43-553 PDF
2d Session
110-425
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2009
| July 18 (legislative day, JULY 17), 2008- Ordered to be printed | |
| Filed under authority of the order of the Senate of January 4, 2007 | |
| Mr. LEAHY, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the following | |
| REPORT | |
| [To accompany S. 3288] |
The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 3288) making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes, reports favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass.
| Amounts in new budget authority | |
| Total of bill as reported to the Senate | $36,777,100,000 |
| Amount of 2008 appropriations | 32,957,900,000 |
| Amount of 2009 budget estimate | 38,375,675,000 |
| Bill as recommended to Senate compared to-- | |
| 2008 appropriations | +3,819,200,000 |
| 2009 budget estimate | -1,598,575,000 |
| CONTENTS | Page | ||
| Glossary of Terms | 5 | ||
| Introduction | 7 | ||
| Summary of Estimates | |||
| 7 | |||
| Title I: | |||
| Department of State: | |||
| Administration of Foreign Affairs: | |||
| Diplomatic and Consular Programs | 8 | ||
| Civilian Stabilization Initiative | 14 | ||
| Capital Investment Fund | 14 | ||
| Office of Inspector General | 15 | ||
| Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs | 15 | ||
| Representation Allowances | 18 | ||
| Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials | 19 | ||
| Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance | 19 | ||
| Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service | 21 | ||
| Buying Power Maintenance Account | 21 | ||
| Repatriation Loans Program Account | 22 | ||
| Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan | 22 | ||
| Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund | 22 | ||
| International Organizations: | |||
| Contributions to International Organizations | 22 | ||
| Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities | 23 | ||
| International Commissions: | |||
| International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico | 24 | ||
| Construction | 24 | ||
| American Sections, International Commissions | 24 | ||
| International Fisheries Commission | 25 | ||
| Related Agency: | |||
| Broadcasting Board of Governors: | |||
| International Broadcasting Operations | 26 | ||
| Broadcasting Capital Improvements | 27 | ||
| Related Programs: | |||
| The Asia Foundation | 27 | ||
| United States Institute of Peace | 28 | ||
| Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund | 28 | ||
| Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program | 28 | ||
| Israeli Arab Scholarship Program | 28 | ||
| East-West Center | 28 | ||
| National Endowment for Democracy | 29 | ||
| Other Commissions: | |||
| Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad | 29 | ||
| Commission on International Religious Freedom | 29 | ||
| Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe | 30 | ||
| Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China | 30 | ||
| United States-China Economic and Security Review Commiss- Ģion | 30 | ||
| United States Senate-China Interparliamentary Group | 31 | ||
| General Provisions--Title I | 31 | ||
| Title II: | |||
| United States Agency for International Development: | |||
| Administration of Foreign Assistance: | |||
| Funds Appropriated to the President: | |||
| Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for International Development | 32 | ||
| Capital Investment Fund of the United States Agency for International Development | 33 | ||
| Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for International Development Office of Inspector General | 33 | ||
| Title III: | |||
| Bilateral Economic Assistance: | Funds Appropriated to the President | ||
| 34 | |||
| Global Health and Child Survival | 34 | ||
| Development Assistance | 38 | ||
| International Disaster Assistance | 45 | ||
| Global Food Security | 45 | ||
| Transition Initiatives | 46 | ||
| Development Credit Authority | 46 | ||
| Economic Support Fund | 46 | ||
| Democracy Fund | 50 | ||
| Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia | 52 | ||
| International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement | 53 | ||
| Andean Counterdrug Programs | 55 | ||
| Department of State: | |||
| Migration and Refugee Assistance | 57 | ||
| United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund | 57 | ||
| Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs | 58 | ||
| Independent Agencies: | |||
| Peace Corps | 58 | ||
| Millennium Challenge Corporation | 59 | ||
| Inter-American Foundation | 61 | ||
| African Development Foundation | 61 | ||
| Department of the Treasury: | |||
| International Affairs Technical Assistance | 61 | ||
| Debt Restructuring | 61 | ||
| Title IV: | |||
| International Security Assistance: | |||
| Funds Appropriated to the President: | |||
| Peacekeeping Operations | 62 | ||
| International Military Education and Training | 62 | ||
| Foreign Military Financing Program | 62 | ||
| Title V: | |||
| Multilateral Assistance: | |||
| Funds Appropriated to the President: | |||
| International Organizations and Programs | 65 | ||
| Contribution to the International Fund for Agricultural Development | 66 | ||
| International Financial Institutions | 66 | ||
| Global Environment Facility | 66 | ||
| Contribution to the International Development Association | 66 | ||
| Clean Energy Technology | 67 | ||
| Contribution to the Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund | 67 | ||
| Contribution to the Asian Development Fund | 68 | ||
| Contribution to the African Development Fund | 68 | ||
| Title VI: | |||
| Export and Investment Assistance: | |||
| Export-Import Bank of the United States: | |||
| Inspector General | 69 | ||
| Subsidy Appropriation | 69 | ||
| Administrative Expenses | 69 | ||
| Overseas Private Investment Corporation: | |||
| Noncredit Account, Administrative Expenses | 69 | ||
| Program Account, Direct Loans | 69 | ||
| Funds Appropriated to the President, Trade and Development Agency | |||
| 70 | |||
| General Provisions--Titles II-VI | 70 | ||
| Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of the Sen- ate | 72 | ||
| Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate | 73 | ||
| Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate | 73 | ||
| Budgetary Impact of Bill | 79 | ||
| Disclosure of Congressionally Directed Spending Items | 79 | ||
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ACP--Andean Counterdrug Programs
AEECA--Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia
ASHA--American Schools and Hospitals Abroad
BBG--Broadcasting Board of Governors
CGIAR--Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
CICIG--International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala
CIF--Capital Investment Fund
CIPA--Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities
CSI--Civilian Stabilization Initiative
CRSP--Collaborative Research Support Program
DA--Development Assistance
DF--Democracy Fund
DFA--Director for Foreign Assistance
DRL--Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
DRC--Democratic Republic of the Congo
ERMA--Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund
ESF--Economic Support Fund
FAA--Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
FARC--Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
FMF--Foreign Military Financing
FSU--Independent States of the Former Soviet Union
GAO--Government Accountability Office
GAVI--Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization
GEF--Global Environmental Facility
GHCS--Global Health and Child Survival
HIPC--Heavily Indebted Poor Countries
HRDF--Human Rights and Democracy Fund
IAF--Inter-American Foundation
IBO--International Broadcasting Operations
ICASS--International Cooperative Administrative Support Services
IDA--International Disaster Assistance
IDP--Internally Displaced Person
IFAD--International Fund for Agricultural Development
IFI--International Financial Institution
ILEA--International Law Enforcement Training Academies
IMET--International Military Education and Training
INCLE--International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement
IO&P--International Organization and Programs
LWVF--Patrick Leahy War Victims Fund
MBN--Middle East Broadcasting Networks
MCC--Millennium Challenge Corporation
MEPI--Middle East Partnership Initiative
MERC--Middle East Regional Cooperative
MFO--Multinational Force and Observers
MRA--Migration and Refugee Assistance
NADR--Nonproliferation, Anti-Terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs
NEC--New Embassy Compound
NED--National Endowment for Democracy
NGO--Nongovernmental Organization
OAS--Organization of American States
OBO--Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations
OCB--Office of Cuba Broadcasting
OFDA--Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance
OIG--Department of State, Office of Inspector General
OMB--Office of Management and Budget
OPIC--Overseas Private Investment Corporation
OSCE--Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
PEPFAR--President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
PKO--Peacekeeping Operations
PRC--People's Republic of China
RFA--Radio Free Asia
RFE/RL--Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
SEED--Assistance for Eastern European and Baltic States
TB--Tuberculosis
TDA--Trade and Development Agency
TI--Transition Initiatives
U.N- United Nations
UNAIDS--Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS
UNDF--United Nations Democracy Fund
UNFPA--United Nations Population Fund
UNICEF--United Nations Children's Fund
UNIFEM--United Nations Development Fund for Women
USAID--United States Agency for International Development
USIP--United States Institute for Peace
VOA--Voice of America
WFP--World Food Program
WHO--World Health Organization
WHTI--Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
WTO--World Trade Organization
XDR--Extensively Drug Resistant
INTRODUCTION
SUMMARY TABLE: AMOUNTS IN NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item Budget request Committee recommendation Committee recommendation compared with budget estimate increase (+) or decrease (-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title I--Department of State and Related Agency, Administration of Foreign Assistance $12,235,857,000 $12,235,663,000 -$194,000
Title II--United States Agency for International Development, Administration of Foreign Assistance 978,784,000 895,559,000 -83,225,000
Title III--Bilateral economic assistance 17,882,329,000 16,846,137,000 -1,036,192,000
Title IV--Military assistance 5,149,700,000 4,827,700,000 -322,000,000
Title V--Multilateral assistance 2,348,205,000 2,131,241,000 -216,964,000
Title VI--Export and investment assistance -159,200,000 -159,200,000
Title VII--General Provisions
Total 38,375,675,000 36,777,100,000 -1,598,575,000
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SUMMARY OF ESTIMATES
In fiscal year 2008, the Congress appropriated $40,506,751,000 for the Department of State and related agency and foreign operations and related programs, including $7,549,108,000 in supplemental appropriations. For fiscal year 2009, the Committee recommends $36,777,100,000 of which $36,620,000,000 is for discretionary spending and $157,100,000 is for mandatory spending. The Congress appropriated $3,679,500,000 in fiscal year 2009 supplemental funding in the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252).
