36-535 PDF
1st Session
110-128
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2008
| July 10, 2007- Ordered to be printed | |
| Mr. LEAHY, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the following | |
| REPORT | |
| [To accompany H.R. 2764] |
The Committee on Appropriations to which was referred the bill (H.R. 2764), making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes, reports the same to the Senate with an amendment, and recommends that the bill as amended do pass.
| Amounts in new budget authority | |
| Total of bill as reported to the Senate | $34,401,900,000 |
| Amount of 2007 appropriations | 37,127,661,000 |
| Amount of 2008 budget estimate | 35,102,620,000 |
| Amount of House allowance | 34,401,900,000 |
| Bill as recommended to Senate compared to-- | |
| 2007 appropriations | -2,725,761,000 |
| 2008 budget estimate | -700,720,000 |
| House allowance | ........................... |
| CONTENTS | Page | |
| Glossary of Terms | 4 | |
| Introduction | 6 | |
| Summary of Estimates | ||
| 6 | ||
| Transparency in Congressional Directives | ||
| 6 | ||
| Title I: | ||
| Department of State and Related Agency: | Diplomatic and Consular Programs | |
| 8 | ||
| Capital Investment Fund | ||
| 12 | ||
| Office of Inspector General | ||
| 12 | ||
| Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs | ||
| 12 | ||
| Representation Allowances | ||
| 16 | ||
| Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials | ||
| 16 | ||
| Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance | ||
| 16 | ||
| Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service | ||
| 18 | ||
| Repatriation Loans Program Account | ||
| 18 | ||
| Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan | ||
| 18 | ||
| Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund | ||
| 18 | ||
| Contributions to International Organizations | ||
| 19 | ||
| Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities | ||
| 19 | ||
| International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico | ||
| 20 | ||
| Construction | ||
| 20 | ||
| American Sections, International Commissions | ||
| 21 | ||
| International Fisheries Commission | ||
| 21 | ||
| Payment to the Asia Foundation | ||
| 22 | ||
| Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund | ||
| 22 | ||
| Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program Trust Fund | ||
| 22 | ||
| Israeli Arab Scholarship Program | ||
| 22 | ||
| East-West Center | ||
| 23 | ||
| National Endowment for Democracy | ||
| 23 | ||
| Broadcasting Board of Governors, International Broadcasting Operations | ||
| 23 | ||
| Broadcasting Capital Improvements | ||
| 24 | ||
| Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad | ||
| 24 | ||
| Commission on International Religious Freedom | ||
| 25 | ||
| Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe | ||
| 25 | ||
| Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China | ||
| 25 | ||
| United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission | ||
| 25 | ||
| United States Senate-China Interparliamentary Group | ||
| 26 | ||
| United States Institute of Peace | ||
| 26 | ||
| Title II: | ||
| Export and Investment Assistance: | Export-Import Bank of the United States | |
| 27 | ||
| Overseas Private Investment Corporation | ||
| 27 | ||
| Trade and Development Agency | ||
| 28 | ||
| Title III: | ||
| Bilateral Economic Assistance: | Funds Appropriated to the President | |
| 29 | ||
| Global Health Programs | ||
| 29 | ||
| Development Assistance | ||
| 35 | ||
| International Disaster Assistance | ||
| 43 | ||
| Transition Initiatives | ||
| 44 | ||
| Development Credit Authority | ||
| 44 | ||
| Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for International Development | ||
| 44 | ||
| Capital Investment Fund | ||
| 44 | ||
| Operating Expenses of the Office of the Inspector General | ||
| 44 | ||
| Other Bilateral Economic Assistance: | ||
| Economic Support Fund | 45 | |
| Assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States | 50 | |
| Assistance for the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union | 51 | |
| Independent Agencies: | ||
| Inter-American Foundation | 52 | |
| African Development Foundation | 52 | |
| Peace Corps | 53 | |
| Millennium Challenge Corporation | 53 | |
| Department of State: | ||
| Global HIV/AIDS Initiative | 54 | |
| Democracy Fund | 54 | |
| International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement | 56 | |
| Andean Programs | 57 | |
| Migration and Refugee Assistance | 63 | |
| United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund | 63 | |
| Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining and Related Programs | 63 | |
| Department of the Treasury: | ||
| International Affairs Technical Assistance | 64 | |
| Debt Restructing | 65 | |
| Title IV: | ||
| Military Assistance: | International Military Education and Training | |
| 66 | ||
| Foreign Military Financing Program | ||
| 66 | ||
| Peacekeeping Operations | ||
| 67 | ||
| Title V: | ||
| Multilateral Economic Assistance: | International Financial Institutions Summary | |
| 69 | ||
| Global Environment Facility | 69 | |
| Contribution to the International Development Association | 69 | |
| Contribution to the Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund | 70 | |
| Contribution to the Asian Development Fund | 70 | |
| Contribution to the African Development Bank | 70 | |
| Limitation on Callable Capital Subscriptions | 70 | |
| Contribution to the African Development Fund | 70 | |
| Contribution to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development | 70 | |
| Contribution to the International Fund for Agricultural Development | 70 | |
| International Organizations and Programs | 70 | |
| General Provisions--Titles II-V | 72 | |
| Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of the Sen- ate | 75 | |
| Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate | 76 | |
| Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate | 77 | |
| Budget Impact Statement | 85 |
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ABA--American Bar Association
AP--Andean Programs
ADF--African Development Foundation
ASHA--American Schools and Hospitals Abroad
CEELI--Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative
CGIAR--Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
CIPA--Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities
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
FAO--Food and Agriculture Organization
FMF--Foreign Military Financing
FSA--Assistance for the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union
GAO--Government Accountability Office
GAVI--Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization
GEF--Global Environmental Facility
GHI--Global HIV/AIDS Initiative
GHP--Global Health Programs
HRDF--Human Rights and Democracy Fund
IAF--Inter-American Foundation
IBO--International Broadcasting Operations
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
MCC--Millennium Challenge Corporation
MEPI--Middle East Partnership Initiative
MRA--Migration and Refugee Assistance
MTN--Middle East Television Network
NADR--Nonproliferation, Anti-Terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs
NED--National Endowment for Democracy
NGO--Nongovernmental organization
OAS--Organization of American States
OBO--Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations
OPIC--Overseas Private Investment Corporation
PKO--Peacekeeping Operations
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
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
WTO--World Trade Organization
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 $10,723,857,000 $10,683,661,000 -$40,196,000
Title II--Export and investment assistance -108,100,000ÿ -117,100,000 -9,000,000
Title III--Bilateral economic assistance 17,851,813,000 17,335,455,000 -516,358,000
Title IV--Military assistance 4,846,700,000 4,838,077,000 -8,623,000
Title V--Multilateral economic assistance 1,788,350,000 1,660,807,000 -127,543,000
Title VI--General Provisions 1,000,000 +1,000,000
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SUMMARY OF ESTIMATES
In fiscal year 2007, the Congress appropriated $37,127,661,000 for the Department of State and related agency and foreign operations and related programs, including $5,686,408,000 in supplemental appropriations. This year, the Committee recommends $34,401,900,000 of which $34,243,000,000 is for discretionary spending, and $158,900,000 is for mandatory spending.
TRANSPARENCY IN CONGRESSIONAL DIRECTIVES
On January 18, 2007, the Senate passed S. 1, The Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007, by a vote of 96-2. While the Committee awaits final action on this legislation, the chairman and ranking member of the Committee issued interim requirements to ensure that the goals of S. 1 are in place for the appropriations bills for fiscal year 2008.
The Constitution vests in the Congress the power of the purse. The Committee believes strongly that Congress should make the decisions on how to allocate the people's money. In order to improve transparency and accountability in the process of approving earmarks (as defined in S. 1) in appropriations measures, each Committee report includes, for each earmark:
--(1) the name of the member(s) making the request, and where appropriate, the President;
--(2) the name and location of the intended recipient or, if there is no specifically intended recipient, the intended location of the activity; and
--(3) the purpose of such earmark.
The term `congressional earmark' means a provision or report language included primarily at the request of a senator, providing, authorizing, or recommending a specific amount of discretionary budget authority, credit authority, or other spending authority for a contract, loan, loan guarantee, grant, loan authority, or other expenditure with or to an entity, or targeted to a specific state, locality or congressional district, other than through a statutory or administrative, formula-driven, or competitive award process.
