35-983
1st Session
110-197
--STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2008
[To accompany H.R. 2764]
The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.
| INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT | ||
| Page number | ||
| Bill | Report | |
| Summary of the Bill | 1 | |
| Committee Recommendations | 3 | |
| Title I--Department of State and Related Agencies: | ||
| Department of State | 2 | 6 |
| Administration of Foreign Affairs--Diplomatic and Consular Affairs | 2 | 6 |
| Worldwide Security Upgrades | 15 | |
| Capital Investment Fund | 5 | 16 |
| Office of the Inspector General | 5 | 17 |
| Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs | 5 | 17 |
| Embassy Security Construction and Maintenance | 6 | 22 |
| Worldwide Security Upgrades | 22 | |
| Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service | 7 | 26 |
| Payment to the American Institute of Taiwan | 8 | 26 |
| Contributions to International Organizations | 8 | 28 |
| Contributions for International Peacekeeping | 9 | 32 |
| International Commissions: | ||
| International Boundary and Water Commission, U.S. and Mexico | 11 | 35 |
| American Sections, International Commissions | 11 | 35 |
| International Fisheries Commission | 12 | 36 |
| Other: | ||
| Asia Foundation | 12 | 36 |
| International Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue | 12 | 36 |
| Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program | 13 | 37 |
| Israeli Arab Scholarship Program | 13 | 37 |
| East-West Center | 37 | |
| National Endowment for Democracy | 13 | 38 |
| Broadcasting Board of Governors | 38 | |
| Commission for America's Heritage Abroad | 15 | 41 |
| Commission on International Religious Freedom | 15 | 41 |
| Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe | 16 | 42 |
| Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China | 16 | 43 |
| United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission | 16 | 43 |
| United States Institute of Peace | 17 | 44 |
| Title II--Export and Investment Assistance: | ||
| Export-Import Bank of the United States | 23 | 45 |
| Overseas Private Investment Corporation | 26 | 47 |
| Trade and Development Agency | 28 | 48 |
| Title III--Bilateral Economic Assistance: | ||
| Child Survival and Health Programs Fund | 28 | 49 |
| Development Assistance | 34 | 57 |
| International Disaster and Famine Assistance | 35 | 65 |
| Transition Initiatives | 35 | 66 |
| Development Credit Authority | 36 | 66 |
| Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for International Development | 38 | 67 |
| Capital Investment Fund | 39 | 67 |
| Operating Expenses of the USAID Office of the Inspector General | 40 | 68 |
| Economic Support Fund | 40 | 68 |
| International Fund for Ireland | 43 | 84 |
| Assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States (SEED) | 44 | 85 |
| Assistance for the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union (FSA) | 45 | 87 |
| Inter-American Foundation | 48 | 90 |
| African Development Foundation | 48 | 90 |
| Peace Corps | 49 | 90 |
| Millennium Challenge Corporation | 50 | 91 |
| Department of State: | ||
| Global HIV/AIDS Initiative | 51 | 92 |
| International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement | 52 | 99 |
| Andean Counterdrug Initiative | 53 | 106 |
| Migration and Refugee Assistance | 57 | 110 |
| Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund | 58 | 112 |
| Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs | 58 | 112 |
| Department of the Treasury: | ||
| International Affairs Technical Assistance | 60 | 114 |
| Debt Restructuring | 60 | 115 |
| Title IV--Military Assistance: | ||
| International Military Education and Training | 63 | 115 |
| Foreign Military Financing Program | 65 | 119 |
| Peacekeeping Operations | 69 | 127 |
| Title V--Multilateral Economic Assistance: | ||
| World Bank Group: | ||
| Global Environment Facility | 70 | 130 |
| International Development Association (IDA) | 70 | 130 |
| Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency | 70 | 131 |
| Inter-American Development Bank--Multilateral Investment Fund | 70 | 131 |
| Inter-American Investment Corporation | 132 | |
| Asian Development Fund | 70 | 132 |
| African Development Bank | 71 | 133 |
| Contribution to the African Development Fund | 71 | 133 |
| European Bank for Reconstruction and Development | 133 | |
| International Fund for Agricultural Development | 71 | 133 |
| International Organizations and Programs | 72 | 133 |
| Title VI--General Provisions: | ||
| House of Representatives Reporting Requirements | 144 |
OVERVIEW
The fiscal year 2008 budget request for the activities under the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs is $34,943,720,000 in new discretionary budget authority. The Committee recommendation includes a total of $34,243,000,000 in new discretionary budget authority, a decrease of $700,720,000 from the President's request and an increase of $2,858,947,000 over the fiscal year 2007 enacted level, excluding enacted supplemental appropriations. The Committee's recommendation, provided in this bill and detailed in the accompanying report, reflects the four priorities of the Committee:
- 1. Oversight of foreign assistance programs
- 2. Supporting our allies in the Global War on Terror
- 3. Improving Aid Effectiveness by strengthening Development Assistance
- 4. Responding to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and other health challenges
OVERSIGHT OF FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Projects.--Congress has made significant reforms in the way it reviews funding for the Federal Government' reforms which the Committee takes very seriously as it executes its constitutional authority. Earmarking or directed spending of Federal dollars does not begin with Congress. It begins with the Executive Branch. For example, in international affairs, the Administration has authority, in large measure, to determine grant/contract recipients of over $16.9 billion. In addition, the cooperative relationship developed over the years between the Committee, the Department of State, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided the Administration with broad discretion to make awards, so long as the agencies follow the Congressional Notification procedures outlined in the Foreign Assistance Act and appropriations Acts. The Administration determines these projects through a process that is the functional equivalent of earmarking. When the Committee reviews the budget request, it submits these projects to rigorous review and may alter or modify them to reflect additional priorities.
Contractors.--The Executive Branch also engages in another practice which steers or directs money to specific entities or purposes through a process of contracting out various activities and services. In all diplomatic platforms throughout the world, as well as at the various international affairs agencies in Washington, the Administration increasingly relies on personal service contractors and foreign nationals to such an extent that their number rivals that of Federal direct-hire employees in the service of diplomatic missions. Many of these positions, in fact, are non-competitive or sole-sourced. When added together, the Executive Branch directs far greater spending to specific projects or corporations than is directed or earmarked by Congress. The practice of non-competitive contracting has exploded in the past five years.
The Committee provides no recommendation at this time for specific projects contained in either the Administration's budget or proposed by Members of Congress. Individual project allocations will be considered comprehensively after the Committee has had an opportunity to appropriately scrutinize all relevant information.
SUPPORT TO OUR ALLIES IN THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR
The Committee's fiscal year 2008 recommendation includes a total of $2,656,506,000 for Economic Support Fund (ESF) programs and $4,509,236,000 for Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programs. The vast majority of the ESF and FMF programs support ongoing and new assistance for our allies in the Global War on Terror. These accounts support traditional methods of providing United States taxpayer assistance in the form of programs, projects, and activities to improve economic and social development, support of existing military systems such as radios and spare parts for aircraft and trucks, as well as the purchase of new systems such as aircraft and radar systems.
IMPROVING AID EFFECTIVENESS AND STRENGTHENING DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
The Committee's fiscal year 2008 recommendation takes the first step in reversing a trend of diminishing resources appropriated directly to USAID. The President's budget request cut the operating budget of USAID and transferred more USAID resources to accounts managed by the Department of State. The Committee believes that USAID is the nation's primary international development agency and should play the leading role in shaping and implementing development policy and programs that address global poverty and promote economic growth. The Committee recommendation includes $1,733,760,000 for the Development Assistance account, an increase of $692,512,000 above the President's request. The increased resources will fund an initiative on basic education for developing countries as well an expansion of safe water and environment programs. Access to quality primary education not only improves an individual's chances for a better, more productive life, but also creates a more tolerant and informed citizenry. The Committee notes that operating costs for USAID have also been cut in the past several years and have resulted in the Agency proposing a scaled back plan for overseas presence. The Committee does not agree with this proposal to scale down USAID's presence overseas by closing or consolidating missions. The Committee is further concerned that the Agency has lost much of its technical expertise over the years. The Committee provides additional resources for the Agency's operating budget to help increase recruitment and retention of technical staff at the Agency.
RESPONDING TO THE GLOBAL HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC AND OTHER HEALTH CHALLENGES
The Committee recommendation includes a total of $6,517,650,000 for global health programs, including HIV/AIDS. The Committee believes that addressing global health problems, including tuberculosis, avian flu, and HIV/AIDS, in the developing world is one of the best preventive measures that Congress can take to protect United States citizens. To this end, the Committee recommendation includes $100,000,000 to address avian influenza; $263,500,000 to address tuberculosis and extremely-drug resistant tuberculosis; and $352,000,000 to address malaria. In these programs, USAID will work with developing country public health departments to strengthen public health infrastructure and surveillance, detect cases of these and other deadly diseases, and provide treatment and care.
The Committee recommendation also recognizes the imperative of addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The Committee is aware of the President's recent announcement calling for the extension of the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative for an additional 5 years at a funding level of $30,000,000,000 over that time. The Committee lauds this commitment of additional resources but does not believe that this pledge is adequate to stem the toll of the pandemic in Africa and around the world. The Committee provides a total of $5,082,000,000 for bilateral HIV/AIDS efforts, and for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Committee expects that the bill funding the Department of Health and Human Services will include an additional $794,223,000, for total HIV/AIDS funding of $5,876,223,000, $550,000,000 above the President's fiscal year 2008 budget request.
The Committee notes that Congress has provided $18,315,000,000 over the past five years for HIV/AIDS, including the fiscal year 2008 commitment. This is $3,300,000,000 over the President's pledge over that same time period. The Committee expects that Congress will similarly be above the President's commitment for the next five years as necessary to meet the United States commitment to fighting the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.