EMERGENCY REQUESTS
The Committee expects the administration to include all fiscal year 2010 funding for programs and activities provided for in this act in the regular fiscal year 2010 budget request and not assume any additional emergency funding. The Committee recommendation includes $40,000,000 under the heading Diplomatic and Consular Programs, $4,492,000 under the heading Department of State Inspector General, $10,000,000 under the heading United States Agency for International Development Operating Expenses, and $75,000,000 under the heading Economic Support Fund, for programs and activities which were previously requested by the administration as emergency funds and previously funded by emergency supplemental appropriations acts. The Committee intends that these funds will serve as a basis for the fiscal year 2010 budget request.
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
The Committee recommends a total of $12,235,663,000 for the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors.
ADMINISTRATION OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
| Appropriations, 2008 | $4,541,087,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-161) | 781,632,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter A) | 1,465,700,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 5,364,269,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter B) | 704,900,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 5,290,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $5,290,000,000 for Diplomatic and Consular Programs. Of these funds, $4,152,548,000 is for ongoing operations, including public diplomacy activities, and $1,137,452,000 is for Worldwide Security Protection. The Committee recommendation separates the functions funded under this heading to provide more transparency in the uses of funds. However, the Department of State may reprogram funds as required, subject to consultation with the Committee.
Human Resources- The Committee recommends $2,073,278,000 for all American salaries at overseas and domestic United States diplomatic missions, including $105,445,000 for additional new positions and requisite training.
Overseas Programs- The Committee recommends $1,515,683,000 for the operational programs of regional bureaus of the Department of State. Regional bureaus are responsible for managing U.S. foreign policy through bilateral and multilateral relationships and funds support 267 U.S. Embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic posts worldwide.
Diplomatic Policy and Support- The Committee recommends $572,562,000 for the operational programs of the functional bureaus of the Department of State to provide overall policy direction, coordination and program management among U.S. missions abroad.
Security Programs- The Committee recommends $1,128,477,000 for the operation of security programs, including Worldwide Security Protection and the Diplomatic Security bureau, to protect diplomatic personnel, overseas diplomatic missions, residences, and domestic facilities and information. An additional $134,927,000 is included within the Human Resources function for salaries to make up the total amount in the bill for Worldwide Security Protection, $1,137,452,000.
Funds are allocated in the following table:
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2009 request Committee recommendation Change fromrequest
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human Resources:
American Salaries 1,842,214 1,820,214 -22,000
Public Diplomacy American Salaries 130,637 130,637
Worldwide Security Protection--American Salaries 134,927 134,927
Human Resources 73,618 71,000 -2,618
Foreign Service Institute 41,994 41,994
New Positions 105,445 105,445
Foreign Service Compensation Reform 34,625 34,625
Subtotal, Human Resources 2,097,896 2,073,278 -24,618
Overseas Programs:
African Affairs 177,195 177,195
East Asian and Pacific Affairs 143,704 155,785 +12,081
European and Eurasian Affairs 348,300 348,300
Near Eastern Affairs 162,664 120,215 -42,449
South and Central Asian Affairs 71,224 71,224
Western Hemisphere Affairs 143,295 145,295 +2,000
International Organizations Affairs/International conferences 23,198 21,306 -1,892
Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation 2,000 6,000 +4,000
Public Diplomacy Programs 264,169 264,169
Travel, medical and telecommunications 206,194 206,194
Subtotal, Overseas Programs 1,541,943 1,515,683 -26,260
Diplomatic Policy and Support:
Office of the Secretary 28,550 28,550
Consular Affairs (excluding Border Security Program) 325 325
Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor 4,198 8,056 +3,858
Political-Military Affairs 9,185 9,185
International Security and Nonproliferation 16,949 16,949
Public Affairs 8,892 8,892
Trafficking in Persons 1,306 1,956 +650
Legislative Affairs 1,750 1,750
Chief of the Protocol 1,878 1,878
Office of the Under Secretary for Management 4,564 4,564
Resource Management 53,747 53,747
Administration (including GSA rent) 321,515 321,515
GSA Rents 183,481 183,481
Information Resource Management 74,472 74,472
Other offices 43,278 40,723 -2,555
Subtotal, Diplomatic Policy and Support 570,609 572,562 +1,953
Security Programs:
Worldwide Security Protection 1,027,869 1,002,525 -25,344
Diplomatic Security 118,912 118,912
Counterterrorism and Office of Foreign Missions 7,040 7,040
Subtotal, Security Programs 1,153,821 1,128,477 -25,344
Total, Diplomatic and Consular Programs 4,201,473 4,152,548 -48,925
Total, Worldwide Security Protection 1,162,796 1,137,452 -25,344
Total, Diplomatic and Consular Programs 5,364,269 5,290,000 -74,269
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NEW INITIATIVES
Staffing- The Committee is concerned that the gains made since 2002 to support the Diplomatic Readiness Initiative were depleted due to the Department of State's decision to move more positions to Iraq, leaving gaps at many posts and inhibiting critical language training. The Committee supports the Secretary's initiative to place more diplomats in countries where there is a greater U.S. strategic interest. In the next phase, the Committee urges the Secretary to further reduce domestic positions to bolster areas critical to U.S. interests around the world, such as public diplomacy and consular services.
The Committee is generally supportive of the objectives of the Diplomatic Solutions Initiative, which seeks to enhance interagency coordination and communication as other U.S. departments and agencies increasingly conduct assistance programs abroad. However, the Department of State's top priority must be to meet the personnel requirements of its traditional diplomacy functions.
The Committee questions whether the additional 200 positions requested for this initiative will resolve challenges arising from interagency rivalries, and recommends that prior to hiring any new personnel (specifically for Increased Interagency Capacity for National Security, Liaison with Military Counterparts, and Enhanced Interagency Cooperation), the administration should endeavor to improve existing frameworks, procedures and regulations, including those at the National Security Council, that will bolster the Department of State and USAID's responsibility and oversight of U.S. foreign assistance.
With the exception of 300 new positions requested to increase Language Proficiency, the Department of State shall consult with the Committee prior to the obligation or expenditure of any funds to meet the objectives of the Critical Skills and Strategic Relationship for Global Engagement, as outlined in justification materials.
The Committee provides authority under section 109 of this act for the Department of State to hire annuitants to support Consular Affairs in processing passport applications as a result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, consistent with authority provided in fiscal year 2008.
Iraq- The Committee recommendation includes $40,000,000 to support U.S. diplomatic operations in Iraq, $15,000,000 below the request. The Committee directs the administration to include in the fiscal year 2010 budget request the entire cost of operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and other regions which have previously relied on emergency supplemental funding for basic operating costs. This budgeting gimmick did nothing to lessen the impact on other programs worldwide of the enormous cost of operations, especially in Iraq, but instead allowed a separate budget to grow out of proportion to the Department of State's budget for normal diplomatic operations. The Committee notes that the Congress has provided $5,700,000,000 for operations of the United States Mission in Iraq since 2003, entirely through emergency supplemental appropriations. The Committee reemphasizes that the size and cost of the United States Mission in Iraq should decrease as United States assistance to Iraq also diminishes, consistent with direction provided in the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252). The Committee strongly encourages steps be taken to regularize the planning and budgeting for diplomatic operations which will exist in perpetuity into the regular annual budget.
Management- Until recently, the oversight for Department of State operations and foreign assistance programs was divided between two separate appropriations subcommittees, which did not allow for the effective coordination of management, policy, and programmatic issues. With the consolidation of these functions under a single subcommittee, the Congress is better positioned to ensure that operational and programmatic funds are more efficiently synchronized.
An unfortunate byproduct of this jurisdictional bifurcation has been the reliance of the Department of State on the use of program funds for salaries under certain accounts, most notably INCLE and MRA. While the Committee appreciates the necessity to ensure sufficient personnel for program management and oversight, inclusion of salaries from within program funds is no longer justifiable. The Department of State and OMB are therefore directed to include all salaries for Department personnel, including temporary hires, under the D&CP account, and not from within program funds in other accounts. The Department of State should consult with the Committee on implementation of this mandate no later than November 1, 2008. This centralization of salaries will ensure improved management and coordination of policy and programs, and increase transparency and oversight of the Department of State's operations.