For purposes of the Department of State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, 2008, `congressional earmark' does not include an earmark, directive or recommendation of a specific amount for any of the following: an entity or organization for which funds are requested in the President's budget request for fiscal year 2008 or in associated budget justification documents submitted to the Congress; a foreign country or government; a United States Government entity; an organization or entity established pursuant to an act of Congress or for which funding is authorized by an act of Congress; the United Nations or any related or associated entity; or an international or multilateral organization.
For each earmark, a member is required to provide a certification that neither the member (nor his or her spouse) has a pecuniary interest in such earmark, consistent with Senate Rule XXXVII(4). Such certifications are available to the public at http://appropriations.senate.gov/senators.cfm or go to appropriations.senate.gov and click on `Members'.
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
The Committee recommends a total of $10,648,013,000 for the Department of State and related agency including the Broadcasting Board of Governors.
ADMINISTRATION OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
| Appropriations, 2007 | $4,313,734,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-28) | 870,658,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 4,942,700,000 |
| House allowance | 4,747,078,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 4,794,973,000 |
The Committee recommends $4,790,135,000 for Diplomatic and Consular Programs. Of these funds, $3,885,375,000 is for ongoing operations, including public diplomacy activities, and $909,598,000 is for Worldwide Security Protection.
Staffing- The Committee provided a total of 1,069 new positions in fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004 to support the Diplomatic Readiness Initiative. The Committee is concerned that the gains made during that time have been 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 transformational diplomacy initiative to place more people 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 recommendation provides $83,564,000 for program enhancements requested in fiscal year 2008, a decrease of $68,565,000 below the request without prejudice.
The Committee does not support the request to provide 20 positions to posts where a vacancy exists as a result of personnel serving in Iraq. Instead the Committee recommends personnel at Embassy Baghdad are reduced and that positions are returned to other priority posts, consistent with congressional direction in Public Law 110-28.
The Committee is concerned that the Office of the DFA lacks sufficient capacity to promptly and adequately respond to requests for information from Congress regarding foreign assistance funding, programs and staffing. The Committee is also concerned that consultations arising from the report submitted pursuant to section 653(a) of the FAA have been protracted and not always responsive to the Congress' interests and intent. The Committee has therefore provided $8,131,000 for the Office, which is $500,000 above the request, but $1,000,000 shall not be obligated until completion of the fiscal year 2008 653(a) consultations with the Committee.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)- The Committee directs the Secretary to implement WHTI according to the statutory deadline of June 1, 2009. An earlier implementation would result in an increase in the backlog in processing new passport applications and likely delays at border crossings, as evidenced by the Departments of State and Homeland Security recent decision to delay passport requirements for air travel in the Western Hemisphere.
The Department's development of an alternative passport card for travel in the Western Hemisphere shall meet the requirements set forth in section 546 of Public Law 109-295, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007. The Committee expects the Department to take all necessary measures to ensure that implementation of WHTI protects border communities from disruptions, especially in commerce and regular travel.
The Committee requests the Secretary examine the need to expand existing capacity of other related facilities or the creation of additional passport agencies in U.S. border States to facilitate issuance of a passport or equivalent travel documents as required by WHTI. The Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress no later than March 1, 2008, with recommendations to support the provisional need to issue WHTI documents in border communities.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State are directed to provide quarterly briefings to the Committee on the progress being made on meeting these requirements.
Passport Processing- The Committee is aware that the recent strain on the Department's passport application processing capacity has had a significant negative impact on the traveling public. The Department requested and was provided additional authority and resources in fiscal years 2005, 2006 and 2007 to increase the capacity to process passport applications. Due to the haphazard public information distributed by the Departments of State and Homeland Security related to implementation of the WHTI, passport processing capacity was overwhelmed. The Committee recognizes that projections of demand did not anticipate the current level of passport applications. However, the Department must make its responsibility to the public a higher priority and respond more rapidly to passport demand. The Committee is disappointed that not until 3 months after passport processing capacity was overwhelmed, during which time the wait to receive a passport increased from an average of 6 weeks to 12 weeks, the Department finally requested additional resources. The Committee supports the Department's fiscal year 2007 proposal to use $36,900,000 of Border Security revenue to hire 400 additional personnel. The Committee provides $40,000,000 above the budget request in fiscal year 2008 for passport operations, facilities and systems to help alleviate this backlog and to expand public outreach, including education about the WHTI implementation deadline, the passport application process, and options for expediting an application. In addition to the 122 new positions funded in the President's request, the Committee directs that an additional 500 personnel are hired in fiscal year 2008, providing a total of 822 new personnel to support Consular Affairs.
Consular Services Demonstration Program- The Committee recognizes the challenges foreign nationals face in obtaining visas, including the requirement to appear in person at U.S. Missions for application processing and interviews. The Committee provides $5,000,000 for a demonstration program to expand access to consular services, including through the use of mobile consular services.
PROGRAM ISSUES
American Presence Posts- The Committee supports the proposal to expand American Presence Posts outside of capital cities to strengthen U.S. public diplomacy, including necessary funding in the Worldwide Security Upgrades and Embassy, Security, Construction and Maintenance accounts.
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. The Committee directs the Department of State to support at least three projects of a significant scale and historic value, for which grants should not be less than $500,000, such as archeological restoration of Phnom Bakhen, Cambodia and Mayan archeological sites in the Peten region of Guatemala. 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.
Cybersecurity- The Committee is aware of the need to safeguard the Department of State's computer networks, including through threat assessment technologies and the use of state-of-the-art computer investigative tools. The Committee recommends the Department of State assess threats to, and the vulnerabilities of, the Department's computer networks, and to consider the need to improve the capacity to monitor inside threats to networks of United States Missions.
Hague Convention- The Committee requests the Secretary to submit a report within 30 days of enactment of this act on the Department's progress on and expected date of ratification of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.
The Committee is concerned with the Department's commitment to ratifying the Convention and directs that the report include an explanation of the delay in ratification since 1994, what further action must be taken by the Department of State and other U.S. agencies before ratification, and what if any further legislative action is needed to ensure U.S. compliance with the provisions of the Convention.
Hurricane Katrina Pledges.--The Committee is concerned that the Department lacks the internal management to accept and process offers of foreign assistance, as was evidenced after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to report within 60 days of enactment of this act on implementation of the nine recommendations made by the administration's review `The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned'.
Public Diplomacy- The Committee recognizes the importance of public diplomacy programs in articulating U.S. foreign policy to disparate world audiences and in countering extremist ideology, and provides $364,905,000 for these programs, an amount equal to the budget request.
Reconstruction- The Committee supports the mission of the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization [S/CRS] to improve the coordinated U.S. government assistance to countries after a period of conflict and is aware of the challenges S/CRS faces, as outlined in the Office of Inspector General Report (ISP-1-07-26, May 2007). However, limited resources cannot accommodate 57 additional positions requested. The Committee recommends that the Department continue to maximize interagency resources to support S/CRS. The Committee requests a report on the status of creating a civilian reserve corps with funding provided in Public Law 110-28.
Russia- The Committee is alarmed with the deterioration of human rights, attacks against the media, and the harassment of pro-democracy and other civil society groups in Russia. The Committee is concerned that Embassy Moscow lacks sufficient personnel to adequately monitor and engage the Russian Government on these issues of critical importance to Russia's future and to U.S.-Russian relations. Therefore, the Committee includes a provision which requires one additional dedicated senior position with the sole responsibilities of meeting regularly with human rights defenders and journalists who have suffered harassment and with other civil society groups, meeting with appropriate Russian officials, convening regular meetings with representatives of other governments to encourage collective monitoring, observing trials, and conducting prison visits, including in the provinces.
Soft Targets- The Committee recommends $18,000,000 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 the additional funds be prioritized to those countries and regions impacted by Islamic extremism.
Trafficking- The Committee recommendation includes $4,215,000 for the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, an amount equal to the request, and recommends that the Office increase monitoring and enforcement of Department regulations related to the treatment and protection against abuse of A-3 and G-5 visa recipient domestic workers. The Committee encourages the Department to take all necessary action to ensure the fair treatment of domestic staff at foreign embassies located in the United States.