FUNDING FOR IRAQ
The Committee recommendation does not include funding for Iraq operations and reconstruction. The President's budget requested $456,000,000 in additional funding for these activities. However, the Committee notes that the emergency supplemental appropriations act for fiscal year 2007 (Public Law 110-28) included $2,862,550,000 for Iraq diplomatic operations and reconstruction. In addition, Congress provided an extension of the authority to de-obligate and re-obligate prior year appropriations to the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF), which, as of May 1, 2007, had $3,119,000,000 in unexpended balances. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the President requested $2,893,408,000 in additional fiscal year 2008 emergency appropriations for diplomatic operations and reconstruction in Iraq. Therefore, the Committee has deferred providing appropriations for Iraq at this time.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
The Committee's fiscal year 2008 recommendation for the Department of State strongly supports ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic, embassy and border security, and to institutionalize management reforms. The Committee recommends a total of $9,977,192,000 for fiscal year 2008 for the Department of State. This amount is $36,604,000 below the request and $272,242,000 below the amount appropriated for fiscal year 2007. Of the total amount provided, $9,818,292,000 is derived from general-purpose discretionary funds and $158,900,000 is scored as mandatory spending.
The Committee recommendation includes a total of $6,982,357,000 for the discretionary appropriations accounts under Administration of Foreign Affairs; $2,656,400,000 for the accounts under International Organizations; $82,875,000 for International Commissions; and $96,750,000 for Other activities. The Committee's recommended priorities for the Department of State are detailed in the following paragraphs.
ADMINISTRATION OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $4,338,513,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 4,942,700,000
Committee recommendation 4,784,778,000
Change from request -157,922,000
Change from enacted level 446,265,000
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The Committee recommends $4,784,778,000 for the Diplomatic and Consular Programs account, including $964,760,000 to continue funding for worldwide security upgrades, and $363,905,000 for public diplomacy international information programs.
This appropriation provides for the formulation and execution of United States foreign policy, including the conduct of diplomatic and consular relations with foreign countries, diplomatic relations with international organizations, and related activities. This account includes funding for the regional, program, and operations bureaus and offices of the Department of State and the Foreign Service.
The recommendation is $157,922,000 below the request, and an increase of $446,265,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level, excluding emergency supplemental appropriations. Within this total, the recommendation of $964,760,000 for worldwide security upgrades, which is $282,811,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same amount as requested. Security funding increases are described under the `Worldwide Security Upgrades' section below.
Border security program
The recommendation includes $1,305,715,000 for the Department's Border Security program, of which $861,950,000 is funded through collection of Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fees, $130,200,000 is funded through the collection of the Western Hemisphere Travel Surcharge, $31,800,000 is funded through Fraud Prevention fees, and $281,765,000 is to be funded through the Enhanced Border Security Program Fees and Visa Fraud Fees. The total amount is an increase of $156,836,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level. This funding level includes a program increase of 122 new positions. The Committee understands these new positions are critically needed to handle the increased domestic passport workload as well as changes in the visa process, including more extensive interviewing of applicants and the implementation of biometric collection. The Committee directs the Department to continue its bimonthly reporting on MRV fee revenue as specified in the conference report accompanying the fiscal year 2003 Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 108-11), and begin reporting on Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative fee revenue as provided through the Passport Security Enhancement Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-167).
The Committee urges the Department to continue to work on an interagency basis to strengthen the visa process to make it an effective anti-terrorism tool, while avoiding the creation of unnecessary barriers or delays to legitimate travel to the United States.
The Committee requests the Department prepare and submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on visa issuing posts that take longer than 30 days to request a personal interview after a non-immigrant visa request was submitted. In addition, the report should include information from the last three years on: the number and type of visa applications submitted to the Department; the number of visas approved; the number of visa applications subject to a Security Advisory Opinion; the percentage of visa applications rejected by type of visa applied for; the number of consular officers processing visa applications; and any new programs and initiatives to improve both the security and efficiency of the visa process.
The Committee understands that the Department is examining the feasibility of conducting visa interviews by teleconference or similar electronic means. The Committee supports these efforts, including steps to conduct pilot demonstration projects.
Russian, Eurasian and East European Research and Training
The Committee recommendation includes $5,000,000 for the Russian, Eurasian, and East European Research and Training Program (Title VIII). The programs are to be administered by the Bureau for International Intelligence and Research. The Committee encourages the use of Title VIII funds to include comparative research and language training concerning Eurasian countries critical to the war against terrorism.
Fees and transfers
The Committee has included language in the bill, similar to language in prior years, which: (1) permits not to exceed $10,000,000 to be transferred to the Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service account for emergency evacuations and terrorism rewards; (2) provides $1,558,390 in fees collected from other Executive Branch agencies and $490,000 from reserves for lease or use of facilities at the International Center Complex, as authorized by law; (3) provides not to exceed $15,000 from reimbursements, surcharges, and fees for use of Blair House facilities in accordance with the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956; (4) requires notification of Congress before processing licenses for the export of satellites to China; and (5) makes not to exceed $6,000,000 in fee collections available until expended for various activities.
Interagency task force
The recommendation continues base funding for costs associated with the operation of a United States Government interagency task force to monitor the United Nations headquarters renovation project.
International cooperative administrative support services system (ICASS)
The ICASS system was intended to empower all United States Government agencies located at an overseas post to more efficiently and economically provide administrative support services. The Committee expects that all overseas posts adopt the ICASS system.
Intelligence and research
The Committee recommendation includes the full request of $58,175,000 for the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, which is $6,300,000 and 8 positions above the fiscal year 2007 level. The increase is provided to augment the Bureau's analytic staff in key areas such as terrorism, China, and Iran, and will strengthen the Bureau's Humanitarian Information Unit, enhancing its ability to produce intelligence on critical humanitarian issues, such as food security, health, and migration issues. Funds also will be used to complete the initiative begun in fiscal year 2007 to provide electronic connectivity at the desktop in order to ensure the timely and efficient electronic dissemination of intelligence within the Department.
Iraq base operations
The Committee recommendation does not include the $65,000,000 requested for Iraq base operations. It is the Committee's intent to consider these costs at the same time it considers the $1,881,608,000 requested as fiscal year 2008 emergency appropriations for Iraq operations.
Minority recruitment and hiring
The Committee remains strongly supportive of the educational partnership with Hostos Community College and Columbia University and urges the Department to continue its support in fiscal year 2008. Similarly, the Committee urges the Department to continue support for the partnership with Howard University to recruit and prepare students from various institutions with large minority populations for positions in the United States Foreign Service. These programs assist the Department's ongoing efforts to increase minority hiring and diversity by facilitating the preparation of non-traditional and minority students for careers in the Foreign Service and the Department of State.
Overseas schools
The Committee commends the consolidated Overseas Schools Assistance Program for its significant accomplishments in enhancing educational opportunities for children of American families living overseas and furthering mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. This program fulfills a dual purpose of providing a quality American-style education for children of United States citizens assigned overseas and demonstrating the best practices in American education to children and educators of other countries. The Committee also commends the Overseas Schools Advisory Council and its annual Program of Educational Assistance in generating United States corporate and foundation financial support and fostering volunteer activities for American-sponsored overseas schools.
Passport Backlogs
~The Committee understands that the Department has taken several steps to address the dramatic rise in demand for passports, including the hiring of over 250 additional passport adjudicators in the past two years, expanding the hours of operation at all passport agencies, instituting mandatory overtime, and suspending all non-critical training and travel for passport staff. Unfortunately, these steps have proven insufficient to meet the increased demand for passports that resulted from implementation in January of this year of phase I of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The Committee is deeply troubled by this persistent and growing backlog of passport applications. The recent announcement to address the immediate crisis by allowing alternate identification and paperwork for citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have yet to receive their passports likely will help. However, the announcement will not help those traveling to other regions of the world.
The lack of adequate preparedness to meet the projected passport demands associated with implementation of WHTI is of great concern. The Committee notes that Border Security fee revenue in fiscal years 2007 and 2008 is projected to rise by $161,000,000 and $157,000,000 respectively, or over 13 percent each year. The Committee expects the Department of State to devote a much larger percentage of fee revenue in the next fiscal year to passport operations to ensure that adequate human and physical resources are available to process applications in a timely fashion. The Committee encourages the Department to consider, if appropriate, increasing the number of expedited slots available to registered, hand-carried agents as a means of accelerating approvals and reducing agency workload. Finally, the Committee requests that the Department submit quarterly reports to the Committees on Appropriations on the number of passport applications received (by category of application), the number of applications that are pending approval (by category), and the average processing time per category of application received. The reports should also include data on the implementation of the passport processing operational plan during the period, including the number of passport adjudicators and contract staff on board, the number of new adjudicators and contract staff hired and trained, and any significant infrastructure improvements.~
Public diplomacy programs
The Committee remains concerned by negative perceptions about the United States among foreign publics. A Pew survey conducted in 1999 and 2000 found that more than 50 percent, and as high as 83 percent, of foreign populations around the world held favorable views of the United States. By January 2006, the favorability numbers had declined dramatically. A BBC World Service poll found that the United States was rated positively by respondents in only 39 percent of the 33 nations surveyed. Some of this decline was due to a lack of priority for public diplomacy activities that followed the end of the Cold War. But, much of the current disfavor the nation is experiencing is the result of unpopular policies of the United States. Still, the Committee believes that a robust public diplomacy program is an essential component for improving how America is perceived abroad and ultimately to strengthening our national security.
To that end, the Committee again has prioritized public diplomacy programs within the Diplomatic and Consular Programs account and has included bill language designating amounts specifically for public diplomacy efforts. For fiscal year 2008, the recommendation provides $363,905,000 for Public Diplomacy programs under this account, an increase of $34,171,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level. Within the amounts provided, $272,609,000 is for the regional bureaus, $50,131,000 is for the Bureau of International Information Programs, $34,527,000 is for the functional bureaus/other support costs and payments, and $5,000,000 is for an inter-agency public diplomacy centers.
