none

C-SPAN2 ENGAGING IN MORE DEBATE AND MOVE TO A CLOTURE VOTE. NOW TIME TO…

C-SPAN2 ENGAGING IN MORE DEBATE AND MOVE TO A CLOTURE VOTE. NOW TIME TO TAKE YOU TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THE JOURNAL WILL BE BACK FRIDAY 7:00 A.M., THOMAS BARNETT, WAS POPULAR TALKING ABOUT THE PENTAGON'S NEW MAP. NOW A CONTRIBUTING WRITER TO "ESQUIRE//AND WILL TALK ABOUT MILITARY OPERATIONS IN AFRICA. THEY DO NOT WANT A MONARCHY. PERHAPS IT MEANS THE SAME FOR THOSE LIVING IN THIS CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY. EACH TREE, WHICH WISHES TO BE KING OVER THE OTHER TREES EXCUSE ITSELF FROM LEADERSHIP. THE OLIVE TREE IS RELUCTANT TO OFFER ITS RICH OIL, THE FIG TREE, ITS GOOD FRUIT, THE VINE, ITS INTOXICATING WINE. SO ALL THE TREES BLEED WITH THE BUCKHORN TO HAVE AUTHORITY OVER ALL -- PLEAD WITH THE BUCKHORN TO HAVE THE AUTHORITY OVER ALL OF THE OTHER TREES. BUT IT HAS NOTHING TO OFFER BUT ITS SHADOW. MAY EACH MEMBER OF CONGRESS OFFER HIS OR HER VERY BEST TO THE WORK OF GOVERNANCE. THIS DOES COST THEM DEARLY. THAT'S WHY, AS YOUR PEOPLE, LORD, THEY NEED OUR PRAYER. IF THEY DO NOT OFFER ALL THE GIFTS OF MIND AND HEART THEY'RE CALLED TO SACRIFICE FOR THIS GOVERNMENT BY THE PEOPLE, THEY CAN ONLY CAST A LONG SHADOW OVER BELIEVABLE DEMOCRACY. SO SPEAK, LORD, TO YOUR SERVANTS AND ALLOW YOUR GIFTS TO FLOW ACROSS THIS NATION NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN.

THE SPEAKER

THE CHAIR WILL RECEIVE A MESSAGE.

THE SPEAKER

THE CHAIR WILL RECEIVE A MESSAGE.

>>

MADAM SECRETARY.

>>

MADAM SECRETARY.

THE SPEAKER

MADAM SECRETARY.

>>

THAT THE SENATE HAS AGREED TO H.CON.RES. 76 HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY…

THAT THE SENATE HAS AGREED TO H.CON.RES. 76 HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE -- AND ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO ITS SPACE RESEARCH AND LOOKING FORWARD TO FUTURE ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

THE SPEAKER

ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE AND TO REVISE AND EXTEND MY REMARKS.

>>

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE SPEAKER

VETO PEN TO STIFLE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.

>>

ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE.

>>

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE SPEAKER

POE: THE LONE STAR VOICE COMES FROM JEFFREY BROWN.

MR. POE

STAR VOICE COMES FROM JEFFREY BROWN. HE SAYS, WE NEED TO SHOW MORE…

STAR VOICE COMES FROM JEFFREY BROWN. HE SAYS, WE NEED TO SHOW MORE SYMPATHY FROM THESE PEOPLE. THEY RISK THEIR LIVES CROSSING THE BORDERS, THEY DON'T GET PAID ENOUGH WAGES, THEY DO JOBS THAT OTHERS WON'T DO. THEY LIVE IN CROWDED CONDITIONS AMONG PEOPLE WHO SPEAK A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE. THEY FACE ADVERSITY ALL DAY EVERY DAY. NO, I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT ILLEGALS, I'M TALKING ABOUT OUR TROOPS OVERSEAS. DOESN'T IT SEEM STRANGE THAT THE POLITICIANS ARE WILLING TO LAVISH ALL SORTS OF BENEFITS ON ILLEGALS, BUT DON'T SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AND THREATENED TO DEFUND THEM. JEFFREY BROWN ECHOS THE SENTIMENTS OF OTHER AMERICANS WHO WONDER WHY SO MANY PEOPLE IN WASHINGTON SHOW MORE FOR ILLEGALS THAN FOR THE TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ. SUPPORTING THE MILITARY AND VETERANS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EXPENSIVE GIVEAWAY PROGRAMS TO ILLEGALS. AND THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY RISE?

>>

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

>>

FOR WHAT PURPOSE TOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM SOUTH CAROLINA RISE -- PURPOSE…

FOR WHAT PURPOSE TOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM SOUTH CAROLINA RISE -- PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM SOUTH CAROLINA RISE?

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE.

>>

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

>>

IN RECOGNITION AND I APPRECIATION TO ROB PORTMAN. FIRST, AS A FELLOW…

IN RECOGNITION AND I APPRECIATION TO ROB PORTMAN. FIRST, AS A FELLOW MEMBER OF THE HOUSE, AND THEN AS UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, AND DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. HE HAS PROVED TO BE AN OUTSTANDING SERVANT. I AM GRATEFUL THAT MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES AND I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY A FEW MINUTES AGO TO THANK ROB AND WISH HIM WELL. HE WAS THE FEATURED GUEST FOR OUR WEEKLY THEME TEAM MEETING. I APPRECIATE MR. JACKSON AND MR. COLE FOR BRINGING A TOP-NOTCH SPEAKER EVERY WEEK. I WISH ROB AND HIS FAMILY ALL THE BEST IN THE FUTURE. IN CONCLUSION, GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS. AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET SEPTEMBER 11.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO RISE? MS. SUTTON ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE…

DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO RISE? MS. SUTTON ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MS. SUTTON

OF DAMAGING TRADE POLICIES ARE NO LONGER THEORETICAL, THEY'RE REAL. WE…

OF DAMAGING TRADE POLICIES ARE NO LONGER THEORETICAL, THEY'RE REAL. WE NEED A TRULY TRADE MODEL THAT ADDRESSES THE CONCERNS RAISED BY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IN THE LAST ELECTION. CONGRESS MUST RECLAIM ITS CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY OVER TRADE. WE MUST HAVE STRONG AND ENFORCEABLE STANDARDS IN OUR TRADE AGREEMENTS. WE MUST ADDRESS THE UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES USED BY FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS TO PROTECT THEIR MARKETS SUCH AS CURRENCY MANIPULATION, ILLEGAL SUBSIDIES. WE MUST REPLACE POLICIES THAT REWARD BUSINESSES FOR OUTSOURCING JOBS WITH INCENTIVES AND SENSIBLE TAX POLICIES THAT WILL HELP OUR BUSINESSES AND WORKERS. WE NEED A NEW TRADE MODEL NOW. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA RISE?

>>

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

>>

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED.

>>

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM FLORIDA RISE?

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM FLORIDA RISE?

>>

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

>>

FOR WHAT PURPOSES DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TENNESSEE RISE?

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSES DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TENNESSEE RISE?

>>

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

>>

THE GENTLEWOMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEWOMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED.

>>

FOR WHAT PURPOSES DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NORTH CAROLINA RISE?

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NORTH CAROLINA RISE?

>>

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

>>

FOR WHAT PURPOSES DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS RISE?

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSES DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS RISE?

>>

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

>>

FOR WHAT PURPOSES DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY RISE?

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSES DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY RISE?

>>

WITHOUT OBJECTION. .

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

PURSUANT TO HOUSE RELOUGS 419, THE CHAIR DECLARES THE HOUSE AND THE…

PURSUANT TO HOUSE RELOUGS 419, THE CHAIR DECLARES THE HOUSE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE ON THE STATE OF THE UNION FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2764. WELL THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA MR. HOLDEN KINDLY TAKE THE CHAIR.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

IN THE COMMIT YES OF THE WHOLE HOUSE ON THE STATE OF THE UNION FOR FURTHER…

IN THE COMMIT YES OF THE WHOLE HOUSE ON THE STATE OF THE UNION FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2764, WHICH THE CLERK WILL REPORT BY TITLE.

THE CLERK

OPERATIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS IMPORTANT THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER…

OPERATIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS IMPORTANT THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE ROSE ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 20, 2007 ALL TIME…

A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE ROSE ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 20, 2007 ALL TIME FOR GENERAL DEBATE HAD EXPIRED. PURSUANT TO THE RULE, THE BILL SHALL BE CONSIDERED FOR AMEND UNDER THE FIVE MINUTE RULE. PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF THE WHOLE HOUSE ON THAT DAY, NO AMEND TO THE BILL MAY BE OFFERED EXCEPT THOSE SPECIFIED IN THE PREVIOUS ORDER OF THE HOUSE ON THAT DAY, WHICH IS AT THE DESK. THE CLERK WILL READ.

THE CLERK

SUMS ARE APPROPRIATED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR NAMELY TITLE 1, DEPARTMENT OF…

SUMS ARE APPROPRIATED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR NAMELY TITLE 1, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCIES, DEPARTMENT OF STATE. ADMINISTRATION OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DIPLOMATIC AND CONSUE LAR PROGRAMS, $3,820,018. IN ADDITION NOT TO EXCEED $1,558,3 90 DERIVED FROM FEES COLLECTED FROM OTHER EXECUTIVE AGENCIES FOR LEASE. IN ADDITION FOR THE COST OF WORLDWIDE SCURET UPGRADES $964 --

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN RISE? THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZES FOR…

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN RISE? THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZES FOR FIVE MINUTES.

THE CLERK

BY MR. DIAZ-BALART OF FLORIDA.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 20 THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 20 THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA WILL BE RECOGNIZED FOR 10 MINUTES.

>>

CHAIRMAN. MY AMENDMENT CO-AUTHORED BY MY GOOD FRIENDS FROM NEW JERSEY…

CHAIRMAN. MY AMENDMENT CO-AUTHORED BY MY GOOD FRIENDS FROM NEW JERSEY RESTORES FUNDS FOR CUBA DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE TO THE ADMINISTRATION'S REQUEST LEVEL OF $45 MILLION BY OFF SETTING 36 MILLION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION BUDGET. UNFORTUNATELY, AS THIS CHART SO WELL DEMONSTRATES, THE COMMITTEE WHILE GENERALLY MEETING OR FAR EXCEEDING THE ADMINISTRATION'S REQUESTS FOR THE REST OF LATIN AMERICA, SOMETHING THAT I SUPPORT, THE BILL FUNDS CUBA DEMOCRACY PROGRAMS AT APPROXIMATELY 20% OF THE PRESIDENT'S REQUEST OF 45 MILLION. 20% FOR ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO RISK THEIR LIVES AND THEIR FAMILY'S SAFETY, UNARMED IN A HARD LINED TOTALITARIAN POLICE STATE. HUMAN RIGHT ACTIVIST, INDEPENDENT JOURNALISTS AND LINIAN AS AND PHYSICIANS. THIS AID GOES TO THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES, TO THE FAMILIES OF POLITICAL PRISONERS. AS EXPLAINED, MR. CHAIRMAN IN THE LETTER FROM NINE MEMBERS OF THE PRO-DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT TO THE SIX CUBAN MEMBERS OF CONGRESS THEY ATTEST AND AFFIRM THAT THE ASSISTANCE IS KEY AND IT REACHES THEM AND IS MAKING A GREAT DIFFERENCE FOR THE PRO-DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT AT THIS TIME. NOW, MR. CHAIRMAN, THE OPPONENTS OF THIS EFFORT ASKED FOR A G.A.O. REPORT ON THESE PROGRAMS AND I THANK THEM FOR IT. FIRST, THE G.A.O. REPORT AFTER 18 MONTHS OF THOROUGH INVESTIGATION CONFIRMED THAT THE PROGRAM IS WORKING AND I QUOTE FROM THE G.A.O. REPORT. DISSIDENTS WE INTERVIEWED IN CUB GENTLEMAN SAID THEY APPRECIATED THE RANGE AND TYPES OF U.S. DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE. THAT THIS ASSISTANCE WAS USEFUL IN THEIR WORK AND THAT IT DEMON STRAITS THE U.S. GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY IN CUBA. MR. CHAIRMAN, THE G.A.O. REPORT -- THE DETAIL OF MANY SUCCESSES DESPITE EMPHASIZING THE GREAT CHALLENGES PROPOSED BY THE POLICE STATE FOR AID DISTRIBUTION. IT TALKED ABOUT THE G.A.O. REPORT, 385,000 POUNDS OF MEDICINE, FOOD AND CLOTHING HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO THE PRO-DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT AND THEIR FAMILIES. MORE THAN 23,000 SHORTWAVE RADIOS. MILLIONS OF BOOKS. NEWS LETTERS AND OTHER INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL. U.S. ASSISTANCE REPORTED INDEPENDENT JOURNALISTS AND INCLUDING THE PUBLICATION OF 23,000 REPORTS BY THOSE INDEPENDENT JOURNALISTS. MR. CHAIRMAN, I WOULD CALL THE ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT THE G.A.O. REPORT WHILE MAKING ABSOLUTELY NO RECOMMENDATION FOR ANY CUT WHATSOEVER IN THIS PROGRAM DOES POINT OUT AND MAKES CLEAR THE CASE THAT IT IS AN IMPORTANT AND EFFECTIVE PROGRAM AND AFTER THE G.A.O. REPORT IT HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED. I CALL THE ATTENTION OF ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES TO THE REPLY TO THE G.A.O. REPORT BY THE MR. STRAIGHTING AGENCY, THE U.S. A.I.D. WHERE IT SAYS ALL OF THE G.A.O. REPORTS RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED. ALL OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED. THAT HAS MADE AN EFFECTIVE AND IMPORTANT PROGRAM EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE AND IMPORTANT. MR. CHAIRMAN, LET US NOT TURN OUR BACKS ON THE CUBAN OPPOSITION. THEY WILL PLAY A ROLE IN THE DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION THAT'S APPROACHING AND WE MUST DO ALL WE CAN SO THAT THEY CAN SURVIVE THE BRUTALITY OF A POLICE STATE, OF VIOLENCE AND TERROR, THAT FORTUNATELY TO A GREAT EXTENT BECAUSE OF THE PRO-DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT IN CUBA WILL SOON BE BUT A TRAGIC AND PERVERSE HISTORYAL MEMORY. AT THIS TIME I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE.

>>

AND OPPOSITION TO THIS AMEND. THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION REQUESTED AN…

AND OPPOSITION TO THIS AMEND. THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION REQUESTED AN INCREASE IN ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUNDS FOR CUBA FROM 9 MILL LIN TO 7.4 MILLION. BETWEEN 1996 AND 2005 U.S. AID AND THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SIGNS CONTRACTS WORTH $74 MILLION FOR CUBAN PROGRAMS ACCORDING TO THE G.A.O. STUDY. THE ADMINISTRATION IS ASKING FOR ONE YEAR, FISCAL YEAR 2008 REQUEST THAT IS MORE THAN 2/3 THE SIZE OF WHAT WAS COMMITTED OVER THE 10 YEARS FROM 1996 TO TWO OF. THIS REQUEST IS HIGH GIVEN HOW ILL CONCEIVED AND ILL MANAGED THE PROGRAM IS, THERE'S NO JUSTIFICATION FOR AN AID INCREASE. MY FRIEND FROM FLORIDA HAS RAISED THE G.A.O. REPORT AND SAID THAT IT HAS NOT RECOMMENDED THAT FUNDING BE CUT. BUT THE OBJECTIVE OF THE REPORT WAS NOT TO RECOMMEND FUNDING SHOULD BE INCREASED OR DECREASED, IT WAS TO EXAMINE THE ROLES AND OBJECTIVE OF THE AGENCIES IMPLEMENTING UNITED STATES DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE TARGETED AT CUBA AND THE CHARACTERISTICS AND THE GRANTEES RECEIVING THE AID, THE TYPES, AMOUNTS, BENEFICIARIES USED FOR SELECTED GRANTEES, U.S. AIDS MONITORING THESE GRANTEES AND THE AVAILABILITY OF DATA TO EVALUATE WHETHER U.S. ASSISTANCE HAS ACHIEVED ITS GOALS. ALTHOUGH I BELIEVE THAT THIS PROGRAM DOES LITTLE TO HELP DISSIDENTS AND VERY LITTLE TO EXPAND POLITICAL SPACE IN CUBA, WE HAVE CONTINUED FUNDING AT THE SAME LEVEL AS PROVIDE BY A FORMER COLLEAGUE JIM COLBY WHEN HE CHAIRED THE SUBCOMMITTEE. THE BILL HAS $9 MILLION AND REQUIRES U.S. AID AND THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO PRESENT A PLAN FOR IMPROVED COORDINATION AND FOR OVERSIGHT OF THE CUBA PROGRAM. G.A.O. CONCLUDED IN A NOVEMBER 2006 REPORT THAT QUOTE POOR MONITORING AND OVERSIGHT OF THE CUBA PROGRAM DID NOT PROVIDED EQUATE ASSURANCE THAT FUNDS WERE PROPERLY USED. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ON THE PART OF GRANTEES WERE HIGH, OVERSIGHT OF THE GOODS CHOSEN INADEQUATE, SPECIFICALLY ACCORDING TO THE G.A.O. STUDY THERE WERE INCIDENCES IN WISH CASHMERE SWEATERS, CHOCOLATES, SONY PLAYSTATIONS WERE AMONG THE ITEMS PURCHASED IN THE UNITED STATES TO BE SHIPPED TO DISSIDENTS IN CUBA. THE CUBA PROGRAM IS POORLY MANAGED AND CAN BE ARGUED TO BE COUNTER PRODUCTIVE. IT'S NOT A PRODUCTIVE USE OF LIMITED U.S. RESOURCES AND THE RESULT OF THIS PROGRAM IS OFTEN TO IDENTIFY CUBAN DISSIDENTS AS U.S. OPPONENTS OF THE REGIME. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO OPPOSE THIS AMEND AND I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

I YIELD TO MR. IS HE DES.

>>

GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

>>

MR. DIAZ-BALART FOR YIELDING ME THE TIME. THE FUNDING THAT HAS BEEN…

MR. DIAZ-BALART FOR YIELDING ME THE TIME. THE FUNDING THAT HAS BEEN PROVIDED OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS TO SUPPORT THE PRO-DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT IN CUBA HAS BEEN WORK. U.S. ASSISTANCE HAS PROVIDE BOOKS, NEWS LETTERS AND INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL TO THE PEOPLE OF CUBA AS WELL AS OVER 385,000 POUNDS OF MEDICINE, FOOD AND CLOTHING. ACCORDING TO U.S. AID REPORT, U.S. ASSISTANCE HAS ALSO FUNDED THE FOURTH OF JULYISM CORRESPOND COURSES FOR MORE THAN 200 CUBANS AND PUBLICATION OF 23,000 REPORTS BY INDEPENDENT CUBAN JOURNALISTS ABOUT CONDITIONS AND EVENTS IN CUBA. ALTHOUGH THE CUBAN REGIME RESTRICTS NEARLY ALL POLITICAL DISSENT AND DENIES CITIZENS OF BASIC RIGHTS OF FREE ASSOCIATION OUR FUNDING AND ASSISTANCE HAS ALLOWED THE PRO-DEMOCRACY AND CIVIL RESISTANCE MOVEMENT IN CUBA TO INCREASE IN RECENT YEARS. AS EVIDENCED IN THIS CHART FROM JUST 2004 TO 2005 THERE WAS A HE 54% INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CIVIL RESISTANCE ACTIONS REPORTED ON THE ISLAND. SOME OF THESE RESISTANCE ACTS INCLUDE CITIZENS ARE WILLING TO COOPERATE WITH REGIME OFFICIALS IN REPRESSING PRO-DEMOCRACY ACTIVITIES AND CITIZENS BOYCOTTING REGIME CONTROL MEETINGS AND MASS GATHERINGS. BY SUPPORTING THIS AMEND THE PRO-DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT IN CUBA CAN CONTINUE TO ORGANIZE, COMMUNICATE THE VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE AND PREPARE TO ASSUME THEIR ROLE IN THE PROCESS OF DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION. BUT IT'S ALSO IMPORTANT TO REALIZE THAT CUBA NOW IS AT THE SAME STAGE THAT SPAIN WAS MANY YEARS AGO WHEN THEY HAD A DICTATOR FOR 40 YEARS. THE WORLD LOOKED OUT TO SPAIN AND SAW THAT MANY OF THE INSTITUTIONS PROMOTING DEMOCRACY PREVAILED. IF WE DON'T WORK TO PROMOTE DISSIDENTS WHO ARE ARE PRODEMOCRATIC DISSIDENTS IN CUBA WE WON'T HAVE AN INSTITUTION WHEN THE CHANGES FOR A PRODEMOCRATIC ISLAND WILL EXIST. THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I YIELD THE BALANCE OF MOVE TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

GENTLEMAN'S TIME FROM NEW JERSEY HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK.

>>

THREE MINUTES TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES

>>

I DID. THANK THE CHAIR LADY FOR THE TIME. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS $9…

I DID. THANK THE CHAIR LADY FOR THE TIME. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS $9 MILLION FOR DEMOCRACY PROGRAMS IN CUBA. I WANT TO BE SURE THAT NO ONE IS MISLED BY A CLAIM THAT THIS IS A CUT. THIS IS THE SAME AMOUNT THAT THE PROGRAM RECEIVED LAST YEAR. AND LAST NOVEMBER, AS HAS BEEN NOTED, THE G.A.O. FOUND SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS PROGRAM. AS WELL AS A LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY WHICH MUST BE ADDRESSED IN THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED. THE REPORT IS ENTITLED U.S. DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE FOR CUBA NEEDS BETTER MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT. SO, TO INCREASE THE FUNDING TO ALMOST $50 MILLION OR BY ABOUT 500% IS NOT JUST IRRESPONSIBLE, IT HAS AN ALICE IN WONDERLAND QUALITY ABOUT IT. REWARD MISMANAGEMENT AND INCOMPETENCE. NO, MY FRIENDS THE COMMITTEE HAS ACTED WISELY AND APPLAUD THE COMMITTEE. IT'S DEMANDING A SPENDING PLAN. AND A STRATEGY FOR HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE USED. SO WE NO LONGER WILL BE SENDING CASHMERE SWEATERS TO THE TROPICAL ISLAND OF CUBA. YES, THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED. I KNOW IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE. THIS PROGRAM NEEDS, DOES NOT NEED ANY MORE MONEY, WHAT IT NEEDS IS WHAT IT HAS NEVER HAD BEFORE AND THAT IS VIDEO GAME ROUSE CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT. WHY DOES IT NEED OVERSIGHT? SIMPLY THERE'S NO TIME TO LIST ALL OF THE PROGRAMS, READ THE REPORT IN FULL MEASURE. BUT I WOULD NOTE THAT I FOUND IT PARTICULARLY INFORMATIVE THAT OVER A 10 YEAR PERIOD $62 MILLION OF THE $65 MILLION IN U.S. A.I.D. GRANTS WERE PROVIDED WITHOUT COMPETITION. THAT'S 95% OF THE MONEY PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS, WITH NO BIDDING, NO PUBLIC NOTICE, NO COMPENSATION. NO, THIS PROGRAM DOESN'T NEED ANY MORE MONEY, IT NEEDS OVERSIGHT. AND I AGREE, LET'S LISTEN TO THE DISSIDENTS LIKE MY FRIEND, MARION WHO IS ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF THE LADIES IN WHITE. HERE'S WHAT SHE SAYS. THERE MUST BE NO FUNDS FROM ANY GOVERNMENT A LOCATED TO THE DISSIDENTS. THE OPPOSITION GETS PRACTICALLY NOTHING AND THE MAIN THING IT IS IS THAT IT GIVES THE CUBAN GOVERNMENT A PRETEXT TO SAY THAT WE'RE MERCERNARIES AND PUT US IN JAFMENTE I'M AGAINST ANY FUNDS FROM THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND IF IT WANTS TO HELP THE CUBAN PEOPLE IT SHOULD LIFT THE EMBARGO ALLOW TRADE, TOURISM AND ACADEMIC EXCHANGES AND CUBANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRAVEL WITHOUT RESTRICTION TO THE UNITED STATES AND SEND MONEY TO THEIR FAMILIES IN CUBA.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

GENTLEMAN'S TIME FROM EXPIRED. GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. REMIND MY…

GENTLEMAN'S TIME FROM EXPIRED. GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA. REMIND MY COLLEAGUES WHAT IF THE POLICIES ADVOCATED BY THOSE WHO ARE AGAINST THIS PROGRAM HAD SUCCEEDED DURING THE 1980'S IN EARN EUROPE. ASK YOURSELF THAT QUESTION AND REMEMBER WHEN WE DID WHAT WE'RE DOING HERE IN THE 1980'S WHAT HAPPENED IN EARN EUROPE. I WOULD LIKE TO YIELD A MINUTE TO A DISTINGUISHED LEADER AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST FROM NEW JERSEY.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE. .

>>

OF THE AMENDMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE GENTLELADY, THE CHAIRPERSON…

OF THE AMENDMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE GENTLELADY, THE CHAIRPERSON FOR THE FUNDING THAT SHE SUPPLIED. I BELIEVE WE'RE AT A CRUCIAL TIME IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF OUR HEMISPHERE. I BELIEVE IT WILL GO ONE WAY OR ANOTHER IN THE YEARS AHEAD. IT WILL EITHER BE A BREEDING GROUND FOR VIOLENCE, TROUBLE, AND DIFFICULT YIFMENT OR A BREEDING GROUND FOR -- DIFFICULTY OR A BREEDING GROUND FOR MAKING US SAFER AND MORE PROSPEROUS. CUBA IS NOT THE ONLY COUNTRY THAT WILL BE POIFTYOL IN THAT COUNTRY, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT. I THINK THAT THE LONG-TERM PROGRESS OF PROSPERITY IS NOT ONLY IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE, BUT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. MANY OF THE ISSUES THAT MY FRIEND FROM MASSACHUSETTS TALKED ABOUT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED. I THINK THAT THE LARGEST MISTAKE THAT WE COULD MAKE IS TO AVOID THE RESPONSIBILITY AND OPPORTUNITY TO INFLUENCE POSSIBLY THOSE WHO WISH TO BRING DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW TO CUBA AT THIS TIME IN HISTORY. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO VOTE YES ON THE AMENDMENT.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MS. LOWEY

I'M PLEASED TO YIELD A MINUTE AND A HALF TO MR. MCGOVERN.

THE CHAIRMAN

IS RECOGNIZED FOR 1 1/2 MINUTES.

>>

THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA.

>>

THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

>>

MR. CHAIRMAN, THERE WAS A TIME WHEN THE CUBAN TERRORISTS -- TERRORISTS…

MR. CHAIRMAN, THERE WAS A TIME WHEN THE CUBAN TERRORISTS -- TERRORISTS DICTATOR AND TERRORIST DICTATORSHIP IS AILING. THIS GUTS THE FUNDING FOR THE HEROIC DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT IN CUBA. WHAT HAS THAT MONEY BEEN USED FOR IN THE LAST 10 YEARS? THIS IS IN THE REPORT, MEDICINE, FOOD AND CLOTHING FOR FAMILIES OF POLITICAL PRISONERS, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF NEWS LETTERS AND OTHER INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL INCLUDING BOOKS. JOURNALISM COURSES TO MORE THAN 200 INDEPENDENT CUBAN JOURNALISTS WHO PUBLISH ALMOST 25,000 REPORTS FROM WITHIN THE ENSLAVED ISLAND. I HOLD IN MY HAND A LETTER FROM A DIVERSE GROUP OF BRAVE LEADERS IN CUBA MAKING IT CLEAR THAT THIS ASSISTANCE IS VITAL AND NEEDED IN THE EFFORTS FOR A FREE AND DEMOCRATIC CUBA. I ASK THAT IT BE INCLUDED IN THE RECORD. I READ THE G.A.O. REPORT, THE CLASSIFIED AND UNCLASSIFIED PORTIONS OF IT. IT DOES STATE THAT THIS ASSISTANCE DOES REACH THE PRO-DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT IN CUBA IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT ALL OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THAT REPORT HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED UNLIKE SWLAW HEARD TODAY. THIS IS NOT THE -- UNLIKE WHAT YOU HAVE HEARD TODAY. THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO ABANDON THE LABOR LEADERS WHO ARE HEROICALLY WORKING FOR A DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION IN CUBA. THIS AMENDMENT, FULLY OFFSET AND C.B.O. SCORED REVENUE NEUTRAL WILL RECTIFY THE ABANDONMENT OF THE BRAVE AND HEROIC DESS DENTS, THE -- DISSIDENTS, THOSE WORKING FOR A FREE AND DEMOCRATIC CUBA. I YIELD BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MS. LOWEY

1/2 MINUTES TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN, MR. FLAK

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. FLAKE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA.