The Committee requests the Secretary of State submit a report by May 1, 2008, on the uses of funding to combat human trafficking, including operations of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons [TIP] and all program funds. The report shall include the proportion of funds managed by TIP and by posts in the field. The Committee supports a balanced approach that achieves an overall strategic policy and provides flexibility for posts to respond to trafficking issues in the field.
Worldwide Security- The Committee provides $909,598,000 for Worldwide Security Protection, an increase of $228,882,000 above the regular fiscal year 2007 level. The Committee has renamed this sub-account (previously named `Worldwide Security Upgrades') to more accurately reflect the purposes of the funds appropriated.
The Committee is aware that the actual fiscal year 2007 operating level for Worldwide Security Protection was $777,216,000, including emergency supplemental funds from Public Law 110-28, and that the fiscal year 2008 budget request recommends an increase of $187,544,000, accounting for fiscal year 2007 supplemental funds. The Committee recommendation supports the request to continue maintenance and to expand the replacement cycle for armored vehicles. The Committee was unable to fully fund the request for new positions to support Transformational Diplomacy; therefore a commensurate decrease was made from new positions associated with `post growth'. In addition, the Committee did not provide funding to plan for the 2010 Olympic Games and will consider such a request in future legislation.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND
| Appropriations, 2007 | $58,143,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 70,743,000 |
| House allowance | 59,062,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 63,743,000 |
The Committee recommends $63,743,000 for the Capital Investment Fund. The Committee supports the request to upgrade the Worldwide Agency-wide Locally Engaged Staff Payroll system to improve efficiency.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
| Appropriations, 2007 | $29,646,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-28) | 36,500,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 32,508,000 |
| House allowance | 32,508,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 35,508,000 |
The Committee recommends $35,508,000 for the Office of Inspector General [OIG], an increase of $3,000,000 above the request to strengthen oversight of programs in Iraq and Afghanistan. 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, 2007 | $445,275,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-28) | 20,000,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 486,400,000 |
| House allowance | 501,400,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 509,482,000 |
The Committee recommends $509,482,000 for Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs.
Funds are allocated in the following table:
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted Fiscal year 2008 budget estimate Committee recommendation Change from budget estimate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Academic Programs:
Fulbright Program: Students, Scholars, Teachers, Humphrey, Undergraduates 205,733 222,645 222,645
Global Academic Exchanges:
Educational Advising and Student Serv- ices 6,840 10,172 10,872 +700
English Language Programs 17,350 14,331 14,331
Subtotal, Global Academic Exchanges 24,190 24,503 25,203 +700
Special Academic Exchanges:
Regional Graduate Fellowships 22,200 22,200 22,200
American Overseas Research Centers 3,316 3,316 3,816 +500
South Pacific Exchanges 494 500 500
Timor Leste Exchanges 500 500 500
Mobility Exchange Clearinghouse 494 500 500
Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Program 3,918 4,918 5,925 +1,007
George Mitchell Fellowship Program 494 500 500
Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation 400 2,000 +1,600
University of Miami Hemispheric Program 494 500 500
Tibet Fund 600 600 750 +150
Subtotal, Special Academic Exchanges 32,510 33,934 37,191 +3,257
Total, Academic Programs 262,433 281,082 285,039 +3,957
Professional and Cultural Exchanges:
International Visitor Program 75,005 74,255 77,285 +3,030
Leaders in Education Initiative
Citizen Exchange Programs 64,930 70,950 76,950 +6,000
Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES) [19,000] [19,000] [25,000] [+6,000]
Special Professional and Cultural Exchanges:
Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange 3,286 3,256 3,256
Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program 1,853 1,877 1,877
Irish Institute 790 800 1,000 +200
Ngwang Choephel Fellows (Tibet) 600 600 650 +50
Youth Science Leadership Institute of the Americas 148 150 150
Institute for Representative Government 494 500 500
Pakistan Literacy Training Program 247 250 345 +95
Subtotal, Special Professional and Cultural Exchanges 8,041 7,683 7,808 +125
Total, Professional and Cultural Exchanges 147,976 152,888 162,013 +9,125
One-time grant program (special projects) 10,000 +10,000
Program and Performance:
Evaluation Program 1,910 1,910 1,910
Alumni Global Networks Program 1,000 1,260 1,260
Subtotal, Program and Performance 2,910 3,170 3,170
Exchanges Support 48,496 49,260 49,260
Transfers (SEED, ESF, FSA) 4,385
Total, Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs 466,200 486,400 509,482 +23,082
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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 2008.
National Security Language Initiative [NSLI]- The Committee supports the NSLI, particularly the Department of State's effort to expand international exchange programs to people who would not traditionally study abroad and to a greater diversity of U.S. educational institutions. The Committee supports the investment in developing fluency in strategically important foreign languages and encourages the Department to utilize exchange programs to support foreign language teachers, especially with U.S. public secondary schools with programs of international studies and foreign languages. The Committee supports summer, semester, and yearlong programs for students to reach a greater number of participants within available resources.
The Committee supports expanding international exchange to non-traditional areas and commends the Department's programs which are focused on low income students, language learning, and community colleges, particularly in Latin America and Africa.
The Committee recommendation includes an increase of $700,000 above the request for educational advising and student services to expand opportunities for Americans to study abroad by identifying quality higher education resources and activities in developing countries and to disseminate information to the U.S. higher education community.
The Committee supports continuation in fiscal year 2008 of a pilot program for U.S. high school students to study in Muslim majority countries as funded in Public Law 110-28.
Simon Foundation- The Committee recommendation includes up to $2,000,000 to support the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation, subject to authorization and confirmation of the Board of Directors. The Secretary of State shall submit a plan for expanding U.S. student exchange, in particular the investment needed to expand overseas capacity of high quality educational institutions in developing countries and other non-traditional study abroad regions. Funding for this program was requested by the President, consistent with section 104 of Public Law 108-199.
One-time International Exchange Grant Program- The Committee directs the Department of State to develop a program to provide one-time grants for international exchanges that address issues of mutual interest to the United States and other countries. Within 90 days of enactment of this act and after consultation with the Committee, the Department shall submit a plan to the Committee detailing criteria for eligibility in this new program. The 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 shall submit a report of those organizations that are eligible for a grant and, not later than September 1, 2008, 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.
The following exchange programs shall be eligible for consideration:
Associated Colleges of the South- A proposal to expand teaching of critical languages, such as Chinese and Arabic.
Dillard University- A proposal for educational exchange and critical language training in East Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Cultural History Exchange- A proposal to provide for educational and cultural exchange associated with the Lake Champlain Quadracentennial.
Education Initiative for Central and Eastern Europe- A proposal to strengthen free and just societies in Central and Eastern Europe.
Montana State University, Bozeman- A proposal to develop higher education partnerships in the Middle East.
Saint Anselm College- A proposal for educational exchange in the Middle East in partnership with the American University of Beirut, Hebrew University, American University in Cairo and Hebron University.
Saint Michael's College- A proposal to train young leaders from Latin America, particularly low income and indigenous populations.
Spelman College- A proposal for student and faculty exchange with China.
St. Bonaventure University's Father Mychal Judge Program- A proposal for academic, civic, and cultural exchange with Ireland.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology- A proposal to expand science, technology and engineering exchange with Mongolia.
Peace, Health, Communications, Cooperation in the Middle East Program- A proposal to provide for exchange of doctors, researchers, scientists, and youth with the Middle East.
University of Iowa- A proposal for educational exchange with universities in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
University of Louisville- A proposal to expand Arabic language study.
University of Massachusetts Confucius Institute- A proposal to expand educational exchange with China.
University of Missouri-St. Louis- A proposal to expand education in health and business.
University of Vermont- A proposal to expand foreign language teacher training in Chinese and Mandarin to pre-college students.
In addition to one-time grants, the Committee encourages the Department to consider new proposals from previously funded grantees in fiscal year 2006 (H. Report 109-272) and prior fiscal years within discretionary funding if they meet appropriate guidelines. The Committee notes that these programs will not be considered for additional one-time funding in future years.
REPRESENTATION ALLOWANCES
| Appropriations, 2007 | $8,175,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 8,175,000 |
| House allowance | 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.