PROGRAM ISSUES
Border Security Program- The Committee supports the full request for the Department of State Border Security Program, funded by fee revenue, $2,124,458,000 in fiscal year 2009, including an increase of $64,396,000 to continue to improve passport processing operations.
Broadcasting Programs- The Committee provides $1,000,000 for a pilot program to broadcast into economically depressed areas of the People's Republic of China [PRC] information that might be of interest to the people of the PRC, including issues of governance, transparency, corruption, rule of law, foreign assistance, and the environment. The Committee directs the Bureau of International Information Programs to consult with the Committee on the development of this program.
Colombia- The Committee recognizes the sacrifice of Thomas J. Janis, an American citizen and United States Government contractor who was murdered by FARC rebels after the single engine plane he was piloting crash landed in the Colombian jungle on February 13, 2003. In recognition of his bravery and service to the people of the United States and Colombia, the Committee recommends that an appropriate recognition in memory of Thomas J. Janis be made at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia.
Consular Affairs Reform- In response to unauthorized access of individual passport applications the Department of State Inspector General [IG] conducted an audit of the Consular Affairs passport records system, `Review of Controls and Notification for Access to Passport Records in the Department of State's Passport Information Electronic Records System [PIERS]' (AUD/IP-08-29), July 2008. The IG found that the Consular Affairs bureau lacked policies, procedures, and systems to prevent, detect and punish unauthorized access of passport records. The IG made 22 recommendations for specific improvements necessary in the Consular Affairs bureau to better protect personal information. The Committee recommendation includes a provision requiring that all IG recommendations are implemented and withholds 20 percent of the funds available for the Border Security program in fiscal year 2009 until the Secretary certifies compliance. The Committee strongly encourages the Department of State and the Inspector General to examine other best practices and improvements to increase the integrity and security of the system and report to the Committee on implementation of reforms not later than November 1, 2008. A copy of such report shall be provided to any other committee of Congress upon request. In particular, the Committee directs the Department of State to maintain a high standard of personal privacy for all information shared with other agencies.
Cultural Heritage- The Committee recommends $7,000,000 to preserve cultural heritage through Department programs and activities, of which $6,000,000 shall be for the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation [AFCP] and $1,000,000 shall be for the Cultural Antiquities Task Force. This is an increase of $3,000,000 above the budget request for AFCP, to support at least three projects of a significant scale and historic cultural value. The Department of State should consult with the Committee prior to the obligation of funds for these activities. The Committee directs the Department of State to provide sufficient staff to support the AFCP and to develop Regional Cultural Preservation Officers, if feasible, at posts to facilitate preservation.
DRL Oversight- The Committee recommends $3,858,000 above the budget request for DRL to increase the capacity for oversight, in addition to $2,000,000 provided by transfer under the FMF account.
Disability Coordinator- The Committee is concerned that the current Department of State Disability Coordinator is also assigned to other tasks besides disability issues, and as a result the concerns of people with disabilities are not currently being addressed as effectively as necessary. In order to ensure the integration of people with disabilities in Department of State policies, programs, activities, outreach and staff opportunities, the Committee directs the Department of State to establish a dedicated, full-time Disability Coordinator and to consult with the Committee within 90 days on efforts to address this issue.
Directorate for Defense Trade Controls [DDTC], Bureau of Political-Military Affairs- The Committee notes the budget request included no additional positions for the DDTC, and requests the Department of State to consult with the Committee on the advisability of additional personnel at the DDTC to increase efficiency in reviewing the export/import of defense articles and services covered by the United States Munitions List.
IT Central Fund- The Committee supports the increase of $100,000,000 above the prior year funding levels for this function, as proposed in the budget request, and recommends particular focus on IT security and integration with other U.S. Government agencies, particularly USAID and the Department of Defense.
Public Diplomacy- The Committee recommends $264,169,000 for public diplomacy programs, an amount equal to the request, and supports the proposed 20 new positions. The Committee notes that unlike previous appropriations for this function, salaries are not included in this amount. An additional $130,637,000 is included under the Human Resources function for salaries, equal to the request.
Soft Targets- The Committee recommends $25,500,000 for security enhancements to soft targets such as overseas schools and residential compounds, an increase of $2,000,000 above the budget request. The Committee directs that additional funds be used in countries and regions impacted by political instability.
Tibet- The Committee directs that up to $1,000,000 shall be made available to establish a Tibet Section within the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, People's Republic of China for the purposes of following political, economic, and social developments inside Tibet, including Tibetan areas of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan provinces, until such time as a U.S. Consulate in Tibet is established. This section shall have the primary responsibility for reporting on human rights issues in Tibet, shall work in close cooperation with the offices of the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, and the Tibet Section Chief should be of senior rank.
The Committee recommends $1,000,000 to support the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.
Trafficking in Persons- The Committee recommends $1,956,000 for the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, an increase of $650,000 above the request, and directs that the Director of this office make recommendations on an annual basis to the Director of Foreign Assistance on funding requirements to support the anti-trafficking strategy for each country identified in the annual Trafficking in Persons Report. The Committee recommends that additional funds are used to improve monitoring and evaluation of grants.
The Committee encourages the Office to continue the efforts begun in 2008 to increase monitoring and enforcement of Department of State regulations related to the treatment and protection against abuse of A-3 and G-5 visa recipient domestic workers.
Visa and Passport Security Strategy- The Committee supports the budget request for an additional 130 positions to address document fraud issues.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative- The Committee directs the Secretary to continue to monitor implementation of the WHTI according to the statutory deadline of no earlier than June 1, 2009, and, as needed, to increase temporary staffing to quickly respond to increases in demand for passports or passport cards. Smooth implementation of the WHTI is critical to border economies and communities and the Committee expects that additional resources shall be requested if required. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State are directed to provide quarterly briefings to the Committee on progress being made in meeting these requirements.
CIVILIAN STABILIZATION INITIATIVE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
| Appropriations, 2008 | ........................... |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | $248,631,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 115,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $115,000,000 for the Civilian Stabilization Initiative, $133,631,000 less than the request. These funds are in addition to $30,000,000 provided under the heading `Diplomatic and Consular Programs' and $25,000,000 provided under the heading `United States Agency for International Development Operating Expenses' in the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252) to establish and implement a coordinated civilian response capacity at the Department of State and USAID. Funding is provided under a unified heading in this act; however the Committee intends that funds will support a proportional number of additional positions at the Department of State and USAID.
The Committee directs that the Secretary of State submit to the Committee a financial plan for fiscal year 2009 no later than 45 days after enactment of this act designating the amount for each function of the CSI. The use of funds provided under this heading is subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committee on Appropriations, consistent with section 714 of this act. As requested, the Committee provides authority for funds to remain available until expended and expects that future budget requests will take into account the initial investment in training and equipment provided in fiscal year 2009. The Committee directs that any funds designated in the annual financial plan for Civilian Deployment and Force Protection shall be maintained in a separate account and kept in reserve for a crisis requiring deployment overseas and that quarterly reports on obligations and expenditures of such funds shall be submitted to the Committee. The Committee provides authority to transfer up to $50,000,000 from funds made available by titles I, II, III, and IV of this act and prior acts only to support a civilian response corps if such a corps is actively deployed overseas responding to a crisis. The Committee expects the Secretary of State to judiciously exercise this authority, after consulting with the Committee, and directs the Secretary to request supplemental funds for unanticipated emergency requirements to support a civilian response corps, if needed.
The Committee encourages the Department of State to consult with academic institutions to further refine the CSI.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND
| Appropriations, 2008 | $59,575,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 71,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 71,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $71,000,000 for the Capital Investment Fund.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
| Appropriations, 2008 | $33,733,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter A) | 9,500,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 35,508,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 40,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $40,000,000 for the Office of Inspector General, an increase of $4,492,000 above the request to regularize additional funding provided in emergency supplemental appropriations acts to strengthen oversight of programs in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. The Committee notes that the OIG conducts regular audits and inspections of the Department's programs and intends that the additional funds be used to expand inspections of government contracts, agency programs and other reconstruction activities.
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
| Appropriations, 2008 | $501,347,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 522,444,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 545,250,000 |
The Committee recommends $545,250,000 for Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs.
