundation on the occasion 
        of the 50th anniversary of its establishment for its 
        significant contributions to strengthening democracy, peace, 
        and economic and social development in Latin American and the 
        Caribbean;
            (2) recognizes that the bottom-up approach of the Inter-
        American Foundation empowers individuals in marginalized and 
        underserved communities to be leaders, entrepreneurs, 
        innovators, and changemakers in development processes;
            (3) recognizes that the Inter-American Foundation advances 
        the foreign policy of the United States Government and 
        contributes directly to the national interests of the United 
        States; and
            (4) commits to continue to support the vital work of the 
        Inter-American Foundation as an independent agency.
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