PROTECTION OF FOREIGN MISSIONS AND OFFICIALS
| Appropriations, 2007 | $9,270,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 18,000,000 |
| House allowance | 28,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 14,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $14,000,000 for the Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials 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 from a foreign dignitary, 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, 2007 | $1,489,726,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 1,599,434,000 |
| House allowance | 1,536,798,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 1,441,812,000 |
The Committee recommends $1,441,812,000 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.
The Committee is concerned that security and real estate constraints have necessitated construction of new embassy compounds farther from the center of a city and may lack access by public transportation. The OBO should conduct an assessment of the accessibility of consular operations to the local population and determine if accessibility can be improved.
Senate Report 109-96 directed the Department of State to report for each fiscal quarter: the date planned for each construction contract to be awarded during the current year and budget year; actual costs for each contract award; the cost of each Embassy construction project identified in the budget request; a comparison to the Long Range Overseas Building Plan; and any contract savings or overrun realized at contract signing or during execution.
The Committee recommendation is $157,622,000 below the request, due to budget constraints and the Committee's concern with the rapidly increasing size and cost of new Embassies. The Committee expects the Department to seek to right-size embassies to reflect the actual U.S. interests in each country and not to treat construction of a new embassy as an opportunity to expand staff.
American Center.--The Committee supports the creation of a model American Center in New Delhi, India and recommends $18,000,000, an amount equal to the budget request. The Center should be the focus of all U.S. public diplomacy efforts, be accessible to the public, and reflect the openness of America.
As a result of recent security requirements many U.S. Embassies are unable to make American libraries and resources available to the public, which furthers a negative image of the United States. The Committee expects this American Center to provide the model for other posts to strengthen the U.S. image and relationships in host countries.
Funds are allocated in the following table:
EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Embassy Construction and Security Fiscal year 2008 request Committee recommendation Change from request
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Embassy Construction and Security Projects:
Baku, Azerbaijan (NEC) 114,800 114,800
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei (NEC) 51,800 51,800
Beiruit, Lebanon (Annex) 47,300 47,300
Belgrade, Serbia (NEC) 134,100 129,100 -5,000
Guayaquil, Ecuador (NEC) 32,000 32,000
Juba, Sudan (NEC/Housing) 130,000 120,000 -10,000
Kinshasa, Dem Rep of the Congo (NEC) 115,000 115,000
Lusaka, Zambia (NEC) 102,300 102,300
Monrovia, Liberia (NEC) 104,100 104,100
Moscow, Russia (Annex) 79,700 79,700
Tripoli, Libya 109,900 -109,900
Sites and Planning 142,075 114,775 -27,300
Capital Security Cost Sharing -361,658 -361,658
Other Reimbursements -109,239 -109,239
Subtotal, Construction 692,178 539,978 -152,200
Non-Capital Programs:
Compound Security 99,722 91,300 -8,422
Soft Targets 15,000 18,000 +3,000
Subtotal, Non-Capital appropriation 114,722 109,300 -5,422
Total, Embassy Construction and Security 806,900 649,278 -157,622
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EMERGENCIES IN THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
| Appropriations, 2007 | $4,940,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-28) | (35,000,000) |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 19,000,000 |
| House allowance | 14,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 9,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $9,000,000 for Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service. These funds are available only for emergency evacuations and terrorism awards.
The Committee notes that Public Law 110-28 provided the authority for up to $35,000,000 if it is needed for emergency evacuations and terrorism rewards. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to request additional supplemental funds should actual requirements increase in fiscal year 2008.
REPATRIATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
| Appropriations, 2007 | $1,302,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 1,285,000 |
| House allowance | 1,285,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 1,285,000 |
The Committee recommends $1,285,000 for the Repatriation Loans Program Account.
PAYMENT TO THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN
| Appropriations, 2007 | $15,826,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 16,351,000 |
| House allowance | 16,351,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 16,351,000 |
The Committee recommends $16,351,000 for the American Institute in Taiwan.
PAYMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND
| Appropriations, 2007 | $163,700,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 158,900,000 |
| House allowance | 158,900,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 158,900,000 |
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $158,900,000 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 AND CONFERENCES
CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
| Appropriations, 2007 | $1,151,318,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-28) | 50,000,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 1,354,400,000 |
| House allowance | 1,354,400,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 1,374,400,000 |
The Committee recommends $1,374,400,000 for Contributions to International Organizations. This amount is $20,000,000 above the budget request, and, in addition to $50,000,000 provided in Public Law 110-28, 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 2008. The Committee directs the Secretary of State 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, 2007 | $1,135,275,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-28) | 283,000,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 1,107,000,000 |
| House allowance | 1,302,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 1,352,000,000 |
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,352,000,000 for CIPA, which is $245,000,000 above the budget request, but still $66,275,000 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 except UNMIS below the fiscal year 2007 operating level, yet the United States voted in the U.N. Security Council to expand the mandate of peacekeeping missions. The request was unrealistic considering the significant contribution to peace and stability provided by U.N. peacekeeping activities, without the participation of U.S. troops. In addition, new peacekeeping missions are anticipated in fiscal year 2008 in Chad, the Central African Republic, Somalia and possibly Darfur. The Committee does not support the administration's practice of under-funding peacekeeping activities and relying on limited supplemental funds.
The Committee notes that $88,000,000 was included in Public Law 110-28 for an anticipated U.N. peacekeeping mission in Chad and the Central African Republic.
The Committee recommendation includes language, as requested by the President, to adjust the authorized level of U.S. assessments for peacekeeping activities for fiscal year 2008 from 25 percent to 27.1 percent. The Committee notes that the Congress provided the same adjustment in fiscal year 2005 and that the administration has requested such adjustment in each fiscal year since.
The Committee urges continued U.S. support for the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Cyprus [UNFICYP] at the assessed level for 2008.
INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2007 | $27,643,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 30,430,000 |
| House allowance | 30,430,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 30,430,000 |
The Committee recommends $30,430,000 for the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico.
CONSTRUCTION
| Appropriations, 2007 | $5,232,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 71,725,000 |
| House allowance | 15,725,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 88,425,000 |
The Committee recommends $88,425,000 for construction. None of the funds provided under this heading may be obligated until the Department of State has submitted, and the Committee has approved, a spending plan in accordance with section 615 of this act.
The Committee recommendation includes up to $66,000,000 for construction in the United States of secondary wastewater treatment capability, only after the IBWC determines that negotiations to implement section 804 of Public Law 106-457, as amended, are completed.
The Committee is concerned with the continued delays in building treatment facilities to process sewage on the Tijuana River. Because the proposed treatment facility in Tijuana has been unable to meet established deadlines, the President requested and the Committee provides $66,000,000 for an alternative project in San Diego. Construction of a facility capable of secondary treatment of at least 25 million gallons a day is necessary to ensure the IBWC meets a Federal court-issued timeframe for compliance with the Clean Water Act by September 30, 2008. The Committee directs GAO to conduct a review of both the proposed Bajagua Project and upgrades to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, evaluating each project's feasibility, efficiency and effectiveness and identifying the reasons for on-going delays associated with these projects.
The Committee directs that $11,700,000 may be made available for the Rio Grande Canalization project in Dona Ana County, New Mexico for sediment removal and construction and $10,000,000 may be made available for levee rehabilitation and sediment removal associated with the Rio Grande Flood Control System Rehabilitation project in Texas.
The Committee requests the Secretary to evaluate and report to the Committee on the feasibility of and action required, including legislation, for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out the construction program of the IBWC.
AMERICAN SECTIONS, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS
| Appropriations, 2007 | $9,911,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 10,395,000 |
| House allowance | 10,630,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 11,250,000 |
The Committee recommends $11,250,000 for American Sections.
Within the amount provided, $1,530,000 is for the International Boundary Commission, $7,500,000 is for the International Joint Commission, and $2,220,000 is for the Border Environment Cooperation Commission. Within the amount provided for the International Joint Commission, $500,000 is for the Lake Champlain Basin Program.
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
| Appropriations, 2007 | $23,694,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 21,000,000 |
| House allowance | 26,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 27,054,000 |
The Committee recommends $27,054,000 for the International Fisheries Commissions.
The Committee recommendation is $6,054,000 above the budget request in order to provide the actual treaty-obligated dues in fiscal year 2008. The Committee urges the Department of State to request sufficient funding for these programs.