Funds are allocated in the following table:
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2008 enacted Fiscal year 2009 budget estimate Committee recommendation Change from budget estimate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Academic Programs:
Fulbright Program: Students, Scholars, Teachers, Humphrey, Undergraduates 220,842 233,841 233,841
Global Academic Exchanges:
Educational Advising and Student Services 10,586 11,586 12,000 +414
English Language Programs 14,413 22,413 29,000 +6,587
Subtotal, Global Academic Exchanges 24,999 33,999 41,000 +7,001
Special Academic Exchanges:
Regional Graduate Fellowships 22,020 22,020 22,020
American Overseas Research Centers 3,785 3,785 4,000 +215
South Pacific Exchanges 496 496 500 +4
Timor Leste Exchanges 496 496 500 +4
Disability Exchange Clearinghouse 496 496 500 +4
Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Program 5,810 5,810 7,200 +1,390
George Mitchell Fellowship Program 496 496 500 +4
Hemispheric Program 496 496 500 +4
Tibet Fulbright 744 744 750 +6
Subtotal, Special Academic Exchanges 34,839 34,839 36,470 +1,631
Total, Academic Programs 280,680 302,679 311,311 +8,632
Professional and Cultural Exchanges:
International Visitor Program 77,621 77,620 78,777 +1,157
Leaders in Education Initiative
Citizen Exchange Programs 49,572 57,377 57,377
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Ambassadors Program 23,806 19,000 24,000 +5,000
Special Professional and Cultural Exchanges:
Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange 3,230 3,230 3,230
Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program 1,862 1,862 1,862
Irish Institute 992 992 1,000 +8
Ngwang Choephel Fellows (Tibet) 645 645 650 +5
Youth Science programs 149 149 150 +1
Institute for Representative Government 496 496 496
Pakistan Literacy Training Program 372 372 375 +3
Subtotal, Special Professional and Cultural Exchanges 7,746 7,746 7,763 +17
Total, Professional and Cultural Exchanges 158,745 161,743 167,917 +6,174
One-time grant program 9,917 8,000 +8,000
Program and Performance:
Evaluation Program 1,894 1,895 1,895
Alumni Global Networks Program 1,250 1,250 1,250
Subtotal, Program and Performance 3,144 3,145 3,145
Exchanges Support 48,861 54,877 54,877
Total, ECE 501,347 522,444 545,250 +22,806
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Every program for which the Committee recommends funding in the previous table is established pursuant to an act of Congress, or is a program for which funding is authorized by an act of Congress, or was included in the President's budget request for fiscal year 2009.
The Committee recommends $10,000,000 of the funds made available under this heading, in addition to the amount requested, for programs to increase the number of U.S. students studying abroad and foreign students studying in the United States, and to improve the capacity of educational institutions in non-traditional study abroad locations, especially developing countries, to receive additional U.S. students for quality overseas study.
Institutional capacity is critical to successful expansion of American study abroad programs and the Committee recommends the Department of State use additional resources to: (1) provide direct grants to students for study abroad; (2) replicate existing capacity in targeted regions at quality overseas educational institutions; and (3) engage U.S. educational institutions to reduce barriers to study abroad, such as improving advising and credit systems.
The Congress supports expanding international exchange as evidenced by increased support in this act and pending authorizing legislation. Expanding the capacity of receiving foreign institutions, especially in developing countries and outside of capital cities, will provide a base for the expansion of Americans studying abroad. The base for expanding the number of foreigners who come to the United States is an understanding of English. Learning English is the foundation for better understanding American policies and values and such programs enable a greater diversity of foreign students to come to the United States. The Committee recommends $29,000,000 for learning English, an increase of $6,587,000 above the request. A more permanent link in planning and funding should be made between learning English, study in the United States, and the development of future leaders.
Taking into account current programs which support these goals and proposed legislation, the Committee directs the Department of State to develop a coordinated strategy to expand exchange to reach a greater number of Americans and foreigners from non-traditional backgrounds, particularly low income and minority populations. This strategy should inform the administration's planning and budgeting in the near and long-term to expand exchanges and to better focus on interrelated advantages of existing programs which will ultimately benefit U.S. public diplomacy goals.
Muslim Youth Exchange.--The Committee initiated a program in the Supplemental Appropriations Act for Further Recovery from and Response to Terrorist Attacks on the United States, 2002 (Public Law 107-206), to enable secondary school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to study for an academic year in the United States. This appropriation and the program were based on legislation, S. 2505, which was sponsored by Senators Kennedy and Lugar in 2002. In 2005, the Department of State began calling the program the Youth Exchange Study program.
The program has enabled approximately 2,700 young students from more than 30 countries to attend high schools throughout the United States for a year. The Committee supports the goals of this program and encourages its growth in countries with significant Muslim populations, where the perception of the United States faces the greatest challenges. In commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the program and in recognition of the impact of the program in promoting dialogue, increasing understanding and enhancing cultural diplomacy between the United States and foreign countries, the legislation includes language designating this program as the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Ambassadors Program. The Committee recommends $24,000,000 for this program, an increase of $5,000,000 above the budget request, to continue the U.S. high school pilot program created in fiscal year 2008 and expand recruitment and alumni activities.
Western Hemisphere- The Committee supports not less than the request of $35,521,000 to expand exchange programs in the Western Hemisphere, with emphasis on indigenous and other minority populations. An additional $5,000,000 is provided from funding under the Merida Initiative to support academic exchanges for Central American students with high financial need. The Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252) provided $5,000,000 for similar purposes.
Eurasia- The Committee recommends funding to support not less than 1,100 students from Eurasia in the Future Leaders Exchange Program for both academic-year and summer programs.
One-time International Exchange Grant Program- The Committee recommends $8,000,000 to provide one-time competitive grants for international exchanges that address issues of mutual interest to the United States and other countries, consistent with the criteria established in fiscal year 2008. This program shall be only for the actual exchange of people and should benefit a population that is not being addressed through existing authorized exchanges. The Department of State shall submit a report of those organizations that are eligible for a grant and, not later than September 1, 2009, submit a report to the Committee describing the grant recipients and intended use of funds.
The Committee encourages the Department to utilize this new program to expand international exchanges in areas that are not predominantly served by other U.S. Government exchange programs, such as exchange with developing countries; community leaders who would not traditionally have an opportunity to participate in an exchange; students and youth with high financial need; and minority ethnic groups.
Exchange programs eligible for consideration shall include:
Castleton State College- A proposal for international service-learning exchange programs.
Concordia College- A proposal for intensive critical language and cultural immersion exchange programs.
KIDmocracy- A proposal for student exchange with Egypt on democracy and governance.
Monmouth University- A proposal for exchange with social workers from West Africa.
New Mexico State University/Youth Works International- A proposal to bring young leaders from developing countries to the Gila Wilderness for land management training.
Vermont Law School- A proposal for an exchange program with China to address environment, energy, and related governance issues.
The Committee notes that programs recommended by the Committee in prior years for one-time grants will not be considered for additional one-time funding in future years. The Committee encourages the Department to consider new proposals from previously funded grantees within discretionary funding if they meet appropriate guidelines.
REPRESENTATION ALLOWANCES
| Appropriations, 2008 | $8,109,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 8,175,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 8,175,000 |
The Committee recommends $8,175,000 for Representation Allowances to provide reimbursement to Foreign Service Officers for expenditures incurred in their official capacities abroad in establishing and maintaining relations with officials of foreign governments and members of local communities. The Committee recommends that not more than $500,000 of the funds made available under this account and under Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service may be made available for official representation funds for the Office of the Chief of Protocol.
PROTECTION OF FOREIGN MISSIONS AND OFFICIALS
| Appropriations, 2008 | $22,814,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 18,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 12,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $12,000,000 for the Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials, $6,000,000 less than the request, to reimburse local governments and communities for the extraordinary costs incurred in providing protection for international organizations, foreign missions and officials, and foreign dignitaries under certain circumstances.
The Committee recommends that in instances where a local jurisdiction will realize a financial benefit from a visit by a foreign delegation, such circumstances should be taken into account by the Department of State in assessing the need for reimbursement under this program. The Committee expects the Department to provide reimbursement to local jurisdictions on a timely basis if claims are fully justified.
EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE
| Appropriations, 2008 | $1,425,574,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter A) | 76,700,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 1,789,734,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter B) | 41,300,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 1,765,225,000 |
The Committee recommends $1,765,225,000 for Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance to provide for management of the United States Government's real property assets overseas in order to provide diplomatic and consular missions with secure, safe, and functional facilities. Of the funds provided under this heading, $800,000,000 is for maintenance and planning for Department of State facilities, $830,000,000 is for the Department of State worldwide security upgrades, acquisition, and construction program, and $135,225,000 is for the USAID overseas facility construction program. As the Committee understands that the request to build a new Embassy compound in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands is not on schedule, no funding is recommended in this act for this project.