THE CHAIRMAN

HOW MUCH TIME?

>>

HOW MUCH TIME?

THE CHAIRMAN

AND THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK HAS ONE MINUTE REMAINING. THE GENTLEMAN…

AND THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK HAS ONE MINUTE REMAINING. THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA.

>>

LET'S SEE WHAT THE DISSIDENTS IN CUBA IN KNOWING THE RISKS IT TAKES TO…

LET'S SEE WHAT THE DISSIDENTS IN CUBA IN KNOWING THE RISKS IT TAKES TO SEND A LETTER TO CONGRESS, WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT THE AID THAT THIS PROGRAM SENT TO CUBA AND IS SENDING. QUOTE, WE CAN AFIRM THAT THE AID THAT HAS FOR MANY YEARS FLOWED TO THE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT KEEPS MEDICINE TO KEEP A POLITICAL PRISONER OR DISSIDENT FROM DYING TO FOOD, WATER FILTERS, MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, CLOTHING, SHOES, COATS, TOYS FOR THE CHILDREN OF POLITICAL PRISONERS WHO SUFFERED DOUBLY THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE AND SOCIAL REPRESSION ON THE STREETS AN IN SCHOOLS. THE TOOLS OF DEMOCRACIES, COMPUTERS, PRINTERS, PHONES, FAX MACHINES, AMONG OTHERS, THAT ACCOUNT FOR THE LONG LIST OF ARTICLES AN MATERIALS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE -- AND MATERIALS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE POSSIBLE. THEY THANK THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IN THE SAME WAY THAT THE PEOPLE OF POLAND AND EASTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPE WILL BE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FOR THE SUPPORT IN THEIR DIFFICULT DAYS. THE DISSIDENTS THANKED THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FOR THIS AID AND WHAT PRESIDENT BUSH REQUESTED FOR THE REST OF THE HEMISPHERE IS THAT YOU'RE FUNDED OR EXCEEDED, FOR THE ONLY TOLL TALL TEARIAN POLICE STATE, -- TOTALITARIAN POLICE STATE, WE -- WE ASK THAT IT BE AT THE REQUESTED LEVEL BY THE ADMINISTRATION. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS AMENDMENT. THANK YOU.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK. FOR WHAT…

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA RISE?

MRS. LOWEY

TO YIELD YOU ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLELADY FROM MISSOURI.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM MOYSMOY RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE. -- MISSOURI IS…

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM MOYSMOY RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE. -- MISSOURI IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

>>

THAT ARE NOT DOING GOOD FOR OUR DISSIDENTS. I WANT TO MENTION THE LETTER…

THAT ARE NOT DOING GOOD FOR OUR DISSIDENTS. I WANT TO MENTION THE LETTER THAT OUR COLLEAGUES FROM FLORIDA MENTIONED, THE ONE USID SENT. IT DID SAY THAT THE PROGRAM IS DOING SOME GOOD. I AND MY COLLEAGUES WHAT IS CURRENTLY IN THE BILL. WHAT WAS NOT MENTIONED IS THAT IN THE SAME LETTER THE USAID SAYS THAT HAVING RESTRICKSES ON TRAVEL TO -- RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVEL TO CUBA DON'T SERVE THE DISSIDENTS WELL. SO THAT BEGS THE QUESTION THEN IF -- IF THE LETTER IS IMPORTANT, THE LETTER IS IMPORTANT IN TOTALITY. I THINK BECAUSE OF THE G.A.O. REPORT AND THE FACT THAT WE DO NOT HAVE GOOD CONTROLS ON THE USE OF OUR TAXPAYER DOLLARS, THAT -- THAT THE OLD SAYING THAT PRESIDENT REAGAN SAID, TRUST BUT VERIFY IS VERY IMPORTANT AND IT IS TIME THAT WE VERIFY BEFORE WE SEND MORE MONEY.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN…

THE GENTLEWOMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA RISE?

>>

THE GENTLEMEN IS RECOGNIZED.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMEN IS RECOGNIZED.

>>

OF THE AMENDMENT. JUST TO BRING IT BACK, ONE, THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH…

OF THE AMENDMENT. JUST TO BRING IT BACK, ONE, THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH TRADE. SO THE TRADE ISSUE IS NOT EVEN OUT HERE. IT ALSO HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ISSUE OF TRAVEL. AND I HAVE ASKED FOR A VISA TO CUBA AND THEY DENIED ME WHEN I -- I TRIED TO GO. THIS IS REALLY -- THIS AMENDMENT SHOULD BE CALLED NOT THE DIAZ-BALART AMENDMENT, THIS SHOULD BE CALLED THE ELAINE -BOEHNER AMENDMENT. I READ THE INTERVIEW THE OTHER DAY, WHAT WE WANT TO DO WITH THIS MONEY IS THE SAME THING THAT WAS DONE IN EASTERN EUROPE DURING THE DAYS OF RONALD REAGAN WHEN WE BROUGHT DOWN COMMUNISM. THIS IS WHAT WE DID IN ROMANIA TO BRING DOWN THE GOVERNMENT. SO THIS IS A MAJOR CUT. THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION FUNDS THIS TO THE PRO-DEMOCRACY GROUPS IN CUBA. THEY NEED THIS FOR TRAINING, THEY NEED THIS FOR THEIR JOURNALISTS. THEY NEED THIS FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. THEY NEED THIS FOR SO MANY OTHER REASONS. USAID REPORTED THAT JOURNALISM CORRESPONDENCE COURSES, 23,000 REPORTS BY INDEPENDENT CUBAN JOURNALISTS. ON AND ON, DISSIDENTS ARE ROUTINELY ROUNDED UP. IF THIS AMENDMENT PASSES, IMAGINE HOW THEY WILL FEEL IN CUBA TO KNOW -- IF IT FAILS, THEY'LL BE DEMORALIZED. SO I WOULD -- I WANT TO YIELD ANOTHER MINUTE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE, TO MY FRIEND FROM FLORIDA. THIS IS THE HOBBLE AMENDMENT OF 2007, THIS IS THE BONNER AMENDMENT OF 2007. THIS IS WHAT WE USED TO DO IN THE 1980'S TO BRING DOWN COMMUNISM. I ASK ON BOTH SIDES -- THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH TRAVEL. IT SHOULD NOT BE MIXED WITH THAT. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH TRADE. IT IS, WHAT DO WE DO TO HELP THE DISSIDENTS, MANY WHO HAVE BEEN IN JAIL, ARMANDO HAS BEEN IN JAIL FOR ALMOST 19 YEARS. SO I WOULD HOPE THAT WE COULD COME TOGETHER AND SEND A MESSAGE THAT THE WORD GOES FORWARD AS THEY LISTEN TO THEIR RADIO FREE CUBA TOMORROW TO KNOW THAT THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS STOOD WITH THEM THE WAY THAT THEY STOOD WITH HOBBLE. I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA FOR THE BALANCE OF THE TIME. .

>>

OF CONSCIENCE THIS, IS AN AMEND TO HELP PEOPLE WHO ARE RISKING THEIR…

OF CONSCIENCE THIS, IS AN AMEND TO HELP PEOPLE WHO ARE RISKING THEIR LIVES, THOUSANDS WHO ARE IN PRISON, HUNDREDS, HUNDREDS RECOGNIZED AS PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE BY INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL. THEY ARE RINCHINGING THEIR LIVES AND THEIR FAMILY'S LIVES TO ADVOCATE FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY AS THOSE HEROS MENTIONED BY MR. WOLF ADVOCATED AND RISKED THEIR LIVES IN EASTERN EUROPE IN THE MID-1980'S. HAVE NO DOUBT THEY WILL BE THE DISSIDENTS IN FUNDAMENTAL OF THE TRANSITION AND LEADERS IN THE FUTURE TOMORROW. PERHAPS RECEIVED IN THIS CONGRESS AS THE SOVEREIGN AND ELECTED LEADER OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA, PERHAPS ONE OF THOSE POLITICAL PRISONERS TODAY, I HAVE NO DOUBT OR THOSE OPPOSITION LEADERS. IT'S TIME TO HELP THEM TO SEND A MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY AND NOT TO RETREAT.

>>

TODAY, IF HOWELL WERE SERVING HERE IN THIS CONGRESS TODAY, IF ELANEA…

TODAY, IF HOWELL WERE SERVING HERE IN THIS CONGRESS TODAY, IF ELANEA BARNER WERE SERVING IN THIS CONGRESS TODAY, BARNER, SHARANSKY AND HOWELL WOULD BE FOR THIS AMEND IT. YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

DOES THE GENTLELADY RIDS TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD?

>>

CONCERNING HIS CONCERN ABOUT THE IMPACT ON THE DISSIDENTS. I WOULD DARE…

CONCERNING HIS CONCERN ABOUT THE IMPACT ON THE DISSIDENTS. I WOULD DARE SAY, AS AN AMERICAN, WHO IS PROUD OF OUR VALUES, IF WE OPEN TRAVEL AND COMMUNICATION AND TRADE BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND CUBA, THEY WOULD REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE AN AMERICAN AND I FEEL THAT'S THE BEST WAY TO FREE THE DISSIDENTS AND TO CREATE AN OPEN AND DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY AND I'M VERY PROUD TO YIELD TO MY GOOD FRIEND MR. DELA HUNT.

>>

I THANK THE GENTLELADY YIELDING AND I YIELD AS MUCH TIME AS SHE MAY…

I THANK THE GENTLELADY YIELDING AND I YIELD AS MUCH TIME AS SHE MAY CONSUME --

>>

IN RESPONSE TO THE RANKING MEMBER, I DON'T DISAGREE WHEN HE SUGGESTS THAT…

IN RESPONSE TO THE RANKING MEMBER, I DON'T DISAGREE WHEN HE SUGGESTS THAT WE LISTEN TO THE DISSIDENTS, BECAUSE THEY ARE ON THE ISLAND. THEY ARE FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT. NOT FROM THE SAFETY OF WASHINGTON OR BOSTON OR MIAMI, BUT THEY ARE THERE. LET'S TART TO LISTEN TO THEM. THIS WAS A STATEMENT THAT WAS RELEASED BY FOUR OF THEM, PROMINENT, WELL-RESPECTED, ON THE ISLAND. IT'S A STATEMENT THAT WAS SIGNED BY MARTA ROKE, SANCHEZ AND ROKA. LET'S LISTEN TO WHAT THEY SAY. LET'S NOT REACH OUR OWN CONCLUSIONS HERE IN THIS HOUSE WITHOUT LISTENING TO WHAT THEY SAY. WE CONSIDER IT VERY IMPORTANT TO ACHIEVE GREATER EFFICIENCY IN THE USE OF THESE FUNDS. WE BELIEVE THAT ONE POSSIBLE WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS WOULD BE THE ELIMINATION OF A SERIES OF EXISTING RESTRICTIONS ON THE SENDING OF AID AND TRAVEL TO CUBA. WHICH DOESN'T AT ALL HELP THE PRO-DEMOCRACY STRUGGLE THAT WE ARE CARRYING OUT INSIDE OUR COUNTRY. WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA, IT IS ABOUT TRAVEL. IT IS ABOUT THE EMBARGO. BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THE DISSIDENTS ARE SAYING TO US HERE AND WE OUGHT TO LISTEN TO THEM. AND I'LL YIELD TO MY FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE FROM MASSACHUSETTS MR. MCGOVERN.

>>

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR THE STATEMENT AND I YIELD BACK TO THE GENTLELADY

>>

I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

>>

THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

RECORD A VOTE MR. CHAIRMAN.

>>

THE CHAIRMAN

PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18 FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMEND OFFERED…

PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18 FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMEND OFFERED ANYGENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA WILL BE POSTPONED. -- BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA WILL BE POSTPONED.

THE CHAIRMAN

I HAVE AN AMEND AT THE DESK.

>>

THE DESK.

THE CLERK

MR. WOLF OF VIRGINIA.

THE CHAIRMAN

I YIELD MYSELF ONE MINUTE.

>>

GENTLEMAN SUSPEND? 10 MINUTES IN OPPOSITION.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN SUSPEND? 10 MINUTES IN OPPOSITION.

>>

MINUTES. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. THIS RESTORES $156 MILLION, $58 MILLION…

MINUTES. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. THIS RESTORES $156 MILLION, $58 MILLION OF THE $458 THAT WAS CUT. THE AMEND THAT WE'RE GOING TO OFFER TODAY IS IN COMPLYANCE WITH THE IRAQ STUDY GROUP. NOW, ABOUT 226 MEMBERS OF THIS BODY SAID THEY FAVORED THE IRAQ STUDY GROUP. WHAT THIS DOES IS THIS PUTS MONEY BACK IN FOR DEMINING, FOR DEMINING. IF YOU LISTEN TO THE NEWS TODAY THERE WERE 13 KILLED WITH REGARD TO I.E.D.'S AND THE EFFORT FOR DEMINING. THIS ALSO PUTS MONEY IN FOR TRAINING FOR HUMAN RIGHTS. NOW, WHETHER YOU WANT TO TAKE IT OUT TODAY OR DO WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO, WE STILL NEED TRAINING FOR HUMAN RIGHTS. WE STILL NEED TRAINING FOR CAPACITY FOR DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE. WE STILL NEED WAYS FOR RECONCILIATION TO BRING THE PARTIES TOGETHER. WE'RE ALWAYS HEARING ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT FACTIONS. THAT'S WHAT THIS MONEY IS FOR. SO, I URGE MEMBERS, THE ADMINISTRATION ORIGINALLY ASKED FOR 458, WE KNOCKED IT DOWN, WE SAID WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED? THEY SAID THIS IS WHAT WE REALLY NEED. THIS AMEND IS WHAT THE IRAQ STUDY GROUP, THEY RECOMMENDED NUMBER SIX. I'LL QUOTE. BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE AT THE HEART OF RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS AND CAPACITY DEMANDS ADDITIONAL U.S. RESOURCES. THAT'S WHAT THIS IS ON. I URGE MEMBERS ON BOTH SIDES THIS, OUGHT NOT BE A POLITICAL ISSUE OR PARTISAN ISSUE TO SUPPORT THIS AMENDMENT AND YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE BALANCE EVER HIS TIME. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK

>>

STRONG OPPOSITION TO THIS AMENDMENT. WITH GOOD RESPECT FOR MY GREAT FRIEND…

STRONG OPPOSITION TO THIS AMENDMENT. WITH GOOD RESPECT FOR MY GREAT FRIEND AND RANKING MEMBER MR. WOLF WE HAVE JUST PROVIDED $2.863 BILLION IN EMERGENCY SUE PLEA MENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR IRAQ, DIPLOMATIC APPROPRIATIONS AND RECONSTRUCTION. IN ADDITION THERE ARE $3 BILLION FOR UNEXTENDED FUNDS. THIS AMENDMENT IS REQUESTING $140 MILLION, AN ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR DEMOCRACY, RULE OF LAW AND GOVERNANCE PROGRAMS. THE SUPPLEMENTAL PROVIDED $250 MILLION FOR DEMOCRACY ACTIVITIES, $67.6 MILLION FOR CIVIL SOCIETY, $57.4 MILLION FOR TARGETED DEVELOPMENT, FOR $125 MILLION IN GOVERN JAN PROGRAMS AND $150 MILLION IN RULE OF LAW ACTIVITIES. THE AMENDMENT IS ALSO REQUESTING 16 MILLION FOR NON-PROLIFERATION AND ANTI-TERRORISM AND DEMINING ACTIVITIES. THE RECENTLY PASSED SUPPLEMENTAL PROVIDED 7 MILLION FOR DEMINING IN IRAQ. ADDITIONALLY, NOWHERE IN THIS BILL IS THERE LANGUAGE RESTRICTING FUNDING FOR HOUSTONIAN ACTIVITIES IN IRAQ. IN MY JUDGMENT, THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD SUBSTANTIALLY EXTEND THE FUNDS WE HAVE PROVIDED BEFORE CONGRESS PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE SAME PURPOSES. AND LASTLY, IF THE SITUATION ON THE GROUND CHANGES, AND OUR ASSISTANCE CAN BE USED TO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL ACHIEVEMENTS, WE CAN ADDRESS FUNDING FOR IRAQ AS THE PRESIDENT HAS REQUESTED $2.893 BILLION IN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS FOR DIPLOMATIC OPERATIONS AND RECONSTRUCTION IN IRAQ IN FISCAL YEAR 2008. SO, MY COLLEAGUES, MY GOOD FRIEND IS REQUESTING $158 MILLION FOR PURPOSES THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN FUNDED IN A $2.8 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL AND THERE'S ANOTHER $2.893 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER. I KNOW THAT $158 MILLION CAN BE USED FOR THE TREMENDOUS NEEDS AROUND THE WORLD. SO I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS AMENDMENT AND I ASK THAT MY COLLEAGUES JOIN ME AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE -- I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. GENTLEMAN…

THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

>>

TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

THE CHAIRMAN

EXPIRED. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

>>

GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

FROM ILLINOIS IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

>>

THIS AMENDMENT. WE HAVE JUST PROVIDED $2.863 BILLION IN EMERGENCY…

THIS AMENDMENT. WE HAVE JUST PROVIDED $2.863 BILLION IN EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR RECONSTRUCTION. AS THE GENTLEMAN HAS ACCURATELY NOTED IN COMMITTEE, THE FUNDING IN THIS SUPPLEMENT ALIS TIED UP DUE TO BENCHMARKS. BENCHMARKS THAT REFLECT THE WILL OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND THE CONGRESS. BENCHMARKS THAT RESUMEABLELY REFLECT THE PRESIDENT'S CON OCCURRENCE AS HE SIGNED THEM INTO LAW. BENCHMARKS THAT CAN BE ARGUED IN THE BEST INTEREST EVER IRAQ IN BECOMING A STABLE DEMOCRACY. THE GENTLEMAN'S ARGUMENT IS NOT VALID AS THE $2.863 BILLION WE JUST PROVIDE WILL BE AVAILABLE LONG BEFORE THIS BILL COMES BACK FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK SIGNED. ADDITION JALINGLY WHILE I BELIEVE WE PROVIDE SUFFICIENT FUND FOR IRAQ, I WANT TO POINT OUT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD EXTEND THE FUNDS WE PROVIDE BEFORE CONGRESS PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE EXACT SAME PURPOSES. BESIDES CONGRESS PROVIDED AN EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO DE0 BRING INVESTIGATE AND TO RE0 BRING INVESTIGATE PRIOR YEAR APPROPRIATIONS TO THE IRAQ RELIEF CONSTRUCTION FUND WHICH AS OF MAY 1, 2007 HAD $3.119 BILLION IN UNEXTENDED BALANCES. IN THE COMMITTEE, THE GENTLEMAN RAISED THE ISSUE OF VISIBLE SUPPORT AS MY LAST COLLEAGUE RAISED IN HIS REMARKS. I TAKE A LITTLE BIT OF OFFENSIVE TO THAT BECAUSE EVERY DAY OUR TROOPS, AID WORKERS ARE ARE IN HARM'S WAY WE SHOW THE GREATEST LEVELS OF SUPPORT. NONE OF THE FUNDING IN THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT WOULD GO PROVIDED A SAVER ENVIRONMENT TO OUR MEN AND WOMEN SERVING IN IRAQ. SO LET'S TAKE THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT APART FOR A MOMENT AND BE CLEAR ON WHAT WE ARE CONSIDERING. THIS AMENDMENT IS REQUESTING $140 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR DEMOCRACY, RULE OF LAW AND GOVERNANCE PROGRAMS. THE SUPPLEMENTAL PROVIDES $250 MILLION FOR DEMOCRACY ACTIVITIES. $67.6 MILLION FOR CIVIL SOCIETY AND $57.4 MILLION TARGETED FOR DEVELOPMENT FOR 125 MILLION IN GOVERNANCE PROGRAMS AND $150 MILLION IN RULE OF LAW ACTIVITIES. ON PAGE 58 LINE 18 THE AMENDMENT IS REQUESTING $16 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR NON-PROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM AND DEMINING ACTIVITIES. I WANT TO MAKE A COUPLE OF POINTS ABOUT THAT. THE RECENTLY PASSED SUPPLEMENTAL PROVIDED $7 MILLION FOR DEMINING IN IRAQ. WE DO NOT APPROPRIATE NON-PROLIFERATION ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING BY COUNTRY. WE APPROPRIATE THIS ACCOUNT BY PROGRAM TO ALLOW THE ADMINISTRATION THE FLEXIBILITY TO ADJUST TO EMERGING PRIORITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD SEEK TO CHANGE THAT AND RADICALLY AEFFECT HOW THE PRESIDENT PERFORMS HIS DUTIES. ADDITIONALLY THIS BILL FOR THE FIRST TIME FULLY FUNDS THE PRESIDENT'S REQUEST FOR NADR, SOMETHING I WOULD NOTE THAT MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE COULD NOT CLAIM WHEN THEY WERE IN THE MAJORITY. ASK THE AGAIN TELL LADY FOR ONE ADDITIONAL MINUTE. IT DOES NOT NEED FURTHER FUNDING. ON PAGE 63, LINE 23 OF THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT WHERE HE REQUESTS AN ADDITIONAL $2 MILLION THIS AMENDMENT IS REQUESTING $2 MILLION FOR LANGUAGE TRAINING EVER IRAQI SECURITY FORCES. TO DATE WE HAVE PROVIDE $18 BILLION IN TRAINING FOR THE IRAQI SECURITY FORCES. $2 MILLION WHERE. DOES THIS FIGURE COME FROM? WE PROVIDED $18 BILLION AND NOW THE DISTINGUISHED RANKING MEMBER SEEKS, RANKING REPUBLICAN MEMBER SEEKS AN ADDITIONAL $2 MILLION. WE HAVE PROVIDED SUFFICIENT FUNDING AND MOST OF THESE ACCOUNTS AND NUMBERS ARE UNEXTENDED. THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD EXTEND THOSE FUNDS, WE PROVIDE BEFORE CONGRESS PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE EXACT SAME PURPOSES, MR. CHAIRMAN AND LASTLY WHAT'S MORE NONE OF THE FUNDING IN THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT WOULD GO TOWARDS PROVIDING A SAVER ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR MEN AND WOMEN SERVING IN IRAQ. I THANK THE GENTLELADY FOR YIELDING. .

>>

I RECOGNIZE THE GENTLEMAN FROM LOUSIANA.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM LOSE FOR HOW LONG?

MR. WOLF

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

>>

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME --

THE CHAIRMAN

I YIELD BACK.

>>

BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

MR. WOLF

FROM VIRGINIA HAS 3 1/2 MINUTES AND THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK HAS 1

THE CHAIRMAN

I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA.

MR. WOLF

I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA.

>>

THE AMENDMENT BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA. THERE IS NO CHALLENGE…

THE AMENDMENT BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA. THERE IS NO CHALLENGE GREATER THAN THAT -- THAN THIS FACING AMERICA. IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE SUCCEED IN IRAQ AND ALLOW THAT NATION TO ESTABLISH A DEMOCRACY. I HEAR THAT WE HAVE FUNDED THIS ALREADY. WE HAVE IMPOSING DRAMATIC INCREASES IN SPENDING IN MANY OTHER AREAS, A 56% INCREASE IN HIV-AIDS FUNDING ALONE. WHAT MESSAGE DO WE SEND IF WE REDUCE SPENDING IN THIS AREA AT THIS TIME? I WOULD ARGUE WHETHER YOU WANT OUT OF IRAQ TONIGHT OR SUPPORT THE CURRENT COURSE, IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE SEND EVERY MESSAGE WE POSSIBLY CAN TO THE IRAQI PEOPLE AND TO OUR NATION THAT WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING THAT WE CAN TO SUPPORT DEMOCRACY. THAT'S WHAT THESE FUNDS ARE FOR. OF COURSE OTHER FUNDS HAVE BEEN SPENT. BUT THESE FUNDS CONTINUE THE EFFORT TO TELL THE IRAQI PEOPLE, WE STAND WITH THEM. AND THESE ARE YOU FUNDS FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES, FOR THEIR SECURITY, FOR GOVERN MANSLAUGHTER, AND FOR RULE OF LAW. I BELIEVE IT IS -- FOR GOVERNANCE, AND FOR RULE OF LAW. I BELIEVE IT IS CRITICAL THAT WE RAISE THESE FUNDS NOW.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIREED. -- EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW…

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIREED. -- EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

NO.

>>

NO.

MRS. LOWEY

WERE SUGGESTING THAT YOU DID NOT THINK THAT THAT WAS A GOOD IDEA. THAT IT…

WERE SUGGESTING THAT YOU DID NOT THINK THAT THAT WAS A GOOD IDEA. THAT IT WAS MORE IMPORTANT TO ADD TO THE $2.8 MILLION AND TAKE IT FROM THE H.I.V. FUNDS, BUT IF I MISUNDERSTOOD, I APOLOGIZE.

>>

NO MEANS WAS I SUGGESTING THAT WE SHOULD DO THAT. THAT IS A DISCUSSION FOR…

NO MEANS WAS I SUGGESTING THAT WE SHOULD DO THAT. THAT IS A DISCUSSION FOR ANOTHER DAY. WHAT I SUGGESTED IS THAT THERE ARE OTHER PLACES WHERE WE ARE INCREASING SPENDING EVEN MORE DRAMATICALLY THAN WHAT IS SUGGESTED HERE FOR WHAT I BELIEVE IS AN IMPORTANT PURPOSE WHICH IS RULE OF LAW.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEMAN BELIEVES THE $2.8 BILLION IS NOT ADEQUATE AND WE MUST AID…

THE GENTLEMAN BELIEVES THE $2.8 BILLION IS NOT ADEQUATE AND WE MUST AID MORE MONEY NOW EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A SUPPLEMENTAL REQUESTED BY THE PRESIDENT FOR THE FALL. I YIELD TO MY GOOD FRIEND, MR. JACKSON.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. JACKSON

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

MR. WOLF

I WANT TO YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT. MR. SHAYS HAS BEEN…

I WANT TO YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT. MR. SHAYS HAS BEEN OUTSIDE THE UMBRELLA OF THE MILITARY FOUR TIMES. AND PROBABLY UNDERSTANDS THIS ISSUE PROBABLY BETTER THAN ANYBODY ELSE.

THE CHAIRMAN

FROM CONNECTICUT IS RECOGNIZED FOR THE BALANCE OF THE TIME.