Annual base funding for United States Government public diplomacy programs has increased by more than $500,000,000, or 48 percent, since 2001. The Committee expects the Department to continue to lead the effort to expand these programs and adapt them to address the specific foreign policy challenges facing the Nation. To build on the progress to date, and to solidify the role of the Department in leading the national public diplomacy effort, the recommendation includes $5,000,000 for the Secretary to establish and begin to operate a public/private interagency public diplomacy center which shall serve as a knowledge bank, and a program integration and coordination hub for United States public diplomacy programs. This center will improve interagency coordination, and better draw upon private sector knowledge and expertise to inform program strategies, to improve program results, and to apply existing resources in ways that are smarter, more innovative and more effective. The Committee notes the success of other interagency centers such as the National Counterterrorism Center, and expects the Department to promote the participation of all agencies whose mission areas include an international aspect. The recommended funding will support initial staffing and operational costs of establishing the center. The Committee expects the Department to submit a spending plan for this funding no later than sixty days after the enactment of this Act.
The budget request focus expands public diplomacy efforts primarily in the Arab and Muslim world. The Committee agrees with that view in large measure, but cautions the Department not to allow the focus on high priority areas to diminish ongoing public diplomacy efforts outside of these areas in order to maintain an effective worldwide public diplomacy program.
The Committee continues to believe that separately identifying public diplomacy resources will facilitate the Committee's ability to monitor funding levels and trends for these activities. The amount identified for public diplomacy programs includes the costs of personnel and programs throughout the Department. The Committee expects the Department to identify any impediments to optimal performance of public diplomacy programs and propose any necessary changes, including organizational changes, through the reprogramming process. The recommendation for public diplomacy will support the continuation of programs in the Arab and Muslim world, which have been expanded since fiscal year 2002. The Committee directs the Department to provide quarterly reports to the Committee, beginning three months after the enactment of this Act, on the steps taken to increase efforts to counter anti-American sentiments around the world.
The Committee supports the Department's initiative to encourage members of the Department of State to speak on the record; integrate public diplomacy into policy; strengthen the public diplomacy specialty; recognize public diplomacy skills as criteria for promotion for all Foreign Service; and implement a rigorous evaluation process of all public diplomacy programs.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to submit to the Committees on Appropriations on an annual basis a report on any anti-American incitement sentiment promulgated by government agencies and officials, government-media so~urces, government-funded universities, government-sponsored religious institutions, or an~y other governmental organs of countries receiving assistance from the United States.
Further, the Committee commends the steps taken to increase efforts to counter disinformation and deliberate misinformation by monitoring hostile media and providing United States spokespersons and foreign media with factual information to respond to and to counter, malicious propaganda about the United States. The Department has greatly expanded United States media presence in Arab and regional media, and the number of media interviews by the Department in Arabic has increased more than four times over the number prior to 2005. The Committee strongly urges the Department to continue to improve United States efforts to communicate with the Arab and Muslim world in local languages.
The Committee continues to support international broadcasting in general and efforts to expand the audience of listeners and viewers in the Arab and Muslim world in particular. Since September 11, 2001, the Committee has made significant investments to expand international broadcasting efforts, primarily in the Arab and
Muslim world. However, the Committee is concerned about allegations of the lack of oversight and transparency of Middle East Broadcasting Networks, which led to the December 2006 broadcast of live interviews with terrorist leaders and al Qaeda affiliates. The Committee expects the Secretary, as a member of the Board of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, to ensure that United States broadcasting programs provide a balanced and comprehensive presentation of United States policy.
Right-sizing the United States Government presence overseas
The Committee continues to define right-sizing as the reconfiguration of overseas United States Government staff to the number necessary to achieve United States foreign policy goals. The Committee is convinced, and agrees with the recommendation of the Overseas Presence Advisory Panel, that rationalizing staffing and operations abroad has the potential for significant budgetary savings. It costs two to three times as much to maintain an employee outside of the United States as it does within the United States. The notion of right-sizing as a desirable means to improve security and gain efficiencies implies that the current number of overseas staff in some locations is greater than the minimum number necessary, and that the presence of a number greater than the minimum number presents an unnecessary and unacceptable financial and security burden.
The Committee is very concerned about the escalation in staffing and additional housing requirements resulting from much higher than projected staff requirements for the United States mission in Iraq. Presently, the Department reports that the 619 apartments included in the New Embassy Compound are over 260 beds short of the requirements for American staff assigned to critical programs in Iraq. In addition, the Department reports a need for housing to accommodate over 500 third country nationals and other operational and maintenance staff. This is well above the estimates originally provided to the Committee. The Committee understands that providing a safe and secure work and housing environment to all embassy staff is essential. The Committee strongly urges the Department to use the most stringent criteria for determining staffing levels for the United States mission in Iraq.
As part of the overall right-sizing function, the Committee encourages the Department to review the ICASS system and fully explore how ICASS can contribute to right-sizing efforts. The Committee has outlined its concern regarding the right-sizing of the United States Government presence overseas in report language since fiscal year 2001 and has included bill language designating funding for the Office of Right-Sizing the United States Government Overseas Presence since fiscal year 2004. The Committee remains frustrated by the lack of progress in meeting the intended results. Recognizing the difficulties inherent in changing world situations and conditions in specific host countries requiring movement of mission objectives, nevertheless, the Department has instances of overly optimistic staffing projections that have not been realized. These projections have led to new facilities with vacancies at the same time the Department is seeking ambitious growth in nearby posts. With increased security concerns and decreasing budgets, the Committee is steadfast in its belief that a more rigorous approach is necessary.
Science fellowship programs
The Committee commends the Secretary for sustaining a variety of science fellowship programs in the Department, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science science-diplomacy fellows, the professional society fellows, and the recently established Jefferson Fellows Program. The Committee urges continued support for these valuable programs.
The Committee also applauds the Office of Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary of State for continuing to promote the essential role of science and technology in diplomacy, and encourages the Department to continue to increase science and technology capacity and literacy within the Department and the role of science and technology in our nation's foreign policy. The Committee requests that the Secretary be prepared to report during the hearings on the fiscal year 2009 request on the progress made during fiscal year 2008 to increase science and technology capacity and literacy within the Department.
Special envoy
The Committee encourages the Secretary of State to establish, at an appropriate time, a location for which a Special Envoy for Middle East peace may operate on an ongoing basis.
Staffing
The Committee believes that diplomatic and development programs are our first line of defense. The cornerstone of a robust diplomatic program is a trained and ready workforce. To this end, the Committee has provided increases under the diplomatic and consular programs account to fund and train a total of 2,886 new positions above attrition for the Department of State from fiscal years 2001 to 2007, an increase of 19 percent.
The fiscal year 2008 budget proposes to add another 254 positions as part of a multi-year initiative to reposition and augment its diplomatic posture to transition states and other countries key to supporting the United States Government presence overseas, to improve language proficiency and enhance the professional skills, and increase the size of the Active Response Corps within the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization. While supportive of improving the diplomatic readiness of the Department, the fiscal constraints facing the Committee have limited the ability to fully support all the new positions requested.
The Committee reiterates its strong recommendation that the Department strengthen and utilize all of its diplomatic tools to ensure a peaceful resolution to the growing regional instability, outstanding conflicts and humanitarian crises of Central and East Africa. The Committee believes that more diplomatic resources should be directed towards resolving the region's conflicts and crises, particularly in Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and Eritrea/Ethiopia. This would include: assigning, as a part of Global Repositioning, more diplomats to the entire Central and East Africa region so as to increase staffing in African embassies and to appoint field staff to support current and future Presidential Special Envoys; increasing its public diplomacy and foreign assistance programs; and providing added attention by the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization, who~ has the responsibility of both helping failed states and intervening before nations fall into crisis.
Stabilization and reconstruction
The Committee recognizes the importance of improving the United States Government civilian capacity to conduct effective reconstruction and stabilization. The Committee understands that the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization will be the central entity to plan and coordinate United States Government civilian activities in pre- and post-conflict environments, and to coordinate the United States Government reaction to complex contingencies. Further, the Committee understands that this office would improve operational response time in the areas of reconstruction, stabilization, and humanitarian assistance.
Education of all participants in a stabilization and reconstruction environment is vital for effective operations. The Committee urges the Department and USAID to expand opportunities for Department and USAID employees to enhance their training in such environments, including opportunities to attend short course training at the Center for Stabilization and Reconstruction Studies at the Naval Postgraduate School.
Tibet
The Committee recognizes the important role played by the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues in implementing this Act. The Committee recommendation continues at not less than the current service level for salaries and expenses for an office to support the Coordinator in carrying out the broad responsibilities detailed in section 621(d) of Public Law 107-228, as well as for convening coordinating meetings for appropriate United States Government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and representatives of the Tibetan leadership.
Trafficking in persons
The Committee continues to be concerned about the serious problem of international trafficking in persons. The Committee is troubled by the long delays in the process of considering and awarding grants to combat trafficking in persons. The Committee believes that the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Office at the Department of State should control the monies appropriated for TIP programs and not be subject to the decentralized influence of field posts and to the sequential process of grant approvals by the TIP Office and the subsequent apportionment of funds by the Office of Management and Budget. The Committee believes that the current collection, review and apportionment process is hampering the TIP Office's ability to respond quickly to anti-trafficking program requirements.
The Committee further believes that the Secretary should add six full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to the TIP office so that it can effectively monitor its anti-trafficking grants and can effectively fulfill the vital, Congressionally-assigned responsibility given to the Senior Policy Operating Group, which it chairs, of monitoring and coordinating the domestic and international anti-trafficking grants and policies of all U.S. agencies. The recommendation includes not less than $4,215,000 for the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. It is the Committee's firm belief that the practice of modern-day slavery must receive the full attention of the United States Government, and that the TIP Office is uniquely positioned to offer the hope of freedom to trafficking victims.