Funds are allocated in the following table:
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Fiscal year 2007 enacted Fiscal year 2008 request Committee recommendation Change from request
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) 1,747 $1,800 1,800
Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) 14,386 12,140 17,200 +5,060
Lake Champlain Program [200] [700] +700
Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) 2,800 3,049 3,049
International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) 2,834 2,300 2,900 +600
Other Marine Conservation Organizations:
International Whaling Commission (IWC) 170 260 260
North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC) 130 125 140 +15
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) 260 251 270 +19
Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) 263 150 250 +100
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) 88 90 95 +5
North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO) 46 45 50 +5
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) 210 200 220 +20
North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) 92 90 105 +15
International Sea Turtle Conservation 115 100 140 +40
Antarctic Treaty 35 35 50 +15
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) 317 250 410 +160
Expenses of the U.S. Commissioners 200 115 115
Subtotal, Other Marine Conservation Organizations 1,927 1,711 2,105 +394
Total, International Fisheries Commissions 23,693 21,000 27,054 +6,054
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Within the amount provided for the GLFC, $700,000 is for the eradication of lampreys in Lake Champlain. The GLFC is directed to give priority to States that have provided matching grants when distributing lampricide funds.
OTHER
PAYMENT TO THE ASIA FOUNDATION
| Appropriations, 2007 | $13,821,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 10,000,000 |
| House allowance | 15,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 16,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $16,000,000 for The Asia Foundation.
CENTER FOR MIDDLE EASTERN-WESTERN DIALOGUE TRUST FUND
| Appropriations, 2007 | $750,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 875,000 |
| House allowance | 875,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 875,000 |
The Committee recommends $875,000 for the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund (as authorized by 22 U.S.C. 2078).
EISENHOWER EXCHANGE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
EISENHOWER EXCHANGE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM TRUST FUND
| Appropriations, 2007 | $494,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 500,000 |
| House allowance | 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 (Public Law 101-454).
ISRAELI ARAB SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
| Appropriations, 2007 | $370,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 375,000 |
| House allowance | 375,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 375,000 |
The Committee recommends $375,000 from interest and earnings in the Israeli Arab Scholarship Endowment Fund, authorized by section 214 of Public Law 102-138, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993.
EAST-WEST CENTER
| Appropriations, 2007 | $18,994,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 10,000,000 |
| House allowance | ........................... |
| Committee recommendation | 20,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $20,000,000 for the East-West Center.
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY
| Appropriations, 2007 | $74,042,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 80,000,000 |
| House allowance | 80,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | ........................... |
The Committee includes funding for NED under the Democracy Fund account.
RELATED AGENCY
BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS
INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
| Appropriations, 2007 | $636,387,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-28) | 10,000,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 657,477,000 |
| House allowance | 671,632,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 662,727,000 |
The Committee recommends $662,727,000 for IBO.
This account funds the operating and engineering costs of VOA, RFE/RL, RFA, MBN and the Broadcasting Board of Governors.
Funds are allocated in the following table:
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Fiscal year 2007 enacted Fiscal year 2008 request Committee recommendation Change from request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Broadcasting Bureau [IBB]:
Voice of America 171,642 178,346 187,136 +8,790
Broadcasting to Cuba 33,681 38,700 33,681 -5,019
Engineering and Technical Services 149,969 136,090 140,313 +4,223
Agency Direction 28,851 27,333 27,333
Management 46,876 48,974 48,974
Program Support 19,022 19,668 19,668
Subtotal, IBB 450,041 449,111 457,105 +7,994
Independent Grantee Organizations:
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) 75,051 75,145 80,045 +4,900
Radio Free Asia (RFA) 31,584 31,457 34,957 +3,500
Middle East Broadcasting Networks 82,950 101,764 90,620 -11,144
Subtotal, Grantees 189,585 208,366 205,622 -2,744
Total, International Broadcasting Opera- tions 639,626 657,477 662,727 +5,250
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Language Service Reductions- The Committee recommendation supports continuing broadcasting which the administration proposed for language service reductions in fiscal year 2008, particularly Albanian, Bosnian, Cantonese, Croatian, English, Georgian, Kazakh, Macedonian, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, South Slavic, Tibetan, Thai, Ukrainian, and Uzbek. However, the Committee supports BBG increasing the efficiency of this programming by broadcasting in the most effective means possible while increasing the total number of hours broadcast. The BBG annual program plan shall include a report on how the audience has been increased and efficiencies achieved.
Alhurra- The Committee recommendation does not include $11,144,000 to continue the expansion of Alhurra broadcasting to the Middle East, as initiated with $10,000,000 in Public Law 110-28. The Committee will consider this request as part of future legislation.
The Committee is concerned with recent reports regarding the broadcasting of interviews and speeches made by terrorist-affiliated and militant leaders on Alhurra television in the Middle East. The Committee reiterates its strong support for free and fair broadcasting to the Middle East and reminds the Broadcasting Board of Governors that this does not include broadcasts that provide a platform for groups or persons associated with foreign terrorist organizations, as defined by the Department of State. The Committee directs the BBG, in conjunction with the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, to make public English transcripts on a case by case basis if requested by the Committees on Appropriations.
Support for Alhurra may only be made available if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committee that Alhurra does not advocate on behalf of any organization that the Secretary knows, or has reason to believe, engages in acts of terrorism.
North Korea.--The Committee recommends not less than $5,000,000 for broadcasting into North Korea through RFA Korea Service and VOA Korea Service, and directs that these funds be used to increase daily broadcast hours of original content and to improve the accessibility of radio transmissions.
BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
| Appropriations, 2007 | $7,624,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 10,748,000 |
| House allowance | 10,748,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 10,748,000 |
The Committee recommends $10,748,000 for the Broadcasting Capital Improvements.
COMMISSION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF AMERICA'S HERITAGE ABROAD
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2007 | $493,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 499,000 |
| House allowance | 499,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 499,000 |
The Committee recommends $499,000 for the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad.
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2007 | $3,000,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-28) | 258,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 3,300,000 |
| House allowance | 3,400,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 3,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $3,000,000 for the Commission on International Religious Freedom.
COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2007 | $2,004,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 2,037,000 |
| House allowance | 2,037,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 2,037,000 |
The Committee recommends $2,037,000 for this Commission.
CONGRESSIONAL-EXECUTIVE COMMISSION ON THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2007 | $1,876,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 2,000,000 |
| House allowance | 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, 2007 | $2,962,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 4,000,000 |
| House allowance | 4,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 2,962,000 |
The Committee recommends $2,962,000 for this Commission and provides that funds shall be obligated only after the Secretary of State consults with the Committee on the findings of the GAO's audit of the Commission. The Committee is concerned with the apparent lack of financial and management controls in the operations of the Commission, as evidenced by a budget justification devoid of details, such as not providing the salary, benefits and other costs related to a request for new personnel; not detailing the distribution of requested funds for travel, including the number of people participating; and not providing a comparison of the request to prior expenditures. The Committee recommendation requires a spending plan which effectively addresses the recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office review currently underway. The Committee expects to be consulted on the spending plan prior to expenditure of any funds.
UNITED STATES SENATE-CHINA INTERPARLIAMENTARY GROUP
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2007 | $149,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | ........................... |
| House allowance | ........................... |
| Committee recommendation | 150,000 |
The Committee recommends $150,000 for the United States Senate-China Interparliamentary Group, and recommends that this group is funded by the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill in fiscal year 2009.
UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE
OPERATING EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2007 | $22,064,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 30,000,000 |
| House allowance | 26,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 25,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $25,000,000 for the USIP. The Committee strongly supports the mission of USIP, but is concerned that USIP's new building may impose significant future operational and maintenance burdens on this relatively small organization. The Committee is concerned with excessive administrative costs associated with some past USIP activities. The Committee expects USIP to be prudent, to focus its resources on key issues that are not otherwise being effectively addressed, and provide practical recommendations and policy initiatives in furtherance of conflict resolution, stability and peace.
GENERAL PROVISIONS--TITLE I
SEC. 101. Allowances and Differentials.
SEC. 102. Unobligated Balances Report.
SEC. 103. Embassy Construction.
SEC. 104. Peacekeeping Missions.
SEC. 105. Denial of Visas.