MR. SHAYS

SALUTE MRS. LOWEY. YOU HAVE DONE FINE WORK ON THIS LEGISLATION. I KNOW…

SALUTE MRS. LOWEY. YOU HAVE DONE FINE WORK ON THIS LEGISLATION. I KNOW THAT YOU'RE FOCUSED ON A LOT OF ISSUES, AND I CONGRATULATE YOU ON -- CONGRATULATE YOU ON THAT. I HAVE A STRONG CONCERN ABOUT THE LACK OF ANY DOLLARS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE FY-08 BUDGET, AND THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT. WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT AN EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL, WHICH, BY THE WAY, HAS LOTS OF STRINGS ATTACHED, WHICH MAY MEAN THAT MONEY WILL NOT BE SPENT. WE WANT TO SUCCEED IN IRAQ, REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS ECONOMICALLY, POLITICALLY AND SOCIALLY AND MILITARILY. WE WANT TO SUCCEED. THE CHALLENGE IS I FEEL LIKE YOU'RE PULLING THE RUG OUT FROM UNDER THE CHANCE TO SUCCEED ECONOMICALLY AND POLITICALLY AND THE REASON WHY I SAY POLITICALLY IS I'VE BEEN THERE FOR THE ELECTIONS, PARTICULARLY THE FIRST ONE. THIS MONEY HELPED EDUCATE THE IRAQIS ON HOW TO HAVE ELECTIONS. AND THEY DID ELECTIONS BETTER THAN WE DO IN THE UNITED STATES. WHEN I WAS OUTSIDE THE UMBRELLA OF THE MILITARY PEOPLE WOULD SAY, WHY HAVE YOU PUT MY FATHER, BROTHER, UNCLE, COUSIN, SON OUT OF WORK WHEN WE ABOLISHED ALL OF THEIR MILITARY. WHEN I HEAR THAT WE SPENT $18 MILLION TO RECONSTITUTE A MILITARY, THAT IS NOT A LARGE NUMBER. IT IS MONEY THAT WE HAD TO USE BECAUSE OF WHAT WE DID. WE ATTACKED THEM. THEY DIDN'T ATTACK US. WE HAVE A MORAL OBLIGATION, I BELIEVE, TO PUT IRAQ IN A BETTER PLACE. IF WE DON'T DO IT ECONOMICALLY AND POLITICALLY, ANY EFFORT MILITARILY FAILS, AND I MEAN NO DISRESPECT, BUT IT IS ALMOST LIKE THERE IS AN INTEREST IN HAVING IRAQ FAIL SO THAT ALL OF THE PREDICTIONS THAT IT WOULD FAIL WOULD BE PROVEN RIGHT. AND WE NEED TO PROVE OURSELVES WRONG. WE NEED TO SUCCEED. THIS DOLLAR SHOULD BE, IN MY JUDGMENT IN THE 2008 ACCOUNT, NOT IN AN EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL, WHETHER NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THE ADMINISTRATION ASKS FOR $458 MILLION, WE ASKED THEM TO SAY, WHAT ARE YOUR ABSOLUTE NEEDS FOR ECONOMIC SUPPORT, THE RULE OF LAW, GOVERNANCE AND DEMOCRACY? AND THEY'VE COME BACK TO US AND SAID, WE NEED $158 BILLION -- MILLION. I'M SORRY. AND I JUST HOPE THAT THE GENTLELADY IN HER WISDOM WILL RECONSIDER HER DECISIONS.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. ALL TIME FOR DEBATE HAS EXPIRED. FOR…

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. ALL TIME FOR DEBATE HAS EXPIRED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE?

MRS. LOWEY

RANKING MEMBER AND FOR MY FRIEND, MR. SHAYS, WHO I KNOW HAS BEEN TO IRAQ…

RANKING MEMBER AND FOR MY FRIEND, MR. SHAYS, WHO I KNOW HAS BEEN TO IRAQ MANY TIMES, I DO HOPE THAT IN LIGHT OF THIS SUPPLEMENTAL, WHICH HAS BEEN FUNDED AT $2.8 BILLION, AND AN ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL, WHICH WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE CONGRESS IN SEPTEMBER FOR ANOTHER $2.8 BILLION, WE WON'T CUT THE RUG UNDER OUR GOOD FRIEND, THE COMPETENT AMBASSADOR RYAN CROCKER AND TAKE THIS $158 MILLION FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT FOR SEVERAL LINES THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN FUNDED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL. I WON'T GO THROUGH THAT AGAIN. .

>>

THE GENTLELADY YIELDS BACK THE REST OF HER TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO YALE FROM MIAMI, FLORIDA.

>>

TO YALE FROM MIAMI, FLORIDA.

>>

THANK YOU. I THANK THE CHAIRMAN FOR YIELDING. I FULLY SUPPORT THE…

THANK YOU. I THANK THE CHAIRMAN FOR YIELDING. I FULLY SUPPORT THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MY GOOD FRIEND FROM VIRGINIA, MR. WOLF. THIS AMENDMENT GIVES VITAL ASSISTANCE FOR DEMINING, COUNTER TERRORISM, RULE OF LAW PROGRAMS, FUNDING FOR IRAQ MILITARY TRAINING AND INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS. WE MUST REMAIN COMMITTED TO ASSIST THE DEVELOPMENT OF IRAQ INTO A NATION THAT'S CAPABLE OF GOVERNING ITSELF, SUSTAINING ITSELF, DEFENDING ITSELF AND INDEPENDENTLY TAKING ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS TO ROOT OUT TERRORISTS AND MILITIAS THAT SEEK TO UNDERMINE THE TRANSITION TO A FREE AND SOVEREIGN IRAQI GOVERNMENT, CONTINUE TO PROMOTE DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW, CONTINUE TO PROVIDE NECESSARY SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ, AND MAINTAIN THE AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF IRAQ IN ALL PARTS OF ITS NATIONAL TERRITORY. MY COLLEAGUES SEEK TO CUT COMPONENTS OF OUR EFFORTS FOR COOPERATION AND COORDINATION WITH IRAQI LEADERS. MR. WOLF'S AMENDMENT CORRECTLY IS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT NATION CAN TRULY BECOME SELF-RELIANT AND STABLE AND NOT COUNT ON THE U.S. AS A BLANK CHECK ANY LONGER. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I YIELD BACK.

>>

VERY GOOD AND I APPRECIATE MISS LOWEY ON A LOT OF ISSUES. THERE'S A LOT OF…

VERY GOOD AND I APPRECIATE MISS LOWEY ON A LOT OF ISSUES. THERE'S A LOT OF GOOD THINGS IN THE BILL. THIS, IN CLOSING, DEALS WITH THE WHOLE ISSUE OF DEMINING, HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING, CRIMINAL JUSTICE, RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS. NONE OF THESE THINGS REALLY OUGHT TO BE CONTROVERSIAL FOR ANYBODY WHATEVER THEIR POSITIONS. ALSO THEY FIT INTO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE IRAQ STUDY GROUP. AND I THINK THAT OFFERING AN OPPORTUNITY TO HEAL AND TO BUILD THE PRIVATE-SECTOR, THE CIVILIAN SECTOR IN IRAQ ON THESE ISSUES OF HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING SO THAT WHEN THE UNITED STATES IS OUT THERE WILL BE RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHT, THERE WILL BE CRIMINAL JUSTICE, THERE WILL BE RULE OF LAW AND WITH THAT I URGE AN IOWA VOTE.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. LIKE TO THANK THE…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. LIKE TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING. ITCH GUESS I'M ASKING HIM TO YIELD TO A QUESTION SO I COULD HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT. IS IT THE INTENT. GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT THAT THESE FUNDS WOULD SOMEHOW NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE BENCHMARKS ESTABLISHED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL BILL FOR FUNDING AND FUTURE FUNDING IN IRAQ? IS THIS AROUND THE BENCHMARKS?

>>

THEY WOULD BE, AND I RECLAIM MY TIME. THEY WOULD BE. AND THE REASON THAT…

THEY WOULD BE, AND I RECLAIM MY TIME. THEY WOULD BE. AND THE REASON THAT WE DID THIS, TO MY FRIEND FROM ILLINOIS, IS THAT WHEN THE $458 WERE CUT WE ASKED THE ADMINISTRATION TO COME UP AND TELL US WHAT THEY REALLY NEEDED BECAUSE WE SAID THIS IS A VERY DIFFICULT ISSUE. THE GENTLELADY PUT A LOT OF PROGRAMS IN WITH A LOT OF MONEY IN. WHAT DO YOU HONESTLY NEED. EVERYTHING WOULD BE IN COMPLYANCE WITH BENCHMARKS BUT IT WOULD ALSO GIVE THEM INITIAL FUNDING AND THEY SAID WE ACTUALLY NEED THIS $158 MILLION AND SO, BUT THEY WOULD BE, TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION IT WOULD BE IN COMPLYANCE.

>>

WOULD CONTINUE TO YIELD TO ONE FINAL QUESTION. IF IN FACT, AND I HOPE THE…

WOULD CONTINUE TO YIELD TO ONE FINAL QUESTION. IF IN FACT, AND I HOPE THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT IS ABLE TO ACHIEVE THE BENCHMARKS. IF IN FACT THEY ARE UNSUCCESSFUL IN ACHEEFERING THE BENCHMARKS AND THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES IS TO RECONTEMPLATE ELEMENTS OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL FUNDING, DOES THIS GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT APPROPRIATE DOLLARS THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE BENCHMARKS ESTABLISHED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL. IS THIS FUNDING IN ADDITION TO THAT FUNDING?

>>

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING.

>>

FOR YIELDING.

>>

OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

ALL TIME FOR DEBATE HAS EXPIRED. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED NO.…

ALL TIME FOR DEBATE HAS EXPIRED. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR THE NOS HAVE IT.

>>

PLEASE.

THE CHAIRMAN

TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18 FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED…

TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18 FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED ANYGENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT RISE?

>>

ANTHONY, THE CLERK AS AT THE DESK AMENDMENT I THINK 42 WHICH I WOULD LIKE…

ANTHONY, THE CLERK AS AT THE DESK AMENDMENT I THINK 42 WHICH I WOULD LIKE TO CALL.

THE CHAIRMAN

WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT.

THE CLERK

AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. SHAYS OF CONNECTICUT.

THE CHAIRMAN

PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF THE HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2007, MR. SHAYS…

PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF THE HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2007, MR. SHAYS AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT.

>>

THE INSTITUTE OF PEACE, REFERRED TO U.S. I.P. FOR THE PURPOSES OF…

THE INSTITUTE OF PEACE, REFERRED TO U.S. I.P. FOR THE PURPOSES OF REESTABLISHING THE IRAQI STUDY GROUP TO HAVE THEM VISIT IRAQ ONE YEAR LATER TO EVALUATE THE CONDITION IN IRAQ ONE YEAR LATER TO LOOK AT THEIR FINDINGS AND COMPARE THEM TO A YEAR AGO AND TO LOOK AT THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS TO SEE WHERE THEY MAY ALTER THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS. THAT'S WHAT THE AMENDMENT DOES. I HAVE SPOKEN TO RICHARD SOLOMON AT THE U.S. INSTITUTE OF PEACE WHO SAID THAT THE INSTITUTE IS PREPARED TO DO THIS TO RECONSTITUTE IT'S EXPERT WORKING GROUPS. I WOULD SAY THAT THIS WOULD BE DONE AT THE SAME TIME THAT WE ARE GOING HEAR FROM AMBASSADOR RYAN CROCKER AND GENERAL DAVID PETRAEUS, WHO WILL BE GIVING US THEIR FINDINGS. BUT THE INSTITUTE WANTED TO MAKE CLEAR THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE THERE TO LOOK AND EVALUATE THE CROCKER/PETRAEUS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS, BUT IT WOULD SIMPLY BE A REPORT THAT WOULD BE PROVIDED AT THE SAME TIME TO WHICH THEN PEOPLE COULD COMPARE IT. SPOKE TO ONE OF THE PRINCIPALS OF THE IRAQI STUDY GROUP, LEE HAMILTON. HE SAID THEY ARE WILLING TO TAKE THIS EFFORT ON, PROVIDED IT IS TO REVIEW WHAT THEY DID TO LOOK AT WHAT'S TAKEN PLACE IN IRAQ TO REVIEW THEIR OBSERVATION, THEIR FINDINGS, THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS, BUT THEY WOULD NOT BE AGENCIER TO TAKE THE PETRAEUS/CROCKER REPORT AND THEN ANALYZE IT. BUT IT BE, THEREFORE, TWO VEHICLES, TWO INSTRUMENTS THAT CONGRESS COULD LOOK AT AND WITH THAT I WOULD RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE…

THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

>>

DOES THE GENTLELADY RESERVE THE BALANCE OF HER TIME OR DO YOU YIELD BACK?

THE CHAIRMAN

I RESERVE.

>>

RESERVE.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HER TIME.

>>

TO GRAB 30 SECONDS AND SAY TO THE GENTLELADY THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THE…

TO GRAB 30 SECONDS AND SAY TO THE GENTLELADY THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THE IRAQI STUDY GROUP WAS CREATED BY BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE BUT PARTICULARLY BY MR. WOLF. IT'S A BIPARTISAN EFFORT AND IT WOULD BE GOOD TO CONTINUE THAT BIPARTISAN EFFORT. WITH THAT I WOULD YIELD THE GENTLEMAN A MINUTE.

>>

THANK THE THE GENTLEMAN FROM I WANT TO CHANCE THE CHAIRWOMAN FOR ACCEPTING…

THANK THE THE GENTLEMAN FROM I WANT TO CHANCE THE CHAIRWOMAN FOR ACCEPTING THE AMENDMENT AND I APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH. I THANK MR. SHAYS FOR OFFERING IT. THIS IS REALLY THE WAY THE COUNTRY IS GOING TO GO. THERE MAY VERY WELL BE A VOTE. MR. UDALL AND OTHER MEMBERS WITH MR. SHAYS AND MR. MCCOLE HAVE A BILL IN TO MAKE THE IRAQ STUDY GROUP THE POLICY FOR THE NATION. I WANT TO THANK THE GENTLELADY FOR ACCEPTING IT AN THANK MR. SHAYS AND YIELD BACK

>>

THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT.

THE CHAIRMAN

FROM CONNECTICUT.

>>

GENTLELADY AND GENTLEMAN AND REPRESENTATIVE LOWEY AND REPRESENTATIVE WOLF…

GENTLELADY AND GENTLEMAN AND REPRESENTATIVE LOWEY AND REPRESENTATIVE WOLF AND YIELD BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. ALL TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE QUESTION IS ON ADOPTION…

GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. ALL TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE QUESTION IS ON ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR THE AYES HAVE IT.

>>

WOULD LIKE A ROLL CALL VOTE ON THAT.

THE CHAIRMAN

CLAUSE 6 RULE 18 FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE…

CLAUSE 6 RULE 18 FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT WILL BE POSTPONED. CLERK WILL READ.

THE CLERK

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY RISE?

THE CHAIRMAN

HAVE AN AMENDMENT.

>>

THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT.

THE CLERK

OFFERED BY MR. GARRETT OF NEW JERSEY.

THE CHAIRMAN

OF THE HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 20, 2007 THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY MR.…

OF THE HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 20, 2007 THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY MR. GARRETT AND A MEMBER OPPOSED EACH WILL CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY.

>>

FUNDING OF INTERNATIONAL COUNTER TERRORIST PROGRAMS WHILE ALSO CALLING OUT…

FUNDING OF INTERNATIONAL COUNTER TERRORIST PROGRAMS WHILE ALSO CALLING OUT THE UNITED NATIONS FOR ITS CONTINUED RELUCTANCE TO RECOGNIZE AND FIGHT INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM. WE ARE AT WAR WITH AN ENEMY WHOSE TACTICS NOT ONLY INVOLVE THE DESTRUCTION OF NONCOMBATANTS, WOMEN, LITTLE CHILDREN, PEOPLE JUST TRYING TO WORK OR BUYING SOMETHING AT THE MARKET, THEIR TACTICS DEPEND ON SUCH DESTRUCTION. TERRORISTS DISREGARD THE RULES OF WARFARE AND STRIKE AT PURE INNOCENCE. THEY WEAR NO UNIFORM AND OFTEN DON'T CARE ABOUT THE SAVINGS OF THEIR OWN LIVES. DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE WORLD IS IN THE THR ONCHE S OF TRIRM, THE U.N. HAS DONE VERY LITTLE TO FIGHT THIS THREAT ON HUMANITY. THE U.N. MARKS TRIMPLE BY HOW MANY COMMITTEES THEY FORMED AND HOW MANY DOCUMENTS THEY SIGN. WE NEED A WORLD BODY THAT DOESN'T SEE AN EXPANDED BODY AS SUCCESS. WE NEED A WORLD BODY THAT FIGHT TERROR. INSTEAD U.N. PASSES TOOTHLESS RESOLUTIONS ON COUNTERTERRORISM THAT EVEN COUNTRIES SUCH AS IRAN, LIBRARYIA AND SYRIA CAN SUPPORT. THESE NATIONS WILL CONTINUE TO FUNNEL MONEY TO TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS. THEY KNOW THERE WILL BE NO ABSOLUTE REPERCUSSIONS FROM THE U.N. SO, MY AMENDMENT PROPOSES TO SHIFT $20 MILLION, APPROXIMATELY 3% OF THE U.S. CONTRIBUTION TO THE U.N. TO ANTI-TERRORISM ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. IF THE U.N. IS UNWILLING TO JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM THEN WE SHOULD REALLOCATE OUR DOLLARS, A PORTION OF THE FUNDS INTEND FOR THEM TO PROGRAMS THAT ARE TRULY WORKING TO BRING REAL PEACE TO THE WORLD. WITH THAT, MR. CHAIRMAN I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. .

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW…

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THIS AMENDMENT. IT WOULD CUT $20 MILLION TO THE…

I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THIS AMENDMENT. IT WOULD CUT $20 MILLION TO THE CONTRIBUTIONS TO -- FROM INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS. THE QUESTION POSED BY THIS AMENDMENT IS STRAIGHTFORWARD. DO YOU WANT TO TAKE FUNDS AWAY FROM AN ACCOUNT THAT IS SAVING LIVES EVERY DAY AROUND THE WORLD? FORMER DEFENSE SECRETARY DONALD RUMSFELD LAST YEAR TOLD SENATE APPROPRIATORS THAT U.N. PEACEKEEPING WAS AN EXAMPLE OF THE BENEFIT OF EMPOWERING PARTNER NATIONS AND IT WOULD COST THE UNITED STATES TAXPAYERS ALMOST EIGHT TIMES AS MUCH, OF COURSE --

>>

AS TO WHERE OUR FUNDS ARE COMING FROM.

MRS. LOWEY

EXACTLY.

>>

EXACTLY.

MRS. LOWEY

BE DELIGHTED TO RESPOND TO YOU THEN. AND I THANK YOU FOR WITHDRAWING.

MR. GARRETT

I WOULD YIELD BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK IS RECOGNIZED.

MRS. LOWEY

WITH DRAUING THE AMENDMENT. -- WITHDRAWING THE AMENDMENT.

THE CHAIRMAN

DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RESERVE THE BALANCE OF HER TIME?

MRS. LOWEY

I RESERVE THE BALANCE.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY.

MR. GARRETT

NOT YET OFFICIALLY WITHDRAWN MY AMENDMENT. I WOULD APPRECIATE A COMMENT…

NOT YET OFFICIALLY WITHDRAWN MY AMENDMENT. I WOULD APPRECIATE A COMMENT FROM THE GENTLELADY WITH REGARD TO HER SUPPORT IN GENERAL OF OUR IDEAS OF THIS AMENDMENT AND -- AND THE AGREE ABILITY TO WORK TOGETHER TO -- AGREEABILITY TO WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE WHAT WE'RE AIMING FOR IN THIS REGARD. I YIELD TO THE GENTLELADY.

MRS. LOWEY

IN THE AMENDMENT AND INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME.…

IN THE AMENDMENT AND INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME. BUT AS SOON AS I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR AMENDMENT IS THAT YOU'RE GOING TO WITHDRAW, I WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO COMMENT ON THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT. EXCUSE ME. COULD THE GENTLEMAN REDESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT? THERE SEEMS TO BE A QUESTION. MY COMMENTS WERE CONCERNING -- WERE CONCERNING THE AMENDMENT TO CUT SIPA. NOW I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS OR ISN'T. COULD I HAVE CLARIFICATION?

THE CHAIRMAN

WITHOUT OBJECTION THE CLERK WILL REPORT THE AMENDMENT.

THE CLERK

18 AFTER THE DOLLAR AMOUNT INSERT INCREASED BY $20 MILLION.

THE CHAIRMAN

FROM NEW JERSEY.

MR. GARRETT

THE REDESIGNATION IS A CLARIFICATION. WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO IS NOT -- IS…

THE REDESIGNATION IS A CLARIFICATION. WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO IS NOT -- IS NOT --'S SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENT WILL BE TAKING FUNDS FROM THE PEACE KEEPING MISSION WHICH IS WHAT THE GENTLELADY WAS REFERRING TO, BUT TO TAKE IT FROM THE U.S. ORGANIZATIONAL LINE TO JOIN US IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM. AS MY OPENING COMMENTS TO THE CHAIR STATED, THE U.N. HAS DONE A WILLFULLY POOR JOB WHEN IT COMES TO FIGHTING TERRORISM AROUND THE WORLD. WE ONLY HAVE TO LOOK AT THE SITUATION IN THE SUDAN AND DARFUR WHERE THEY'RE NOT ABLE AT THIS LATE DATE TO DEFINE AND TELL US THAT A GENOCIDE IS GOING ON. MY GOODNESS, THE U.N. HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO GRAPPLE WITH THE DEFINITION OF WHAT A GENOCIDE IS, LET ALONE TAKE RESPONSIVE ACTION TO TRY TO BRING IT TO AN END. LIKEWISE IN THE AREA OF TERRORISM, THE U.N. HAS, AGAIN, WILLFULLY AND WOEFULLY BE FAILURE TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND TO FIGHT TERRORISM WITH SO MANY OTHER NATIONS. THE UNITED STATES OBVIOUSLY TAKING THE LEAD IN THAT COURSE. IF THE U.N. IS NOT GOING TO BE, THE INTERNATIONAL BODY TO STEP UP AND TAKE THE AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS IN THESE AREAS, THEN I THINK THAT IT IS INCUMBENT UPON US HERE IN THIS HOUSE TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR DOLLARS, OUR LIMITED TAXPAYER DOLLARS DO NOT GO TO AN ORGANIZATION, THE U.N., INTERNATIONAL BODY, THAT IS NOT GETTING THE JOB DONE, BUT TO REALLOCATE THOSE THRARS AND TO REALLOCATE -- THOSE DOLLARS, REALLOCATE THAT MONEY AS ANTI-TERRORISM ASSISTANCE. HOMELAND SECURITY, FIGHTING TERRORISM IS ONE OF THE HALLMARK PRINCIPLES THAT I HAVE COME TO CONGRESS TO FIGHT AGAINST TO ACHIEVE RESULTS ON AND THIS LEGISLATION AND THIS AMENDMENT WILL GO TO THAT END. WITH THAT, I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE?

MRS. LOWEY

I WOULD LIKE TO RESPOND TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY. I DO BELIEVE…

I WOULD LIKE TO RESPOND TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY. I DO BELIEVE NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION MUST BE A KEY FOCUS OF THIS COMMITTEE AND THIS CONGRESS. IN FACT, IN THIS BILL, BECAUSE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF SO MANY MEMBERS OF OUR SUBCOMMITTEE AND MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS, WE HAVE INCREASED MONEY FOR NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION EFFORTS. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE GENTLEMAN ON THIS ISSUE AS WE MOVE AHEAD. HOWEVER, I DO THINK THAT YOUR OFFSET, TAKING MONEY FROM U.N. DUES IS ACTUALLY UNWISE AND NOT A VERY GOOD POLICY DECISION. YOU KNOW, MANY PEOPLE HAVE CRITICIZED THE U.N., WANT TO DISBAN -- DISBANNED THE U.N. AND WHEN WE NEED THE U.N., THEY WONDER, WHAT WILL WE DO IF WE DIDN'T HAVE A UNITED NATIONS? I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY IN STRENGTHENING THE COMMITTEES OF THE U.N. IN WORKING TOGETHER TO FACE THE TREMENDOUS -- TREMENDOUS CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE INTERNATIONALLY. SO I SUPPORT THE GENTLEMAN'S CONCERNS ABOUT NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE GENTLEMAN, BUT I STRONGLY OPPOSE TAKING THE MONEY FROM U.N. DUES, AND I YIELD.

THE CHAIRMAN

TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS?

MRS. LOWEY

FOR HOW MUCH TIME?

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR HOW MUCH TIME?

MR. JACKSON

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. JACKSON

IN OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT. THE ORGANIZATIONS FOR WHICH THIS ACCOUNT…

IN OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT. THE ORGANIZATIONS FOR WHICH THIS ACCOUNT IS DESIGNATED AND THE TCHUSE WE PAY NOT ONLY TO THE -- THE DUES THAT WE PAY NOT ONLY TO THE U.N. -- BELIEVE ME WHEN I TELL YOU THAT WE HAVE MADE IT CLEAR THAT WE'RE IN A GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR. AND OUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THOSE ORGANIZATIONS, PART OF OUR MANDATORY OBLIGATIONS TO THOSE ORGANIZATIONS FOR WHICH THE GENTLEMAN SEEKS TO CUT FUNDING WOULD, QUITE FRANKLY, UNDERMIND OUR ABILITY TO MAINTAIN THE STATUS WITHIN THOSE ORGANIZATIONS AS WE TRY TO DIRECT THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR. THE SPIRIT OF THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT, WHICH SOME ASPECTS OF IT ARE ACTUALLY COVERED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL BILL AND SOME ASPECTS ARE OBVIOUSLY COVERED IN OUR BILL IS SOMETHING THAT IS DIFFICULT TO ARGUE AGAINST. $20 MILLION ADDITIONAL DOLLARS FOR DEMINING ACTIVITIES. PART OF THIS WAS OFFERED BY THE RANKING MEMBER, MR. WOLF, IN HIS AMENDMENT. SUFFICIENT IN THIS BILL ARE THE RESOURCES TO ADVANCE DEMOCRACY ACTIVITIES AND DEMINING ACTIVITIES. BY CUTTING AID TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, CUTTING OUR CONTRIBUTION CONTRIBUTION, OUR MANDATORY CONTRIBUTIONS IS SOMETHING THAT THE RANKING CHAIRMAN AND THE MAJORITY WOULD REJECT. AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. I THANK THE GENTLELADY FOR YIELDING.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY.

MR. GARRETT

UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A MISUNDERSTANDING TO WHICH AMENDMENT WE WERE…

UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A MISUNDERSTANDING TO WHICH AMENDMENT WE WERE DEALING WITH. I APPRECIATE THE CHAIR REDISIGNITING THE AMENDMENT AND THE SPEAKER MADE A SPEECH ABOUT ENDING NONPROLIFERATION NUCLEAR -- IT GOES TO -- THIS GOES TO FIGHT TERRORISM. I YIELD BACK MY TIME. I DO NOT WITHDRAW MY AMENDMENT.

THE CHAIRMAN

HAS EXPIRED.

MR. JACKSON

THE GENTLEMAN HAS NOT WITHDRAWN HIS AMENDMENT.

THE CHAIRMAN

HAS NOT WITHDRAWN HIS AMENDMENT.

MR. JACKSON

WE RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THIS AMENDMENT.

THE CHAIRMAN

ALL TIME FOR DEBATE HAS EXPIRED. THE QUESTION IS ON THE ADOPTION OF THE…

ALL TIME FOR DEBATE HAS EXPIRED. THE QUESTION IS ON THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE NOES HAVE IT.

MR. GARRETT

A RECORDED VOTE.

THE CHAIRMAN

OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT…

OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLELADY FROM NORTH CAROLINA RISE?

>>

THE GENTLEWOMAN IS A DESIGNEE FOR THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS?

THE CHAIRMAN

YES.

>>

YES.

THE CLERK

AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MS. FOXX OF NORTH CAROLINA.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEWOMAN FROM NORTH CAROLINA, MS. FOXX, AND A MEMBER POSED WILL CONTROL…

GENTLEWOMAN FROM NORTH CAROLINA, MS. FOXX, AND A MEMBER POSED WILL CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NORTH CAROLINA.

MS. FOXX

MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE GENTLELADY AMENDMENT.

>>

THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES.

>>

YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF YOUR TIME OR RESERVE?

THE CHAIRMAN

I RESERVE.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NORTH CAROLINA HAS 30 SECONDS REMAINING.

>>

MR. CHAIRMAN. I APPRECIATE WHAT MY COLLEAGUE HAS SAID BUT THESE…

MR. CHAIRMAN. I APPRECIATE WHAT MY COLLEAGUE HAS SAID BUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS DO NOTHING TO HELP THE SECURITY OF THE UNITED STATES. THE U.N. IS AN INEFFECTIVE AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATION AND OUR CONTINUING TO PROVIDE MUCH OF ITS FUNDING IMPLICITLY ENDORSE THAT CORRUPTION AND INEFFECTIVENESS. IF WE PUT THIS TO A VOTE OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THEY WOULD SAY FUND NOTHING OF THE UNITED NATIONS. KEEPING THIS AT LEVEL FUNDING IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. I YIELD BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLELADY'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK HAS 30…

THE GENTLELADY'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK HAS 30 SECONDS REMAINING. I YIELD THE BALANCE OF MY TIME TO MR. JACKSON.

>>

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA RISE?

THE CHAIRMAN

PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA RISE?