The Committee is concerned about the lack of transparency in the awarding of grants to combat human trafficking at the Department of State and USAID, as well as the lack of reporting data by the grantees. The Committee directs the Department of State, in coordination with USAID, to prepare and submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on grants to combat human trafficking including the following: the grant, contract, and cooperative agreement review process; the selection criteria, purpose, number of applicants received and approved; and a summary of problems or investigations of the performance of any of the grants, contracts and cooperative agreements. This report shall be submitted to the appropriate committees within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
Victims of terrorism compensation
The Committee shares the conce~rn vo~iced by families ~victims of terrorism of the ~need for the United States Government to provide timely compensation. As a first step in addressing this concern, the Committee recommendation includes $4,000,000, to be available until expended, for compensation to the families of members of the Foreign Service or other United States Government employees, or their dependents, who were killed in terrorist attacks since 1979. The Committee believes, however, that providing an appropriation for compensation in the absence of an authorization is not an advisable course. The eligibility, structure~~ and amounts of a compensation program need to be carefully considered prior to the provision of funds. Therefore, the Committee has conditioned the obligation of these funds upon the enactment of subsequent authorizing legislation. The Committee directs the Department of State to develop a comprehensive legislative proposal and forward it to the committees of jurisdiction to provide just and equitable compensation for victims of international terrorism and their surviving family members, including United States foreign service, military, foreign service nationals, and civil servants. The Committee expects this proposal to be presented to the Congress within 60 days of enactment of this Act.~
Visa and passport security program
The Committee remains highly interested in the Department's ongoing work to both detect terrorist travel and disrupt efforts to use fraudulent travel documents through strengthening the capabilities of the Diplomatic Security enforcement programs and enhancing their work with foreign partners through the Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program. The Committee understands that overseas program results since fiscal year 2004 have yielded 1,050 arrests for document fraud and related offenses and in excess of 3,500 visa refusals and revocations. The Committee is supportive of plans to add 17 new positions to enhance enforcement work overseas. The Committee also urges the Department to more aggressively implement the Visa and Passport Strategic Plan completed in December of 2006 during fiscal year 2008 and expects that the fiscal year 2009 request will more fully address the Plan's implementation requirements, both for personnel and resources.
Worldwide security upgrades
The Committee recommendation includes $964,760,000 for worldwide security upgrades within the Diplomatic and Consular Programs account, which is $282,811,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. Within the amount provided: $886,716,000 is for ongoing security activities, including guard services, physical security equipment, armored vehicles, chemical/biological program, personnel, training, and wireless communications; $53,400,000 is for the protection of life and facilities, including creating secure environments for American Presence Posts, establishing an armored vehicle lifecycle replacement program for vehicles acquired with supplemental funding in fiscal years 2001 and 2002, and increasing regional security officer support; $23,500,000 is for enhancing the protection of Americans under Chief of Mission authority outside the mission; and $1,144,000 is to support the Foreign Service Modernization initiative.
The Worldwide Security Upgrade (WSU) program provides the core funding for the protection of life, property, and information of the Department of State. WSU funding supports a worldwide guard force protecting overseas diplomatic missions and residences and domestic facilities. Security staffing of more than 1,300 personnel are deployed worldwide to protect United States Government staff and facilities. In addition, the WSU program appropriation supports the protection of national security information and the integrity of the Department of State's network of information systems.
The Committee recommendation includes the increase requested for physical security/protective equipment. These funds are used to provide local guard vehicles and equipment, bulletproof vests, training equipment, and Chem-Bio protection. The Committee is aware of proposals to develop and validate a pilot Chem-Bio agent detection and decontamination system for facilities and embassies and encourages the Department to consider supporting these types of pilot projects.
Maintaining secure and efficient access to United States embassies requires continued vigilance. The development of new technology can play an important part in advancing both secure and timely access to diplomatic facilities worldwide. The Committee understands that an iris recognition-based identity system designed to provide a secure means of matching parents and their children has been successfully demonstrated in a public school system setting. The Committee encourages the Department to consider support for a demonstration project to create and test a similar iris recognition system to identify, track, and log visitors at select United States missions.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $58,143,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 70,743,000
Committee recommendation 59,062,000
Change from request -11,681,000
Change from enacted level 919,000
-------------------------------------------
The Committee recommends $59,062,000 for the Capital Investment Fund, which is $919,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $11,681,000 below the request.
In addition, the budget request estimates that $243,002,000 in expedited passport fees will be used to support the information technology modernization effort, for a total fiscal year 2008 spending availability of $303,745,000.
The entire amount available under this heading, including fees, will support investments in new information technologies and infrastructure to improve the efficiency of Department of State operations.
Since 2001, the Committee has invested more than $1,976,702,000 in the Department of State's global information technology infrastructure to enable rapid and reliable communication between Washington and the more than 300 locations worldwide, while maintaining the highest possible standards of security of government information. The Committee expects the Department of State to maintain and protect this investment.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $29,914,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 32,508,000
Committee recommendation 32,508,000
Change from request 0
Change from enacted level 2,594,000
-------------------------------------------
The Committee recommends $32,508,000 for the Office of Inspector General (OIG), which is the same as the request, and $2,594,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level excluding emergency supplemental appropriations. The Inspector General conducts oversight of the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors. The Committee continues to highlight the requirement for OIG oversight of the Department of State's efforts to implement worldwide security upgrades.
The Committee recommendation includes language, as in previous years, waiving the statutory requirement that every post be inspected every five years, in order to provide greater flexibility to the Inspector General to use resources in the most critical areas.
Middle East Broadcasting Networks, including Alhurra
The Committee is concerned about recent reports regarding several Alhurra broadcasts during the period of November 2006 to March 2007. These reports involve allegations that Alhurra provided a platform for terrorists and those who support terrorists to broadcast in violation of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks' policy and journalistic code of conduct. The Committee requests that the Inspector General immediately review and report not later than 120 days after enactment of this Act to the Committees on Appropriations on: the editorial policy in place in 2006 and 2007 regarding broadcasts involving terrorists or those who support them; whether any changes were made to that policy or to Alhurra's journalistic code during the period; who was responsible for enforcing the policy; what action, if any, was taken against those who violated the policy; what management changes have been made to ensure the policy and journalistic code is monitored and enforced; and whether there are clear lines of authority at Alhurra to provide for accountability of journalistic decisions. The Committee requests the Inspector General to report on the findings within 120 days of enactment of this Act.
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
[INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS]
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $445,671,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 486,400,000
Committee recommendation 501,400,000
Change from request 15,000,000
Change from enacted level 55,729,000
--------------------------------------------
The bill includes a total of $501,400,000 for the Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs of the Department of State. This amount is $55,729,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level excluding emergency supplemental appropriations, and $15,000,000 above the request.
Funding provided under this heading supports international educational, professional, and cultural exchange programs, including the Fulbright student and scholar exchanges and the International Visitors Program, as well as related staff and administrative costs. These exchanges are a key critical investment in our nation's public diplomacy effort. They involve one-on-one contact between American citizens and foreign nationals and help foster understanding and appreciation of other peoples and cultures.
The following table displays the distribution of funds provided in the Committee recommendation:
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
(BUDGET AUTHORITY IN THOUSANDS)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity FY2007 enacted FY2008 request Committee recommendation
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Academic Exchanges
Fulbright Program $198,757 $222,645 $218,757
Global Academic Exchanges 21,490 24,503 25,272
Special Academic Exchanges 32,510 33,934 35,934
Subtotal, Academic Exchanges 252,757 281,082 279,963
Professional and Cultural Exchanges
International Visitor Program 71,275 74,255 82,255
Citizen Exchange Program 63,250 70,950 70,950
Special Professional and Cultural Programs 7,418 7,683 15,802
Subtotal, Professional and Cultural Exchanges 141,943 152,888 169,007
Program Evaluation and Performance 2,475 3,170 3,170
Program Support 48,496 49,260 49,260
Total, Educational and Cultural Exchanges 445,671 486,400 501,400
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The Committee recommendation includes sufficient funds to support at not less than the amount requested: the Congress-Bundestag youth exchange program; the George Mitchell Fellowship program; the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program; South Pacific Exchanges, the Timor Leste Scholarship program; and the Ngwang Choephel Fellows program.
The Committee urges the Secretary to continue funding of the disability exchange clearinghouse; the University of Miami Hemispheric program; the Future Leaders Exchange programs; the American-Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange; the Junior Faculty Development program; the Youth Exchange and Study--Afghanistan program; the Language, Technology, Math and Science Exchange; the Educational Advising Centers; and the Edmund Muskie Graduate Fellowship program.
The Committee recommendation includes a transfer of $6,000,000, from within funds provided under this heading, to a Trust Fund established by section 313 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2001. This fund supports professional exchanges with emerging political leaders from Russia, the independent states of the former Soviet Union and other eligible countries.
Tibetan Programs
The Tibetan Fulbright Scholarship Program has provided support to almost 300 Tibetan students and professionals seeking higher education and professional training at United States universities. The Committee strongly supports these exchanges with Tibet and recommends $750,000 for the Tibetan Scholarship Program in fiscal year 2008. In addition, the Committee recommendation includes not less than $600,000 for the Ngwang Choephel Fellows program, the same as the request and the fiscal year 2007 level.
Engagement of Arab and Muslim Peoples
The Committee recommendation continues support for programs to engage Arab and Muslim audiences through educational and cultural exchanges and concurs with the high programmatic priority placed on these programs within this account. The Committee is particularly interested in efforts to target promising individuals not naturally drawn to Western sources of information, who live outside the capital cities and do not attend elite institutions. The micro-scholarship program is one such way to reach this audience by providing English language training to non-elite audiences, with the hope that learning English will open a window to the English-speaking world, helping to dispel misinformation and misunderstandings that can breed resentment of the United States and its citizens. The Committee expects the Department of State to allocate adequate funding to continue and expand Fulbright Exchanges, English Language Programs, and International Visitor programs, (including cultural exchanges) for these critical audiences.
United States Olympic Committee
The Committee is aware that the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is working with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) on multiple issues ranging from expanded exchanges to working with the newly formed Chicago Olympic bid committee. The Committee urges the Bureau to continue its work with USOC and, when possible, to assist the USOC in promoting its summer or winter Olympic bid to the International Olympic Committee as the eventual selection site of the Olympics.~
National Security Language Initiative
The Committee supports the National Security Language Initiative, including the proposed expansion in fiscal year 2008 of programs to increase the number of American students and teachers learning and mastering critical-need languages. These languages include Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Farsi and the Indic and Turkic languages. The Committee understands that this Initiative involves the expansion of programs supported by the Department of State, the Department of Education and the Department of Defense. Department of State programs supported through the Initiative include: the Intensive Language Summer Institutes; the Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants; the Teacher Exchange; the Fulbright Critical Language Scholarships; the Gilman Critical Language Scholarships, and the Citizen Exchange programs. The Committee recommendation includes sufficient funds to increase these critical language exchanges in fiscal year 2008.
Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation
The Committee understands that legislation to authorize several of the recommendations of the Congressionally-chartered Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program passed the House of Representatives (Public Law 108-199). The Committee looks forward to reviewing any new authorities enacted into law as a result of this legislation, including authorities authorizing appropriations for the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation.
Public information
Thousands of young Americans, including high school students, travel abroad to study. The families of these students often have difficulty determining the merits of private exchange programs. The Committee expects the Department of State to increase awareness of the resources available to assist families in the selection of exchange programs.
Fee limitation
The Committee recommendation includes a limitation of not to exceed $5,000,000 on the use of fees or other payments received from or in connection with English teaching, educational advising and counseling, and exchange visitor programs as authorized by law.
Spending plan
The Committee expects that a proposal for the programmatic and geographic distribution of available resources (including unobligated balances and recoveries) will be submitted through the normal reprogramming process within 60 days from the date of enactment of this Act. The Committee expects that the overall funding distribution will conform to the programmatic guidance above.
Special projects
In addition to funding provided to support academic and cultural exchanges requested in the budget or those funded annually by the Committee, the Committee recommendation includes $4,000,000 to support one-time special educational and cultural exchange projects that address an area, or areas, of mutual interest between the United States and the country of exchange. Exchange proposals should be for funding to support the actual exchange of people, and not for operational support of the organization or institution. Funding to support the development and expansion of critical language programs at colleges, universities, and institutes are supported through the United States Department of Education. The Department should review and award on a competitive basis up to $500,000 for each award that meets appropriate guidelines and qualifications established by the Department of State and that are consistent with the underlying statutory authority. The Department of State should prepare and issue the solicitation for proposals within 60 days of enactment of this Act.
Exchanges with the Caribbean
The Committee recommends that the Department develop expanded cultural, educational, and professional exchanges between the United States and the Caribbean. The Committee recognizes that such people-to-people exchanges with the region are an important tool for developing understanding between communities and enhancing regional security.~
REPRESENTATION ALLOWANCES
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $8,175,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 8,175,000
Committee recommendation 8,175,000
Change from request 0
Change from enacted level 0
------------------------------------------
The Committee recommends $8,175,000 for representation allowances authorized by section 905 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. These funds are used to reimburse Foreign Service Officers for expenditures incurred in their official capacities abroad in establishing and maintaining relations with officials of foreign governments and appropriate members of local communities. The Department shall submit a quarterly report to the Committees on Appropriations containing detailed information on the allotment and expenditure of this appropriation.
PROTECTION OF FOREIGN MISSIONS AND OFFICIALS
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $9,270,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 18,000,000
Committee recommendation 28,000,000
Change from request 10,000,000
Change from enacted level 18,730,000
------------------------------------------
The Committee recommends a total of $28,000,000 for the Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials account, which is $18,730,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $10,000,000 above the request.
This account reimburses local governments and communities for the extraordinary costs incurred in providing protection for international organizations, foreign missions and officials, and foreign dignitaries under certain circumstances. To be eligible for reimbursement under the regular program, the costs must be incurred in a city with 20 or more consular or diplomatic missions staffed by accredited personnel and all costs must be certified as eligible by the Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security. In addition, funds may be used for reimbursement for an extraordinary event in a jurisdiction that does not meet the regular program eligibility requirements, once funds are made available for that purpose. The Committee expects the Department to treat all submissions diligently and provide reimbursement to local jurisdictions on a timely basis if claims are fully justified.
The increase above the request is to provide reimbursement to jurisdictions with certifiable costs associated with the Organization of American States' (OAS) 35th General Assembly in June 2005. Funds also are available to reimburse eligible costs of providing security protection to diplomatic delegations to the United Nations and other international organizations that were incurred during 2002-2007 and where annual appropriations under this account were not sufficient to fully reimburse all certified expenses.
EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $1,490,852,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 1,599,434,000
Committee recommendation 1,536,798,000
Change from request -62,636,000
Change from enacted level 45,946,000
----------------------------------------------
The Committee recommends a total appropriation of $1,536,798,000 for Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance, which is $45,946,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $62,636,000 below the request. The recommendation designates $806,900,000 as available only for priority worldwide security upgrades, acquisition, and construction, the full amount requested for such activities. The recommendation includes $729,898,000 for non-security related costs, which is $137,621,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $62,636,000 below the request.
This account provides funds to manage United States Government real property overseas and maintain Government-owned and long-term leased properties at approximately 260 posts, and to lease office and functional facilities and residential units, not only for the Department of State, but also for all United States employees overseas.
Worldwide security upgrades
The Committee recommendation includes $806,900,000 for security projects, which is the same as the request and $91,675,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level, to continue the capital security program of constructing new secure replacement facilities for the Department's most vulnerable embassies and consulates and providing additional security measures and upgrades. The Committee expects that projects undertaken under this program will address the security of the highest priority facilities. In previous fiscal years, the Department has proposed to reprogram funds under this activity for projects that do not address top priority security vulnerabilities and for projects that will not result, when complete, in a facility that meets existing security standards. The Committee expects that worldwide security funds will be used only for projects that meet these specifications.
By the end of fiscal year 2007, the Department projects that 41 new facilities will be completed and 36 additional buildings will be under design or construction. These 77 new facilities represent nearly 40 percent of the 195 identified for replacement due to security concerns following the Nairobi/Dar es Salaam bombings in 1998. The Committee recommendation will support the construction of an estimated eleven new embassy compounds in fiscal year 2008, and the acquisition of a number of secure sites for future embassy compound construction.
The Committee recommendation also includes $99,722,000, which is the same as the request, to continue the compound security upgrade program. The Committee understands that this program includes the installation of forced entry/ballistic resistant roof hatches, vault doors and power-assisted vehicle barriers, and other similar measures. The Committee expects that this funding will also provide physical security improvements to residential compounds and other locations where American citizens gather. Priority should be given to residential and compound security. The Committee continues its expectation for proactive action to anticipate new emerging security threats.
The Committee expects that a proposed spending plan for the entire amount of available resources for worldwide security upgrades will be submitted through the normal reprogramming process within 60 days of enactment of this Act. The Department of State shall notify the Committees on Appropriations immediately if there are any facilities that the Department believes face serious security risks.
The Committee recommendation includes a provision (sec. 103) carried in prior years requiring all agencies and departments to fully meet their capital cost sharing obligations under subsection (e) of section 604 of the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999 in order to be allocated office space or other accommodations in newly constructed or renovated diplomatic facilities.
Capital security cost sharing program
The Committee continues to support the Capital Security Cost Sharing Program. Under this program, all agencies that have staff overseas under Chief of Mission authority pay a fair share of urgent, security-driven capital projects undertaken to replace embassies and consulates at the most vulnerable posts. The goals of this program are twofold. First, the program accelerates the replacement of unsafe, unsecured and outdated diplomatic facilities that are used overseas by United States Government agencies. This is planned as a 14-year, $17,500,000,000 program to replace 150 vulnerable embassy and consulate facilities with new compounds that fully comply with statutory security requirements. Second, the program will create incentives within all government departments and agencies to scrutinize and `right-size' their overseas presence to avoid unnecessary costs and security risks. Each agency with staff overseas under Chief of Mission authority has, built into their fiscal year 2008 budget request, an annual contribution towards construction of new secure diplomatic facilities based on the number of positions overseas and the type of space occupied. These contributions do not take the place of Department of State contributions, which are also growing, but create a larger, shared funding pool to accelerate replacement.
The recommendation assumes a total program level of $1,163,075,000 in fiscal year 2008 for Capital Security Construction, including $692,178,000 under this account, $109,239,000 from other reimbursements, and $361,658,000 from non-State agencies, based on positions worldwide. The Committee understands that the Capital Security Cost Sharing program will include agency involvement in setting priorities and in other aspects of the development of new embassy compounds. The Committee believes that the establishment of strong interagency coordination and cooperation will be critical to achievement of program goals and encourages the Department and the Administration to ensure that the management of this program is inclusive, cooperative and transparent.
Operations
The Committee recommendation provides $729,898,000 for operations and maintenance activities, which is $62,636,000 below the request, and $137,621,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level. The Committee notes that the requested amount included $99,456,000 in program increases. The Committee recommendation also includes $11,328,000 for headquarters operations. The Committee directs the Department of State to prioritize requested funding increases and to specifically identify amounts above current services in a comprehensive spending plan to be submitted no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act.
Assets management
The budget request notes that the Department expects to realize $57,000,000 in assets management funds over the fiscal year 2007 and 2008 period. The Committee expects that these funds will be used for opportunity purchases to replace uneconomical leases and for other priority capital acquisition purposes. In addition, as in previous years, the Committee expects that assets management funds will continue to be allocated in part to security construction needs. Any use of these or additional assets management funds in fiscal year 2008 is subject to reprogramming. In addition, with respect to the requirement that a reprogramming for any major new start be submitted, the Committees on Appropriations understands that requirement to mean that any rehabilitation or construction projects involving an ambassador's residence will be subject to the requirement. In addition to regular reporting provided to the Committee on acquisition and disposal of overseas property, the Department shall submit a report to the Committee by November 6, 2007, listing all properties disposed of, or in process for disposal, along with associated actual or anticipated proceeds of sale, at posts which have had funding approved for the construction of a new secure compound in, or after, fiscal year 1999.
The recommendation continues language carried in the bill in previous years that prohibits funds from being used for acquisition of furniture, furnishings and generators for other departments and agencies.
The Committee commends the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) for continuing its internal management innovations to increase performance and accountability, to streamline operations, and to control costs. Recognizing that the increased complexity of a growing program of construction, real estate, operations/maintenance, and planning activities requires greater technological and information systems integration, the Committee encourages OBO to pursue development of integrated building management systems. Such technology upgrades to integrate disparate legacy systems will protect the large and continuing investment of taxpayer resources in overseas properties and those who occupy them. The Committee has provided sufficient resources to support this effort.