Consolidated Planning- The conduct of United States foreign policy depends on regular engagement with local populations, and the Committee recommendation for overseas facilities seeks to improve public access to more effectively address public diplomacy requirements, and to plan and construct secure facilities which reflect the combined requirements of diplomacy and development. To this end the Committee recommends funding for the USAID overseas facility construction program under this heading, rather than under the United States Agency for International Development, Capital Investment Fund account, as requested. The Committee directs the Department of State and USAID to work in concert to manage overseas facilities to more effectively and efficiently meet U.S. foreign affairs objectives. Coordination should include worldwide facilities assessments, planning, requests for funding, and implementation of facilities construction and maintenance activities. Facilities requirements are identified by field operations and evaluated by a rigorous right-sizing process and expertise from the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations [OBO]. The Long-Range Overseas Buildings Plan should reflect combined United States foreign policy priorities in diplomacy and development.
The Committee directs that the Secretary of State submit an annual plan on the joint requirements of the Department of State and USAID and planned facilities upgrades and new construction for each fiscal year. This plan should include the allocation of space by agency that reflects U.S. policy priorities. The plan shall include the proposed use of annual appropriated funds and proceeds of sale for each proposed new project and each ongoing project and how the use of funding meets a joint requirement. In addition, coordinated planning should anticipate future expansion and build in a certain degree of flexibility if a U.S. program expands or contracts. The Capital Security Cost Sharing program and the ICASS system shall be relied upon to ensure that every agency pays its share of space in overseas facilities.
The Committee directs OBO to evaluate the process by which posts are designated as priority for new construction, rehabilitation and upgrades. The new embassy construction evaluation process should include the optimal location for a post given the local political, security, and social environment. In addition, an evaluation of the foreign policy priorities for an individual mission and post should include public diplomacy goals, the most effective manner of engaging the local population, and how facilities can best contribute to those goals. The Committee strongly supports the recently developed model American Center, American Corners, and the urban standard Embassy design as models to deploy worldwide. The Committee is concerned that American libraries have been closed in many posts and an alternative venue for the public to learn about the United States has not been created. The Committee encourages the OBO to evaluate these models and seek to develop other design options, including the use of security technology that could enable greater public access to facilities. In addition, the Committee recognizes OBO's work to develop environmentally sound buildings and seek certification consistent with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Systems [LEEDS] and encourages this effort to accelerate and expand.
The Committee recognizes the importance of flexibility in order to respond to changing conditions on the ground to prioritize a new facility over previously planned projects. In the last year the Committee has worked with the Department of State to address funding needs to repair two United States Embassies damaged in civil unrest in Chad and Serbia. The ability to respond to changing facilities requirements is important; however, appropriate consultation and prudent use of resources is paramount. The Department of State shall consult with the Committee on the proposed use of funds and modifications from the budget request within 60 days of enactment of this act and prior to submission of the annual financial plan.
Embassy Maintenance Cost- The Department of State has completed the construction of over 50 capital security projects since 2000. The 2006 GAO report on new Embassy construction found the Department of State does not clearly identify the projected operations and maintenance costs for the new Embassies it builds. Embassy maintenance costs are funded by ICASS, funds appropriated to Department of State bureaus under the Diplomatic and Consular Programs account, and to OBO under this heading, and other agencies, and there is no source that clearly and solely identifies the specific resource needs for basic operations and maintenance activities at posts. As a result, there is no mechanism that allows Congress to determine whether Embassy maintenance needs are being adequately planned for and funded. Two years later, the Department of State has made little progress to implement GAO's recommendation to improve maintenance planning, as the Department itself had agreed.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to report to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of this act on a plan to address maintenance costs for: (1) new Embassy compounds, including accurate estimates of the resources needed for the increased costs of utilities, technical staff, and new systems; (2) older Embassies that will not be replaced and their age-related maintenance needs; and (3) Department of State residences. The report should address if ICASS is effective in supporting post maintenance, given that it is a voluntary system. The Committee is considering that a more dedicated funding system for maintenance, such as the cost-sharing program for construction, could be adapted to fully fund necessary maintenance. The Committee seeks to protect the significant investment made to date to construct more secure facilities. This report will inform the Committee's consideration of future budget requests to replace an additional 150 existing insecure facilities, as planned by the Department of State.
New Embassy Compounds- The Committee directs the Department of State to construct NECs in developed countries that are architecturally appropriate and consistent with the surrounding physical environment, and in a manner that does not comprise security. The Committee mandates these requirements for any future construction of an NEC in London, United Kingdom.
EMERGENCIES IN THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
| Appropriations, 2008 | $8,927,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 19,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 9,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $9,000,000 for Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service, $10,000,000 less than the request. Funds in this account are used to meet unforeseen emergency requirements as authorized by section 4 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act; however, the Committee strongly encourages the Department of State to prioritize expenditures for evacuations and rewards and to minimize the use of this fund for travel and representational expenses.
BUYING POWER MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT
| Appropriations, 2009 | ........................... |
| Emergency Supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter A) | $26,000,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | ........................... |
| Committee recommendation | 5,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $5,000,000 for the Buying Power Maintenance Account to manage exchange rate losses in the cost of Department of State operations overseas. The Committee expects the fiscal year 2010 and future budget requests to include a request for funding in this account.
REPATRIATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
| Appropriations, 2008 | $1,275,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 1,353,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 1,353,000 |
The Committee recommends $1,353,000 for the Repatriation Loans Program Account, a direct loan program in accordance with the Credit Reform Act which assists United States citizens overseas in dire need.
PAYMENT TO THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN
| Appropriations, 2008 | $16,219,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 16,840,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 16,840,000 |
The Committee recommends $16,840,000 for the American Institute in Taiwan, to support United States political and security interests, provide consular services, and promote exchange programs in Taiwan.
PAYMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND
| Appropriations, 2008 | $158,900,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 122,500,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 157,100,000 |
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $157,100,000 for this account, and consolidates in one account funding for both the Department of State and USAID mandatory retirement and disability programs.
This appropriation is authorized by Public Law 96-465, 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.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
| Appropriations, 2008 | $1,343,429,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter A) | 66,000,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 1,529,400,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter B) | 75,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 1,529,400,000 |
The Committee recommends $1,529,400,000 for Contributions to International Organizations, an amount equal to the request, and, in addition to $75,000,000 in supplemental funding for fiscal year 2009 provided in Public Law 110-252, continues the Committee's effort to provide the necessary funds to pay U.S. assessments to these organizations in a timely manner.
The Committee recommendation provides the assessed costs of U.S. membership in international organizations as authorized by conventions, treaties, or specific acts of Congress for fiscal year 2009. The Committee directs OMB to request sufficient funds to pay annual U.S. assessed dues and any accumulated arrears to international organizations and encourages the Department of State to evaluate the benefit of U.S. membership on an annual basis.
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES
| Appropriations, 2008 | $1,222,517,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-28) | 468,000,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter A) | 373,708,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 1,497,000,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter B) | 150,500,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 1,650,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $1,650,000,000 for CIPA, which is $153,000,000 above the budget request, in addition to $150,500,000 in supplemental funding for fiscal year 2009 provided in Public Law 110-252. The total amount available in fiscal year 2009 is still $177,000,000 below projected current requirements for U.S. contributions to peacekeeping.
The Committee notes that the budget request for U.S. assessed contributions to international peacekeeping missions assumed a reduction in the cost of every mission below the fiscal year 2008 operating level, yet the United States voted in the U.N. Security Council to expand the mandate of peacekeeping missions. The Committee recognizes the significant contribution to international peace and stability provided by U.N. peacekeeping activities, without the participation of U.S. troops. The Committee does not support OMB's practice of under-funding peacekeeping activities and relying on limited supplemental funds to support only a few missions. The Committee urges continued U.S. support for U.N. peacekeeping missions at the assessed level for the current year, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cyprus.
The Committee directs the Department of State to seek to ensure that all peacekeepers, civilian police, and other United Nations personnel being trained and equipped with funds contributed by the United States in preparation for deployment as part of peacekeeping missions, receive proper training to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. The Secretary of State should work aggressively with the United Nations to ensure that individuals who are found to have engaged in exploitation or violence against women are held accountable, including prosecution in their home countries.
The Committee recommendation includes language, as requested by the President, to adjust the authorized level of U.S. assessments for peacekeeping activities for calendar year 2009 and prior years from 25 percent to 27.1 percent, consistent with the level set in fiscal year 2008 (Public Law 110-161). The Committee notes that the Congress also provided the same adjustment in fiscal year 2005 and that the administration has requested such adjustment in each fiscal year since. The Committee expects that future budget requests shall include sufficient funding to support such authorization.
INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS
The Committee recommends funding to fully meet United States treaty obligations to international commissions in fiscal year 2009 and recognizes that funds are requested under the Department of State as a result of international treaties. However, other United States Government agencies could provide additional expertise to international commissions. The Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committee no later than June 1, 2009 on the legal authorities and missions of the international commissions funded by this act. The report shall examine the feasibility of funding the operational functions of international commissions within other U.S. agencies, such as the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or whether increased collaboration could produce efficiencies in infrastructure as well as add expertise. The foreign policy functions of the commissions shall remain with the Department of State.