>>

OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT. EVERYONE HAS FRUSTRATIONS, I THINK THE U.N.…

OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT. EVERYONE HAS FRUSTRATIONS, I THINK THE U.N. COULD DO CERTAINLY A LOT MORE ON DARFUR AND MANY OTHER THINGS. THEY STOOD BY FRANKLY DIDN'T DO VERY MUCH NUMBER ONE IN EITHER. BUT WHAT THIS AMENDMENT WOULD DO, I THINK, IS PEOPLE HAVE TO LOOK AT IT. THIS WOULD CUT NATO FEES AND NATO IS SORT OF THE BACK BONE OF WHAT WE'RE DOING IN AFGHANISTAN AND MANY OTHER PLACE. $41 MILLION OUT OF THIS FUND GOES TO NATO. ALSO ON THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, WITH REGARD TO AVIAN FLU AND THINGS LIKE THAT. THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO DO THAT. ALSO ANOTHER ISSUE THAT I PERSONALLY HAVE MADE A CAUSE OF FUNDING A WAR CRIME TRIBUNAL, TO BRING PEOPLE TO JUSTICE. THIS WOULD CUT THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL IN RWANDA WHERE OVER 800,000 PEOPLE HAVE DIED BETWEEN TWO GROUPS. ALSO THE ISSUE OF THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA WHERE THE GENOCIDE THAT TOOK PLACE, MILOSEVIC WAS BROUGHT TO THE COURT. I UNDERSTAND WHAT THE GENTLELADY IS TRYING TO DO. THIS WOULD BE THE WRONG PLACE TO DO IT BECAUSE FROM NATO AND IAEA AND THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AND THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL. LASTLY, THIS IS AT THE REQUEST OF PRESIDENT BUSH, OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION. THIS IS WHAT THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION, PRESIDENT BUSH HAS REQUESTED. SO, FOR THOSE REASONS, I URGE A NO VOTE AND YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

MR. CHAIRMAN, I REQUEST RECORDED VOTE.

>>

REQUEST RECORDED VOTE.

THE CHAIRMAN

PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18 FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT…

PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18 FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NORTH CAROLINA WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS RISE?

>>

AMENDMENT AT THE DESK.

THE CLERK

AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. MCCAUL OF TEXAS.

THE CHAIRMAN

PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF THE HOUSE OF WED, JUNE 20, 2007 THE GENTLEMAN…

PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF THE HOUSE OF WED, JUNE 20, 2007 THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS MR. MCCAUL AND A MEMBER OPPOSED EACH WILL CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS.

>>

OFFER AN AMENDMENT THAT WILL RESTORE THE MR. ADMINISTRATION AGENCIES…

OFFER AN AMENDMENT THAT WILL RESTORE THE MR. ADMINISTRATION AGENCIES REQUEST FOR NARCOTICS CONTROL IN THE FROPPINGS APPROPRIATIONS BILL. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD ADD $30 MILLION TO THE ACCOUNT, HALFWAY BETWEEN THE COMMITTEE FUNDING LEVEL AND THE COMMITEE AS REQUEST. THIS IS A BIPARTISAN AMENDMENT. I WANT TO THANK MY COLLEAGUE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE AS AN AUTHOR AND CO-SPONSOR. EARLIER I ATTENDED THE MEXICO INTERPLEARM GROUP. FOR THREE DAYS WE TALKED ABOUT ISSUES IMPORTANT TO THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO. THE MAJOR TOPIC DISCUSSED WAS ISSUE OF INCREASING LAW LESSNESS ALONG THE U.S./MEXICO BOTHERED. THE DRUG CARTELS HAVE TAKEN OVER CONTROL OF NEXT COULD AND LAW ENFORCEMENT HAVE BECOME CORRUPT AND INEFFECT JENNIFER. SINCE HIS NEWING RATIONERLYER THIS YEAR PRESIDENT CALDERON HAS TRIED TO REESTABLISH LAW ENFORCEMENT IN HIS COUNTRY AND THEIR BORDERS. HOWEVER THE DRUG KINGPINS ARE RUTHLESS IN THEIR EFFORT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CAPABILITIES ARE OUTDATED. THE DRUG CARTELS ORDERED THE ASSASSINATION OF A MEXICAN STATE LEGISLATOR. I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO COMMEND CHAIRWOMAN LOWEY AND THE RANKING MEMBER WOLF FOR INCLUDING $27.5 MILLION IN THIS BILL FOR THIS EFFORT AND FOR RECOGNIZING IN THE REPORT LANGUAGE IN THE BILL THE NEED TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM WHICH IMPACTS OUR SOUTHERN BORDER, OUR NATIONAL SECURITY, AND THE CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTRY. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE AN ADDITIONAL FUNDING WOULD GO A LONG WAY TO HEERA DIE INDICATING THE DRUG CARTELS. THE OFF SET IS $30 MILLION. REDUCTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS ACCOUNT. I BELIEVE IT'S A WORTHWHILE TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO SEE THAT WILL BENEFIT NOT ONLY OUR BORDER WITH MEXICO BUT OUR COUNTER DRUG EFFORTS WORLDWIDE. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL PEACE KEEPING EFFORTS SHOULD BE ON THE SOUTHERN BORDER AGAINST THE VIOLENT CRIMINAL ENTER PRISS OF THE DRUG TRAFFICKERS. THE CARTELS CONTROL THE ROUTES INTO THIS COUNTRY EXPORTING DRUGS AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING INTO OUR SOUTHERN BOTHERED. AT THE INTERSECTION OF THESE CRIMINAL ENTERPRISES AND POTENTIAL TERRORISTS COULD BE DEADLY. IN THE POST 9/11 WORLD WE CAN NO LONGER CONTINUE TO IGNORE THIS THREAT. AT A TIME WHEN THE NEWLY ELECTED MEXICAN GOVERNMENT HAS STEPPED FORWARD COMBAT THE DRUG CARTELS IT'S IMPORTANT WE PROVIDE AS MUCH FUNDING AND RESOURCES AS POSSIBLE TO THE INTERNATIONAL NEAR COTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS AMENDMENT.

THE CHAIRMAN

I YIELD TO MY GOOD FRIEND.

>>

FRIEND.

THE CHAIRMAN

TWO MINUTES.

>>

TWO MINUTES.

>>

SPEAKER. AGAIN, MADAM CHAIR, THANK YOU FOR THE TIME AND I APPRECIATE THE…

SPEAKER. AGAIN, MADAM CHAIR, THANK YOU FOR THE TIME AND I APPRECIATE THE WORK THAT YOU HAVE DONE IN MAKING SURE THAT WE HELP THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT FIGHT THE DRUG CARTEL PROXIMATE THAT THEY HAVE. WE HAVE A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY AT THIS TIME AND I THINK MR. MCCAUL UNDERSTANDS THIS SINCE WE HAVE BEEN WORK ON THIS FOR A WHILE THEY HAVE A PRESIDENT NOW THAT'S WILLING TO GO AHEAD AND TAKE ON THE POWERFUL DRUG CARTELS. BEING FROM TEXAS I SEE WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS THE RIVER. WE HAD, TALKING ABOUT ONE OF THE CONGRESSMEN, MY COUNTER PART RIGHT ACROSS THE BORDER, THERE WAS AN ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE HIM. HE ENDED UP IN THE HOSPITAL. HIS CHAUFFEUR GOT KILLED BECAUSE, AGAIN, HE WANTED TO GO AHEAD AND FIGHT THE DRUG CARTELS. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT WE PROVIDE THIS EXTRA FUNDING BECAUSE IF WE DON'T WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE, YOU WILL HAVE A BIGGER PROBLEM THAT WHAT WE'RE SEEING RIGHT NOW ACROSS THE RIVER. IT HAS PER ME IT AED NOT ONLY LAW ENFORCEMENT BUT THE JUDICIARY BUT AFFECTED OTHER PARTS OF SOCIETIES. THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT WANTS TO WORK WITH US AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE WORK ON INCREASING THE DOLLARS. MY UNDERSTANDING, MADAM CHAIR, I'M HOPING THAT MY COLLEAGUE WILL BE WILLING TO DO THAT, IF WE CAN WITHDRAW THIS AMENDMENT, I BELIEVE WE HAVE A COMMITMENT FROM THE CHAIRWOMAN THAT IN CONFERENCE COMMITTEE SHE WILL GO AHEAD AND INCREASE THE DOLLARS BECAUSE WE NEED MORE THAN WHAT'S BEEN APPROPRIATE SOD FAR, WHAT'S CURRENTLY IN THE BILL ITSELF, AND I BELIEVE WE HAVE A COMMITMENT AND MR. MCCAUL, IF YOU'RE WILLING TO WITHDRAW TOGETHER BOTH OF US WE DO HAVE A COMMITMENT FROM THE CHAIRWOMAN AND SHE'S BEEN VERY GOOD AT KEEPING HER WORD ON THIS.

>>

FOR YOUR IMPORTANT WORK WITH MR. MCCAUL ON THIS ISSUE. I UNDERSTAND THE…

FOR YOUR IMPORTANT WORK WITH MR. MCCAUL ON THIS ISSUE. I UNDERSTAND THE URGENCY AND THE IMPACT, THE DRUGS IN YOUR AREAS AND THE TREMENDOUS NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE PEOPLE YOU REPRESENT. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE OFF SET. THEREFORE, IF YOU WILL WITHDRAW THIS AMENDMENT I WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO WORK WITH THE GENTLEMAN AS WE APPROACH OUR CONFERENCE IN INCREASING MONEY FOR THIS VERY IMPORTANT NEED. .

>>

LIKE TO GET A FEW ASSURANCE FROM THE GENTLELADY, IF I MAY. AND THAT IS,…

LIKE TO GET A FEW ASSURANCE FROM THE GENTLELADY, IF I MAY. AND THAT IS, THAT THIS FUNDING WOULD BE DIRECTED PRIMARILY -- PRIMARILY WOULD BE TARGETED TOWARD THE PROBLEM AT THE U.S.-MEXICO BOARD WER THE DRUG CARTELS WHO -- BORDER WITH THESE DRUG CARTELS WHO CONTROL THIS CORRIDOR. THIS CONFIRMS THE THREAT. THIS WAS GIVEN TO THE PRESIDENT CUDERON. HE UNDERSTANDS THIS. OUR STATE DEPARTMENT DOES UNDERSTAND THIS. THEY COULD USE THE FUNDS TO CONFRONT THIS THREAT. I WOULD ASK IN EXCHANGE FOR WITHDRAWING THAT WE TRY TO COME AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE NUMBER THAT I REQUESTED AND THAT THAT MONEY BE DIRECTED TOWARD THE THREAT THAT MR. CUELLAR AND I SEE SO OFTEN IN THE BORDER STATE.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEMAN IN MY DISCUSSIONS WITH MR. CUELLAR, HE IS VERY CLEAR ABOUT…

THE GENTLEMAN IN MY DISCUSSIONS WITH MR. CUELLAR, HE IS VERY CLEAR ABOUT THE URGENCY OF THIS ISSUE AND THE IMPACT OF THESE CONCERNS ON THE CITIZENS THAT YOU BOTH REPRESENT. SO I WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO WORK WITH YOU, AND WE WILL CERTAINLY SEARCH FOR FUNDING AS CLOSE TO THE NUMBER THAT YOU MENTIONED AS WE POSSIBLY CAN. AND, AGAIN, THE ONLY ISSUE WITH THIS AMENDMENT WAS THE OFFSET, NOT THE IMPORTANT NEED FOR THE FUNDING. SO I THANK THE GENTLEMAN, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU. AND I THANK YOU FOR WITHDRAWING THE AMENDMENT.

>>

I WILL WITHDRAW MY AMENDMENT AND I YIELD BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE AMENDMENT IS WITHDRAWN. THE CLERK WILL READ.

THE CLERK

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES, $1.3 BILLION.

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT REASON DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY RISE?

MR. GARRETT

THE DESK.

THE CLERK

16 OFFERED BY MR. GARRETT OF NEW JERSEY.

THE CHAIRMAN

I'M --

MR. COMBARTE GARRETT

I'M --

MR. GARRETT

ENGAGED IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING OR OTHER SEX CRIMES. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE…

ENGAGED IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING OR OTHER SEX CRIMES. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE LANGUAGE IN THE BILL, QUITE FRANKLY, DOES NOT GO FAR ENOUGH. THE FACTS ARE BETWEEN 2004 AND 2006, 179 PEACEKEEPERS FROM THE U.N., UNDER THEIR CHARGE, UNDER THEIR CONTROL, WERE DISMISSED FOLLOWING INVESTIGATIONS FOR SEX CRIMES. YET ONLY A VERY FEW OF THESE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED FOR THEIR CRIMES. EARLIER THIS YEAR "THE DAILY TELEGRAPH" NEWSPAPER REVEALED THAT MEMBERS OF THE U.S. FORCE IN SOUTHERN SUDAN ABUSED CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS 12. LAST YEAR THE U.S. TRIED TO PROCLAIM IT WAS -- ONLY AFTER THE REPORTS DID THE U.N. ADMIT TO REPATRIOTING FOUR INDIVIDUALS FOR THESE CRIMES. NONE OF THESE FOUR HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED IN THEIR HOME COUNTRY OF BANGLADESH. THIS WEEK THE GOVERNMENT OF SUDAN AGREED TO A PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN DARFUR. WE MUST ENSURE THAT THE PEOPLE OF DARFUR WHO HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO A SYSTEMATIC RAPE AND VIOLENCE CONSTITUTING GENOCIDE DO NOT SUFFER FURTHER AT THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE THERE TO PROTECT THEM. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE LANGUAGE IN THE PRESENT BILL, TO QUOTE, TO HOLD ACCOUNTABLE, THAT THE PEACEKEEPERS WILL CONTINUE TO GET AWAY SCOT FREE. THE U.N. MUST SEE THAT THEY APPLY THEIR SYSTEM OF JUSTICE WHEN A CRIME IS COMMITTED. YOU KNOW, THE U.N. IS SUPPOSEDLY COMMITTED TO HIGH IDEALS OF HUMAN RIGHTS AN JUSTICE. WE'RE MERELY ASK THAT THEY KEEP THEM TO ENSURE THAT THEIR OWN PERSONNEL AND OTHERS OPERATING UNDER THE U.N. FLAG DO NOT USE THEIR POSITION TO COMMIT GROSS CRIMES. LET US BE CLEAR THAT THE UNITED STATES TAXPAYER FUNDING THESE IMPORTANT MISSIONS WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS INJUSTICE. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE?

MRS. LOWEY

I ACCEPT THE GENTLEMAN'S AMENDMENT.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM EMERGENCY EMERGENCY.

MR. GARRETT

GENTLELADY FOR ACCEPTING THE AMENDMENT BECAUSE I DO BELIEVE, AS I'M SURE…

GENTLELADY FOR ACCEPTING THE AMENDMENT BECAUSE I DO BELIEVE, AS I'M SURE THAT SHE DOES AS WELL, THAT THIS IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD AND NOT ONLY FOR THE PEOPLE HERE IN THE UNITED STATES AS WELL. WITH THAT, I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

QUESTION IS ON THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE,…

QUESTION IS ON THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE, THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR THE AYES HAVE IT, THE AMENDMENT IS ADOMENT. THE CLERK WILL READ.

THE CLERK

MR. CHAIRMAN?

>>

FOR WHAT REASON DOES THE RISE?

THE CHAIRMAN

REASON DOES THE RISE?

>>

AT THE DESK.

THE CLERK

AN AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. MACK OF FLORIDA.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA, MR. MACK, AND A MEMBER POSED EACH WILL CONTROL…

THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA, MR. MACK, AND A MEMBER POSED EACH WILL CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA.

>>

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE.

THE CHAIRMAN

DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE.

MRS. LOWEY

DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN RESERVE THE BALANCE OF HER TIME?

THE CHAIRMAN

I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE.

MRS. LOWEY

BACK THE BALANCE.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA.

MR. MACK

CHAIRWOMAN FOR ACCEPTING THE AMENDMENT. VENEZUELA IS GOING DOWN A -- IS…

CHAIRWOMAN FOR ACCEPTING THE AMENDMENT. VENEZUELA IS GOING DOWN A -- IS GOING DOWN THE WRONG PATH AND THIS WILL HELP THEM TO ENJOY THE FREEDOM THAT THEY DESERVE. THANK YOU.

THE CHAIRMAN

OF THE AMENDMENT SAYA. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR THE…

OF THE AMENDMENT SAYA. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR THE AYES HAVE IT AND THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM MISSOURI RISE? FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE?

MRS. LOWEY

THE LAST WORD AND I YIELD TO MY GOOD FRIEND MR. SKELTON FOR THE PURPOSE OF…

THE LAST WORD AND I YIELD TO MY GOOD FRIEND MR. SKELTON FOR THE PURPOSE OF A COLLOQUY.

THE CHAIRMAN

IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. SKELTON

MR. CHAIRMAN -- WOULD THE GENTLEMAN YIELD?

MRS. LOWEY

I YIELD, YES.

MR. SKELTON

YES.

MRS. LOWEY

SKELTON FOR HIS HARD WORK ON THIS. WE INCLUDED THE PROVISION TO ENSURE…

SKELTON FOR HIS HARD WORK ON THIS. WE INCLUDED THE PROVISION TO ENSURE THAT THIS SUBJECT DOES NOT FALL OUT SOMEWHERE IN THE PROCESS. YOU AND I AGREE COMPLETELY ON THE IMPORTANCE ON THE OFFICE. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU TO MAKE SURE THAT THE VERSION ULTIMATELY INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT CONFERENCE REPORT ACHIEVES THE GOALS, OUR RESPECTED -- THE GOALS THAT OUR RESPECTED BILLS LAID OUT. IT IS MY INTENTION TO DROP 696 OF THE STATE OPERATION APPROPRIATION ACT IN CONFERENCE SO THAT WE DO NOT END UP WITH COMPETING VERSIONS OF THE SAME LANGUAGE.

MR. SKELTON

THANK THE CHAIRWOMAN AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ON THIS ISSUE…

THANK THE CHAIRWOMAN AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ON THIS ISSUE AND I THINK THAT THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO APPROACH AND I APPRECIATE IT.

MRS. LOWEY

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN AND I YIELD BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE CLERK WILL READ.

THE CLERK

MR. SPEAKER.

>>

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE?

MRS. LOWEY

COLLOQUY WITH CONSCIOUS -- I RISE TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD AND ENTER INTO…

COLLOQUY WITH CONSCIOUS -- I RISE TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD AND ENTER INTO COLLOQUY.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. .

MR. BLUMENAUER

THE GENTLEWOMAN'S COURTESY. AS I APPRECIATE THE HARD WORK THAT SHE AND HER…

THE GENTLEWOMAN'S COURTESY. AS I APPRECIATE THE HARD WORK THAT SHE AND HER COMMITTEE HAVE DONE BRINGING FORWARD I THINK A REALLY TERRIFIC BILL. I WISH TO ENTER IN A COLLOQUY WITH YOU, MADAM CHAIR, AT THE END OF 2005 CONGRESS PASSED THE SENATOR PAUL SIMON WATER FOR THE POOR ACT WITH BROAD BIPARTISAN SUPPORT. AT THE TIME IT WAS CALLED LANDMARK LEGISLATION. UNFORTUNATELY TODAY IT'S CLEAR THAT THE INTENT AND MANY OF THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS IN THE WATER FOR THE POOR ACT ARE NOT BEING MET BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT AND USAID. EARLIER THIS MONTH THE STATE DEPARTMENT DELIVERED ITS SECOND REPORT ON THE REQUIRED DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION STRATEGY. UNFORTUNATELY IT CONTINUES TO BE MORE OF A RECITATION OF THE WORK THEY ARE DOING RATHER THAN A STRATEGIC FORWARD-LOOKING ROAD MAP TO MOVE FROM THE CURRENT STATE OF ACTION SESS TO ACHIEVING THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENT TO CUT IN HALF THE PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WITHOUT ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION. WHILE OUR LEGISLATION WAS SPECIFICALLY WRITTEN SO THAT IT WOULD IMPROVE AID QUALITY AT ANY LEVEL, THERE WAS ALSO A CALL TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF RESOURCES DEVOTED TO THE VERY POOR. FOR INSTANCE, AS PART OF THE STRATEGY WE REQUIRED AN INCREASE IN THE PERCENTAGE OF ASSISTANCE GOING TO HIGH PRIORITY COUNTRIES. DEFINED AS COUNTRIES WITH THE GREATEST NEED AND COUNTRIES IN WHICH ASSISTANCE WOULD BE EXPECTED TO MAKE THE GREATEST DIFFERENCE. MANY IF NOT MOST OF THESE COUNTRIES WOULD BE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA. FOR TOO LONG THE STATE DEPARTMENT HAS USED DISASTER FUNDING TO ARTIFICIALLY INFLATE THE NUMBERS IT USED TO MEET CONGRESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS INSTEAD OF GIVING THE NECESSARY FOCUS TO LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION FOR THE POOR. FOR TOO LONG SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA HAS GOTTEN FUNDING THAT IS INADVERSELY PROPORTIONATE TO THE LEVEL OF NEED. FOR TOO LONG THE STATE DEPARTMENT HAS TREATED WATER FOR THE POOR ACT AS IF IT WERE A GUIDELINE OR A SUGGESTION RATHER THAN A LAW PASSED BY CONGRESS AND SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT THAT THEY ARE OBLIGATED TO FULLY IMPLEMENT. I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE THE WORK OF CHAIRWOMAN LOWEY AND CHAIRMAN OBEY FOR WHOM I KNOW THIS IS A PARTICULAR INTEREST. I DEEPLY APPRECIATE INCREASING THE OVERALL LEVEL OF FUNDING FOR WATER AND SANITATION TO $300 MILLION AND DIRECTING THAT MUCH OF IT BE SPENT PURSUANT TO THE WATER FOR THE POOR ACT. I HOPE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY AS WE MOVE FORWARD TOWARDS CONFERENCE TO WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE THAT AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE IS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT OF SAFE DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION PROGRAMS IN THE AREAS OF GREATEST NEED. WITH THE STRATEGY NEEDED TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE MAKING THE MOST EFFECTIVE USE OF OUR DOLLAR. MOST IMPORTANT I HOPE THAT THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO HELP WITH THE OVERSIGHT NEEDED TO MAKE THE WATER FOR THE POOR ACT FULLY IMPLEMENTED IN THE UNITED STATES LIVES UP TO OUR INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENT.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEMAN'S INTEREST IN THIS ISSUE AND APPLAUD YOUR WORK OVER THE PAST…

THE GENTLEMAN'S INTEREST IN THIS ISSUE AND APPLAUD YOUR WORK OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. AS I HAVE STATED THE COMMITTEE BILL INCREASED FUNDING FOR SAFE WATER BY $$-- $1 00 MILLION AND PLACED PRIORITY ON LONG-TERM AND SUSTAINABLE SAFE WATER PROGRAMS. THE REPORT PROVIDES CLEAR DIRECTION TO THE AGENCY THAT FUNDING MUST BE PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STRATEGY BASED ON THE PAUL SIMON WATER FOR THE POOR ACT. FINALLY, WE SHARE THE GENTLEMAN'S CONCERN ABOUT THE RELIANCE ON EMERGENCY PROGRAMS TO MEET THIS RECOMMENDATION AND WILL WORK WITH THE AGENCY IN THE COMING YEAR TO ENSURE THAT THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. I THANK YOU FOR RAISING THESE ISSUES TODAY. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER ON THIS ISSUE IN THE COMING YEAR.

MR. BLUMENAUER

THE GENTLEWOMAN WILL YIELD. I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE WHAT…

THE GENTLEWOMAN WILL YIELD. I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE AND YOUR COMMITMENT. I APPRECIATE YOUR WORDS AND EVERYTHING THE COMMITTEE HAS DONE TO MAKE OUR WATER INVESTMENTS GOING TO THE RIGHT PLACES AND THE RIGHT WAYS FOR THE RIGHT THINGS. I AM REASSURED THAT YOUR INTENTION THAT ONLY $80 MILLION OF THE $300 MILLION LEVEL COME FROM DISASTER ASSISTANCE. THAT'S AN IMPORTANT STEP IN MAKING THE NECESSARY LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS TO DEAL WITH THIS LEADING CAUSE OF PREVENTABLE DEATH IN THE WORLD. I'M PARTICULARLY PLEASED BY THE REQUIREMENT THAT FUNDS BE SPENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WATER FOR THE POOR ACT WHICH WAS CAREFULLY CRAFTED TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK, A POLCY, AND A GOAL FOR ENSURING AFFORDABLE AND EQUITABLE ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION FOR THE POOREST IN THIS WORLD. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH YOU. THERE WAS AT ONE POINT OUR COLLEAGUE, CHAIRMAN PAYNE, OF THE AFRICA SUBCOMMITTEE WAS GOING TO BE HERE I THOUGHT. AND I APOLOGIZE, I DON'T SEE HIM. BUT I KNOW HE HAS DONE OUTSTANDING WORK WITH THE SUBCOMMITTEE AND I THINK BETWEEN THE THREE OF US GREAT THINGS COULD HAPPEN.

MRS. LOWEY

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I KNOW OF MR. PAYNE'S IMPORTANT WORK ON WATER IN…

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I KNOW OF MR. PAYNE'S IMPORTANT WORK ON WATER IN AFRICA IN GENERAL. SO MANY OTHER ISSUES. AND I THANK YOU -- AND I'M DELIGHTED TO YIELD -- DO I HAVE ANY TIME?

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLELADY'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. DOES SHE RISE TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD?

MRS. LOWEY

HOW MUCH TIME DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN YIELD?

THE CHAIRMAN

HOW MUCH TIME DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN YIELD?

MRS. LOWEY

THREE MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. PAYNE

OF COURSE CONGRESSMAN BLUMENAUER FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN IN THIS…

OF COURSE CONGRESSMAN BLUMENAUER FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN IN THIS COLLOQUY. AS CHAIRMAN OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON AFRICA AND GLOBAL HEALTH, I RECENTLY CALLED A HEARING ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WATER FOR THE POOR ACT WHERE CONGRESSMAN BLUMENAUER TESTIFIED. I AGREE WITH HIM THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT IN ITS 2007 REPORT TO CONGRESS REFLECTS INFLATED FIGURES AND A LACK OF CONCRETE STRATEGIES FOR PROVIDING SUSTAINABLE ACCESS TO DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION FOR THE POOR. THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS, A CATALYST FOR THE WATER FOR THE POOR, AIM TO REDUCE BY ONE HALF THE PROPORTION OF PEOPLE WITHOUT ACCESS TO BASIC SANITATION AND SAFE DRINKING WATER BY 2015. DUE IN PART TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT'S INEFFICIENT EXECUTION OF SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS, THE M.D.G. TARGET IS BEING MISSED IN THE SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA WHICH HAS HAD THE SLOWEST RATE OF IMPROVEMENT IN THIS CATEGORY COMPARED WITH ALL OTHER REGIONS. FURTHERMORE, THE STATE DEPARTMENT REPORTED THAT IN FISCAL YEAR 2006 THE U.S. HELPED NINE MILLION PEOPLE RECEIVE IMPROVED ACCESS TO WATER. OF THE BENEFICIARIES, 70% TO 85% WAS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND 25% WAS OUTSIDE THIS REGION. ACCORDING TO THE UNITED NATIONS MOST COUNTRIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA ARE ON TRACK TOWARDS REACHING THE M.D.G. TARGETS. OUR EFFORTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO REGIONS SUCH AS SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA WHICH HAS THE HIGHEST PROPORTION OF PEOPLE LIVING WITHOUT ACCESS TO IMPROVED WATER SOURCES OF ANY REGION IN THE WORLD, AND IS NOT ON TRACK TO MEET ITS M.D.G. TARGET. THEREFORE OF THE 150 MILLION APPROPRIATED TO AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST, I FEEL THAT MORE THAN 50% SHOULD BE ALLOCATED TO THE COUNTRIES IN AFRICA WHERE THE NEED IS GREATEST. SO I CONCLUDE BY SAYING ALSO THE STATE DEPARTMENT'S WATER FUNDING IN AFRICA HAS PRIMARILY USED FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF EFFORTS RATHER THAN WATER SUPPLY AND MANAGEMENT PROJECTS THAT DELIVER SUSTAINABLE RESULTS. IN MAINTAINING THE VISION OF THE WATER FOR THE POOR ACT, ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON IMPROVING THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION. I AGREE WITH CONGRESSMAN BLUMENAUER AND CHAIRWOMAN LOWEY THAT OF THE $300 MILLION APPROPRIATED FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008, A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT WITH PROGRAMS IN AFRICA. WITH THE EFFICIENT EXECUTION AND ADEQUATE FUNDING, THE OBJECTIVES OF THE WATER FOR THE POOR CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED. SAFE WATER AND SANITATION PLAYS AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN PROMOTING GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH, ECONOMIC GROWTH, POVERTY REDUCTION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH CONGRESSMAN BLUMENAUER AND CONGRESSWOMAN LOWEY IN INCREASING OUR FUNDING TO REGIONS WITH THE GREATEST NEED AND IMPROVING THE STRATEGIES IN PLACE TO PROVIDE THE WORLD'S POOR WITH SUSTAINABLE, SAFE DRINKING WATER AND BASIC SANITATION.