SEC. 106. United States Citizens Born in Jerusalem.
SEC. 107. Department of State Authorities.
SEC. 108. Restriction on Contributions to the United Nations.
SEC. 109. Personnel Actions.
SEC. 110. Restrictions on United Nations Delegations.
SEC. 111. Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation.
SEC. 112. Attendance at International Conferences.
SEC. 113. Peacekeeping Assessment.
SEC. 114. Alhurra Broadcasting.
SEC. 115. Commission Financial Management.
SEC. 116. References.
TITLES II-V.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS
TITLE II
EXPORT AND INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE
EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES
INSPECTOR GENERAL
| Appropriations, 2007 | $990,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 1,000,000 |
| House allowance | 1,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 1,000,000 |
SUBSIDY APPROPRIATION
| Appropriations, 2007 | $26,382,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 68,000,000 |
| House allowance | 68,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 68,000,000 |
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2007 | $72,468,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 78,000,000 |
| House allowance | 78,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 78,000,000 |
The Committee recommends $1,000,000 for the Inspector General, $78,000,000 for Administrative Expenses for the Export-Import Bank, and $68,000,000 for the subsidy appropriation.
OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
SUBSIDY APPROPRIATION
DIRECT LOANS
| Appropriations, 2007 | $20,073,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 29,000,000 |
| House allowance | 20,000,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 21,000,000 |
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
| Appropriations, 2007 | $41,851,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 47,500,000 |
| House allowance | 47,500,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 47,500,000 |
The Committee recommends $47,500,000 for OPIC administrative expenses.
TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
| Appropriations, 2007 | $50,391,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 50,400,000 |
| House allowance | 50,400,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 50,400,000 |
The Committee recommends $50,400,000 for the TDA.
TITLE III
BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT
| Appropriations, 2007 | $4,744,452,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-28) | 338,200 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 3,756,827,000 |
| House allowance | 4,834,660,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 9,141,903,000 |
The amounts listed in the above table for fiscal year 2007 appropriations, the fiscal year 2008 budget estimate and the Committee recommendation, include funds appropriated or requested under global health programs, development assistance, USAID operating expenses, USAID Inspector General operating expenses, international disaster and famine assistance, transition initiatives, and credit programs.
GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
| Appropriations, 2007 | $1,718,150,000 |
| Emergency supplemental (Public Law 110-28) | 161,000,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 1,564,279,000 |
| House allowance | 1,980,150,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 6,531,425,000 |
The Committee recommends a total of $6,531,425,000 for the Global Health Programs account, which supports health activities abroad, including those to combat HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and other infectious diseases including neglected tropical diseases, and to reduce child mortality, provide voluntary family planning services, and protect women's health. The Committee consolidates all funding contained in the budget request for HIV/AIDS programs under the GHP account. The Committee recommendation for the GHP account includes $1,481,425,000 for programs and activities requested under the Child Survival and Health Programs Fund account, which is $267,146,000 more than the President's request.
Funds are allocated in the following table:
GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS (ALL ACCOUNTS)
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program, by account Fiscal year 2008 request Committee recommendation Change from request
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIV/AIDS:
GHP:
Global HIV/AIDS Initiative 4,150,000 4,450,000 +300,000
Global Fund [300,000]
UNAIDS [27,000] [40,000] +13,000
USAID HIV/AIDS 314,278 350,000 +35,722
Microbicides 30,000 [45,000] +15,000
Global Fund 250,000 +250,000
Total, HIV/AIDS 4,494,278 5,050,000 +555,722
Total, Global Fund [550,000] +550,000
Child Survival and Maternal Health:
GHP 345,600 450,000 +104,400
GAVI Fund 18,411 [75,000] +56,589
Micronutrients [30,000] +30,000
ESF 20,700 20,698 -2
SEED 700 700
FSU 5,100 5,119 +19
Total, Child and Maternal Health 372,100 476,517 +104,417
Family Planning/Reproductive Health:
GHP 301,700 395,000 +93,300
ESF 14,300 54,250 +39,950
SEED 1,700 1,700
FSU 7,100 10,110 +3,010
Total, Family Planning/Reproductive Health 324,800 461,060 +136,260
Other Infectious Diseases:
Avian Influenza
GHP 100,000 100,000
Total, Avian Influenza 100,000 100,000
Tuberculosis:
GHP 79,400 99,420 +20,020
ESF 500 500
FSU 10,000 10,250 +250
Total, Tuberculosis 89,900 110,170 +20,270
Malaria:
GHP 385,000 355,005 -29,995
ESF 2,500 2,500
Total, Malaria 387,500 357,505 -29,995
Polio: GHP 32,000 +32,000
Total, Polio 32,000 +32,000
Neglected Tropical Diseases: GHP 6,000 15,000 +9,000
Total, Neglected Tropical Diseases 6,000 15,000 +9,000
Unallocated Infectious Diseases GHP 20,000 +20,000
Total, Other Infectious Diseases 583,400 634,675 +51,275
Vulnerable Children:
GHP 4,000 15,000 +11,000
Total, Vulnerable Children 4,000 15,000 +11,000
Total, Global Health Programs 5,715,978 6,531,425 +815,447
Total, All Accounts 5,778,578 6,637,252 +858,674
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The Committee provides $450,000,000 for child survival and maternal health activities under the GHP account, and $26,517,000 under other accounts, for a total of $476,517,000.
PROGRAM ISSUES
CHILD SURVIVAL AND MATERNAL HEALTH
The Committee believes the key to addressing the health crisis in the poorest countries, particularly in Africa, is building public health systems that are capable of providing basic health services, especially for women and children. An essential component of any strategy is to provide training and support for health care workers, many of whom are dying of AIDS, leaving in droves to obtain jobs in foreign countries, or abandoning primary health care to join organizations working to combat HIV/AIDS which can pay higher salaries. The Committee strongly supports HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment programs, but they are no substitute for building the public health capacity to prevent the needless deaths of millions of children before the age of five, and more than half a million women from pregnancy-related causes, each year. Accordingly, the Committee has substantially increased funding for child survival and maternal health programs, and directs USAID to consult with the Committee and the public health community on how best to utilize these additional funds to build sustainable public health systems, including by training more health care workers.
Disabilities- The Committee recommends USAID consider funding a proposal of Christian Blind Mission, which addresses physical disabilities in the Great Lakes region of Africa.
The Committee recognizes the work of Operation Smile and recommends USAID consider funding a proposal to support its medical and educational activities in developing countries.
Holy Family Hospital- The Committee recommends continued support for the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, and recognizes the quality care that institution provides to the Palestinian people, often those most in need.
Iodine Deficiency- The Committee recommends at least $2,000,000 for the UNICEF iodine deficiency disorders program.
Vaccines and Immunization.--The Committee provides $75,000,000 for a contribution to the GAVI Fund.
The Committee recommends up to $40,000,000 for assistance for Ethiopia, and recommends that of this amount sufficient funding be provided for childhood immunization programs.
The Committee provides $32,000,000 for programs to eradicate polio.
Vitamin A and Other Micronutrients- The Committee provides $30,000,000 for USAID's micronutrient program, of which at least $20,000,000 should be for programs related to Vitamin A deficiency.
Zanmi Lasante- The Committee recommends USAID provide support to Zanmi Lasante to improve health care in Haiti.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
The Committee provides a total of $461,060,000 from all accounts in this act for family planning and reproductive health programs.
HIV/AIDS
The Committee provides a total of $5,090,000,000 for programs and activities to combat HIV/AIDS. The Committee consolidates funds requested for this purpose in all accounts in this act under the GHP account, including $40,000,000 provided in section 699 of this act as an additional amount for the U.S. contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria.
AIDS Vaccine- The Committee recommends continued funding for the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.
Blood Safety- The Committee continues to support Safe Blood for Africa, which assists African nations through training and technical assistance to develop systems to ensure that blood supplies are screened for HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
Eurasia- The Committee supports the work of the Eurasian Medical Education Program of the American College of Physicians to address HIV/AIDS and chronic diseases in Russia, and recommends continued funding for this program.