The Committee expects that new embassy projects advanced by the Department of State will have been properly planned and right-sized, with regional considerations, projecting anticipated needs and requirements by the date submitted to Congress.
Right-sizing the United States Government overseas presence
The Committee directs the Office of Overseas Buildings Operation to continue to work closely with the Office on Right-Sizing the United States Government Overseas Presence to ensure that projected staffing levels for new embassy compounds are prepared in a disciplined and realistic manner and that these estimates become the basis for determining the size, configuration and budget of new embassy compound construction projects. In addition, the Committee notes several instances of requests made to the Committee for new embassies predicated upon vacating dysfunctional and insecure facilities currently occupied, or upon the need to move to new capital cities, where the Department has not abided by its original commitment to vacate or limit the residual presence in formerly occupied posts and properties. The justification for all facilities projects funded under this account must include a full explanation of regional efficiency and security planning, and related staffing assumptions. Such projects will not be approved for funding absent evidence of the application of a uniform right-sizing methodology.
Beijing embassy
The Committee anticipates the construction of the Beijing New Embassy Compound (NEC) to be completed on time and on budget with occupancy scheduled for the spring of 2008. With the 2008 Summer Olympics scheduled to be held in Beijing, China, the Committee expects the Department to maintain existing facilities in Beijing through this time period. At that time, the Committee shall receive an update on the plans concerning the currently occupied buildings to achieve the best value for the government. The Committee understands that long-term growth projections demonstrate that the embassy's staffing needs will require more space than the current and new compounds combined. Therefore, the Committee encourages the Department to examine the possibility of maintaining a presence in the current compound.
Energy conservation and sustainable design
The Committee commends the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) for its innovative work in the area of energy conservation and sustainable design, including being one of the finalists for the Platts Global Energy Awards competition. The Committee is aware of the work of the National Institute of Sustainable Energy in the area of `zero-energy' innovations and encourages OBO to consider partnering with the Institute to further develop energy concepts and products that are critical to the self-sustainability, security, and efficiency of diplomatic facilities worldwide.
EMERGENCIES IN THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE
[INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS]
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $4,940,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 19,000,000
Committee recommendation 14,000,000
Change from request -5,000,000
Change from enacted level 9,060,000
------------------------------------------
The Committee recommends $14,000,000 to enable the Secretary of State to meet unforeseen emergencies arising in the Diplomatic and Consular Service. This amount is $9,060,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $5,000,000 below the request. Funding provided in this account is available until expended.
The Committee has included a provision in the bill that permits up to $1,000,000 to be transferred from this account to the Repatriation Loans Program Account, as requested in the budget. This provision will ensure an adequate level of resources for loans to American citizens through the Repatriation Loans Program Account should that account require additional funds in fiscal year 2008 due to an unanticipated increase in the number of loans.
This appropriation provides resources for the Department of State to meet emergency requirements in the conduct of foreign affairs. The Committee recommendation provides funds for: (1) travel and subsistence expenses for relocation of American employees of the United States Government and their families from troubled areas to the United States and/or safe-haven posts; (2) allowances granted to Department of State employees and their dependents evacuated to the United States for the convenience of the Government; and (3) payment of rewards for information concerning terrorist activities.
REPATRIATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS]
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $1,302,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 1,285,000
Committee recommendation 1,285,000
Change from request 0
Change from enacted level -17,000
------------------------------------------
The Committee recommendation includes $678,000 for the subsidy cost of repatriation loans and $607,000 for administrative costs of the program as authorized by 22 U.S.C. 2671, which is a combined $17,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request.
This account provides emergency loans to assist destitute Americans abroad who have no other source of funds to return to the United States.
PAYMENT TO THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $15,826,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 16,351,000
Committee recommendation 16,351,000
Change from request 0
Change from enacted level 525,000
-------------------------------------------
The Committee recommendation includes $16,351,000 for the Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan, which is $525,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. The recommendation, combined with an estimated $18,000,000 derived from visa fee revenues, will continue the amount available in the current year. The Institute is authorized to collect Machine Readable Visa fees, as well as reimbursements from agencies and user fees from trade show exhibitors.
The Committee expects that the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) will cover anticipated operating expenses in fiscal year 2008 through a combination of appropriations and visa fee revenues. The Committee expects the Department to submit by November 1, 2007, an AIT spending plan for fiscal year 2008, indicating the total amount of estimated fee collections, the amount of such fee collections allocated for operating expenses, and the total amount planned for operating expenses from all funding sources.
The Taiwan Relations Act requires that programs concerning Taiwan be carried out by the American Institute in Taiwan and authorizes funds to be appropriated to the Secretary of State to carry out the provisions of the Act. The Institute administers programs in the areas of economic and commercial services, cultural affairs, travel services, and logistics. The Department of State contracts with the American Institute in Taiwan to carry out these activities.
PAYMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $125,000,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 122,500,000
Committee recommendation 158,900,000
Change from request 36.400,000
Change from enacted level 33,900,000
--------------------------------------------
The Committee recommends $158,900,000 for the Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund, which is $36,400,000 above the request and $33,900,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level. The Committee recommendation consolidates in one account funding for this mandatory program. The combined account provides the same amount requested for this program in fiscal year 2008. The amount provided in the Committee recommendation is required to amortize the unfunded liability in the system, as documented by the annual evaluation of Fund balances.
This appropriation, which is considered mandatory for budget scorekeeping purposes, is authorized by the Foreign Service Act of 1980, which provides for an appropriation to the Fund in 30 equal annual installments of the amount required for the unfunded liability created by new benefits, new groups of beneficiaries, or increased salaries on which benefits are computed. The Retirement Fund is maintained through contributions made by participants, matching government contributions, special government contributions (including this account), interest on investments, and voluntary contributions.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $1,151,318,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 1,354,400,000
Committee recommendation 1,354,400,000
Change from request 0
Change from enacted level 203,082,000
----------------------------------------------
The Committee recommendation includes $1,354,400,000 for Contributions to International Organizations, which is $203,082,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level, excluding emergency supplemental appropriations and the same as the request.
The Committee recommendation does not include $53,000,000 which was requested to pay United States assessments of the costs for UN Assistance Missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Administration requested these funds as part of fiscal year 2008 emergency funding; therefore the Committee recommendation for the United Nations Regular Budget is reduced by the same amount for a total of $442,778,000.
The amount provided in the bill is intended for payment of obligations incurred as a result of United States membership in international organizations as authorized by conventions, treaties, or specific Acts of Congress for fiscal year 2008, to include payment of assessments for the United Nations (UN). The Committee continues the practice of providing funding in the bill consistent with a policy of zero nominal growth for the United Nations budget.
The amount provides funding for the assessed costs of the 48 international organizations, which includes the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the related North Atlantic Assembly, the World Health Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the World Trade Organization, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the International War Crimes Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, the Organization of American States, and the Pan American Health Organization.
Estimates of the amount required to cover fiscal year 2008 assessments have varied based on the most recent foreign currency exchange rates for the dollar, which has fluctuated since the budget request was formulated. The Committee expects that these exchange rate fluctuations may result in losses. The Department may propose to offset these by reprogrammings from other accounts, or deferring some activities included in the request that do not require funding in fiscal year 2008.
Accumulation of United States arrears to international organizations
The Committee would like to acknowledge its support for the statement of the United States Ambassador to the UN, Zalmay Khalilzad, during his confirmation hearing in which he said that he believes the `United States should pay its dues in full and on time'.
The Committee notes that past funding shortfalls in the Contributions to International Organizations (CIO) account, including those accrued due to last year's continuing resolution, are forcing the Department of State into arrears. The fiscal year 2007 supplemental Appropriations Act, 2007 (Public Law 110-28) provided, on an emergency basis, $50,000,000 to pay arrears to organizations that are involved in global efforts to combat international terrorism and to prevent the spread of avian influenza, leaving $80,000,000 in arrears in the CIO account.
The Committee continues to support the comprehensive reassessment of United States membership in each of the 48 international organizations for which funding is requested under this account, and continues to insist that the Department take the necessary measures to operate within the amount of funds provided under this account. The Committee expects the Department to take immediate action to evaluate and prioritize United States participation in, and funding for, international organizations. In a climate of limited resources the Committee continues to insist that the Department prioritize among organizations according to policy goals, and refrain from entering into new commitments without a commensurate increase in resources.
Reform and budget discipline
The Committee continues to insist on reform and budget discipline as a priority for all of the international organizations, including the development of processes to evaluate, prioritize and terminate programs. The Committee believes that the onus is on each international organization and the Department of State representatives to those organizations to reduce overall budgets and eliminate duplicative activities, excessive administrative costs, and inefficient operations.
United Nations reform
The Committee notes with approval a number of significant institutional and management reforms that have been carried forward, approved or initiated by the new Secretary General to include: a new ethics office; a new financial disclosure policy; establishment of a new whistleblower protection policy, which allows UN employees to report instances of waste, fraud, and abuse; establishment of a new peace-building commission to bring all key donors and recipients together to facilitate transition from conflict to development; and the creation of a central emergency response fund which allows UN humanitarian aid to begin to flow within hours of a natural disaster.
The Committee continues to insist on improving accountability within UN organizations. Comprehensive reform of the UN is a very important issue for the Committee and must be a top priority for the Department in fiscal year 2008. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in a speech in 2007 at the Center for Strategic and International Studies stated that, `there is a need to change the working culture of the organization [UN] itself. We must build a staff that is truly mobile, multi-functional and accountable. We must hold all UN employees to the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.' The Committee strongly endorses this assertion and encourages the Department of State to advance a multifaceted effort to address a wide range of activities, such as management reform, personnel reform, and budget and program prioritization at the UN. The Committee encourages the Department to revive long-stalled talks on a review of the UN mandate in order to remove overlapping and duplicative mandates. The Committee continues to support efforts toward a more effective and efficient organization that works within budgetary constraints and further encourages the Department of State to pursue a reform agenda, which includes continued administrative and management reform, including improved internal oversight and accountability, identification of cost savings, and the allocation of resources to high priority programs and offices.