MRS. LOWEY

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO -- ADDITIONAL TO MR.…

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO -- ADDITIONAL TO MR. BLUMENAUER.

MR. BLUMENAUER

I THANK THE GENTLEWOMAN. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO STRESS MY DEEP APPRECIATION,…

I THANK THE GENTLEWOMAN. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO STRESS MY DEEP APPRECIATION, CHAIRMAN PAYNE, FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE WITH YOUR AFRICA SUBCOMMITTEE, SHINING A SPOTLIGHT. THE HEARING THAT YOU CONVENED WAS RIVETING. AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BEST EXPRESSION OF THE NEEDS. THE PROSPECT OF OUR SUBCOMMITTEE AND FOREIGN OPS WORKING WITH YOUR SUBCOMMITTEE WITH AFRICA BEING ABLE TO FOCUS ON THIS I THINK IS THE BRIGHTEST SPOT AND IT'S GOING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR MILLIONS OF LIVES AROUND THE WORLD. I APPRECIATE YOUR LEADERSHIP AND YOUR FOCUS ON THIS. AND THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR EFFORTS.

MRS. LOWEY

I THANK THE GENTLEMEN. I YIELD BACK. I'M VERY -- I RISE TO STRIKE THE LAST…

I THANK THE GENTLEMEN. I YIELD BACK. I'M VERY -- I RISE TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD. I'M PLEASED TO YIELD TO MY GOOD FRIEND, MR. CUELLAR, FROM TEXAS.

MR. CUELLAR

MADAM CHAIR. I AGAIN ALSO WANT TO ECHO WHAT THE OTHER MEMBERS HAVE SAID ON…

MADAM CHAIR. I AGAIN ALSO WANT TO ECHO WHAT THE OTHER MEMBERS HAVE SAID ON YOUR LEADERSHIP ON THIS PARTICULAR BILL. VERY IMPORTANT BILL. BUT WHAT I WANT TO DO, MADAM CHAIR, IS POINT OUT TWO THINGS THAT YOU HAVE SELECTED THAT WERE VERY IMPORTANT TO MY DISTRICT. SOUTH TEXAS, THE BORDER AREA. THE FIRST ONE HAS TO DO WITH FUNDING THAT HAS BEEN INCREASED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY WATER COMMISSION THAT PROVIDES FUNDING FOR THE LEVEES THAT WE HAVE ALONG THE U.S. AND MEXICO BORDER. THE CURRENT BUDGET RIGHT NOW IS AT $2 MILLION. YOU HAVE BROUGHT THAT UP NOWLE TO AN AMOUNT OF ALMOST $16 MILLION. THIS AGAIN IS APPRECIATED AGAIN BY MY OFFICE, MY CONSTITUENTS, BUT ALSO BY CONGRESSMAN RUBEN HINOJOSA, AND CONGRESSMAN ORTIZ THAT HAVE LEVEE ISSUES DOWN THERE. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT HAS TO BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE AGAIN WE DON'T WANT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED IN OTHER PART OF THE UNITED STATES. THIS LEVEE WORK IS VERY IMPORTANT. IT'S IMPORTANT TO THE AREAS OF MISSION, AND OTHER AREAS IN SOUTH TEXAS. THIS WILL GO A LONG WAY. AGAIN, MADAM CHAIR. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THAT. I ALSO WANT TO THANK YOU FOR REPORT LANGUAGE THAT WAS ADDED. SOMETHING AGAIN I HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN AND THAT IS THE ISSUE OF THE TRAFFICKING OF HUMAN CARGO, ALSO DRUGS, CASH, AND OF COURSE THE MISSING AMERICANS. AS YOU KNOW THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES THAT HAVE GONE OVER ACROSS THE RIVER AND HAVE BEEN KIDNAPPED AND HAVE NOT BEEN FOUND. WE HAVE BEEN ASKING THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT FOR YEARS TO PROVIDE US INFORMATION SO WE CAN BRING SOME SORT OF CLOSURE TO THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION. AND AGAIN WE HAVE NOT GOTTEN THIS. WE ARE HOPING THAT THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE US THIS INFORMATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BUT THIS REPORT LANGUAGE, MADAM CHAIR, THAT YOU HAVE ADDED WILL PROVIDE US THIS INCENTIVE AND HOPEFULLY AN INCENTIVE TO THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT TO WORK WITH US TO PROVIDE US INFORMATION ON THE MISSING AMERICANS. AGAIN, MADAM CHAIR, I WANT TO THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH FOR ADDING INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF THE LEVEES FROM $2 MILLION TO ALMOST $16 MILLION ON BEHALF OF CONGRESSMAN HINOJOSA AND/OR 'TIS, WE THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP. MISS LOWIES ENCLOSE --

MRS. LOWEY

THANK YOU. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

MR. CUELLAR

DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN NEW YORK YIELD BACK?

THE CHAIRMAN

I'M DELIGHTED TO YIELD BACK.

MRS. LOWEY

THE CLERK WILL READ.

THE CHAIRMAN

WILL READ.

THE CLERK

4, BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, $10,748,000. COMMISSION FOR THE…

4, BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, $10,748,000. COMMISSION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF AMERICA'S HERITAGE ABROAD, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $499,000. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $3,400,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $2,037,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. CONGRESSIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMISSION ON THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING NOT MORE THAN $3,000 FOR OFFICIAL REPRESENTATION TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. UNITED STATES-CHINA ECONOMIC AND SECURITY, REVIEW COMMISSION, SALARIES AND EXPENSES, $4 MILLION INCLUDING NOT MORE THAN $5,000 OFFICIAL REPRESENTATION TO REMAIN'VAYAL UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE, OPERATING EXPENSES, $25 MILLION TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCIES, SECTION 101, FUNDS APPROPRIATED SHALL BE AVAILABLE FOR ALLOWANCES AND DIFFERENTIALS AS AUTHORIZED. SECTION 102, UNOBLIGATED BALANCES REPORT, THE DEPARTMENT AND THE BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS SHALL PROVIDE TO THE COMMITTEES A QUARTERLY ACCOUNTING OF ANY UNOBLIGATED FUNDS. SECTION 103, EMBASSY CONSTRUCTION, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION B, A PROJECT TO CONSTRUCT A DIPLOMATIC FACILITY MAY NOT INCLUDE AN OFFICE SPACE FOR AN EMPLOYEE OF A FEDERAL AGENCY IF THE SECRETARY DETERMINES SUCH DEPARTMENT HAS NOT PROVIDED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE THE FULL AMOUNT OF FUNDING REQUIRED. SECTION 104, PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS, NONE OF THE FUNDS MAY BE USED FOR ANY UNITED NATIONS UNDERTAKING WHEN IT IS MADE KNOWN TO THE FEDERAL O OFFICIAL HAVING AUTHORITY TO OBLIGATE THAT THE UNITED NATIONS UNDERTAKING IS A PEACEKEEPING MISSION. . NONE OF THE FUNDS SHALL BE EXPENNED FOR WHICH APPROPRIATIONS ARE PROHIBITED BY 616 OF THE DEPARTMENTS COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AN STATE, THE APPROPRIATIONS ACT 1999. SECTION 106, SENIOR POLICY OPERATING GROUP. THE SENIOR POLICY OPERATING GROUP ON TRAFFICKING PERSONS ESTABLISHED TO COORDINATE AGENT STIVETIES INVOLVING TRAFFICKING INTERNATIONAL PERSONS SHALL COORDINATE ALL SUCH POLICIES OF TRAFFICKERS. UNITED STATES CITIZENS BORN IN JERUSALEM FOR A UNITED STATES CITY BORN IN THE CITY OF JERUSALEM THE SECRETARY UPON REQUEST RECORD THE PLACE OF BIRTH AS ISRAEL. SECTION 108, E-GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES, ANY FUND USED USED TO IMPLEMENT E-GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES SHALL BE SET WORTH IN SECTION 615 SCUFMENTING SERVICES. -- CONSULTING SERVICES. ANY CONSULTANT SERVICE SHALL BE LIMITED TO THOSE CONTRACTS WHERE SUCH EXPENDITURES ARE A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD. SECTION 110, LIMITATIONS ON DIPLOMATIC OR COUNSELOR POST IN THE SOCIAL REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM. NONE OF THE FUNDS APPROPRIATED WILL BE EXPENDED WHERE IT IS PROHIBITED BY 609. THE JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT 1999. SECTION 111, STATE DEPARTMENT AUTHORITIES, FUNDS APPROPRIATED UNDER TITLE 1 OF THIS ACT FOR BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE MAY BE OBLIGATED AND EXPENDED. SECTION 112, RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UNITED NATIONS. NONE OF THE FUNDS WILL BE MADE ABLE TO PAY FOR ANY CONTRIBUTION OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE UNITED NATION IFS THE UNITED NATIONS IMPLEMENTS ANY TAXATION ON ANY UNITED STATES PERSON. SECTION 113, PERSONNEL ACTIONS, ANY COST INCURRED RELATING FROM PERSONNEL ACTIONS TAKEN SHALL BE ABSORBED WITHIN THE BUDGETRY RESOURCES AVAILABLE. SECTION 114, RESTRICTIONS ON UNITED NATIONS DELEGATIONS NONE OF THE FUNDS MAY BE USED TO PAY EXPENSES FOR UNITED STATES HE'LL GATION TO ANY -- DELEGATION TO ANY COMMISSION IF THE COMMISSION IS CHAIRED BY A COUNTRY WHICH ITS SECRETARY HAS DETERMINED HAS SUPPORTED ACTS OF TERRORISM. TITLE 2, EXPORT AND INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES, SPECTER GENERAL, $1 MILLION TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. PROGRAM ACCOUNT, THE EXPORT-IMPORT BANK IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE SUCH EXPENDITURES WITHIN THE LIMITS OF FUNDS. SUBSIDY APPROPRIATION, $68 MILLION TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 20011. ADMINISTRATIVE ZPENSES, $70 MILLION. THE CORPORATIONS IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE SUCH EXPENDITURES AND COMMITMENTS WITHIN THE LIMITS OF FUNDS AVAILABLE TO IT. PROGRAM ACCOUNT, $20 MILLION. IN ADDITION SUCH SUMS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES DO CARRY OUT THE CREDIT PROGRAM. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, $50.4 MILLION TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. TITLE 3, BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE. FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT TO ENABLE THE PRESIDENT TO CARRY OUT THE FOREIGN PROVISIONS ACT OF 1961, UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, CHILD SURVIVAL AND HEALTH PROGRAMS FUND, $1.9.150 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE, $1 --

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY RISE?

>>

DOES THE GENTLEMAN HAVE A COPY OF THE AMENDMENT FOR THE CLERK?

THE CHAIRMAN

YES.

>>

THE CLERK WILL DESSNATHE THE AMENDMENT.

THE CLERK

THE CLERK WILL DESSNATHE THE AMENDMENT.

THE CLERK

OFFERED BY MR. PAYNE OF NEW JERSEY.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY, MR. PAYNE, AND A MEMBER POSED WILL EACH…

THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY, MR. PAYNE, AND A MEMBER POSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY.

MR. PAYNE

ASK FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT FOR ADDITIONAL TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

THANK YOU.

MR. PAYNE

OBJECTION, EACH SIDE WILL HAVE ONE ADDITIONAL MINUTE.

THE CHAIRMAN

OBJECTION, EACH SIDE WILL HAVE ONE ADDITIONAL MINUTE.

MR. PAYNE

YOU. MS. ROS-LEHTINEN WAS HOPING TO COME HERE, BUT SHE'S NOT HERE AT THIS…

YOU. MS. ROS-LEHTINEN WAS HOPING TO COME HERE, BUT SHE'S NOT HERE AT THIS TIME. SO I WILL CONCLUDE BY SAYING THAT THE INTENT I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU SHARE IS NONE OF THE $25 MILLION IN THIS AMENDMENT THAT COMES FROM ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUNDS WILL COME OUT OF ECONOMIC FUND ASSISTANCE TO COUNTRIES AND PROGRAMS IN THE MIDDLE EAST OR E.S.F. FUND PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT AFRO-COLOMBIANS OR E.S.F. FUNDS FOR CONGO, IT IS TO BE TOWARD THE COUNTERTERRORISM INITIATIVE OR E.S.F. FUNDS THAT ARE FOR DEMOCRATIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. SO I WANTED TO MAKE THAT CLEAR SO THAT WE KNOW EXACTLY WHERE THIS FUND'S COMING FROM.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED.

MR. WOLF

THE LAST WORD. MS. ROSS A LOTEN IN WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU --…

THE LAST WORD. MS. ROSS A LOTEN IN WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU -- MISROS-LEHTINEN WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THAT.

MRS. LOWEY

FRIEND FOR RAISING THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE. AS WE KNOW T.B. IS TAKING A…

FRIEND FOR RAISING THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE. AS WE KNOW T.B. IS TAKING A TERRIBLE TOLL ON MEN, WOMEN, CHILDREN IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD WITH APPROXIMATELY THREE MILLION PEOPLE DYING EVERY YEAR. THE RECENT HIGHLY PUBLICIZED CASE OF EXTREMELY DRUG RESISTANCE T.B. HAS BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO THE FOREFRONT AND THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN THIS AMENDMENT WILL BE USED TO STRENGTHEN THE GLOBAL T.B. TREATMENT AND NETWORK. I APPRECIATE THE GENTLEMAN'S INTEREST IN THIS ISSUE AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO ACCEPT THIS AMENDMENT AND I'M PLEASED TO YIELD TO MY GOOD FRIEND, MR. JACKSON.

MR. JACKSON

WE YIELD BACK.

MRS. LOWEY

BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK.

MS. JACKSON LEE

I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK.

THE CLERK

MS. JACKSON LEE.

THE CHAIRMAN

MS. SHEILA JACKSON LEE IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES AND A MEMBER POSED .

MS. JACKSON LEE

I THANK THE RANKING MEMBER AND THE CHAIRMAN FOR WORKING WITH MY OFFICE. IT…

I THANK THE RANKING MEMBER AND THE CHAIRMAN FOR WORKING WITH MY OFFICE. IT IS EVIDENT HOW HARD THIS COMMITTEE HAS WORKED ON A VERY BROADBAND, WIDE REACHING INITIATIVE AS RELATES TO APPROPRIATIONS IN THE FOREIGN RELATIONS, FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THIS NATION. AS A MEMBER OF THE AUTHORIZING COMMITTEE, WE RECOGNIZE THAT THIS COMMITTEE TOUCHES THE HEARTBEAT OF EVERY ASPECT OF THE WORLD'S BUSINESS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE UNITED STATES IN CREATING INTERNATIONALISM FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF THE WORLD. AS I LISTEN TO MR. PAYNE, MY AMENDMENT FALLS SQUARELY IN TRACK OF IMPROVING THE HEALTH CONDITIONS OF AFRICA. AND RECOGNIZING THE NEED FOR HOSPITALS THAT IN FACT WILL RESPOND TO A NUMBER OF ISSUES. MY AMENDMENT REALLOCATES AN ADDITIONAL FIVE MILLION TO THE CHILD SURVIVAL AND DISEASE PROGRAMS FUND TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR CHILD AND MATERNAL HEALTH. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AMENDMENT IS TO DIRECT ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO PROVIDE CAPACITY BUILDING FOR HOSPITALS IN AFRICA THAT DEAL WITH CHILD SURVIVING AND OTHER RELEVANT NEEDS. WE HAVE BEEN, IF WILL YOU, SCREENING THE RESEARCH ANNALS ACROSS THIS CONGRESS TO TRY TO FIND OUT HOW MANY FULL SERVICE HOSPITALS ARE IN -- ON THE CONTINENT OF AFRICA. SOME HAVE SAID 200. SOME SAY I KNOW THERE'S ONE IN SIERRA LEONE. SOME SAY THEY KNOW THERE IS ONE IN SOUTH AFRICA. BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THE PLIGHT OF WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT IN AFRICA IS A SEVERE PLIGHT. TAKE FOR EXAMPLE THAT EVERY MINUTE SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD A WOMAN DIES FROM PREGNANCY RELATED CAUSES WITH 95% OF THOSE DEATHS OCCURRING IN AFRICA AND ASIA. WORLDWIDE ABOUT 529,000 WOMEN DIE FROM PREGNANCY RELATED CAUSES EVERY YEAR. A WOMAN IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA HAS A ONE IN 16 CHANCE OF DYING IN PREGNANCY OR CHILDBIRTH. PART OF THE CARE AND PREVENTION OF SUCH IS PREVENTIVE CARE. THE MONEYS THAT ARE IN THIS PARTICULAR ACCOUNT. BUT I ALSO BELIEVE PART OF IT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING FULL CAPACITY HOSPITALS THAT DEAL WITH WOMEN IN THE MATERNAL ASPECTS AND AS WELL IN THE PREGNANCY ASPECT. SO THIS AMENDMENT SEEKS TO PROVIDE THAT OPPORTUNITY. I MIGHT CITE AS AN EXAMPLE THE HOSPITAL IN THE CONGO. IT IS A HOSPITAL THAT HAS 300 BEDS, THREE OPERATING ROOMS, AN OUTPATIENT CLINIC, EMERGENCY ROOM, PHARMACY. YOU CANNOT FIND THAT, MR. CHAIRMAN, ACROSS AFRICA. AND THEREFORE I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFINITIVE NEED TO PROVIDE THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SO THAT WE DON'T HAVE TO GUESS WHAT NUMBER OF HOSPITALS ARE IN AND ON THE CONTINENT, BUT THAT WE WILL KNOW THAT THEY LOOK SOMEWHAT LIKE THIS WITH OPERATING ROOMS, WITH EXPANSIVE FACILITIES TO PROVIDE TREATMENT FOR MOTHERS AND BABIES, TREATMENT THAT WILL BE LIFESAVING. MADAM CHAIR WOMAN, LET ME SIMPLY SAY THAT I HAD AN EXPERIENCE AT A HOSPITAL IN AFRICA. ONE EVER MY FIRST MEDICAL EXPERIENCE WAS TO REQUIRE SUCHERS IN AN ACCIDENT IN AFRICA. LET ME THANK THOSE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO HELPED ME BE HERE TODAY. BUT I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I WAS LAYING OUT ON A WOODEN SLAB AND LOOKING THROUGH TATTERED CURT INS -- CURTAINS AND LOOKING AT THE SKY AS THE DOCTORS WERE WORKING ON ME. THAT WAS THE HOSPITAL THAT I WAS IN ON THE CONTINENT. I DO NOT SAY IT IN DEGRADATION OR INSULT. WHAT I SAY IS I WOULD VENTURE TO SAY THAT IF WE GO TO AFRICA TODAY, IN MANY OF THE COUNTRIES, THE KINDS OF FACILITIES THAT ARE THERE REFLECT THAT KIND OF LACK OF RESOURCES. THIS WILL HELP NOT ONLY IN MATERNAL AND CHILD SURVIVAL BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF LIFE OF MOTHERS WHO ARE PREGNANT AND WHO GIVE BIRTH, WITH FACILITIES THAT WOULD HE -- WOULD PROVIDE HOSPITAL RESOURCE, BUT IT WOULD ALSO, IF YOU WILL, GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE CONTINENT AS HAS BEEN DONE BY THE HOSPITAL IN THE CONGO WHO I HOPE WILL ALSO BE AS THEY SAY IN THE MIX ON PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE. I HOPE THAT THIS AMENDMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED BECAUSE IT WILL GO A LONG WAY FOR EXPANDING THE LIVES OF MOTHERS AND CHILDREN, BUT IT WILL ALSO GO ALONG WAY TO ENSURE THEY RECEIVE EXCELLENT HOSPITAL CARE ACROSS THE CONTINENT.

THE CHAIRMAN

I THANK --

MRS. LOWEY

I THANK --

THE CHAIRMAN

DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN STRIKE THE LAST WORD?

MRS. LOWEY

I STRIKE THE LAST WORD. I THANK MY GOOD FRIEND FOR YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND…

I STRIKE THE LAST WORD. I THANK MY GOOD FRIEND FOR YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND YOUR IMPORTANT WORK IN AFRICA. I RISE TO ACCEPT THIS AMENDMENT AND I AGREE WITH THE INTENTION OF THE AMENDMENT. I DO THANK MY FRIEND FOR RAISING THIS VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE. THIS COMMITTEE MADE GLOBAL HEALTH A PRIORITY IN THIS FISCAL YEAR. WE PROVIDED A TOTAL OF $6.517 BILLION FOR GLOBAL HEALTH. I DO AGREE WITH THE GENTLEWOMAN THAT STRENGTHENING THE PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE SHOULD BE CENTRAL TO OUR GLOBAL HEALTH STRATEGY. I DO APPRECIATE THE GENTLEWOMAN'S INTEREST IN THIS ISSUE AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU.

MS. JACKSON LEE

THE GENTLELADY WOULD YIELD. I THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I APPRECIATE ACCEPTING…

THE GENTLELADY WOULD YIELD. I THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I APPRECIATE ACCEPTING THIS AMENDMENT. I THINK LAYING THE GROUNDWORK, I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AS WE GO TO CONFERENCE, BUT LAYING THE GROUNDWORK ABOUT THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF HEALTH CARE ON THE CONTINENT GOES A LONG WAY IN SAVING LIVES. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND THE LEADERSHIP OF THE RANKING MEMBER. I ASK MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS AMENDMENT. I YIELD BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

IS ON ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. SO MANY AS ARE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE…

IS ON ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. SO MANY AS ARE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT. THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED. THE CLERK WILL READ.

THE CLERK

13, DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE. $1,73 3,760,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL…

13, DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE. $1,73 3,760,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. INTERNATIONAL DISASTER AND FAMINE ASSISTANCE --

THE CHAIRMAN

I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK.

MS. JACKSON LEE

LEE: I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE CLERK WILL READ THE AMENDMENT.

THE CLERK

AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MS. JACKSON LEE OF TEXAS.

THE CHAIRMAN

JUNE 20, 2007, THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TEXAS, MS. SHEILA JACKSON LEE, AND A…

JUNE 20, 2007, THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TEXAS, MS. SHEILA JACKSON LEE, AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES MUCH THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TEXAS.

MS. JACKSON LEE

YOU VERY MUCH, MR. SPEAKER. MR. CHAIRMAN, TO THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE FOREIGN…

YOU VERY MUCH, MR. SPEAKER. MR. CHAIRMAN, TO THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS FOREIGN RELATIONS APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, SO MANY DIFFERENT NAMES. LET ME THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND TO THE RANKING MEMBER AS WELL. I THINK WE KNOW THE STORY OF LIBERIA. AND I WANT TO APPLAUD THE NEW PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA WHO HAS VISITED US. SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS ECONOMICS AND IS COMMITTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THIS NATION. SHE CANNOT, HOWEVER, DO IT WITHOUT FRIENDS. LIBERIA HAS AN ENORMOUSLY IMPORTANT NEXUS TO THE UNITED STATES. IT WAS WHERE SLAVES WERE RETURNED BACK TO THE CONTINENT OF AFRICA AFTER HAVING BEEN ENSLAVED HERE IN THE UNITED STATES. I LOOK FORWARD TO RE-ENERGIZING THE RELATIONSHIP NOT ONLY WITH THE CONTINENT BUT ALSO PARTICULARLY WITH THE NATION OF LIBERIA. AFTER A VERY TROUBLING AND VIOLENT TIME, OUR NEW PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA IS TRACKING ALL OF THE NEEDS, ACCOUNTING FOR ALL OF THE DOLLARS. MY AMENDMENT SIMPLY SEEKS TO REALLOCATE AN ADDITIONAL FIVE MILLION FOR THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA FOR THE $365 BILLION ASSISTANCE ACCOUNT. THE NET EFFECT WOULD INCREASE DEVELOPMENTAL ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC F LIBERIA -- OF LIBERIA TO $35 MILLION. LET ME EXPLAIN WHY THIS WOULD BE A WISE INVESTMENT. WE HAVE HEARD RECENTLY FROM BOB JOHNSON, THE FORMER CHAIRMAN OF B.E.T., WHO HAS TAKEN A SPECIAL INTEREST, PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVE, IN LIBERIA. AND IF I RECALL HIS REMARKS CORRECTLY, HE BELIEVES THAT LIBERIA CAN BE ON THE PRECIPICE OF A REBIRTH. IT CAN BE ON THE PRECIPICE, IF YOU WILL, OF A RENAISSANCE, OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT, AND INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIR. IN 2003, 14 YEARS OF CIVIL WAR LEFT LIBERIA IN SHAMBLES. NEARLY 200,000 CIVILIANS HAD DIED. NEARLY 1/3 OF THE POPULATION HAD BEEN DISPLACED. AND 300,000 HAVE FLED THE COUNTRY. WOMEN ARE INVOLVED IN -- ON ALL SIDES OF THE WAR FROM COMBAT TO SLAVERY TO RAPE. CHILD SOLDIERS WERE INVOLVED IN THIS TERRIBLE, HORRIFIC TRAGEDY. PHYSICAL VIOLENCE OFTEN ACCOMPANIED THE RAPE. A HIGHLY REGARDED SERVAIS OF -- SURVEY OF SIX COUNTIES REVEAL ROUGHLY 70% OF WOMEN HAVE BEEN RAPED. MOREOVER FEMALE MINORS WERE FREQUENTLY TARGETED. THE WAR ENDED AND AS I INDICATED WE NOW HAVE A WOMAN PRESIDENT, ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF, UNDERLINES THIS IN HER STATEMENT TO THE 2006 INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE. IN STUDIES CONDUCTED IN MANY OF THE COUNTRIES OF LIBERIA IN 2004, A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORTED THAT THEY WERE VICTIMS OF VARIOUS FORMS OF VIOLENCE. THIS REPROGRAMMING OF DOLLARS WHERE WE FOCUS ON THE NEED FOR DEVELOPMENTAL ASSISTANCE THAT WILL BE ABLE TO ASSIST THOSE WHO ARE MAKING THEIR FIRST STEPS, THEIR FIRST STEPS OF ACHIEVEMENT, BOTH IN BUSINESSWISE, EDUCATIONALWISE, AND BUILDING UP THE CONFIDENCE OF WOMEN, MEN, AND FAMILIES, TURNING CHILD SOLDIERS INTO CONSTRUCTIVE GIVING OCCULTS, AND PARTICIPATING WITH PRESIDENT SIRLEAF'S COMMITMENT TO MOVING LIBERIA FORWARD AS A SHINING STAR ON THE CONTINENT. I KNOW THEY KNOW HOW TO DO IT. BUT WE NEED TO GIVE THEM THE EXTRA ADDED TOOLS AND TO BE ABLE TO EMPHASIZE IN THIS BILL THAT THEIR DEVELOPMENT IS KEY. I ASK MY COLLEAGUES TO CONSIDER WHERE LIBERIA HAS BEEN, WHERE LIBERIA IS TODAY, AND WHERE THERE WILL BE 20 YEARS FROM NOW. I BELIEVE IN PRESIDENT SIRLEAF AND THE COMMITMENT OF BOB JOHNSON, THE CLINTON FOUNDATION, AND MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE TARGETED THE LIBERIAN PEOPLE AND THE LIBERIAN GOVERNMENT AS AN ACHIEVABLE GOAL OF ECONOMIC, DEVELOPMENTAL, EDUCATIONAL, POLITICAL DEMOCRACY THAT CAN BE AGAIN THE SHINING STAR. SO I ASK MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS AMENDMENT THAT WILL PROVIDE THIS EXTRA FOCUS IN THIS AREA W THAT I RESERVE OR YIELD BACK MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE?