Food and Nutrition- The Global AIDS Coordinator, in consultation with the DFA, should report to the Committee by May 1, 2008, on the following regarding focus countries: (1) the level of funding within the Emergency Plan for fiscal year 2007 that was spent on food and nutritional support for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS; (2) projected spending on food and nutritional support for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS for fiscal year 2008; and, (3) the steps the Global AIDS Coordinator has taken to address the challenges identified in the `Report on Food and Nutrition for People Living with HIV/AIDS', May 2006.
Global Fund- The Committee provides $590,000,000 in this act for a U.S. contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. The Committee understands an additional $300,000,000 is provided in the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations act, 2008, for a total contribution from both acts of $890,000,000, an increase of $166,000,000 above fiscal year 2007.
Media Programs- The Committee supports the use of local media in combating HIV/AIDS and recommends continued funding for these programs in Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia and other countries in Africa, and increased funding for these programs in India.
Microbicides.--The Committee provides $45,000,000 for research on and development of microbicides as a means of combating HIV/AIDS, and recommends continued support for the International Partnership for Microbicides.
Mother-to-Child Transmission- The Committee continues to support programs that prevent mother-to-child transmission [PMTCT] of HIV. The Committee believes that additional resources are required to expand access to these programs, including care and treatment. 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.
The Committee recommends that USAID consider supporting a proposal from Mothers2Mothers to prevent transmission of HIV/AIDS from mothers to infants.
Nurses Training- The Committee is aware of a proposal of Catholic Medical Mission Board, in conjunction with the Chinese Nurses Association, to train nurses in HIV/AIDS care, and recommends USAID consider supporting this initiative.
Orphans.--The Committee notes that section 403(b) of title IV of Public Law 108-25, the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003, mandates not less than 10 percent of HIV/AIDS assistance for orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. The Committee directs the Global AIDS Coordinator to ensure that at least this level of assistance is made available.
Pediatric AIDS- The Committee recommends the Global AIDS Coordinator consider a proposal by the Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative to engage in the Pediatric AIDS Corps.
Private Funds- The Committee notes that the administration has indicated its intention to adopt guidelines for NGOs on how to implement the requirement in section 22 U.S.C. section 7631(f), specifically to adopt a regime that allows for separation of federally-funded activities and privately funded prohibited activities. The Committee welcomes the decision to distinguish between publicly funded activities and those carried out with private funds and urges the administration to impose the least possible burdens so as to avoid requirements that waste resources that could otherwise be used to save lives. The Committee notes that the administration has adopted similar regulations in its faith-based initiative, which should be used as the model in this instance. The Committee will view unfavorably any requirements that impose more costly and burdensome restrictions than those that apply to faith-based grantees.
NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
The Committee provides $15,000,000 for continued support of USAID's cooperative agreement in support of an integrated response to the control of neglected tropical diseases, including intestinal parasites, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma, and leprosy. The Committee requests to be consulted on the uses of these funds, including country-specific allocations.
OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The Committee recommends a total of $634,675,000 for other infectious diseases, including avian influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, measles, meningitis, and polio.
Avian Influenza Virus- The Committee provides $100,000,000 for programs and activities to contain and prevent an avian influenza pandemic, an amount equal to the budget request, and notes these funds are in addition to $161,000,000 provided for such purposes in Public Law 110-28.
The Committee is aware of the many challenges to combatting avian influenza in developing countries and recognizes that in some circumstances foreign militaries may be well positioned to assist in this endeavor. Therefore, the Committee provides an additional $25,000,000 to enhance the preparedness of militaries in Asia and Africa to respond to an avian influenza pandemic, including through training and equipment. The Committee requests to be consulted prior to the initial obligations of these funds.
Malaria- The Committee provides a total of $357,505,000 for programs to combat malaria. The Committee directs that these funds be made available in accordance with country strategic plans incorporating best public health practices including insecticide-treated bed nets, artemisinin combination therapies, and indoor residual spraying, and with significant support for purchase of commodities and equipment. The Committee supports continued funding for the Malaria Vaccine Initiative and for the Medicines for Malaria Venture.
Meningitis- The Committee is concerned that meningitis has plagued sub-Saharan Africa for over a century, threatening the lives of half a billion people, especially the young. Of those infected, 10 percent die and 25 percent are left with severe neurological damage. The Committee is aware of the Meningitis Vaccine Project, which is supported by private donors to develop an affordable vaccine. The Committee recommends USAID consider funding this initiative.
TB- The Committee provides a total of $110,170,000 for programs to combat tuberculosis from all accounts in this act.
The Committee urges the Global AIDS Coordinator to (1) increase funding for TB-HIV coordinated activities with the goal of ensuring that TB screening and treatment is provided to as many co-infected individuals as possible in each focus country; (2) in consultation with appropriate host country officials and multilateral organizations, develop a national strategy for each focus country to ensure that all TB patients are provided HIV testing and counseling as well as referral for AIDS treatment and care; (3) issue guidance that TB-HIV coordinated activities are required in each country operational plan; and (4) provide funding to the World Health Organization for technical support to expand TB treatment and improve coordination of programs to fight HIV and TB, including drug resistant TB. The Committee is concerned with the emergence of drug resistant strains of tuberculosis, including multi-drug resistant-TB [MDR-TB] and extensively drug resistant-TB [XDR-TB], which threaten to undermine progress in AIDS treatment and progress to combat TB control globally. MDR-TB and XDR-TB are new, drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis found mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa where the mortality rate for XDR-TB is roughly 90 percent. The Committee urges USAID to work with the Office of the Global HIV/AIDS Coordinator to strengthen overall TB treatment efforts and to otherwise slow the emergence of MDR and XDR-TB strains.
Technology- The Committee supports the work of HealthTech to develop innovative solutions to public health needs in developing countries.
VULNERABLE CHILDREN
The Committee provides $15,000,000 for programs and activities that address the needs of vulnerable children.
Orphans.--The Committee recommends that USAID consider funding a proposal from Kidsave International for a global intervention to help countries place orphans into permanent homes.
Blindness- The Committee recommends $1,900,000 for children's blindness programs.
To the maximum extent practicable, the Committee intends funding for blind children to be focused on eye surgery and vision corrections for children, and is to be implemented in a manner that provides the most funds to the field.
The Committee recognizes the work of Helen Keller International and other organizations to assist blind children and children with low levels of vision.
UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
| Appropriations, 2007 | $1,508,760,000 |
| Budget estimate, 2008 | 1,041,248,000 |
| House allowance | 1,733,760,000 |
| Committee recommendation | 1,455,000,000 |
The Development Assistance account consists of a wide range of poverty-reduction and long-term development activities including free market development, agriculture and rural development, urban, environment, and energy, basic education, and micro-credit programs.
PROGRAM ISSUES
AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Agriculture Development Strategy- The Committee notes the critical role of agriculture in developing countries in alleviating hunger and poverty. It is also the backbone of employment that helps stem the tide of immigration to already overcrowded, over-burdened urban areas. The Committee is concerned that support for agriculture-led economic growth lags far behind other foreign assistance programs, and directs the DFA to submit a report, not later than May 1, 2008, describing a multi-year, regional strategy to substantially increase funding for agriculture development programs. In preparing the strategy, the DFA should consult with representatives of foreign governments, U.S. universities, and nongovernmental and international organizations that support agricultural development overseas.
Arid Lands.--The Committee recommends USAID support the work of the International Arid Lands Consortium in addressing water, agriculture, and energy issues in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Cacao.--The Committee supports the promotion of sustainable cacao production in Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. The Committee recognizes the work of the Andean Countries Cocoa Export Support Opportunity, a partnership between private industry, governments and international organizations to encourage the sustainable development in cacao-producing areas as an alternative to coca cultivation.
Coffee- The Committee is aware that coffee is grown in more than half of the municipalities of Colombia and that coffee growing involves over half a million Colombian farmers and their families, mostly small enterprises, in areas that are still socially and economically vulnerable. The Committee recommends USAID work with the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia to provide assistance to these communities to increase the productivity and marketability of their product.
Collaborative Research Support Programs.--The Committee provides $29,000,000 for CRSPs.
The Committee supports assistance for research and development of salt-resistant crops.
The Committee recommends creation of a CRSP focused on water issues.