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2008 | $30,184,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 32,256,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 32,256,000 |
The Committee recommends $32,256,000 for the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico.
CONSTRUCTION
| Appropriations, 2008 | $87,709,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 44,250,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 52,250,000 |
The Committee recommends $52,250,000 for construction, $8,000,000 above the request. The Committee recommendation supports the projects and activities included in the budget request, including $28,000,000 for secondary treatment of Tijuana sewage and $21,000,000 for Rio Grande flood control rehabilitation and canalization.
AMERICAN SECTIONS, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS
| Appropriations, 2008 | $10,851,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 11,449,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 11,320,000 |
The Committee recommends $11,320,000 for American Sections.
Within the amount provided, $2,250,000 is for the International Boundary Commission, $6,870,000 is for the International Joint Commission, and $2,200,000 is for the Border Environment Cooperation Commission. Within the amount provided for the International Joint Commission, $400,000 is to support an international agreement with Canada to improve the water quality of the Missisquoi Bay.
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
| Appropriations, 2008 | $26,312,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 22,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 30,025,000 |
The Committee recommends $30,025,000 for the International Fisheries Commissions.
The Committee recommendation is $8,025,000 above the budget request in order to provide the actual treaty-obligated dues in fiscal year 2009. Within the amount provided for GLFC, $1,000,000 is for lamprey control and water quality improvements and the Committee recommends the Commission consider a proposal of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. The Committee directs that necessary funding to continue these programs is included in future budget requests. The Committee urges OMB to request sufficient funding for the commissions to support United States access to fisheries resources governed by international treaties to which the United States is a party.
Funds are allocated in the following table:
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Fiscal year 2008 enacted Fiscal year 2009 request Committee recommendation Change fromrequest
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Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission [IATTC] 1,785.420 1,785.000 1,785.420 +0.420
Great Lakes Fishery Commission [GLFC] 16,627.220 13,140.000 19,300.000 +6,160.000
Pacific Salmon Commission [PSC] 3,024.303 2,936.000 3,200.000 +264.000
International Pacific Halibut Commission [IPHC] 2,787.239 2,300.000 3,500.000 +1,200.000
Other Marine Conservation Organizations:
International Whaling Commission [IWC] 257.894 182.000 166.000 -16.000
North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission [NPAFC] 138.866 139.000 180.000 +41.000
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas [ICCAT] 267.813 250.000 270.000 +20.000
Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization [NAFO] 247.975 200.000 355.000 +155.000
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources [CCAMLR] 94.231 94.000 123.516 +29.516
North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization [NASCO] 49.595 50.000 55.000 +5.000
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea [ICES] 218.218 218.000 254.970 +36.970
North Pacific Marine Science Organization [PICES] 104.149 104.000 113.800 +9.800
International Sea Turtle Conservation 138.866 129.000 140.000 +11.000
Antarctic Treaty 49.595 36.000 35.000 -1.000
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission [WCPFC] 406.678 317.000 426.294 +109.294
Expenses of the U.S. Commissioners 114.069 120.000 120.000
Subtotal, Other Marine Conservation Organizations 2,087.949 1,839.000 2,239.580 +400.580
Total, International Fisheries Commissions 26,312.131 22,000.000 30,025.000 +8,025.000
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RELATED AGENCY
BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS
INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
| Appropriations, 2008 | $671,343,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter A) | 2,000,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 688,193,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter B) | 6,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 682,064,000 |
The Committee recommends $682,064,000 for IBO, $6,129,000 below the request.
This account funds the operating and engineering costs of VOA, OCB, RFE/RL, RFA, MBN, and the BBG.
Funds are allocated in the following table:
INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Fiscal year 2008 enacted Fiscal year 2009 request Committee recommendation Change fromrequest
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International Broadcasting Bureau:
Voice of America 188,945 184,686 184,619 -67
Broadcasting to Cuba 33,365 34,392 34,392
Engineering and Technical Services 179,006 169,961 170,102 +141
Agency Direction 26,598 26,795 25,795 -1,000
IBB Support 23,068 25,785 24,785 -1,000
Program Support 12,495 13,789 14,010 +221
Subtotal, IBB 463,477 455,408 453,703 -1,705
Independent Grantee Organizations:
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 81,858 87,225 90,608 +3,383
Radio Free Asia 34,317 33,166 33,753 +587
Middle East Broadcasting Networks 91,691 112,394 104,000 -8,394
Subtotal, Grantees 207,866 232,785 228,361 -4,424
Total, International Broadcasting Operations 671,343 688,193 682,064 -6,129
Broadcasting Capital Improvements 10,748 11,296 11,296
Total, BBG 682,091 699,489 693,360 -6,129
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Anti-Jamming Efforts- The Committee recognizes the advancement made by BBG to implement new technologies for VOA and RFA broadcasts to more effectively defeat jamming efforts and to reach wider audiences, especially in English, and encourages the continued implementation of such programs.
Language Service Reductions- The Committee recommends sufficient funding in fiscal year 2009, including $8,000,000 provided in Public Law 110-252, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008, to maintain broadcasting in languages which the BBG proposed to reduce or eliminate. The Committee supports an ongoing effort to improve audience reach by utilizing the most effective means of transmission; however, the Committee does not support going silent in many critical regions. The Committee recommends the BBG consider whether existing English-language broadcasting programming can be used by VOA, if it meets authorized standards.
North Korea- The Committee recommends not less than $8,000,000 for broadcasting into North Korea through RFA Korea Service and VOA Korea Service. The Committee commends BBG for increasing the hours of original content broadcast daily into North Korea, and notes the upgrade of radio transmission to medium wave technology.
Transparency in Broadcasting- The Committee remains concerned with the integrity of U.S. broadcasting overseas and includes a provision to ensure that the Inspector General of the Department of State and BBG continues to monitor and report on the content of broadcasts to the Middle East and Iran. BBG programs are intended to reach countries where fair and unbiased local media is limited and therefore broadcasting a variety of views are required. The Inspector General's report (ISP-IB-08-45, May 2008) noted several ways to strengthen the transparency and accountability of broadcasts, such as adherence to a journalistic code of ethics, rigorous training programs and internal monitoring. The Committee reiterates its strong support for free and fair broadcasting, and in particular the importance of providing many points of view to maintain balanced reporting.
The Committee notes that the U.S. International Broadcasting Act of 1994, as amended, lays out strict standards and principles for U.S. international broadcasting that define its journalistic mission and responsibilities. The Committee directs the members of the BBG to rigorously oversee all broadcasting programs funded under this heading to ensure they are within authorized mandates and that limited resources are used effectively. The BBG is directed, in conjunction with the MBN, VOA, and RFE/RL, to make public English transcripts on a case by case basis if requested by the Committee. The Inspector General for the Department of State and BBG should, through its normal oversight of BBG activities, inspect random translations.
BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
| Appropriations, 2008 | $10,661,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 11,296,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 11,296,000 |
The Committee recommends $11,296,000 for Broadcasting Capital Improvements.
RELATED PROGRAMS
THE ASIA FOUNDATION
| Appropriations, 2008 | $15,374,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 10,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 16,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $16,000,000 for The Asia Foundation, an increase of $6,000,000 above the budget request, for programs to support training and technical assistance to strengthen civil society and democratic institutions in Asia as authorized by The Asia Foundation Act, 22 U.S.C. 4402.
UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE
| Appropriations, 2008 | $24,797,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 33,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 31,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $31,000,000 for USIP, an increase of $6,203,000 above the fiscal year 2008 level and $2,000,000 below the budget request. The Committee expects USIP to be fiscally prudent, focus its resources on key issues that are not otherwise being effectively addressed, manage expectations for significant emergency supplemental funds, and provide practical recommendations and policy initiatives in furtherance of conflict resolution, stability and peace.
CENTER FOR MIDDLE EASTERN-WESTERN DIALOGUE TRUST FUND
| Appropriations, 2008 | $868,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 875,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 875,000 |
The Committee recommends $875,000 for the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund, for programs, scholarship, and conflict resolution to encourage mutual understanding, and to support civil society and democratic institutions as authorized by 22 U.S.C. 2078.
EISENHOWER EXCHANGE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
| Appropriations, 2008 | $496,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 500,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 500,000 |
The Committee recommends $500,000 from interest and earnings in the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program Trust Fund, authorized by the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Act of 1990 (20 U.S.C. 5204-5205), to support U.S. and foreign leadership development.
ISRAELI ARAB SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
| Appropriations, 2008 | $372,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 345,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 345,000 |
The Committee recommends $345,000 from interest and earnings in the Israeli Arab Scholarship Endowment Fund, authorized by section 214 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, fiscal years 1992 and 1993 (22 U.S.C. 2452), to increase educational opportunities for Israeli Arab students to study and conduct research in the U.S.