MRS. LOWEY

I RISE TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MRS. LOWEY

IF THE GENTLELADY WOULD YIELD.

MS. JACKSON LEE

IF THE GENTLELADY WOULD YIELD.

MRS. LOWEY

YIELD.

MS. JACKSON LEE

I THANK THE GENTLELADY VERY MUCH. I LEAVE WHEN WE FOCUS THE GREAT WORK…

I THANK THE GENTLELADY VERY MUCH. I LEAVE WHEN WE FOCUS THE GREAT WORK THAT YOU HAVE DONE ON A PARTICULAR AREA, IT ENCOURAGES THE -- OUR NEW RE-ELECTED WOMAN PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA WHICH WE HOPE AND PRAY FOR HER ULTIMATE SUCCESS FOR HER PEOPLE AND CONTINENT OF AFRICA. I THANK THE GENTLELADY FOR ACCEPTING THE AMENDMENT. I YIELD BACK.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEWOMAN. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE QUESTION IS ON THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. SO MANY AS ARE IN FAVOR…

THE QUESTION IS ON THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. SO MANY AS ARE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT. THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED. THE CLERK WILL READ.

THE CLERK

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT RISE?

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT RISE?

MR. SHAYS

THE CLERK WILL DESIGNATE THE AMENDMENT.

THE CHAIRMAN

AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. SHAYS OF CONNECTICUT.

THE CLERK

OFFERED BY MR. SHAYS OF CONNECTICUT.

THE CHAIRMAN

PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF HOUSE OF JUNE 20, 2007, THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF HOUSE OF JUNE 20, 2007, THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT, MR. SHAYS, AND A MEMBER OPPOSED, WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT.

MR. SPACE

MUCH,

MR. SHAYS

MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN. THIS IS AN AREA TO WHICH I HAVE SOME CONCERN. MR.…

MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN. THIS IS AN AREA TO WHICH I HAVE SOME CONCERN. MR. CHAIRMAN, MY AMENDMENT WOULD DESIGNATE $50 MILLION IN ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUNDS FOR THE COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMS, ALSO KNOWN AS C.A.P., IN IRAQ. THE PROGRAM DIRECTLY ENGAGES IRAQIS IN RECONSTRUCTING THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES WHILE BUILDING A NATIONWIDE GRASSROOTS CONSTITUENCY FOR DEMOCRACY. TYPICAL PROJECTS USE BOTH U.S. AND IRAQI FUNDS AND RESOURCES TO REBUILD SCHOOLS, REPAIR WATER AND SEWAGE LINES, BUILD HEALTHY CLINICS -- HEALTH CLINICS, AS WELL AS A HOST OF OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. . THE INTERNATIONAL RELIEF DEVELOPMENT, ACDI, COUNTERPART AND IN THE PAST, SAVE THE CHILDREN. SINCE 2003, SIX N.G.O. PARTNERS HAVE IMPLEMENTED THIS PROGRAM IN 18 IRAQ IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE SECURITY OF IRAQ. THE IMPLEMENTERS AND U.S. A.I. DIMPLET HAVE RUN THE PROGRAM UNDER THE RADAR. NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF THE SUCCESS STORY THAT C.A.P. REPRESENTS. HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS. C.A.P. HAS MANAGED 6,000 RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND CREATE 2.7 MILLION DAYS OF EMPLOYMENT AND LONG-TERM JOBS, WITH 43% OF THOSE JOBS GOING TO WOMEN, IRAQI WOMEN. IN JANUARY, 2005, A REPORT FROM THE U.S. A.I.D. REGIONAL INSPECTOR GENERAL STATED, QUOTE, BASED ON TESTS PERFORMED ON 89 SELECTED SAMPLE PROJECTS, THE C.A.P. ACHIEVED 98% OF ITS INTENDED OUTPUT. BASE ODD TESTS PERFORMED ON 89 STATISTICALLY SELECTED SAMPLE PROJECTS, THE C.A.P. ACHIEVED 98% OF ITS INTENDED OUTPUT, END OF QUOTE. COMMUNITIES ARE CONTRIBUTING BETWEEN 15% AND 25% OF THE VALUE OF EACH PROJECT. THIS CONTRIBUTION IS OFTEN IN THE FORM OF LABOR AND IN KIND MATERIALS OR OTHER PROVISIONS. IN MY TRAVELS TO IRAQ, I HAVE SEEN FIRSTHAND AS THE PROGRAM IMPROVES THE LIVES OF IRAQIS AND HOW IT HELPS US ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION OF CREATING A SECURE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE IRAQI PEOPLE SO DEMOCRACY CAN PROSPER. IT WOULD BE A TERRIBLE WASTE TO TURN OUR BACKS ON SUCH A GREAT INVESTMENT. IN FACT, THIS IS EXACTLY THE TIME TO NURTURE AND BUILD ON THE RELATIONS OF C.A.P. PARTNERS HAVE FORGED WITH THE COMMUNITIES. C.A.P. PROVIDES THE CONSTITUENCY AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL THAT WILL HELP OTHER STATE DEPARTMENT CIVIL SOCIETY PROGRAMS. THE C.A.P. PROGRAM HAS ENJOYED STRONG SUPPORT FROM THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS ALIKE IN THE PAST. IN AN AMENDMENT WE OFFERED LAST YEAR, INCREASED C.A.P. FUNDING BY $10 MILLION WAS ACCEPTED. THE COMMITTEE NOTED IN ITS REPORT LAST YEAR THAT QUOTE, C.A.P. PROVIDES A VEHICLE FOR EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES, BUILDING COMMUNITY COHESION AND PROVIDING EVIDENCE THAT THE YOU IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE LIVES OF IRAQIS. END OF QUOTE. WE ARE ASKING FOR $50 MILLION TO BE DEDICATED TO ENSURE THE AGENCIES CAN EXPAND AND IMPROVE THE VALUABLE PROJECTS THEY HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTING FOR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS. I URGE ALL MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS AMENDMENT. AND I RETAIN THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE?

MRS. LOWEY

LAST WORD.

THE CHAIRMAN

IS RECOGNIZED.

MRS. LOWEY

OPPOSITION TO THIS AMENDMENT, BECAUSE AS I'VE EXPLAINED TO MR. SHAYS, I…

OPPOSITION TO THIS AMENDMENT, BECAUSE AS I'VE EXPLAINED TO MR. SHAYS, I BELIEVE THIS IS A REALLY CRITICAL PROGRAM, AND I WOULD LOVE TO WORK WITH YOU ON IT. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD PROVIDE $50 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMS. THERE IS NO FUNDING IN THIS PARTICULAR BILL FOR IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION. AS I EXPLAINED TO THE GENTLEMAN, THE REASON THERE IS NO FUNDING IN THIS BILL IS BECAUSE OF THE $2.8 BILLION IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL AND THE $2.8 BILLION REQUESTED IN SEPTEMBER FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL. I WANT TO MAKE IT VERY CLEAR THAT I AGREE WITH THE GENTLEMAN THAT THE COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM AND N.G.O. PARTNERSHIP WITH U.S. A.I.D. DOES REALLY GOOD WORK. C.A.P. IS THE ONLY PROGRAM OF ITS KIND TO OPERATE OUTSIDE THE GREEN ZONE IN IRAQ. I HAVE BEEN A STRONG SUPPORTER OF THEIR EFFORTS. I HAVE MET WITH THEM REPEATEDLY AND I KNOW OF THERE GOOD WORK. FROM WORKING FROM THE COMMUNITY LEVEL AND ASSISTING IRAQI MODERATES WHO HAVE ENSHURD, THE C.A.P. PARTNERS ENGAGE IRAQIS IN RECONSTRUCTING THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES. THEY CREATE EMPLOYMENT. THEY BUILD NATIONWIDE GRASSROOTS CONSTITUENCY FOR DEMOCRACY. CONGRESS IDENTIFIED C.A.P. AS A PRIORITY WHEN IT APPROPRIATED $100 MILLION SPECIFICALLY FOR C.A.P. IN THE F.Y. 2006 SUPPLEMENTAL. ADDITIONALLY, WE JUST PROVIDED $95 MILLION FOR C.A.P. IN THE 2000 SUPPLEMENTAL. AND I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR TO MY GOOD FRIEND FROM CONNECTICUT THAT WE PUT THE MONEY IN AFTER I MET PERSONALLY WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF C.A.P. AND I UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANT WORK THAT THEY'RE DOING. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE C.A.P. PARTNERS. THEY AGREED THAT THEY DO NOT NEED ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN THE REGULAR F.Y. 2008 BILL. THEY TELL ME THEY HAVE ENOUGH TO CONTINUE OPERATIONS, AS DIFFICULT AS IT IS THERE. THEY ARE CONTINUING OPERATIONS THROUGH F.Y. 2008 AT THE CURRENT PACE OF OPERATION. THEY ALSO NOTED THAT THEY WORK VERY HARD TO STAY UNDER THE RADAR IN IRAQ, WHICH IS WHAT MAKES THEIR GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS POSSIBLE. SO THEY HAVE NO INTEREST, I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR FROM MY CONVERSATIONS WITH THEM, THEY DON'T WANT TO BE THE FOIL IN AN IRAQ DEBATE. WE HAVE MADE IT CLEAR, MY COLLEAGUES, ONCE AGAIN, I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR, THAT THE REASON WE ARE NOT PROVIDING ADDITIONAL FUNDING AND WE CANNOT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO THE C.A.P. IN THIS BILL IS BECAUSE OF THE $2.8 BILLION IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL AND THE $2.8 BILLION THAT'S BEING REQUESTED. THE C.A.P.'S HAVE INDICATED THEY DON'T NEED THE MONEY NOW AND THEY ARE OPERATING UNDER THE RADAR. A AND THEY DON'T WANT TO BE PART OF THIS DEBATE. THIS IS NOT A PARTISAN ISSUE. THEY ARE DOING VERY IMPORTANT WORK. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY OF THE DEBATE ON IRAQ. IT'S WHAT'S NEEDED NOW. AND THERE ARE TREMENDOUS NEEDS AROUND THE WORLD THAT WE ARE TRYING TO FILL IN THIS BILL. WITH RESPECT TO MY GOOD FRIEND, MR. SHAYS, WE HAVE WORKED TOGETHER ON MANY ISSUES. I APPRECIATE YOUR CONCERNS. I AGREE WITH YOUR CONCERNS. NOT IN THIS BILL. I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH YOU AS WE MOVE AHEAD. I THANK THE GENTLEMAN AND I YIELD BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CONNECTICUT RISE?

MR. SHAYS

I RESERVE.

MRS. LOWEY

THE CHAIRMAN

DON'T I HAVE TIME LEFT?

MR. SHAYS

LEFT?

THE CHAIRMAN

IS CORRECTED. THE GENTLEMAN HAS 1 1/2 MINUTES LEFT.

MR. SHAYS

MY COLLEAGUE. BUT BEFORE I DO, THERE IS NO MONEY IN THE 2008 BUDGET, F.Y.…

MY COLLEAGUE. BUT BEFORE I DO, THERE IS NO MONEY IN THE 2008 BUDGET, F.Y. 2008 BUDGET. AND THE CHALLENGE WE HAVE IS THAT THIS IS THE ONE PROGRAM, MORE THAN ANY OTHERS THAT WORK. IT SHOULDN'T BE TIED TO ANY BENCHMARKS, BECAUSE IMPLEMENTING THIS PROGRAM, EXPANDING IT ACTUALLY WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR ALL THOSE BENCHMARKS TO BE REALIZED. I'M NOT TRYING TO BRING MORE ATTENTION TO THIS PROGRAM. I JUST THINK IT NEEDS TO BE FUNDED AND EXPANDED, AND THIS IS THE VEHICLE TO DO IT. I YIELD THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

MR. WOLF

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

THE CHAIRMAN

IS RECOGNIZED.

MRS. LOWEY

MY GOOD FRIEND MR. SHAYS, I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU SAID. I AGREE WITH…

MY GOOD FRIEND MR. SHAYS, I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU SAID. I AGREE WITH ALL THE GOOD WORK THAT THE C.A.P.'S ARE DOING, AND THAT IS WHY WE APPROPRIATED $100 MILLION AND ANOTHER $95 MILLION. BUT I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR, AT LEAST FROM MY INTERACTION WITH THE C.A.P.'S, AND I HAVE HAD MANY DISCUSSIONS WITH THE C.A.P.'S. THEY DON'T NEED THE MONEY NOW. THEY ARE OPERATING UNDER THE RADAR AND ARE DOING GOOD WORK. WITH THE SUPPLEMENTAL IN 2008 THAT IS COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER, THEY DON'T NEED THE MONEY NOW. THEY CERTAINLY WELCOME IF IT IS NECESSARY, SOME ADDITIONAL FUNDING. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO YIELD. SHAYS SHAY JUST SO THE DEBATE ACE --

MR. SHAYS

IS A LITTLE MORE ACCURATE AND SEE IF THERE IS A ROLL CALL VOTE OR NOT.…

IS A LITTLE MORE ACCURATE AND SEE IF THERE IS A ROLL CALL VOTE OR NOT. WOULD IT NOT BE FAIR TO SAY THEY CAN LIVE WITH THE MONEY THEY HAVE, BUT THEY WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MORE, WOULD BE -- AND THAT THEY COULD USE MORE AND DO MORE WITH IT? THIS IS NOT A TRICK QUESTION, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE FOR THE RECORD THAT WE DON'T MAKE IT SEEM LIKE THEY HAVE ALL THAT THEY NEED AND CAN USE WELL. IF THE ANSWER TO THAT FIRST QUESTION IS YES, MY SECOND QUESTION WOULD BE, WOULD IT BE THE INTENT OF THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK TO CONSIDER FUNDING THIS AT AN AMENDMENT THAT WILL ENABLE THEM TO DO WHAT THEY'RE DOING NOW AND POSSIBLY MORE?

MRS. LOWEY

RESPECT TO THE GENTLEMAN IN CONNECTICUT, IN MY DISCUSSIONS WITH THE…

RESPECT TO THE GENTLEMAN IN CONNECTICUT, IN MY DISCUSSIONS WITH THE C.A.P., THEY MADE IT CLEAR THAT THEY DON'T NEED MONEY NOW. THIS IS NOW JUNE. WE JUST PASSED THE SUPPLEMENTAL. IN SEPTEMBER, THERE WILL BE ANOTHER SUPPLEMENTAL. THEY ARE DOING GREAT WORK. AND WE BOTH ADMIRE THEIR WORK. AND GIVEN THE TREMENDOUS NEEDS AROUND THE WORLD, WHICH I KNOW YOU SUPPORT, BE IT CLEAN WATER OR HIV/AIDS OR PEACEKEEPING AND WE CAN GO ON AND ON, THE C.A.P.'S MADE IT CLEAR TO ME THAT THEY DO NOT NEED THE MONEY NOW. AND THEREFORE, I MUST RELUCTANTLY OPPOSE THIS AMENDMENT, BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE THE MONEY FROM ANY OTHER URGENT NEEDS THAT EXIST IN THE WORLD TODAY.

MR. SHAYS

WILL BE LOOKING TO FUND THIS ISSUE. THIS IS THE ONE PROGRAM THAT IS, IN…

WILL BE LOOKING TO FUND THIS ISSUE. THIS IS THE ONE PROGRAM THAT IS, IN FACT, WORKING IN IRAQ. NO ONE IS DISPUTING THAT. WE CAN DISPUTE THINGS, BUT NOT THIS. WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS IN THE FUTURE AS IT RELATES NOT TO IRAQ IN GENERAL OR MILITARY FORCES, BUT THE C.A.P. AGENCY PROGRAM.

MRS. LOWEY

THANK YOU.

MR. SHAYS

THANK YOU.

MRS. LOWEY

DOES THE GENTLEMAN --

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN --

MRS. LOWEY

YIELD BACK THE BALANCE. I DON'T KNOW IF THE GENTLEMAN WAS GOING TO…

YIELD BACK THE BALANCE. I DON'T KNOW IF THE GENTLEMAN WAS GOING TO WITHDRAW HIS AMENDMENT. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE.

THE CHAIRMAN

I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK.

>>

AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK.

THE CLERK

AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. TIERNEY OF MASSACHUSETTS.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE ORDER OF THE HOUSE OF WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2007, THE GENTLEMAN FROM,…

THE ORDER OF THE HOUSE OF WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2007, THE GENTLEMAN FROM, MR. TIERNEY, AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS.

MR. TIERNEY

SERVE THE LONG-TERM NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS OF THE UNITED STATES. MY…

SERVE THE LONG-TERM NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS OF THE UNITED STATES. MY AMENDMENT WOULD PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL $75 MILLION FOR BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS DIRECTLY REACHING PAKISTANI CHILDREN THROUGH THE U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OR PROVIDED THROUGH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS OFFERING RELIABLE AND EFFECTIVE BASIC EDUCATION SERVICES. IN DOING SO, THE AMENDMENT SERVES LONG-TERM UNITED STATES NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS BY HELPING TO GIVE PAKISTANI CHILDREN AN EDUCATIONAL ALTERNATIVE TO EXTREMIST JIHADI TEACHING MADRASAS. I'M PLEASED THE SUBCOMMITTEE HAS AGREED TO ACCEPT THIS AMENDMENT AND IN THEIR BILL, THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK AND THE REST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE HAVE RECOGNIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF BASIC EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO OUR LONG-TERM NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS. THIS WOULD BUILD OFF OF THOSE IMPORTANT EFFORTS. AND I THANK THE THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK FOR HER WILLINGNESS TO WORK WITH ME. THE 9/11 DESCRIBED THE STRUGGLE AGAINST INTERNATIONAL STRUGGLE STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE THAT ANY EFFORTS BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PREVENTIVE STRATEGY. THEY NOTED IT IS HARD TO OVERSTATE THE IMPORTANCE OF PAKISTAN AND THE STRUGGLE AGAINST ISLAMIC TERRORISM AND SUPPORT IN PAKISTAN, A COMPREHENSIVE EFFORT THAT EXTENDS THE MILITARY AID TO SUPPORT FOR BETTER EDUCATION. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE NOT YET GONE FAR ENOUGH IN THAT REGARD. IN DECEMBER, 2005, THE 9/11 COMMISSION'S PUBLIC DISCOURSE PROJECT GAVE THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT A D GRADE FOR NOT DOING ENOUGH TO SUPPORT SECULAR EDUCATION. IT NOTED, THE UNITED STATES ASSISTANCE TO PAKISTAN HAS NOT MOVED SUFFICIENTLY BEYOND SECURITY ASSISTANCE TO INCLUDE SIGNIFICANT FUNDING FOR EDUCATION EFFORTS. AND JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO, OUR OWN STATE DEPARTMENT CONCLUDED, PAKISTAN REMAINS A MAJOR SOURCE IN ISLAMIC EXTREMISM. THIS IS PRECISELY THE TIME THAT WE SHOULD BE SPENDING SUBSTANTIALLY MORE ON EDUCATION, WHERE WE SHOULD BE BROADENING AND DEEPENING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PAKISTANI PEOPLE WITH AID THAT REACHES DIRECTLY INTO THE PAKISTANI HOMES. AND THIS AMENDMENT IS AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP IN THIS ENDEAVOR BY PROVIDING AN EXTRA $75 MILLION INFUSION FOR BASIC EDUCATION DIRECTLY TO PAKISTANI CHILDREN. AN EXTRA $75 MILLION THAT WOULD COME TOP OF FUNDING ALREADY IN THE BILL. THIS AMENDMENT PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL $75 MILLION FOR BASIC EDUCATION BY REPROGRAMMING EXISTING FUNDS WITHIN THE ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND ACCOUNT. MONEY WILL BE DRAWN FROM THAT PART OF THE ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND THAT PROVIDES DIRECT BUDGETARY SUPPORT FOR THE PAKISTANI GOVERNMENT. OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, THE PAKISTANI GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS PER YEAR IN A CASH TRANSFER. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD ENSURE THAT $ON MILLION OF THOSE FUNDS BE REPROGRAMMED TO ENSURE THEY REACH PAKISTANI CHILDREN AND NOT BE HANDED OVER TO THE PAKISTANI GOVERNMENT WITHOUT DIRECTION. THE OTHER $25 MILLION OF THE $75 MILLION WOULD COME IF THE NONBUDGETARY SUPPORT OF THE ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND. ALL OF US HOPE TO SUPPORT THE PAKISTANI PEOPLE IN THEIR EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE A FREE NATION. BUT OUR NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS ARE MUCH MORE ACUTE. WE WILL BE SAFE OR WILL WE BE SAFE OVER THE NEXT FIVE, 10, 20 YEARS AS THOUSANDS OF MORE PEOPLE LEARN JIHAD AT EXTREMIST MADRASAS INSTEAD OF WORLDWIDE SKILLS. WHEN ASKED ABOUT THIS AMENDMENT, FORMER 9/11 COMMISSION VICE CHAIRMAN LEE HAMILTON RESPONDED, INCREASED U.S. FUNDING FOR BASIC EDUCATION PROVIDED BY THE TIERNEY PAKISTAN EDUCATION AMENDMENT WILL SEND A MESSAGE THAT WE ARE COMMITTED AND SUPPORTING ALTERNATIVES TO RADICAL ISLAMIC EDUCATION. SENDING THIS MESSAGE IS IMPORTANT TO THE FUTURE OF AMERICA'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN AND OUR EFFORTS TO COMBAT RADICAL ISLAM. IT IS PAST TIME TO HEED THE 9/11 COMMISSION'S WARNING BY FIGHTING TERRORISM AT ITS SOURCE BY STOPPING THE PROCESS OF EXTREMISM BEFORE IT CAN BEGIN, BY HELPING THE CHILDREN OF PAKISTAN TO HAVE AN ALTERNATIVE TO EXTREME MADRASAS AND THAT SHOULD BE AT THE CORE OF OUR LONG-TERM NATIONAL STRATEGY AND THAT IS WHAT THIS AMENDMENT IS ABOUT. I THANK THE THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH HER TO SEE THIS FUNDING REACHING PAKISTANI CHILDREN IS RETAINED IN CONFERENCE. .

MRS. LOWEY

THE AMENDMENT. AS THE GENTLEMAN KNOWS I HAVE BEEN A FIRM BELIEVER IN BASIC…

THE AMENDMENT. AS THE GENTLEMAN KNOWS I HAVE BEEN A FIRM BELIEVER IN BASIC EDUCATION FOR A LONG TIME. AND THE BILL INCLUDES A TOTAL OF $750 MILLION FOR BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS. THE GENTLEMAN RECENTLY WENT TO PAKISTAN AND I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF GOING TO PAKISTAN AND VISITSED THE EARTHQUAKE ZONES. IN FACT I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF OPENING A SCHOOL IN THE EARTHQUAKE ZONE AND THESE BEAUTIFUL YOUNG GIRLS LOOKED AT ME AND SAID, CAN YOU SEND US SCIENCE TEACHERS? CAN YOU SEND US COMPUTERS? WE KNOW THAT THIS EXPERIENCE CAN BE REPLICATED THOUSANDS OF TIMES AROUND THE WORLD. SO I REALLY DO APPRECIATE THE GENTLEMAN'S COMMITMENT TO BASIC EDUCATION, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THIS GENTLEMAN IN ACCEPTING YOUR AMENDMENT. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO YIELD.

MR. TIERNEY

WAS IN PAKISTAN AT THE SAME TIME YOU WERE APPROXIMATELY AND YOU WITNESSED…

WAS IN PAKISTAN AT THE SAME TIME YOU WERE APPROXIMATELY AND YOU WITNESSED AS DID WE EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. THIS IS A GREAT EFFORT TO GO IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, TO PUT IN PUBLIC EDUCATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE MADRASAHS, I THANK YOU FOR THE FIND WORK -- FINE WORK YOU HAVE DONE.

THE CHAIRMAN

TO --

THE CLERK

TO --

MRS. LOWEY

I MOVE TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD. I YIELD TO MR. CARDOZA FOR THE PURPOSE OF…

I MOVE TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD. I YIELD TO MR. CARDOZA FOR THE PURPOSE OF A KOHL WHICH.

MR. CARDOZA

WANT THANK THE GENTLELADY -- TO THANK THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK FOR HER…

WANT THANK THE GENTLELADY -- TO THANK THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK FOR HER WORK ON THIS. MR. CHAIRMAN, BY WAY OF BRIEF BACKGROUND THERE IS STRONG AND VIBRANT MINORITY COMMUNITY OF CHRISTIANS IN IRAQ. SOME OF THE OLDEST CHRISTIANS IN THE WORLD ARE THESE VARIOUS SECRETARIES, THE ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST, THE ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST ANCIENT, THE ASSYRIAN EVANGELICALS, THE ORTHODOX, THE COPTIC, THE ARMENIAN CATHOLICS, THE ARMENIAN EVANGELICALS, THE ARMENIAN ORTHODOX HAVE THEIR ORIGINS IN IRAQ AND OTHER MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRIES SUCH AS IRAN, TURKEY, AND SYRIA. LIKE OTHER ETHNIC MINORITIES RESIDING IN THE MIDDLE EAST, THROUGHOUT THEIR HISTORY THESE VARIOUS SECRETARIES HAVE BEEN -- SECTS HAVE BEEN USED AS PAWNS BY MAJOR POWERS IN THE REEBLINGON. UNFORTUNATELY THEIR CHRISTIAN FAITH HAS MADE THEM TARGETS AND THEY FREQUENTLY HAVE BEEN SUBJECTED TO HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE THROUGHOUT THE REGION. IN PARTICULAR THE REGOOD MORNING OF SADDAM HUSSEIN WAS PARTICULARLY BRUTAL IN THEIR TREATMENT OF CHRISTIANS. BECAUSE OF THEIR RELIGION AND BECAUSE OF THE MAJORITY OF CHRISTIANS OPPOSE SADDAM'S REEGOOD MORNING, AMERICA -- REGIME, MANY OF THEIR LEADERS WERE ASSASSINATED. THE WAR IN IRAQ EXACERBATED THIS SITUATION AND FURTHER ENDANGERS THE FATE OF THIS GROUP. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT AS MANY AS 40,000 IRAQI CHRISTIANS, 5% OF THE FAITHFUL, HAVE LEFT COUNTRY SINCE THE WAR'S BEGUN. WHILE IRAQI CHRISTIANS MAKE UP JUST 3% OF THE OVERALL POPULATION, REPORTS ARE THAT CHRISTIANS MAKE UP MORE THAN 20% OF THE REFUGEE EXODUS TO SYRIA. AND THERE ARE MOUNTING FEARS THAT IF IRAQ BECOMES AN ISLAMIC THEOCRACY, THE EXODUS WILL ACCEPT RATE. MY CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, THE 18TH DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA, HAPPENS TO BE HOME OF A LARGE ASSYRIAN POPULATION. I HAVE HEARD THE HORROR STORIES FROM SOME IN MY DISTRICT AND I AM COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT THE INTEREST OF THE ASSYRIANS AND THE BROADER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ARE WELL PROTECTED IN THE NEW IRAQ. I HAVE TAKEN NUMEROUS STEPS TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF THIS MINORITY. IN PARTICULAR I HAVE WRITTEN A LETTER ON THE SUBJECT TO SECRETARY RICE AND HAVE IMPLORED HER TO USE ALL MEANS AVAILABLE TO ENSURE THAT THE RIGHTS OF THIS GROUP ARE RESPECTED. TO FURTHER ENHANCE OUR ABILITY TO PROTECT THESE PEOPLE, IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE IS A REPORT LANGUAGE IN THIS BILL WHICH URGES THAT 10 MILLION IN RECENTLY ENACTED SUPPLEMENTAL BE TARGETED TOWARDS HELPING THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN IRAQ. I WANT TO WORK WITH THE CHAIRWOMAN AND THE REST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THAT THIS MONEY GOES FOR ITS INTENDED PURPOSE OF PROTECTING THIS COMMUNITY AND DOES NOT GET DIVERTED TO OTHER ISSUES.

MRS. LOWEY

ABSOLUTELY.

MR. CARDOZA

ABSOLUTELY.