Office of Internal Oversight Services
The Committee continues to believe the UN must be a more transparent organization. One way of increasing transparency is to strengthen the role of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). The Committee directs the Department of State to work to ensure the OIOS has both the resources and the authority to provide appropriate oversight to all activities managed by UN personnel.
United Nations regular budget
The Committee continues to support the United States policy of zero nominal growth budgets for international organizations. Toward this end, the Committee expects the Department of State to insist on the evaluation and prioritization of ongoing UN programs and activities, so that in the event of unanticipated requirements, budget offsets may be taken from activities and programs that have already been determined to be lower-priority by the organization. The Committee continues its direction to find appropriate offsets to accommodate such increases within a zero nominal growth budget. The UN Regular Budget biennium 2008-2009 budget totals $4,173,895,900 of which the United States is assessed at 22 percent.
Language is included to require that any proposal that would result in the 2008-2009 UN biennial budget exceeding the budget level of $4,173,895,900 for 2008-2009 be communicated to the Committee in advance of the formal notification, consideration, and adoption of such a proposal in the General Assembly. The Committee expects the Secretary to notify the Committee in advance of any UN action to increase funding for any UN program without identifying an offsetting decrease elsewhere in the UN budget.
Overall, the Committee requires more detailed information prior to the United States agreeing to such increases without identifying offsetting decreases and management reforms. Further, the Department of State must actively pursue a streamlined budget that reflects the true priorities of the organization, without duplicative and ineffective programs.
Americans working in the United Nations
The Committee encourages the Department of State to continue efforts to increase the number of qualified Americans employed by the UN and other international organizations. The Committee recognizes that Americans provide many skills that can contribute to making the UN more efficient, effective and accountable. The Committee remains dismayed that the representation of Americans in UN posts, in relation to geographic distribution, has remained relatively flat since 2001.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
The Committee notes, with approval, the efforts of the Department and the United States delegation to establish a cap on the cost of the NATO Headquarters project, and insists on the completion of an agreement between the Department of Defense and the Department of State as to the allocation of costs of the United States contribution to the project. To date, the Committee has provided $41,000,000 for the NATO Headquarters project. The Committee continues its direction to the Department to control the costs of this facility and to ensure the facility meets the necessary security requirements. The Department of State shall keep the Committee apprised of progress on this matter.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The Committee notes, with approval, the IAEA's efforts to increase safeguards and efforts to provide essential assurance that nuclear materials used in peaceful nuclear programs are not diverted and misused for nuclear explosive purposes or by terrorists. The Committee recommendation includes full requested funding for the United States assessment for IAEA in fiscal year 2008.
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
The Committee continues to support the work done by PAHO. PAHO has taken the lead in health issues in the Western Hemisphere, including border health concerns, diabetes, emerging diseases, and other health issues that have an impact on citizens of the United States and all citizens of the Americas. The Committee recommendation includes full requested funding for the United States assessment for PAHO in fiscal year 2008.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The Committee continues to support WHO. The Committee applauds WHO for its leadership in managing pandemic influenza preparation. The Committee recommendation includes the full requested funding for the United States assessment for WHO in fiscal year 2008.
UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
The Committee understands that the Department and the Administration are making good progress in working with UNESCO on areas of joint priority, including education and literacy, teacher training particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, clean water, natural disaster preparedness, including tsunami warning systems, civic education particularly in the Broader Middle East and North African countries, and press freedom. The Committee supports providing the necessary resources to assure continued progress in carrying out worthwhile programs in these areas. The Committee is particularly interested in UNESCO's work related to the quality of basic education, in particular the evaluation of learning outcomes and the development of globally acceptable standards. The Committee assumes that within the funding provided, sufficient resources will be provided for the United States assessment for UNESCO.
Voting practices of United Nations
The Committee directs the Department of State to report to the Committees on Appropriations on the voting practices of United Nation member states for the current and past 3 years on matters regarding the reform of the United Nations, Israel, and Darfur, Sudan. The Committee expects this report no later than August 15, 2007.
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $1,135,275,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 1,107,000,000
Committee recommendation 1,302,000,000
Change from request 195,000,000
Change from enacted level 166,725,000
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The Committee recommendation includes $1,302,000,000 for Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities (CIPA), which is $166,725,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level, excluding emergency supplemental appropriations and $195,000,000 above the request.
The Committee acknowledges that the number of peacekeeping operations throughout the world continues to grow, increasing the need for the international community to respond. Currently, the United States provides military observers and UN police for eight peacekeeping missions: Liberia (UNMIL), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), Sudan (UNMIS), Ethiopia/Eritrea (UNMEE), Haiti (MINUSTAH), Timor-Leste (UNMIT), the Middle East (UNTSO), and Kosovo (UNMIK). UN peacekeeping operations are expanding to include more missions in more locations, and a significant increase in personnel necessary to facilitate such operations.
The Committee understands that there are currently 15 UN peacekeeping operations with a total of approximately 100,000 peacekeeping personnel, including military observers and troops, UN police, and civilian personnel. The Committee notes that the United States is the largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget--providing roughly a quarter of the total cost to operate all peacekeeping missions. In addition, the United States provides military training and logistical support for some peacekeeping operations. The Committee encourages the Department of State to work closely with other UN Member States to ensure peacekeeping mission mandates are clear, credible, limited to what is achievable, and that peacekeeping personnel are properly prepared, able to defend themselves, and able to fulfill their mandate. The Committee continues to support efforts to improve the performance and efficiency of UN peacekeeping missions through structural and procedural reforms. The Committee also supports efforts to better limit and focus the goals of such missions, and to set specific benchmarks for performance and mission termination.
The Committee notes that the United States is providing an additional $293,200,000 in bilateral funding for peacekeeping efforts in the Peacekeeping Operations account in title IV.
The Committee remains concerned about disturbing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by UN peacekeepers and civilian personnel. The Committee recognizes that the Department of State has taken a leading role in urging the UN to take preventive measures in response to reports of sexual exploitation and abuse involving UN peacekeeping personnel. The Committee commends the Department for these efforts. The Committee notes that these efforts have led to significant reform in the planning and conduct of peacekeeping missions. The Committee continues to strongly urge the Administration, including the Department of State, to persist in pressing for further implementation of the recommendations contained in the Prince Zeid report, including personal accountability, and improvements in the systems of justice in troop contributing countries as a means to restore confidence in peacekeeping missions. Further, the Committee directs the United States to work to ensure adequate training is provided to peacekeeping personnel prior to deployment.
The Committee is concerned that the Administration has not adequately planned for funding International Peacekeeping activities. Committee analysis has concluded that the Administration's budget request in fiscal year 2008 for CIPA is a cut of 3 percent below the fiscal year 2007 level and that all missions except UNMIS are taking a reduction in the President's request. The Committee continues to inquire as to the rationale used by the Secretary of State when requesting $28,275,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level in the CIPA account. The Committee is concerned that peacekeeping missions could be adversely affected if the requested fiscal year 2008 funding level is enacted. The Committee notes that in the last year the Administration has voted for: a seven-fold expansion of the UN's peacekeeping mission in Lebanon; the expansion of the UN's peacekeeping mission in Darfur; reauthorization of the UN's peacekeeping mission in Haiti; and a renewed peacekeeping mission in East Timor.
The Committee further notes that some non-governmental organizations have concluded that the Administration's budget request for fiscal year 2008 for CIPA could add $450,000,000 to the United States peacekeeping debt at the UN based upon expected billings for existing UN peacekeeping missions. Moreover, if the proposed UN missions in Chad/Central African Republic and Somalia are undertaken, outside experts estimate that the arrears would grow by another $300,000,000. This would bring United States debt to UN peacekeeping activities to approximately $1,000,000,000. The Committee is concerned that these debts are preventing the UN from paying the countries that provide troops for UN peacekeeping missions and will likely significantly impact India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
The bill retains language carried in previous years requiring 15-day advance notice of any new or expanded mission, together with a statement of cost, duration, exit strategy, national interest, and source of funds to pay the cost. In addition, the bill continues language requiring an additional notification that the UN has taken appropriate measures to prevent UN employees, contractor personnel, and peacekeeping forces serving in any UN peacekeeping mission from trafficking in persons, exploiting victims of trafficking, or committing acts of illegal sexual exploitation and to hold accountable any such individuals who engage in any such acts while participating in the peacekeeping mission.
The bill also retains language requiring certification that American manufacturers and suppliers are provided equal procurement opportunities, and language making a portion of appropriations under this account available for two fiscal years.
The Committee continues to support the efforts of the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) to identify waste, fraud and abuse, including sexual abuse in peacekeeping operations, and to recommend specific reforms to ensure that such practices are brought to an end. The Committee directs the Department of State to provide the necessary support to ensure that OIOS oversight is systematically brought to bear on every UN peacekeeping mission, including through the presence of resident auditors. The Committee directs the Department to request a performance report on the efforts of this Office to root out the causes of such waste, fraud and abuse.
Western Sahara
The Committee remains concerned about the continuing lack of progress in resolving the dispute over the Western Sahara, despite an enormous investment of funds in the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) peacekeeping mission. The Committee urges the Department of State to encourage a negotiated settlement to the dispute.
Peacekeeping cap
The Committee recognizes that the Administration has requested an adjustment to the cap noted above for assessment made during calendar years 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, to 27.1 percent. The Committee notes that in 1993, the United States recognized a lower peacekeeping assessment level than that applied by the UN, and since October 1, 1995, has limited through United States law (sec. 404 of Public Law 103-236) to a level of not more than 25 percent for assessments to Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities.
The Committee wishes to emphasize that UN peacekeeping is a cost-effective and important force multiplier and that the use of multilateral organizations saves the lives of our men and women in the Armed Forces and wear and tear as well as substantial cost to equipment. For example, the Committee notes that the United States share of UN's operations in Haiti are eight times cheaper than sending United States troops. Unfortunately, the Committee was unable to address the full scope of the legislative remedy requested by the President and consequently was only able to include a legislative provision addressing the adjustment of fiscal year 2008 peacekeeping cap.