EAST-WEST CENTER
| Appropriations, 2008 | $19,342,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 10,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 22,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $22,000,000 for the East-West Center, an increase of $12,000,000 above the request. These funds support Asian and U.S. study, research and exchange on issues of mutual importance.
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY
| Appropriations, 2008 | ........................... |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | $80,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 120,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $120,000,000 for the NED, an increase of $40,000,000 above the budget request.
Funds are allocated in the following table:
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
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Country/program Fiscal year 2008 actual Fiscal year 2009 request Committee recommendation Change fromrequest
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Africa 14,228 9,600 16,880 +7,280
Asia 14,972 10,640 26,000 +15,360
Central and Eastern Europe 6,179 4,260 6,000 +1,740
Eurasia 11,420 8,530 21,420 +12,890
Latin America/Caribbean 15,099 8,240 15,000 +6,760
Middle East 15,336 24,070 15,000 -9,070
Multiregional 8,294 4,260 8,000 +3,740
Administration 11,411 8,800 10,100 +1,300
Democratic Activities 2,251 1,600 1,600
Total, NED 99,190 80,000 120,000 +40,000
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Funds provided under this heading for Asia include $250,000 for training and education programs and human rights monitoring for Tibet.
The NED shall submit to the Committee an annual financial plan not later than 60 days after enactment of this act, detailing the proposed distribution of funds including programmatic goals for each country or region and how the planned use of funds will meet such goals. The Committee expects the NED to consult with the Committee on any proposed deviation from the allocated funding levels, and to apportion core funds in the traditional and customary fashion among the core institutes.
OTHER COMMISSIONS
COMMISSION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF AMERICA'S HERITAGE ABROAD
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2008 | $495,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 599,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 599,000 |
The Committee recommends $599,000 for the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad.
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2008 | $3,273,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 4,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 4,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $4,000,000 for the Commission on International Religious Freedom.
COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2008 | $2,351,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 2,610,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 2,610,000 |
The Committee recommends $2,610,000 for the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe.
CONGRESSIONAL-EXECUTIVE COMMISSION ON THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2008 | $1,984,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 2,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 2,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $2,000,000 for this Commission.
UNITED STATES-CHINA ECONOMIC AND SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2008 | $2,968,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 4,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 1,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $1,000,000 for this Commission and requires that no funds are obligated until a spending plan which specifically addresses GAO's audit recommendations is submitted to the Committee, as was required in fiscal year 2008 and which the Commission failed to meet. In addition, the Committee requires the submission of an annual financial plan and quarterly reports on unobligated balances. The Committee is concerned with the apparent lack of financial and management controls in the operations of the Commission, as detailed in the GAO audit (GAO-07-1128). In addition, the budget justification lacked sufficient detail and was submitted to the Committee on May 5, 2008, while Public Law 110-161 specifically required budget justification materials to be submitted not less than 30 days from the submission date of the President's budget recommendations for fiscal year 2009, which occurred on February 4, 2008. The Committee expects to be consulted on the spending plan prior to expenditure of any funds.
The fiscal year 2008 appropriations act, Public Law 110-161, required that the Commission submit a spending plan for funds provided which `effectively addresses the recommendations of the GAO's audit of the Commission (GAO-07-1128)'. The report submitted by the Commission stated that the review of GAO's findings was still underway and that reform of internal policies did `not address at all the Commission's personnel policies and procedures, responsibilities or job descriptions for Commission employees, preparation of manuals for Commissioners and Commission employees that will contain all Commission policies and procedures in an orderly and useable reference form, or provision of training in the new policies and procedures for both Commissioners and staff'. (March 1, 2008 report to the Committee on Appropriations required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, Public Law 110-161). The GAO report was issued on September 28, 2007, but the Commission had not demonstrated any action to implement GAO's recommendations by March 1, 2008. The GAO found that the Commission needed to improve management of its operations and reduce risks of fraud, abuse, and mismanagement by expanding ethics guidance and obtaining advice from legal and management experts. No action has been taken to address these recommendations, as required by the fiscal year 2008 appropriations act, and no additional report was submitted to the Committee after March 1, 2008.
The Committee does not recommend language providing additional personnel authorities to the Commission, as requested, as no justification materials were submitted to explain the need for such request. The authorities requested seek to make the Commission an adjunct committee of the Congress, where it was explicitly authorized as an independent commission with personnel authorities under title 5 of the United States Code.
UNITED STATES SENATE-CHINA INTERPARLIAMENTARY GROUP
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2008 | $149,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | ........................... |
| Committee recommendation | 150,000 |
The Committee recommends $150,000 for the United States Senate-China Interparliamentary Group.
GENERAL PROVISIONS--TITLE I
Sec. 101. Allowances and Differentials.
Sec. 102. Unobligated Balances Report.
Sec. 103. Embassy Construction.
Sec. 104. Peacekeeping Missions.
Sec. 105. Senior Policy Operating Group.
Sec. 106. United States Citizens Born in Jerusalem.
Sec. 107. Consulting Services.
Sec. 108. Broadcasting Programs.
Sec. 109. State Department Authorities.
Sec. 110. Personnel Actions.
Sec. 111. Restrictions on United Nations Delegations.
Sec. 112. Peacekeeping Assessment.
Sec. 113. Commission Financial Management.
Sec. 114. Transparency in Broadcasting.
Sec. 115. Consular Affairs Reform.
TITLE II
UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATION OF FOREIGN ASSISTANCE
FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT
OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
| Appropriations, 2008 | $629,856,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-161) | 20,800,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter A) | 150,500,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 767,184,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter B) | 93,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 817,184,000 |
The Committee recommends $817,184,000 for USAID's operating expenses, an increase of $50,000,000 above the budget request.
Staffing- The ability for USAID to attract and retain the highest caliber professionals and to assign people with the right skills to the right place at the right time has been in decline for a decade. The Committee supports the administration's proposal to double the number of Foreign Service Officers over the next several years, including up to 50 mid-level individuals per year under USAID's Development Leadership Initiative to enhance expertise. While this approach will solve part of the problem, the Committee recommends that USAID conduct a thorough human resources assessment, including existing capabilities, future needs as identified in country-program plans, and in areas where personnel has been inconsistent with increases or decreases in funding for programs, USAID may consider commissioning an independent evaluation of human resources. This assessment should also include the personnel requirements to support other U.S. foreign assistance programs, such as PEPFAR and the MCC. The Committee encourages USAID to work with OBO to plan for near-term and long-term facilities requirements which anticipate a certain degree of flexibility where the situation on the ground dictates.
The Committee recognizes that the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Interior, Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other Federal departments and agencies, have active and retired employees with technical and overseas experience that would enhance USAID's capacity to carry out its mission. The Committee directs the USAID Administrator, in consultation with the heads of relevant Federal departments and agencies, to develop and implement a recruitment strategy for current and former employees.
Partner Vetting- The Committee supports USAID's efforts to improve its vetting system to ensure that no funds are diverted to international terrorist organizations. While the overwhelming majority of implementing partners are meeting U.S. policy objectives, often in difficult environments, effective vetting can help to ensure U.S. tax dollars and American interests are protected. Vetting, however, must not dissuade legitimate implementing partners from supporting and participating in U.S. programs around the world. The Committee directs USAID to work with the community of implementing partners in developing a system that meets U.S. security needs, without undermining U.S. foreign policy and development goals. Any such system should take into account the burden on humanitarian and development operations in the field, personal privacy concerns, and whether the system is being applied uniformly so as not to unfairly target grantees in a particular geographical region or create gaps in the system. The system should take into account the likelihood of diversion of funds to terrorist organizations in each country where it is applied, so its implementation burden is proportionate to the risk. USAID shall provide the Committee with regular updates on progress made in developing the system in consultation with implementing partners.
Procurement- The Committee supports additional resources to reform procurement and grants management operations and strongly encourages USAID to review evaluation and contracting oversight mechanisms to improve transparency and accountability. The Committee encourages USAID to make competitive grants procedures more functional for small businesses.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
| Appropriations, 2008 | $87,287,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 171,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 35,775,000 |
The Committee recommends $35,775,000 for the CIF, equal to the request for information technology. The Committee recommends $135,225,000 under Embassy Security, Construction and Maintenance to support the USAID overseas facilities construction program, requested under this heading. The Committee seeks to improve the transparency of functions previously funded by the CIF and supports only information technology capital investments under this heading. In particular, the Committee supports investments to complete a new procurement system.
OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
| Appropriations, 2008 | $37,692,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter A) | 4,000,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 40,600,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter B) | 1,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 42,600,000 |
The Committee recommends $42,600,000 for Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for International Development Office of Inspector General and supports regularizing funding provided by emergency supplemental appropriations.