MRS. LOWEY

MY FRIEND FROM CALIFORNIA, MR. CARDOZA, FOR BRINGING THIS IMPORTANT MATTER…

MY FRIEND FROM CALIFORNIA, MR. CARDOZA, FOR BRINGING THIS IMPORTANT MATTER TO THE ATTENTION OF THE COMMITTEE. THIS TYPE OF GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED TERRORISM WAS THE HALLMARK OF SADDAM HUSSEIN'S RULE AND CANNOT CONTINUE. IT WAS ENDEMIC. AND UNFORTUNATELY IT SEEMS THAT THE PRACTICE CONTINUES. AND I CONTINUE TO WORRY THAT OUR ASSISTANCE MAY NOT BE BENEFITING THE INTENDED RECIPIENTS. I, TOO, AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE PLIGHT OF THE CHRISTIAN MINORITY AND I'M DEDICATED TO USING WHATEVER TOOLS WE HAVE AVAILABLE TO ENSURE THEIR RIGHTS ARE GIVEN DUE CONSIDERATION. FURTHERMORE, I WANT TO NOTE FOR MY COLLEAGUES THAT THE RECENT SUPPLEMENTAL INCLUDED A REQUIREMENT FOR A REPORT ON THE ETHNIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF THE UNITED STATES ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS REACHING THE NINEVEH PLAIN REGION WHICH WOULD GIVE US A CLEARER PICTURE OF THE SITUATION FACING IRAQI CHRISTIANS. I WANT TO ASSURE MY FRIEND THAT I AND I KNOW MY RANKING MEMBER WHO CARES PASSIONATELY ABOUT THESE ISSUES WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE CONGRESSMAN TO ENSURE THAT THIS $10 MILLION DOES GO FOR ITS INTENDED PURPOSE OF PROTECTING THE CHRISTIAN MINORITY IN IRAQ.

MR. CARDOZA

I THANK THE GENTLEWOMAN FOR HER HELP ON THIS ISSUE AND FOR HER AGREEMENT…

I THANK THE GENTLEWOMAN FOR HER HELP ON THIS ISSUE AND FOR HER AGREEMENT TO WORK TOWARDS ENSURING THAT THE MONEY GOES TO ALLEVIATE THE SUFFERING OF THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN IRAQ. THIS COMMUNITY HAS LIVED IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD FOR OVER 1,000 YEARS. AND WE MUST DO OUR PART TO ENSURE THAT THEY LIVE THERE FOR A THOUSAND MORE. I THANK THE CHAIRWOMAN. I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN.

MR. WOLF

THE REQUISITE NUMBER OF WORDS. I WANT TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN AND…

THE REQUISITE NUMBER OF WORDS. I WANT TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN AND CONGRESSWOMAN ANNA ESHOO IS INTERESTED IN THIS AND OTHERS. I THANK THE CHAIR FOR ACCEPTING THE KIRK AMENDMENT IN FULL COMMITTEE. I LOOKED FOR YOU YESTERDAY. WHAT I WANTED TO DID YOU -- TO ASK YOU TO DO IS OFFER AN AMENDMENT ON THE FLOOR. I KNOW THE GENTLELADY WOULD HAVE ACCEPTED IT, OF ANOTHER $100,000 , OR $1 MILLION FOR THE CUFMENT. LDIAN CHRISTIANS AND GOT A ROLE CALL ON IT. COLLOQUIES ARE COLLOQUIES, BUT A ROLE CALL VOTE IS A ROLE CALL VOTE. ERICKS, A.I.D. HAS FAILED -- A.I.D. HAS FAILED ON THIS ISSUE. THEY TELL US WE CAN'T BE TARGETING CERTAIN ETHNIC GROUPS. IT'S NEVER BEEN A SATISFY -- SEA ANSWER. IT'S TOO LATE NOW, WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GOOD THING TO DO -- THIS CONGRESS AND THIS GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE ABANDONED THE CHRISTIANS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. WE HAVE WALKED AWAY AND THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST IS DECLINING. SO YOU'RE ON TO SOMETHING AND HOPEFULLY YOU CAN FIND A WAY IN ANOTHER BILL OR THE SUPPLEMENTAL PERHAPS TO OFFER THE -- WORK WITH THE GENTLELADY TO HAVE AN AMOUNT AND THEN YOU HAVE AN ADDED $100,000 OR $1 MILLION, WHATEVER YOU THINK IS APPROPRIATE, AND THEN ASK FOR A ROLL CALL VOTE SO THE ENTIRE CONGRESS IS ON RECORD. BECAUSE YOU ARE RIGHT ON TARGET. I WANT TO THANK YOU AND WILL WORK WITH YOU AND HELP YOU IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE. BUT A ROLE CALL VOTE OF 435-0 WOULD SEND A MESSAGE TO THE A.I.D. PEOPLE THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO FACE AND FOCUS ON. SO WITH THAT --

MRS. LOWEY

THIS IS AN URGENT ISSUE AND THE AMENDMENT IN THE COMMITTEE VALIDATED THE…

THIS IS AN URGENT ISSUE AND THE AMENDMENT IN THE COMMITTEE VALIDATED THE URGENCY OF THE ISSUE. I KNOW WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER TO ADDRESS THIS. I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR BRINGING THIS UP AND OF COURSE I RESPECT THE INTEREST AND PASSION OF MY RANKING MEMBER. WE WILL BE FOLLOWING UP AND THERE WILL BE ATTENTION GIVEN TO THIS ISSUE.

MR. WOLF

THE GENTLELADY. I YIELD. WITH HER COMMENT I THINK THAT REALLY SENDS A…

THE GENTLELADY. I YIELD. WITH HER COMMENT I THINK THAT REALLY SENDS A MESSAGE. OBVIOUSLY A.I.D. IS WATCHING THIS DEBATE RIGHT NOW. FOR THE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE TO SAY THAT, THEY HAVE ACTUALLY GOTTEN THE MESSAGE. I WANT TO THANK

MR. CARDOZA

IF THE GENTLEMAN WOULD YIELD BRIEFLY. I WOULD SAY I DID LOOK FOR THE…

IF THE GENTLEMAN WOULD YIELD BRIEFLY. I WOULD SAY I DID LOOK FOR THE GENTLEMAN ON THE FLOOR YESTERDAY AS WELL. WE MUST HAVE MISSED EACH OTHER IN OUR SEARCH. I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR HIS COMMENTS IN THE RULES COMMITTEE WHERE I RAISED THIS ISSUE INITIALLY. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE GENTLEMAN IN THE FUTURE. I WILL LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES, TOGETHER WE'LL LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO SEND A CONTINUING MESSAGE THAT THIS POPULATION IS IMPORTANT NOT JUST TO THE MIDDLE EAST BUT TO THIS COUNTRY AS WELL. IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US TO ASSIST AND INVEST IN THIS COMMUNITY.

MR. WOLF

GENTLEMAN. I THANK THE CHAIR. WITH THAT I YIELD BACK.

MRS. LOWEY

THE LAST WORD. I'M VERY PLEASED TO YIELD TO MY GOOD FRIEND FROM NEW YORK,…

THE LAST WORD. I'M VERY PLEASED TO YIELD TO MY GOOD FRIEND FROM NEW YORK, MR. MEEKS, FOR AN IMPORTANT STATEMENT.

MR. MEEKS

MADAM CHAIR. I DON'T HAVE ANY AMENDMENT TO THE DESK, BUT I DO WISH TO RISE…

MADAM CHAIR. I DON'T HAVE ANY AMENDMENT TO THE DESK, BUT I DO WISH TO RISE IN SUPPORT OF THE 2008 STATE AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS ACT AND TO COMMEND THE COMMITTEE, PARTICULARLY THE CHAIRWOMAN FROM NEW YORK, FOR THE FINE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE TO GET THE BILL TO THIS POINT. I WANT TO BRING ATTENTION TO A VERY IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE BILL. FUNDING FOR TRADE CAPACITY BUILDING. THIS BILL RAISES THE FEDERAL APPROPRIATION LEVEL TO $214 MILLION. THAT IS $87 MILLION MORE THAN THE ADMINISTRATION REQUESTED. THERE ARE OBVIOUSLY MANY DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW ON TRADE IN THIS BODY, BUT I THINK ALL OF US CAN AGREE THAT WE MUST DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENABLE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES TO FACILITATE TRADE WITH THE WORLD. MOST PEOPLE THINK OF TRADE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WHEN THEY THINK OF TRADE CAPACITY. BUT FACILITATING TRADE GOES WELL BEYOND THAT. THESE FUNDS WILL HELP DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WITH LABOR, ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR BETTER TRADE ACCESS IN REMOTE AREAS. TRADE CAPACITY ASSISTANCE IS A RELATIVELY NEW TOOL IN THE TRADE ARENA. BUT IT HAS RECENTLY PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TRADE AND WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE AS WE CONSIDER SEVERAL FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH DEVELOPMENT COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE CAPACITY BUILDING FROM OUR NATION. I THANK THE CHAIR WOMAN FOR MAIN TAG THE COMMITMENT TO TRADE CAPACITY FUNDS FOR RECENT AGREEMENTS AND I HOPE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE COMMITTEE ON FOLLOW-UP AND OVERSIGHT OF TRADE CAPACITY FUNDS PASSED -- PAST AND IN THE PRESENT. HOPEFULLY IN THE NEAR FUTURE WE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSIDER THIS ON THE FLOOR FOR -- WITH COUNTRIES SUCH AS PERU, PANAMA, AND COLOMBIA. ALL OF THESE NATIONS NEED TRADE CAPACITY ASSISTANCE. BUT COLOMBIA IS ARGUABLY THE COUNTRY WITH THE MOST INTENSE AND PERSISTENT CHALLENGES. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE COMMITTEE AND USAID TO SEE THAT WE DEDICATE SOME OF THE INCREASED FUNDS IN THIS BILL TO HELP COLOMBIA MEET CRITICAL NEEDS LIKE ASSISTANCE TO THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. IT BANS THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSIBILITY OF CONTINUING THE PROGRESS TOWARDS SECURITY AND PEACE IN COLOMBIA WITH INVESTIGATIONS OF MURDERS AND KIDNAPPINGS, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF LABOR LEADERS AND MANAGING THE LEGAL PROCESS OF THE DEMORALIZATION OF PARAMILITARIES AND THE PARK -- FARC. THEY NEED AS MUCH SUPPORT AS WE CAN OFFER IT IF IT'S GOING TO EXPEDITIOUSLY CARRY OUT THE HUNDREDS OF INVESTIGATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE DEMANDS THAT IT MUST MEET AS AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY OF JUSTICE. I HOPE MY COLLEAGUES WHO SHARE MY CONCERN OVER VIOLENCE IN COLOMBIA, PARTICULARLY IN REMOTE AREAS POPULATED BY AFRICAN COLOMBIANS, AND ATTACKS AGAINST LABOR LEADERS, WILL SUPPORT THE 2008 FRAUD BILL AND JOIN ME IN CALLING FOR TRADE CAPACITY -- FOREIGN OPERATIONS BILL AND JOIN ME IN JALLING FOR TRADE CAPACITY FUNDS -- CALLING FOR TRADE CAPACITY FUNDS. I YIELD.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

OF THE UNITED STATES CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMPREHENSIVE TEST BAN…

OF THE UNITED STATES CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMPREHENSIVE TEST BAN ORGANIZATION WITH MY GOOD FRIEND, MS. TAUSCHER FROM CALIFORNIA.

MRS. TAUSCHER

IF THE GENTLEWOMAN WOULD YIELD.

MRS. LOWEY

TO YIELD.

MRS. TAUSCHER

TREATY ORGANIZATION CALLED CTBTO. I PLANNED TO OFFER AN AMENDMENT TO FUND…

TREATY ORGANIZATION CALLED CTBTO. I PLANNED TO OFFER AN AMENDMENT TO FUND AT LEAST TO THE ADMINISTRATION'S REQUEST OF $18 MILLION. BUT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A FEW POINTS. THE ADMINISTRATION'S FISCAL YEAR 2008 BUDGET REQUEST CALLS FOR $18 MILLION FOR THE U.S. CONTRIBUTION TO THE CTBTO. UNFORTUNATELY, THE FOREIGN APPROPRIATIONS BILL WOULD SHIFT $8 MILLION OF THE ADMINISTRATION'S ALREADY INADEQUATE REQUEST TO ANOTHER ACCOUNT LEAVING $10 MILLION FOR THE TEST BAN MONITORING. THE ADMINISTRATION'S REQUEST ALREADY FALLS WELL SHORT OF WHAT IS NECESSARY TO MAKE UP FOR PAST FUNDING SHORTFALLS THAT THREATEN TO SLOW OR STOP THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE TEST BAN TREATY ORGANIZATION'S INTERNATIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM. IN 2002, THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION UNILATERALLY DECIDED NOT TO SUPPORT THE U.S. PORTION, APPROXIMATELY $800,000 OF THE ONSITE INSPECTION COMPONENT VERIFICATION ACTIVITIES. THE ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT SUPPORT RATIFICATION ARGUES THAT BECAUSE THE ONSITE INSPECTION WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE UPON ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE TREATY, THE UNITED STATES SHOULD NOT CONTRIBUTE. SPECIFICALLY, THE YEAR 2006, THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION REQUESTED AND CONGRESS APPROVED ONLY $14.4 MILLION FOR THE TREATY ORGANIZATION, WHICH WAS $7 MILLION SHORT OF THE $22 MILLION ASSESSED BY THE ORGANIZATION. THE CONTINUING RESOLUTION OFFERED IN FISCAL YEAR 2007 SPENDING SAID FOR FUNDING AT 2006 LEVEL WHICH WAS $9 MILLION SHORT OF THE UNITED STATES' ASSESSMENT. COMPOUNDING THE PROBLEM LAST MONTH, THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION DECIDED TO OBLIGATE ONLY $10 MILLION OF THE $14.4 MILLION APPROPRIATED BY CONGRESS. AS A RESULT, THE U.S. IS NOW IN ARREARS AND A TOTAL OF $28.3 MILLION. WE ARE THE SINGLE LARGEST CONTRIBUTOR TO THE TREATY ORGANIZATION AND OUR SHORTFALLS WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT. THE UNITED STATES' FAILURE TO PAY ITS SHARE WILL DIRECTLY AFFECT THE TREATY ORGANIZATION'S ABILITY TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION AND CERTIFY FOR USE THE REMAINING STATIONS IN THE INTERNATIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM, INCLUDING THOSE IN MORE REMOTE AND STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS, ESPECIALLY NORTH OF IRAN. I'M SURE THAT THE DISTINGUISHED CHAIRWOMAN SHARES MY DEEP CONCERN THAT THE UNITED STATES IS UNDERFUNDING THE TREATY ORGANIZATION, AND THAT IS A DANGER -- AND A DANGER OF IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM GROWS AS THE FUNDING CONTINUES TO DEPLETE AND WE'RE NOT ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH OUR OBLIGATIONS. SO I THINK UNLESS CONGRESS INCREASES FUNDING FOR THE U.S. CONTRIBUTION, THESE SHORTFALLS THAT HAVE ACCUMLUATED OVER THE LAST SEVEN YEARS WILL CONTINUE TO UNDERMINE THE EFFORTS TO COMPLETE A MONITORING NETWORK AND CONDUCT ANALYSIS TO DETECT AND DETER NUCLEAR WEAPONS EXPLOSIONS. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO YIELD TO THE DISTINGUISHED CHAIRWOMAN.

MRS. LOWEY

MY GOOD FRIEND FROM CALIFORNIA BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO OUR ATTENTION. I…

MY GOOD FRIEND FROM CALIFORNIA BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO OUR ATTENTION. I REALLY WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON CTBTO, AND I AGREE WITH YOU THAT THE UNITED STATES SHOULD SHOW LEADERSHIP AND PAY OUR FULL SHARE OF CONTRIBUTIONS IT OWES TO THE CBTO. THE BILL DOES TRY TO DRAW BALLANCE BETWEEN THE VARIOUS PROGRAMS FUNDED WITHIN THE NONPROLIFERATION ANTI-TERRORISM ACCOUNT, BUT I UNDERSTAND THE CONCERNS MY FRIEND HAS RAISED, AND THESE ARE CONCERNS OF THE COMMITTEE. THERE ARE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WHO ARE WORKING HARD ON THIS ISSUE, AND IT IS MY INTENTION TO CONTINUE TO WORK YOU AS THE BILL MOVES THROUGH THE PROCESS.

MRS. TAUSCHER

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM RISE?

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM RISE?

MR. PITTS

AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK.

THE CHAIRMAN

WE HAVE NOT REACHED THAT PORTION OF THE BILL. THE CLERK WILL READ THE BILL.

THE CLERK

LINE 23, INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR IRELAND, $15 MILLION. ASSISTANCE FOR…

LINE 23, INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR IRELAND, $15 MILLION. ASSISTANCE FOR EASTERN EUROPE AND THE BALTIC STATES, $293,332,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. ASSISTANCE FOR THE INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION, $397,585,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. INDEPENDENT AGENCIES, ENTER AMERICAN FOUNDATION, $19 MILLION TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, $30 MILLION TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. PEACE CORPS, $333,535,000. MILLEN UMH CHALLENGE CORPORATION, $1 I WILL BILLION. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, GLOBAL HIV/AIDS INITIATIVE, $4 MILLION.

THE CHAIRMAN

I HAVE AN AMENDMENT.

MR. PITTS

AMENDMENT.

THE CLERK

AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. PITS.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL 15…

GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA AND A MEMBER OPPOSED WILL EACH CONTROL 15 MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN.

MR. PITTS

DOES THE GENTLEMAN RESERVE HIS TIME?

THE CHAIRMAN

YES.

MR. PITTS

YES.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA.

MR. PITTS

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. WALBERG

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE --

THE CHAIRMAN

PURPOSE DOES THE --

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. PAYNE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA.

THE CHAIRMAN

FROM PENNSYLVANIA.

MR. PITTS

YIELD TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA, DR. DAVID WELDON, TWO…

YIELD TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA, DR. DAVID WELDON, TWO MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

INQUIRE HOW MUCH TIME EXISTS ON BOTH SIDES.

>>

MUCH TIME EXISTS ON BOTH SIDES.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA HAS 8 1/2 MINUTES. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM…

THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA HAS 8 1/2 MINUTES. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK HAS 9 1/2 MINUTES. THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. WELDON

I'M VERY PLEASED TO YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN.

MRS. LOWEY

GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. JACKSON

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA.

MR. PITTS

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I DIDN'T KNOW I WAS GOING TO GET A BIBLICAL…

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I DIDN'T KNOW I WAS GOING TO GET A BIBLICAL LESSON HERE. I WOULD ASK THE MAN RHETORICICALLY IS ABSTINENCE BIBLICAL? IS FAITHFULNESS BIBLICAL? THAT'S WHAT WE ARE SPEAKING OF. I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEBRASKA WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE AFRICA SUBCOMMITTEE.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. FORTENBERRY

MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE IN FAVOR OF THE BITHS AMENDMENT. THIS AMENDMENT WILL…

MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE IN FAVOR OF THE BITHS AMENDMENT. THIS AMENDMENT WILL SAVE LIVES. THE PRESIDENT'S EMERGENCY PLAN FOR AIDS RELIEF, COMMONLY KNOWN AS PEPFAR, IS THE LARGEST BILATERAL FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DEDICATED TO MITIGATING THE HIV-AIDS CRISIS WORLDWIDE. THE PLAN PLACES SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE 15 COUNTRIES IN AFRICA, ASIA, AND THE CARIBBEAN WHICH ACCOUNT FOR APPROXIMATELY 50% OF THE WORLD'S H.I.V. INSPECTIONINGS. IF THE US SUSS TO REMAIN THE WORLD'S LEADER IN SAVING LIVES FROM THE DEVASTATION OF AIDS, IT'S TIME TO LOOK AT THE TRACK RECORD AND SEE WHAT WORKS WELL. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEY SHOW THAT HIV-AIDS PREVALENCE RATES IN AT LEAST SEVEN OF THE 15 PEPFAR FOCUS COUNTRIES IS DECLINING. COUNTRIES SUCH AS UGANDA, ZAMBIA, AND SENEGAL HAVE SUCCESS STORIES TO SHOWCASE AND SOMETHING TO TEACH US. AND THESE NATIONS AND OTHERS EXPERIENCING DECLINES IN THE PREVALENCE OF HIFF HIV-AIDS IT IS THROUGH INDIGENOUS PROGRAMMING THAT REFLECTS THE LOCAL CULTURAL MILIEU AND SOCIAL NORMS THAT FIGURE PROMINENTLY. IN UGANDA, FOR EXAMPLE, PREVALENCE RATES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN FELL FROM APPROXIMATELY 20% IN 1991 TO 6% IN THE YEAR 2000. BETWEEN 1991 AND 1998 H.I.V. PREVALENCE RATES AMONG 15 TO 19-YEAR-OLDS FELL BY 75% FROM APPROXIMATELY 21% TO 5%. WHILE THE CAUSAL FACTORS BEHIND THE PREVALENCE DECLINES, ARE COMPLEX AND SHOULD NOT BE OVERSIMPLIFIED, IT IS CLEAR THAT THE SUCCESS STORIES IN UGANDA, ZAMBIA, SENEGAL, AND ELSEWHERE ALL INCORPORATE THE SAME COMMON DENOMINATOR, AN EMPHASIS ON ABSTINENCE AND FIDELITY AS CRITICAL ELEMENTS IN SUCCESSFUL INTERVENTIONS. . THIS APPROPRIATIONS BILL WOULD POTENTIALLY REVERSE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ELEMENT OF THIS SUCCESS BY DIMINISHING THE EMPHASIS ON ABSTINENCE. THIS IS TOO SERIOUS TO PREVENT THE DISMISSAL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE THAT IN-COUNTRY PROGRAMMING CAN EFFECTIVELY REDUCE THE PREVALENCE OF HIV-AIDS.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

>>

THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA?

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA?

>>

OF MY TIME TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY, MR. SMITH.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. SMITH

YOU. I RISE IN STRONG SUPPORT OF THE PITTS AMENDMENT. AS AN ORIGINAL…

YOU. I RISE IN STRONG SUPPORT OF THE PITTS AMENDMENT. AS AN ORIGINAL CO-SPONSOR OF THE LAW TO COMBAT HIV-AIDS IN AFRICA AND THE TARGETED 15 COUNTRIES, I RISE IN STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE LANGUAGE IN THE BILL THAT UNDERMINDS AND DISMISSES THE SUCCESSFUL HIV-AIDS SPREENGS PENDING IN THE PEP -- PREVENTION SPENDING IN THE PEPFAR. THE ONLY SUCCESSFUL EVIDENCE APPROACH TO HIV-AIDS PREVENTION IS THAT WHICH EMPHASIS IS BE A CITY -- EMPHASIS IS ABSTINENCE. THE SUCCESS OF THE A, B, C APPROACH DEPENDS ON THE BALANCE BETWEEN THESE THREE ELEMENTS AND THE SPENDING REQUIREMENT IS NECESSARY TO ATTAIN THAT BALANCE. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE PEPFAR FOCUSED COUNTRIES HAVE GENERALIZED EPIDEMICS, THOSE THAT HAVE A AND B, HAVE EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE NUMBER OF YOUTH AND ADULTS WHO ARE EITHER ABSTAINING OR BEING MUTUALLY FAITHFUL AND AT THE SAME TIME THEY HAVE SEEN SIGNIFICANT DROPS IN THOSE COUNTRIES OF THE PERCENTAGE OF THEIR POPULATION INFECTED WITH HIV-AIDS. THE COUNTRIES THAT PROMOTED ABSTINENCE, BACKED BY REAL RESOURCES AND HAVE DECREASED H.I.V. RATES, ZAM BYA, ZIMBABWE, THE REPUBLICAN -- ZIMBABWE. THOSE THAT HAVE RELIED ON CONDOM PROMOTION HAVE REPORTED A DECLINE IN H.I.V. RATES. "THE WASHINGTON POST" ON MARCH 2, POINTED OUT, AND I QUOTE, RESEARCH IS INCREASINGLY ATTRIBUTE THE REZILLANCE OF H.I.V. IN SOUTHERN AFRICA TO THE HIGH INCIDENT OF MULTIPLE SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS. WESTERN AID EXPERTS BROUGHT NOT JUST THE IDEAS, BUT THE MONEY TOUTING CONDOMS, SCHOOL CHILDREN SANG ABOUT THEM. WOMEN DEMONSTRATED HOW TO ROLL THEM. THERE WAS A $13.5 MILLION PROMOTION FOR CONDOM PROMOTION, FIVE TIMES THE AMOUNT TO CURBING SEXUAL BEHAVIOR. THE "POST" POINTS OUT THEY ROSE TOGETHER UNTIL BOTH WERE AMONG THE HIGHEST IN AFRICA. AS INDICATED IN THE "WASHINGTON POST" REPORT THOSE WHO ARE CONSIDERED AIDS EXPERTS IN THE WEST INCLUDING SOME OF THOSE WHO DIRECTED U.S. PREVENTION FUNDING PRIOR TO PEPFAR IMPOSED THEIR NARROW MINDED CONDOM PROMOTION. THE PEPFAR COORDINATOR TESTIFIED LAST FALL THAT THE 33% PREVENTION SPENDING REQUIREMENT, AND I QUOTE HIM HERE, HAS HELPED -- HAS HELPED TO SUPPORT PEPFAR'S FIELD PERSONNEL IN APPROPRIATELY BROADENING THE RANGE OF PREVENTION EFFORTS. IN ADDITION HE GOES ON TO SAY, IT HELPED THE PEPFAR TO ALIGN ITSELF WITH THE STRATEGIES OF THE HOST MATIONS OF WHICH A, B, C IS A KEY ELEMENT. THE ADMINISTRATOR OF HEALTH NOTED THAT PEPFAR SUPPORT FOR ABSTINENCE AND BEING FAITHFUL IS NEEDED TO ENSURE THE BALANCE OF THE A, B, C PROGRAMS THAT IS SOUGHT. THAT IS BECAUSE, HE GOES ON TO SAY OTHER INTERNATIONAL DONOR SUPPORT, ONLY CONDOMS, BUT NOT ABSTINENCE OR BEING FAITHFUL PROGRAMMING. EVEN WITH THE SPENDING REQUIREMENT, THE UNITED STATES REMAINS, BY FAR, THE LARGEST CONDOM DISTRIBUTOR IN THE WORLD. IF OUR GOAL HERE IS TO SAVE LIVES BY IMPLEMENTING THE STRONGEST EVIDENCE-BASED PREVENTION PROGRAMS POSSIBLE, WE SHOULD BE AT LEAST MAINTAINING AND I WOULD SUGGEST INCREASING THE PERCENTAGE OF FUNDING DIRECTED TO ABSTINENCE AND TO BEING FAITHFUL PROGRAMS. IT WORKS, IT HAS PROVEN THAT IT WORKS, AND I SUPPORT THE PITTS AMENDMENT.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

TO YIELD TWO MINUTES TO MY DISTINGUISHED FRIEND FROM CONNECTICUT, MR.…

TO YIELD TWO MINUTES TO MY DISTINGUISHED FRIEND FROM CONNECTICUT, MR. SHAYS.

MR. SHAYS

PITTS AMENDMENT. I SUPPORT THE ATTEMPT BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE TO GIVE THE…

PITTS AMENDMENT. I SUPPORT THE ATTEMPT BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE TO GIVE THE PRESIDENT FLEXIBILITY TO IMPLEMENT PREVENTION PROGRAMS THAT FITS THE COUNTRY'S CURRENT AIDS EPIDEMIC, I SALUTE THE PRESIDENT'S PLAN FOR AIDS RELIEF. I HAVE BEEN TO AFRICA TO SEE HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS, AND EVERYONE I SPOKE WITH PLEADED WITH US TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE WAS MORE EMPHASIS ON NOT A, B, BUT ON C, CONDOMS. YOUNG CHILDREN ASKING THAT THIS BE A FACTOR IN THEIR SCHOOLS. THEY SAID SEX IS GOING TO HAPPEN NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY. NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY ABOUT ABSTINENCE OR BE FAITHFUL, IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. AND PARTICULARLY DISCONCERTING TO THINK THAT SOMEONE WHO HAS CHOSEN ONE PARTNER AND LOVES THAT PARTNER NOT KNOWING THAT THAT PARTNER HAS BEEN UNFAITHFUL AND, IN FACT, HAS AIDS, TRANSMITTING THAT DISEASE TO, IN MOST CASES, A YOUNG WOMAN. THIS MAKES IMMINENT SENSE. I WOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT WE COULD GET OUR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS OUT OF THIS ISSUE. NOT BE TALKING PRACTICALLY, BUT TALKING REALISTICALLY. IF YOU WANT TO PREVENT DEATHS, YOU NEED TO ALLOW MORE CONDOMS. IF YOU WANT TO SAVE LIVES, YOU NEED TO ALLOW MORE CONDOMS, IF YOU WANT TO PREVENT PREGNANCY, YOU NEED TO HAVE MORE CONDOMS, IF YOU DON'T WANT INTEREST ON OTHER THINGS, LIKE WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE CONDOMS. I WEEP TO THINK THAT THERE ARE CHILDREN WHO GO TO SCHOOL WITHOUT TEACHERS AND GO HOME WITHOUT PARENTS. WE NEED TO SPEND OUR MONEY BETTER. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO GIVE THE PRESIDENT OF THESE UNITED STATES THE FLEXIBILITY WITH HIS TEAM THAT PUTS PEPFAR INTO OPERATION. I YIELD BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA RISE?