Cyprus
The Committee encourages the Department of State to continue the United States support for the UN peacekeeping operation in Cyprus (UNFICYP) at an amount no less than that made available to meet obligations in fiscal year 2007.
Haiti
The Committee urges the Secretary of State to provide significantly greater support for the hiring of Haitian-American and other Creole- or French-speaking police officers than it presently does to enhance the 50 Americans currently serving within the UN police contingent of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The Committee also urges the Secretary of State to dispatch an additional 100 United States security professionals, up to the authorized level of 150, for the UN civilian police with emphasis on expertise in counter narcotics, vetting tactics and other areas that are compatible with Haiti's specific needs and MINUSTAH's efforts in Haiti.
INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $32,950,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 102,155,000
Committee recommendation 46,155,000
Change from request -56,000,000
Change from enacted level 13,205,000
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The Committee recommendation includes a total of $46,155,000 for the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico (IBWC), which is $13,205,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $56,000,000 below the request. The amount provided includes $30,430,000 for Salaries and Expenses and $15,725,000 for construction. The recommendation includes language authorizing not to exceed $6,000 for representation expenses, as requested.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommendation for the Salaries and Expenses account is $30,430,000, which is $2,712,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request. The amount recommended by the Committee provides additional resources for requested wage and price increases, and to fund the renegotiated contracts for continued operation and maintenance of several wastewater treatment plants.
CONSTRUCTION
The Committee recommendation for IBWC construction provides $15,725,000, which is $10,493,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $56,000,000 below the request.
The recommendation provides funding for ongoing projects as follows: Boundary-wide construction--$175,000; and Water Quantity Program--$15,550,000, including funding above the request for Rio Grande Flood Control System Rehabilitation. The Committee expects that carryover funding may be available to supplement fiscal year 2008 appropriations. Any allocation of funding, including carryover funding, shall be subject to reprogramming procedures set forth in section 615 of this Act.
AMERICAN SECTIONS, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $9,962,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 10,395,000
Committee recommendation 10,630,000
Change from request 235,000
Change from enacted level 668,000
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The Committee recommendation includes $10,630,000 for American Sections, International Commissions, which is $668,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $235,000 above the request. Funds will support the United States share of expenses of the International Boundary Commission, the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada, and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission for fiscal year 2008. Of the amount provided, $1,530,000 is for the International Boundary Commission, $7,000,000 is for the International Joint Commission and $2,100,000 is for the Border Environment Cooperation Commission to improve the health and environmental conditions for the United States-Mexico border region.
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $23,694,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 21,000,000
Committee recommendation 26,000,000
Change from request 5,000,000
Change from enacted level 2,306,000
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The Committee recommendation includes $26,000,000 for International Fisheries Commissions, which is $2,306,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $5,000,000 above the request. Funds support the United States share of the expenses of International Fisheries Commissions or related organizations, as well as the travel expenses of the United States commissioners. Within the total, not less than $16,325,000 is for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
The Committee directs the Department of State to submit a proposed spending plan for the total amount provided under this heading no later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act.
OTHER
PAYMENT TO THE ASIA FOUNDATION
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $13,821,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 10,000,000
Committee recommendation 15,000,000
Change from request 5,000,000
Change from enacted level 1,179,000
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The Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 for payment to the Asia Foundation, which is $1,179,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $5,000,000 above the request.
The Asia Foundation is a private, nonprofit institution, established to stimulate Asian democratic development and assist the peoples of Asian countries to shape their own destinies. The Committee continues to support Foundation programs on human rights, higher education, democratic governance, ethnic harmony, religious tolerance and legal/judicial reform in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia. Further, the Committee supports the efforts of Foundation programs in Cambodia.
CENTER FOR MIDDLE EASTERN-WESTERN DIALOGUE
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $750,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 875,000
Committee recommendation 875,000
Change from request 0
Change from enacted level 125,000
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The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year 2008 of interest and earnings from the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue, expected to total $875,000.
EISENHOWER EXCHANGE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $494,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 500,000
Committee recommendation 500,000
Change from request 0
Change from enacted level 6,000
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The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year 2008 of interest and earnings from the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program Trust Fund, expected to total $500,000. The Committee has urged the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated (EEF) to fashion its exchange programs to reflect the priority within all public diplomacy programs of building mutual understanding with Arab and Muslim populations worldwide. In this regard, the Committee continues to expect that the selection of foreign and United States fellows will reflect this priority. In addition, the Committee supports a nation-wide, merit-based recruitment and selection process for United States Fellows. The Committee expects EEF and the Department to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations by November 30, 2008, describing its achievements in these areas.
The Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Act of 1990 authorized a permanent endowment for the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program to increase educational opportunities for young leaders in preparation for and enhancement of their professional careers and to advance peace through international understanding. The Act established the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program Trust Fund in the United States Treasury for these purposes.
ISRAELI ARAB SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $370,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 375,000
Committee recommendation 375,000
Change from request 0
Change from enacted level 5,000
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The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year 2008 of interest and earnings from the Israeli Arab Scholarship Endowment Fund, expected to total $375,000. A permanent endowment of $4,978,500 for the Fund was established in fiscal year 1992 with funds made available to the United States Information Agency under section 556(b) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990, as amended. The income from the endowment is to be used for a program of scholarships for Israeli Arabs to attend institutions of higher education in the United States.
EAST-WEST CENTER
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $18,994,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 10,000,000
Committee recommendation 0
Change from request -10,000,000
Change from enacted level -18,994,000
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The Committee recommendation does not include funding for the East-West Center, which is $18,994,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level and $10,000,000 below the request.
The Committee notes that the Center can solicit contributions and can compete for other Federal grants to support its research and training activities. The Center started receiving a direct grant from the Federal government in fiscal year 1961.
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $74,042,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 80,000,000
Committee recommendation 80,000,000
Change from request 0
Change from enacted level 5,958,000
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The Committee recommendation includes $80,000,000 for the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which is $5,958,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the request.
The NED is a private, non-profit corporation established to encourage and strengthen the development of democratic institutions and processes internationally through private-sector initiatives, training, and other activities, including those which promote pluralism, democratic governance, civic education, human rights, and respect for the rule of law. The NED provides funding for projects which are determined to be in the national interest of the United States and which are administered by private organizations and groups.
RELATED AGENCIES
BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS
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Fiscal year 2007 enacted level $646,750,000
Fiscal year 2008 request 668,225,000
Committee recommendation 682,380,000
Change from request 14,155,000
Change from enacted level 35,630,000
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The Committee recommendation includes $682,380,000 for the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which is $35,630,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level, excluding emergency appropriations and $14,155,000 above the request. The appropriation accounts under this heading provide operational funding for the United States non-military, international broadcasting programs--including the Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Radio Free Asia (RFA), Radio and Television Marti, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN), including Radio Sawa--and the associated facilities, engineering and support activities.
INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
The Committee recommendation includes $671,632,000 to carry out United States International Broadcasting Operations, which is $32,506,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $14,155,000 above the request, after factoring in the seperate request for Cuba broadcasting. This account funds the operating and engineering costs of Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks and the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG). The recommendation also includes funding for Broadcasting to Cuba under this account. In the request, this funding was proposed under a separate account.
Middle East Broadcasting Networks, including Alhurra
The United States continues to face an enormous challenge to provide the people of Arab and Muslim countries with accurate information about United States policies and values. The Committee continues to support efforts to expand the audience of listeners and viewers in the Arab and Muslim world. The Committee recommendation includes $88,362,000 for television and radio broadcasting in Arabic, including Middle East Television and Radio Sawa, which is $5,412,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level, excluding emergency appropriations, and $13,402,000 below the request. The resources will provide for continued news capability of 24/7 coverage, including breaking news.
The Committee is deeply troubled by several programming decisions at Alhurra television during the period November 2006 through March 2007. On more than one occasion, the network aired live, and without opposing comment, statements by Hezbollah and Hamas leaders that were hateful, anti-American, and anti-Israel. The Network's coverage of the Holocaust Denial Conference also evidenced a lack of journalistic judgment and sensitivity. While just a portion of the overall broadcast program, these incidents call into question the management and overall journalistic philosophy of the Network's leadership.
Accordingly, the Committee recommendation has deferred providing the funds requested to enhance Alhurra's programming in fiscal year 2008. In addition, the Committee recommendation includes up to $2,200,000 to provide for 24/7 streaming and 60-day archiving on the station's website of all original programs for the Alhurra stream. The recommendation also includes up to $2,080,000 for the random translation of 20 hours per week of Alhurra's original programming by an independent entity. All transcripts should be publicly available on the station's website in a timely fashion. The Committee believes that these steps should enhance the transparency and accountability of Alhurra.
The Committee also has requested that the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors immediately review and report to the Committees on Appropriations on: the editorial policy in place in 2006 and 2007 regarding broadcasts involving terrorists or those who support them; whether any changes were made to that policy or the Alhurra's journalistic code during the period; who was responsible for enforcing the policy; what action, if any, was taken against those who violated the policy; what management changes have been made to ensure the policy and journalistic code is monitored and enforced; and whether there are clear lines of authority at Alhurra to provide for accountability of journalistic decisions.
Anti-jamming efforts
The Committee continues to support initiatives by the BBG to defeat jamming and reach a wider audience for Radio Free Asia and Voice of America broadcasts to China, Tibet, Vietnam, and North Korea. The Committee is aware that new technologies may allow the VOA and RFA to more effectively defeat jamming efforts. The Committee encourages the Board to evaluate the usefulness of these technologies. The Committee expects the BBG to expand such efforts in fiscal year 2008. Further, the Committee supports efforts to counter internet censorship imposed by China and Iran.
Voice of America (VOA)
The Committee recommendation includes $194,093,000 for VOA, which is $22,561,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $15,747,000 above the request. The Committee recognizes VOA for its essential contribution to United States