TITLE III
BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT
| Appropriations, 2008 | $16,845,397,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-161) | 988,368,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter A) | 2,928,500,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 17,822,329,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter B) | 2,153,300,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 16,846,137,000 |
The amounts listed in the above table for fiscal year 2008 and 2009 appropriations, the fiscal year 2009 budget estimate and the Committee recommendation, include funds appropriated or requested under Global Health and Child Survival, Development Assistance, International Disaster Assistance, Global Food Security, Transition Initiatives, Development Credit Authority, Economic Support Fund, Democracy Fund, Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia, International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, Andean Counterdrug Programs, Peace Corps, Millennium Challenge Corporation, Inter-American Foundation, African Development Foundation, International Affairs Technical Assistance, and Debt Restructuring.
GLOBAL HEALTH AND CHILD SURVIVAL
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
| Appropriations, 2008 | $6,376,082,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-161) | 115,000,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2009 | 6,356,830,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-252, Subchapter B) | 75,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 6,740,000,000 |
The Committee recommends a total of $6,740,000,000 for GHCS, for programs and activities requested by the President under the Child Survival and Health Programs Fund and the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative, including to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, avian influenza and other infectious diseases including neglected tropical diseases, and to reduce child mortality, provide voluntary family planning services, address the needs of vulnerable children, and improve women's health. In an effort to increase transparency, the Committee continues to consolidate all funding contained in the budget request for HIV/AIDS programs under the GHCS account, as enacted in Public Law 110-161.
Funds are allocated in the following table:
GLOBAL HEALTH AND CHILD SURVIVAL
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
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Program, by account Fiscal year 2008 actual Fiscal year 2009 request Committee recommendation Change fromrequest
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USAID Child Survival and Maternal Health 446,504 369,500 500,000 +130,500
USAID Vulnerable Children 14,879 10,000 15,000 +5,000
USAID Infectious Diseases 513,804 554,600 661,000 +106,400
Tuberculosis 151,761 84,500 155,000 +70,500
Malaria 347,165 385,000 385,000
Avian Influenza 50,000 75,000 +25,000
Neglected Tropical Diseases 14,879 25,000 26,000 +1,000
Unallocated Other Infectious Diseases 10,100 20,000 +9,900
USAID Family Planning/Reproductive Health 391,800 301,700 435,000 +133,300
USAID HIV/AIDS 347,165 342,030 350,000 +7,970
Microbicides 44,636 35,000 45,000 +10,000
Subtotal, USAID Global Health Activities 1,714,152 1,577,830 1,961,000 +383,170
Department of State HIV/AIDS 4,661,930 4,779,000 4,779,000
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria 545,545 200,000 600,000 +400,000
UNAIDS 34,717 35,000 40,000 +5,000
TOTAL, GHCS 6,376,082 6,356,830 6,740,000 +383,170
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COUNTRY ISSUES
Bangladesh- The Committee recommends $37,181,000 for health programs in Bangladesh, the same as the fiscal year 2008 level and $7,606,000 above the budget request.
Cambodia- The Committee recommends $27,826,000 for health programs in Cambodia, the same as the fiscal year 2008 level and $3,733,000 above the budget request.
Zimbabwe- The Committee provides that HIV/AIDS funds should be used in Zimbabwe if a political transition occurs that the Secretary of State determines is in the interests and welfare of the people of Zimbabwe.
PROGRAM ISSUES
CHILD AND MATERNAL HEALTH
The Committee recommends $500,000,000 for child and maternal health activities under the GHCS account, which is $130,500,000 above the request. The Committee recognizes that among the most useful measures of the effectiveness of a country's public health system is the number of children who die before the age of five and the number of women who die from pregnancy related causes. The overwhelming majority of such deaths could be prevented with low cost interventions by trained health care workers. Addressing this need should be a high priority of USAID's global health strategy.
Disabilities- The Committee recommends USAID consider funding a proposal of Christian Blind Mission to address physical disabilities in the Great Lakes region of Africa.
The Committee notes the work of Operation Smile and recommends USAID consider funding Operation Smile's Global Standard of Care Initiative.
Iodine Deficiency- The Committee recommends at least $2,000,000 for UNICEF's iodine deficiency disorders program.
Maternal Health- The Committee directs USAID to make publicly available the amount and uses of funding to reduce maternal mortality, by country, within its child survival and maternal health program.
Medical Training- The Committee supports medical education and training programs, including midwife training, and recommends USAID consider funding a proposal of Physicians for Peace, especially for programs in Africa.
Noma- The Committee is aware of the debilitating and disfiguring disease noma, which afflicts hundreds of thousands of children particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and can be prevented and treated with proper nutrition and reconstructive surgery. The Committee directs USAID to consult with the Committee on the use of funds to prevent noma and treat those afflicted.
Partners in Health/Zanmi Lasante- The Committee recommends consideration of continued funding for Partners in Health/Zanmi Lasante, to improve child and maternal health in Haiti.
Polio- The Committee recommends $32,000,000 for programs to eradicate polio. Funds should be used to provide for the delivery of vaccines and the development of the infrastructure necessary to fully implement the program and achieve its goals.
Project HOPE- The Committee notes the work of the ship-based, humanitarian and health care services provider Project HOPE, and recommends USAID consider funding this program.
Serabu Hospital- The Committee recommends consideration of funding for equipment and other support for Serabu Hospital in Sierra Leone.
Vaccines and Immunization- The Committee recommends $75,000,000 for a contribution to The GAVI Fund.
Vitamin A and Other Micronutrients- The Committee recommends $30,000,000 for USAID's micronutrient program, of which at least $20,000,000 should be for programs related to Vitamin A deficiency.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
The Committee recommends a total of $520,000,000 from all accounts in this act for family planning and reproductive health programs, including through the UNFPA. The Committee notes the stresses on woefully inadequate social services in many developing countries caused by high rates of population growth, which contribute to competition for limited resources, environmental degradation, malnutrition, poverty and conflict. Assisting countries in reducing rates of population growth to sustainable levels should be a priority of USAID.
HIV/AIDS
The Committee recommends a total of $5,129,000,000 for programs and activities to combat HIV/AIDS, of which $4,779,000,000 is for PEPFAR and $350,000,000 is for USAID. The Committee consolidates funds requested for this purpose in all accounts in this act under the GHCS account, including for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria. The Committee is aware that HIV/AIDS prevalence varies for each country due to multiple factors. The Committee expects the amount and use of HIV/AIDS funds, whether for prevention, care or treatment, to be tailored according to each country's needs and the contributions of other donors.
AIDS Vaccine- The Committee recommends consideration of continued funding for the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.
Cost Sharing- The Committee directs that prior to the initiation of new country programs, or extension of existing programs, the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator shall report to the Committee that such a program includes cost sharing assurances with governments which meet the requirements of section 110 of the FAA of 1961, and transition strategies to ensure sustainability of such programs under other international donor support, or budget support by respective foreign governments.
Global Fund- The Committee recommends not less than $600,000,000 in this act for a U.S. contribution to the Global Fund. The Committee understands an additional $300,000,000 is provided in the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2009, for a total contribution from both acts of $900,000,000.
Microbicides- The Committee recommends $45,000,000 for research on and development of microbicides to prevent HIV/AIDS, and recommends continued support for the International Partnership for Microbicides. The Committee encourages USAID to conduct external consultations on program priorities and strategies to ensure the most effective use of resources. The Committee directs USAID to report in writing not later than 90 days after enactment of this act describing USAID's strategic work plan for microbicide product development, especially with regard to USAID's plans for next generation product development, including product prioritization. The Committee encourages USAID to facilitate partnerships between industry and non-profit product development organizations.
Mother-to-Child Transmission- The Committee continues to support programs that prevent mother-to-child transmission [PMTCT] of HIV. The Committee directs the Global AIDS Coordinator to provide the resources and technical assistance necessary to expand access to PMTCT services, including effective drug regimes, and to encourage stronger linkages between PMTCT and care and treatment programs.
Nutrition- The Committee recommends funding for programs that address the development and implementation of nutrition support and care services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The Committee recommends a total of $661,000,000 for other infectious diseases, including avian influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, measles, meningitis, and neglected tropical diseases.
Avian Influenza Virus- The Committee recommends $75,000,000 for programs and activities to contain and prevent an avian influenza pandemic, $25,000,000 above the budget request. These funds are in addition to $75,000,000 provided for such purposes in Public Law 110-252.
The Committee notes the partnership between USAID and the Centers for Disease Control to monitor wild birds for avian influenza around the world. The Committee urges continued collaboration with NGOs and expansion to address other emerging zoonotic diseases.
Malaria- The Committee recommends a total of $385,000,000 for programs to combat malaria. The Committee directs that these funds be made availa