Crop Diversity- The Committee notes that crop diversity provides the genetic building blocks for adapting crops to constantly evolving pests, diseases, and changing climates, and is aware that much of the world's crop diversity is neither safely conserved nor readily available to scientists and farmers who rely on it. The Global Crop Diversity Trust was created by the FAO and CGIAR to collect, document and store seeds securely in order to preserve genetic diversity. The United States was an early supporter of the Trust and the Committee recommends USAID contribute in 2008.
Dairy Development Programs.--The Committee continues its support for dairy development programs.
Fertilizer Programs.--The Committee recommends continued support for the International Fertilizer Development Center.
Food Aid Quality- Under Public Law 480, USAID provides food aid to millions of hungry people each year. However, quality problems and outdated product formulations have damaged our reputation as the world's most generous provider of such aid. There is a critical need to improve product quality and adjust formulations to meet the needs of today's vulnerable populations. The Committee provides $750,000 to support activities underway with the Food Aid Quality Enhancement Program to improve food aid product quality and nutrient delivery, consistent with the authority in 7 U.S.C. section 1736g-2(a)(2)(c).
Water.--The Committee provides not less than $300,000,000 of the funds appropriated by this act for safe drinking water and sanitation supply projects, to be expended in accordance with Public Law 109-121, the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005. Of this amount, not less than $125,000,000 should be used in Africa.
The Committee recognizes the work of the International Rural Water Association in providing training and technical assistance to improve the quality of water and health in Central America and the Caribbean.
The Committee recommends USAID consider funding a project in Uganda to increase access to potable water in Kapchorwa District.
The Committee recommends USAID consider funding a proposal by Water Leaders Foundation for a reverse osmosis water purification project in a developing country.
The Committee supports funding for Ong Tidene, a local NGO that drills wells for Tuareg nomads who live in northern Niger, one of the most arid areas of Africa.
AMERICAN SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS ABROAD
The Committee continues to recognize the important contributions made to U.S. foreign policy by institutions funded by the ASHA program and provides that not less than $22,000,000 shall be made available to support these institutions in fiscal year 2008. The Committee, once again, expects USAID to allocate sufficient sums to administer the ASHA program from funds provided for Operating Expenses, so it will not be necessary to expend program funds for administrative purposes.
Although the Committee understands that ASHA funds are available for a variety of purposes, such as construction and equipment, libraries, computer technology, curriculum and staff support, and related expenses, the Committee reaffirms its intention that this assistance is not for permanent budget support to ASHA recipients. The Committee encourages ASHA to give priority to institutions which demonstrate a need and a commitment to private fundraising to match government support.
The Committee recognizes the contributions made by several institutions and believes that they warrant consideration for further ASHA support, including: Lebanese American University; International College and the American University of Beirut; The Johns Hopkins University's Center in Nanjing, China; the Cancer Center of the American British Cowdray Medical Center in Mexico; the Hadassah Medical Organization; American University in Kosovo; and Shaare Zedek Medical Center.
CONFLICT MITIGATION AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
Patrick Leahy War Victims Fund.--The Committee continues to support the LWVF which assists persons who are disabled as a result of armed conflict. The Committee recommends $15,000,000 for this Fund administered by USAID.
Public Donations.--The Committee is aware of many private American individuals and groups who want to donate assistance to needy people overseas. USAID has a long history of partnering with the U.S. private sector, most recently formalized as the Global Development Alliance, to leverage assistance to meet development objectives.
In the context of natural or manmade disasters, the generosity of the American public has been expressed in cash and in-kind donations, often provided through private relief agencies, to the victims of those disasters. The Committee believes there is an increasing desire on the part of the American public, either individually or through community, faith-based, or other local groups, to provide assistance. However, shipping items overseas, such as clothing and shelter that are suitable for affected populations, can be difficult to arrange and prohibitively expensive. These individuals and groups are not looking to the U.S. Government to provide financing for their donations. Instead, they want help in getting their donations to people in need. The Committee believes USAID should support the participation of these groups and individuals in furtherance of foreign assistance objectives.
The Committee requests the DFA to submit a report, by May 1, 2008, that addresses ways in which USAID can facilitate the participation of private citizens and community groups in the foreign assistance program. The report should address, in particular, the concept of establishing a clearinghouse for private donations, and should identify U.S. Government mechanisms and programs, as well as recommendations, for assisting in the delivery of such privately donated relief aid. The report should also include legislative changes that might be needed.
Sports Programs.--The Committee is aware that sports programs, including those that benefit persons with disabilities, enhance health and development and strengthen communities. The Committee supports the work of organizations involved in these efforts, including Right to Play and Special Olympics.
Victims of Torture- The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for programs and activities that address the needs of victims of torture. The Committee recommends support for centers for victims of torture that provide services consistent with the goals of Public Law 106-87, the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 1999.
EDUCATION
The Committee recommends funding in this act above the current level for basic education programs, including civic education and teacher training.
Africa.--The Committee recommends continued funding for programs that increase access to basic education in sub-Saharan Africa through the reduction or elimination of school fees. The Committee recommends $15,000,000 for basic education programs in Ethiopia from all accounts in this act, an increase of $2,200,000 above the budget request.
Latin America- The Committee is aware of the work of Alfalit International in providing literacy and basic education programs in Bolivia and the Dominican Republic.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY CONSERVATION
Biodiversity.--The Committee provides not less than $195,000,000 from the DA account for biodiversity conservation programs and activities.
The Committee recognizes USAID's Amazon Basin Conservation Initiative, which supports the work of national and local governments, civil society groups, and indigenous organizations, in the South American countries that share the Amazon watershed, to protect it from illegal logging and mining, destructive agricultural practices, and unsustainable development. The Committee provides $15,000,000 for this program in fiscal year 2008, in addition to the level of funding provided in fiscal year 2006 for other biodiversity conservation activities in these countries.
Birds of Prey.--The Committee recommends continued funding for the Peregrine Fund's work in the International Raptor Center, to be matched by private contributions.
Energy- The Committee recommends not less than $195,000,000 from all accounts in this act to support policies and programs in developing countries that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and cleaner energy technologies, including $15,000,000 for USAID's Office of Energy and Information Technology. The Committee supports funding for small hydro, solar, and wind projects, particularly in areas where other sources of energy are not available.
The Committee expects United States Government agencies to continue to participate in the nine-agency Clean Energy Technology Exports Initiative.
Endangered Species.--The Committee recommends continued support from funds made available for Indonesia for programs to protect the habitat of orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra.
The Committee supports continued funding for programs to protect great apes in Central Africa, including through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NGOs such as the Jane Goodall Institute and members of the International Gorilla Conservation Program.
Lead Batteries- The Committee is aware of the work of Occupational Knowledge International to promote the Better Environmental Sustainability Targets Certification for the lead battery industry, to limit emissions and encourage recycling of lead batteries which threaten health, especially of children, in developing counties where batteries are increasingly used to produce solar and wind energy.
HIGHER EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Committee recommends increased funding for programs and activities targeted toward higher education, training and workforce development.
The Committee is concerned that over the past 20 years USAID's support for higher education degree training has declined dramatically, from 15,000 trainees to less than 1,000 today. Many of these graduates have contributed to the political and economic development of their countries, but they are now reaching retirement age. The Committee requests USAID to submit a report by May 1, 2008, describing past funding trends for higher education programs and the projected cost of increasing the number of trainees by 3,000.
Entrepreneurship.--The Committee recommends USAID consider funding a proposal of the Center of Entrepreneurship for a distance learning program in the Balkans. The Committee also recommends USAID consider funding a proposal from CHOICE Humanitarian to improve the quality of life in Africa and Latin America through microenterprize and leadership training.
The Committee is aware of the work of the Education for Employment Foundation to create jobs through vocational, technical and managerial training for youth in predominantly Muslim countries, where unemployment among youth is as high as 50 percent. Recognizing that as many as 100 million new job seekers will enter the workforce in these countries in the next 15 years, the Committee recommends USAID consider funding this initiative.
Scholarships- The Committee recommends continued funding for the CASS program to provide scholarships at U.S. colleges for students with high financial need from Latin America and elsewhere.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Artisans- The Committee is aware of a project initiated by Aid to Artisans to promote lead-free pottery glazes used by Mexican ceramists. The Committee recommends USAID consider funding a proposal to expand this initiative to other countries where there are serious health and environmental risks associated with leaded pottery production.
Microenterprise Development Programs.--The