MR. WOLF

DID HE RECOGNIZE ME?

>>

DID HE RECOGNIZE ME?

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. PITTS

DOES THE GENTLEMAN YIELD?

>>

I DO.

>>

BISHOP TUTU SUPPORT YOUR AMENDMENT?

>>

YES FROM THE LETTER THAT HE SIGNED.

MR. PITTS

FROM THE LETTER THAT HE SIGNED.

>>

YES, EVERY COUNTRY THAT REQUESTED A WAIVER RECEIVED ONE.

MR. PITTS

I THINK THAT THE GENTLEMAN MADE THE CASE.

>>

GENTLEMAN MADE THE CASE.

MR. PITTS

A COPY OF THE LETTERS AND THE STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD. .

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. MRS. LOWEY -- THE GENTLELADY HAS THREE…

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. MRS. LOWEY -- THE GENTLELADY HAS THREE MINUTES REMAINING. THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. WOLF

TO THE GENTLEMAN.

MR. PITTS

ASKED UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO SUBMIT THIS STATEMENT AND THE LETTERS FOR THE…

ASKED UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO SUBMIT THIS STATEMENT AND THE LETTERS FOR THE RECORD.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN'S REQUEST WILL BE COVERED BY GENERAL LEAVE. SO HE MAY SUBMIT…

THE GENTLEMAN'S REQUEST WILL BE COVERED BY GENERAL LEAVE. SO HE MAY SUBMIT IT.

MR. PITTS

YIELD.

MR. WOLF

A QUESTION.

MR. PITTS

REMOVE A AND B FROM THE A.B.C. MODEL.

MRS. LOWEY

NO. MY AMENDMENT WOULD GIVE THE PRESIDENT THE AUTHORITY, THE PRESIDENT OF…

NO. MY AMENDMENT WOULD GIVE THE PRESIDENT THE AUTHORITY, THE PRESIDENT OF THESE UNITED STATES WITH THE AM BASS DOOR TO MAKE THESE DECISIONS. WE ARE NOT REMOVING ANYTHING.

MR. PITTS

LET ME YIELD -- MAY I INQUIRE OF THE CHAIR HOW MUCH TIME IS REMAINING?

MRS. LOWEY

MAY I INQUIRE OF THE CHAIR HOW MUCH TIME IS REMAINING?

THE CHAIRMAN

MAY I STRIKE THE LAST WORD?

MRS. LOWEY

MAY I STRIKE THE LAST WORD?

THE CHAIRMAN

MAY.

MRS. LOWEY

TO YIELD TO MS. LEE, TWO MINUTES.

MS. LEE

MUCH. LET ME THANK MY CHAIRWOMAN FOR YIELDING AND HER LEADERSHIP AND JUST…

MUCH. LET ME THANK MY CHAIRWOMAN FOR YIELDING AND HER LEADERSHIP AND JUST SAY AS ONE OF THE AUTHORS OF THE PEPFAR LEGISLATION, I ACTUALLY HELPED WRITE THE MAJORITY OF THIS LEGISLATION, I CAN TELL YOU THAT WHILE I DID NOT AGREE NOR SUPPORT THE 33% EARMARK,, I KNOW FOR A FACT THIS DOES NOT UNDO THAT EARMARK. LET ME TELL YOU A COUPLE OF THINGS. YOU PROBABLY HAVE HEARD AND YOU KNOW THAT OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS MORE THAN 100 MILLION GIRLS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WILL BE MARRIED BEFORE THEY ARE 18TH BIRTHDAY AND OFTEN AGAINST THEIR WILL. AS CURRENTLY WRITTEN THE BILL DOES NOT CHANGE THE UNDERLYING ABSTINENCE UNTIL MARRIAGE EARMARK. FOR ME THAT'S UNFORTUNATE, BUT IT DOESN'T CHANGE THAT. IT DOES NOT REQUIRE THE PRESIDENT TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO CURRENT PREVENTION FUNDS. THE CURRENT LANGUAGE MERELY PROVIDES THE PRESIDENT WITH THE FLEXIBILITY TO PLAN THE MOST APPROPRIATE AND SENSITIVE AND REQUIRED PROGRAM FOR COUNTRIES PER THEIR REQUEST. THE FACT IS THE ADMINISTRATION HAS ALREADY RAVED, YOU'RE RIGHT, -- WAIVERED, YOU'RE RIGHT, APPLICATION FOR CERTAIN COUNTRIES RECEIVING ASSISTANCE UNDER OUR GLOBAL AIDS PROGRAMS. BUT I WANT YOU TO REMEMBER, A.B.C. DOES MEAN ABSTINENCE, BE FAITHFUL, USE CONDOMS. FOR MANY OF THESE YOUNG GIRLS, ABSTINENCE IS NOT AN OPTION. WE MUST PROVIDE THEM WITH WHAT THEY NEED TO PROTECT THEMSELVES. A.B.C. IS A.B.C. THE LOWEY LANGUAGE PROVIDES A VERY PRACTICAL, COMMON SENSE, ONE-YEAR FIX, MIND YOU, ONE YEAR. IT GIVES THE PRESIDENT THE AUTHORITY TO PROGRAM GLOBAL AIDS FUNDING ACCORDING TO LOCAL COUNTRY NEEDS. ULTIMATELY IT WILL BE UP TO THE PRESIDENT TO DETERMINE WHETHER TO EXERCISE THIS FLEXIBILITY. THIS AMENDMENT, MR. PITTS, IT REALLY DOES RENDER A DEATH SENTENCE TO MILLIONS OF GIRLS AND THEIR CHILDREN AND THEIR BABIES. SO I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO VOTE AGAINST RESTRICTING THE ABILITY OF THE PRESIDENT TO SAVE LIVES. AND THAT'S WHAT THIS AMENDMENT WOULD DO. SO I HOPE THAT ALL OF THE POSTURING AND ALL OF THE IDEOLOGICAL DEBATE TODAY REALLY COMES DOWN TO THE FACT THAT WE BELIEVE ALL OF US BELIEVE IN A.B.C., ABSTINENCE, BE FAITHFUL, USE CONDOMS. AS I SAID, I HELP WRITE THIS BILL AND I WAS MUCH OPPOSED TO THIS EARMARK, BUT BELIEVE ME, I KNOW THAT THIS DOES NOT REMOVE IT. SO I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO OPPOSE THE PITTS AMENDMENT. THANK YOU.

MRS. LOWEY

I THANK THE GENTLEWOMAN. I'M VERY PLEASED TO YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE…

I THANK THE GENTLEWOMAN. I'M VERY PLEASED TO YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEWOMAN FROM CALIFORNIA.

MRS. CAPPS

I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THIS AMENDMENT AND I THANK THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE…

I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THIS AMENDMENT AND I THANK THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE FOREIGN OPERATIONS COMMITTEE FOR HER LEADERSHIP IN THIS AREA. MY LIFE HAS BEEN DEVOTED TO PUBLIC HEALTH, TO BETTERING IT. THIS AMENDMENT IS BAD PUBLIC POLICY WHEREVER IT WILL AFFECT LIVES. IT FORCES ACTUALLY BAD PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY AND REMOVES THE FLEXIBILITY TO OPT FOR BETTER ALLOCATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES. PEPFAR IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO OUR FIGHT AGAINST THE TRANSMISSION OF HIV-AIDS AND OUR TREATMENT OF THE 40 MILLION PEOPLE LIVING WORLDWIDE WITH THIS DISEASE. BUT AS THE INCIDENTS OF MEDICINE AND G.A.O. HAVE BOTH REPORTED, COUNTRY TEAMS HAVE BEEN GREATLY LIMITED IN THEIR ABILITY TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE LIFESAVING SERVICES BY THE RESTRICTION THAT HAS BEEN PLACED FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. I APPLAUD CHAIRWOMAN LOWEY FOR LIFTING THIS RESTRICTION BY ALLOWING PEPFAR FUNDS TO BE SPENT WHERE THEY ARE ACTUALLY NEEDED IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH THE PROGRAM'S GOAL. WE SPENT LAST WEEK LISTENING TO COMPLAINTS ABOUT A LACK OF RESPONSIBLE SPENDING. QUITE FRANKLY MAKING THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR PROVEN, EFFECTIVE PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS DEPENDENT UPON SPENDING FOR UNPROVEN AND INEFFECTIVE PROGRAMS IS THE EPIT ANY OF IRRESPONSIBLE SPENDING. SO -- EPITOME OF IRRESPONSIBLE SPENDING. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO OPPOSE THIS AMENDMENT. I YIELD BACK.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLELADY. I BELIEVE I HAVE TWO MINUTES, MR. CHAIRMAN.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLELADY HAS 30 SECONDS UNDER HER FIVE-MINUTE RULE, AND AN…

THE GENTLELADY HAS 30 SECONDS UNDER HER FIVE-MINUTE RULE, AND AN ADDITIONAL 30 SECONDS UNDER HER ORIGINAL 15 MINUTES. YOU HAVE A TOTAL OF ONE MINUTE.

MRS. LOWEY

TO CLARIFY FOR MY DISTINGUISHED RANKING MEMBER AND MY COLLEAGUE FROM…

TO CLARIFY FOR MY DISTINGUISHED RANKING MEMBER AND MY COLLEAGUE FROM PENNSYLVANIA THAT WHAT THIS DOES IS GIVE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THE AUTHORITY, THE FLEXIBILITY. I BELIEVE IN A.B.C., ABSTINENCE, BE FAITHFUL, USEON DOMS -- USE CONDOMS. BUT I WANT TO MAKE IT VERY CLEAR TO MY COLLEAGUES WHEN THE ADMINISTRATION USES THE WAIVER, THEN THE OTHER COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD STILL HAVE TO MEET THAT 1/3 PERCENT WHEN IT COMES TO PRE VENTION, ABSTINENCE. ALL WE ARE SAYING AGAIN IS ABSTINENCE, BE FAITHFUL, USE CONDOMS. WE HAVE TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY ABORTIONS. WE HAVE TO SAVE LIVES. WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF HIV-AIDS. AND I DON'T YIELD BACK. NO TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

REQUEST THE YEAS AND NAYS.

MR. PITTS

REQUEST THE YEAS AND NAYS.

THE CHAIRMAN

HAS ASKED FOR THE YEAS AND NAYS. PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER…

HAS ASKED FOR THE YEAS AND NAYS. PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 6 OF RULE 18, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA WILL BE POSTPONED.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECOGNIZED. FOR FIVE MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

IS RECOGNIZED. FOR FIVE MINUTES.

MR. HASTERT

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I RISE TO ENGAGE IN A COLLOQUY WITH THE CHAIR…

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I RISE TO ENGAGE IN A COLLOQUY WITH THE CHAIR WOMAN AND RANKING MEMBER WOLF. I THANK THE GENTLELADY AND RANKING MEMBER WOLF FOR WORKING WITH ME THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS ON AN IMPORTANT ISSUE THAT I HAVE WORKED ON FOR MANY YEARS, THAT'S PLAN COLOMBIA. AS YOU KNOW COLOMBIA IS A CRITICAL U.S. ALLY IN THE REGION. IT'S IN OUR INTEREST TO CULTIVATE THIS PARTNERSHIP TO ENSURE THAT COLOMBIA REMAINS STRONG. I SINCERELY APPRECIATE THE CHAIRWOMAN'S EFFORTS TO ADDRESS MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE OVERALL CUTS TO THE PROGRAM, PARTICULARLY GIVEN THE CONSTRAINTS OF THE BILL. HOWEVER I STILL HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT FUNDING LEVELS PROVIDED FOR THE COLOMBIAN AVIATION PROGRAMS, AS WELL AS SOME OF THE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN THE BILL. ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOOD WHICH THE CHAIRWOMAN IS HE HAVE INTERESTED IN AND I AM, TOO, AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS ARE CERTAINLY VITAL TO OUR OVERALL EFFORT IN COLOMBIA, BUT THEY CAN ONLY BE SUCCESSFUL IN AREAS WHERE THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS TERRITORIAL CONTROL. THAT BEING SAID I WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH THE CHAIRWOMAN AND RANKING MEMBER TO ADDRESS SOME OF THESE ISSUES AS WE MOVE FORWARD TO CONFERENCE. MADAM CHAIRMAN, I THANK YOU AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AS THE PROCESS CONTINUES.

MRS. LOWEY

WOULD THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS YIELD?

MR. WOLF

THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK HAS THE TIME.

MR. HASTERT

I WOULD BE HAPPY TO YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

MRS. LOWEY

BE HAPPY TO YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

MR. WOLF

CHAIR. I WANT TO JOIN MY COLLEAGUES IN CONTINUING TO WORK ON THE IMPORTANT…

CHAIR. I WANT TO JOIN MY COLLEAGUES IN CONTINUING TO WORK ON THE IMPORTANT ISSUE U.S. ASSISTANCE TO COLOMBIA HAS BEEN DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING STABILITY TO THE COUNTRY. THE PEOPLE OF COLOMBIA COULDN'T TRAVEL FREELY BUT NOW THEY CAN. THE SECURITY IS DUE TO PLAN COLOMBIA. I APPRECIATE THE SPEAK'S HARD WORK OVER THE YEARS ON THIS ISSUE. I WANT TO THANK MRS. LOWEY, CHAIRWOMAN LOWEY, FOR BEING OPEN AND TAKING ALL THE TIME TO WORK THIS OUT. THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH. WITH THAT I YIELD.

MR. HASTERT

WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK. I'M HONORED TO…

WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK. I'M HONORED TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH YOU ON THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

MRS. LOWEY

I THANK THE GENTLEMEN, IT WAS A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU. I LOOK FORWARD…

I THANK THE GENTLEMEN, IT WAS A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU. I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO WORK TOGETHER ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

>>

>>

>>

>>

YES AND WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN WAS SIMPLY NOT ACCEPTABLE. THE PLAN BY…

YES AND WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN WAS SIMPLY NOT ACCEPTABLE. THE PLAN BY THE BASICALLY HIDE EARMARKS UNTIL THE HOUSE BILLS ARE DONE AND INSERT THEM INTO THE CONFERENCE REPORT WHEN IT IS TOO LATE TO CHALLENGE THEM ON THE FLOOR. IN EFFECT WE WOULD TRADE IN OUR VOTING CARD FOR A PIECE OF STATIONERY. WE WERE WERE TOLD WE COULD WRITE TO THE COMMITTEE. HARDLY A SUBSTITUTE, IN MY VIEW.

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

SOME PEOPLE SAY EARMARKS ARE SUCH A SMALL PART OF THE BUDGET, ABOUT TWO…

SOME PEOPLE SAY EARMARKS ARE SUCH A SMALL PART OF THE BUDGET, ABOUT TWO PERCENT OF THE SPENDING WE DO HERE ANNUALLY IS EARMARKED. THAT IS TRUE. HAVING SAID THAT, EARMARKS LEVERAGE HIGHER SPENDING EVERYWHERE ELSE. TYPICALLY ONCE YOU GET AN EARMARK WHERE YOU'VE DESIGNATED A SPECIFIC POT OF MONEY FOR A SPECIFIC ENTITY, EITHER IN YOUR DISTRICT OR OUTSIDE AND YOU'RE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THAT BILL. IF YOU DON'T, YOU RISK LOSING YOUR EARMARK. THAT'S WHY YOU HAVE APPROPRIATION BILLS OFTEN WHICH ARE BLOATED AMONG REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS, AS WELL, GET AN OVERWHELMING SUPPORT BECAUSE THERE ARE SIMPLY SO MANY EARMARKS IN THEM. THE HIGHWAY BILL IS A GREAT EXAMPLE. THEY ACT LIKE APPROPRIATION EARMARKS. THERE WERE 6300 IN THE BILL AND ONLY EIGHT VOTES IN THE HOUSE AGAINST THAT BILL BECAUSE PEOPLE KNEW YOU'VE GOT TO SUPPORT THE BILL, EVEN THOUGH IT WELL BEYOND WHAT WE COULD AFFORD. AND THAT HAPPENS ACROSS THE BOARD. AND, OFTEN, YOUR SUPPORT FOR OTHER SPENDING MEASURES IS CONTINGENT ON, YOU KNOW, PROTECTING OTHERS' EARMARKS OR YOUR OWN. SO, IT LERCH RAJS HIGHER SPENDING EVERYWHERE ELSE AND I THINK PEOPLE ARE NOT JUST TURNED OFF IN WASHINGTON BY THE LEVEL OF SPENDING. WE'VE OVERSPENT AS REPUBLICANS, THE DEMOCRATS ARE PLANNING TO OVERSPEND EVEN MORE BUT THE TYPE OF SPENDING, SPENDING MONEY ON A BRIDGE TO NOWHERE OR SWIMMING POOL IN CALIFORNIA OR TEAPOT MUSEUM, I THINK PEOPLE ARE O FENDED TO SEE THEIR TAXPAYER MONEY SPENT LIKE THAT.

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

THANK YOU.

>>

>>

>>

YES, SIR, MR. FLAKE, YOU ARE A GOOD MAN. I CAN TELL THAT. THE AMERICAN…

YES, SIR, MR. FLAKE, YOU ARE A GOOD MAN. I CAN TELL THAT. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DON'T WANT THESE EARMARKS, JUST LIKE THEY DON'T WANT THIS WHAT PART DON'T THEY UNDERSTAND, THE "N" OR THE "O" CAN YOU TELL ME, PLEASE?

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

THAT WAS A GREAT POINT HE MADE THERE. OFTEN, LIKE IN THE DEFENSE BILL, FOR…

THAT WAS A GREAT POINT HE MADE THERE. OFTEN, LIKE IN THE DEFENSE BILL, FOR EXAMPLE, LAST YEAR, I CHALLENGED ONE EARMARK FOR AN EDUCATIONAL CENTER IN CALIFORNIA FOR AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KIDS IN THE DEFENSE BILL. YOU HAVE MUSEUMS FUNDED IN THE DEFENSE BILL AND THEN, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, WILL CHASTISE THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WHEN THEY DON'T PROVIDE ENOUGH BODY ARMOR OR WHATEVER WHEN WE EARMARKED PART OF THEIR BUDGETS FOR MUSEUMS OR EDUCATIONAL CENTER. THAT'S A BIG PROBLEM. OFTEN TIMES THE EARMARKS ARE NOT EVEN GERMANE TO THE BILL AT ALL.

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

THE CHAIRMAN

WILL PLEASE COME TO ORDER. MEMBERS WILL TAKE THEIR CONVERSATIONS FROM THE…

WILL PLEASE COME TO ORDER. MEMBERS WILL TAKE THEIR CONVERSATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. RESPECTFULLY REQUEST MEMBERS TO CLEAR THE WELL SO WE CAN PROCEED WITH THE BUSINESS OF THE DAY.

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK RISE?

THE CHAIRMAN

I RISE TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

THE CHAIRMAN

I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN.

MRS. LOWEY

I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN.

MR. LYNCH

MR. CHAIRMAN. I RISE FOR THE PURPOSES OF ENGAGING IN A COLLOQUY WITH THE…

MR. CHAIRMAN. I RISE FOR THE PURPOSES OF ENGAGING IN A COLLOQUY WITH THE THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR NONPROLIFERATION AND ANTI-TERRORISM AND DEMINING AND OTHER PROGRAMS. MR. CHAIRMAN, COULD I HAVE ORDER IN THE HOUSE, PLEASE.

THE CHAIRMAN

IS CORRECT. THE HOUSE WILL PLEASE COME TO ORDER. REQUEST MEMBERS TO TAKE…

IS CORRECT. THE HOUSE WILL PLEASE COME TO ORDER. REQUEST MEMBERS TO TAKE THEIR CONVERSATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. GENTLEMAN'S RECOGNIZED.

MR. LYNCH

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. MY AMENDMENT WOULD HAVE TARGETED A SPECIFIC…

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. MY AMENDMENT WOULD HAVE TARGETED A SPECIFIC INCREASE FOR THE COUNTERTERRORISM PROGRAM WITHIN THE NONPROLIFERATION ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND OTHER PROGRAMS ACCOUNT. THIS VITAL PROGRAM WAS ONLY FUNDED AT THE PRESIDENT'S REQUEST OF $6 MILLION, WHICH IS ACTUALLY A REDUCTION FROM THE $7.4 MILLION IN LAST YEAR'S BUDGET. I UNDERSTAND AND I APPRECIATE THE GOOD WORK BY THE CHAIRWOMAN AND THE COMMITTEE IN MEETING THE PRESIDENT'S REQUEST. I UNDERSTAND THAT, BUT THE PRESIDENT HAS NOT DONE A SUFFICIENT JOB IN THE AREA OF COUNTERTERRORISM AND THERE HAS BEEN A REDUCTION IN THIS AREA. AND I GRAVELY FEAR THAT --

THE CHAIRMAN

WILL SUSPEND. THE CHAIR WOULD ASK ALL MEMBERS TO TAKE THEIR CONVERSATIONS…

WILL SUSPEND. THE CHAIR WOULD ASK ALL MEMBERS TO TAKE THEIR CONVERSATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. THE GENTLEMAN NEEDS TO PROCEED WITH THE BUSINESS OF THE DAY. GENTLEMAN'S RECOGNIZED.

MR. LYNCH

MR. CHAIRMAN. AS THE CO-CHAIR, I HAVE JOINED MANY OF MY OL COLLEAGUES,…

MR. CHAIRMAN. AS THE CO-CHAIR, I HAVE JOINED MANY OF MY OL COLLEAGUES, INCLUDING THE CHAIR IN MEETINGS AND HEARINGS FACING THE CHALLENGES THAT WE CONFRONT IN THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT IN BATTLING TERRORIST FINANCING. SINCE THE ATTACKS ON 9/11, CONGRESS HAS AND THIS COMMITTEE HAS TAKEN SIGNIFICANT STEPS TOWARDS UTILIZING INVESTIGATION AND DATA COLLECTION REGARDING TERRORIST FINANCING AS A VIABLE INTELLIGENCE TOOL FOR DISRUPTING THE FINANCING OF TERRORIST ACTIVITIES. NEVERTHELESS, TERRORISTS'S PROVEN ABILITY TO MOVE MONEY NECESSITATES A CONTINUED PROGRESS IN THIS CRITICAL COUNTERTERRORISM AREA. AL QAEDA'S STRENGTH, FOR EXAMPLE, RESTS IN ITS ABILITY TO CONTINUALLY TO ADAPT TO U.S. TACTICS, AND THUS, IT REQUIRES GREATER INNOVATION AND GREATER RESOURCES IN ORDER TO DEVELOP NEW STRATEGIES TO COUNTER THOSE EFFORTS. IN APRIL, I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ORGANIZE A TRIP TO THE MIDDLE EAST WHERE WE MET WITH HIGH RANKING BANKING OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE OF ANTI-TERRORISM FINANCING IN JORDAN, IN AFGHANISTAN, IN IRAQ AND IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY. I BELIEVE THROUGH INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL PRESSURE, WE CAN EFFECT REAL CHANGE IN THE POLICIES OF OTHER COUNTRIES TOWARDS THESE TERRORIST GROUPS. IN THE PARTS OF THE WORLD WHERE FINANCIAL RESTRICTIONS WOULD HAVE THE GREATEST IMPACT, UNFORTUNATELY U.S. INFLUENCE IS AT ITS LOWEST. ON THE OTHER HAND, HOWEVER, I KNOW FROM OUR OWN EXPERIENCE THAT THESE COUNTRIES DO WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY. THUS WE HAVE SEEN THESE COUNTRIES ARE MORE LIKELY TO ADOPT TRANSPARENCY IN THEIR FINANCE LAWS FOR THE PURPOSE OF GAINING LEGITIMACY IN THE EYES OF GLOBAL INVESTORS RATHER THAN SIMPLY RESPONDING TO U.S. PRESSURE. BY ALLOCATING MORE RESOURCES TO INDUCE ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE AND TRANSPARENCY, WE CAN MAKE SIGNIFICANT GAINS IN TRACKING TERRORISTS AND CUTTING OFF THEIR FUNDING. WHILE WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS, CONSIDERABLE WORK REMAINS TO BE DONE IN REGULATING, BECAUSE -- AN INFORMAL TRANSFER IN THE MIDDLE EAST, BECAUSE ANY TIME YOU HAVE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY REGARDING THE MOVEMENT OF FUNDS, THERE IS A GREAT LIKELIHOOD THAT TERRORISTS AND CRIMINALS CAN HARNESS THE SYSTEM FOR THEIR OWN GAIN. BY CLOSING OFF LEGITIMATE FINANCIAL MARKETS TO TERRORISTS, WE FORCE THEM TO CHANGE TACTICS THAT ARE LESS SECURE AND OFTENTIMES EASIER TO TRACK. A PERFECT EXAMPLE IS THE EXAMPLE OF DECEMBER 14 AND THE ARREST OF THE PALESTINIAN PRIME MINISTER AT THE BORDER CROSSING INTO GAZA FROM EGYPT CARRYING AN ESTIMATED $30 MILLION IN CASH IN SUITCASES FOR THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY AND FOR HAMAS. THE REASON THAT HAMAS HAS TO OPERATE THAT WAY IS BECAUSE FINANCIAL MARKETS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO THEM. INSTANCES LIKE THESE HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE AND INDEED THE BENEFIT OF FOCUSING ON COUNTERTERRORISM FINANCING EFFORTS. IN ESSENCE, I'M GREATLY CONCERNED THAT THE PRESIDENT IS NOT DOING ENOUGH. AND THAT BY MEETING THE PRESIDENT'S REQUEST, WE HERE ARE NOT DOING ENOUGH TO STOP THE FINANCING OF TERRORIST OPERATIONS. AT THIS POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO YIELD FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I AGREE THAT THE COUNTERTERRORISM…

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I AGREE THAT THE COUNTERTERRORISM FINANCING PROGRAM IS A VITAL TOOL IN ASSISTING FOREIGN COUNTRIES' EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY AND PRESENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, BUSINESSES AND CHARRABLE ORGANIZATIONS AND CON DUTIES FOR MONEY TO TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING GIVING COUNTRIES THE ABILITY TO FOLLOW THE MONEY TRAIL. I SUPPORT THE WORK OF DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY IN ASSISTING COUNTRIES WHO ARE AT RISK TO TRIT FINANCING. HOWEVER, BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS DID NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO INCREASE THE FUNDING LEVEL AT THIS TIME. HOWEVER, I WANT TO ASSURE YOU, THIS IS A PRIORITY OF THIS COMMITTEE. THIS IS A PRIORITY OF THIS CONGRESS. IN FACT, I HAVE BEEN A MEMBER FOR YEARS OF THE SAME TASK FORCE, THE SAME COMMITTEE OF WHICH YOU ARE CO--CHAYR CHAIR, I BELIEVE, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AS THE BILL MOVES THROUGH THE CONFERENCE TO SEE IF WE CAN BOLSTER THOSE FUNDS AND I THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS ISSUE TO OUR ATTENTION.

MR. LYNCH

CLERK WILL READ.

THE CHAIRMAN

ENFORCEMENT, $546,475,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30,

THE CLERK

ENFORCEMENT, $546,475,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2010.…

ENFORCEMENT, $546,475,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2010. $312,460,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2010. MIGRATION AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE $829,9000,000, $45 MILLION. NONPROLIFERATION ANTI-TERRORISM DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS, $467 MILLION. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, $18 MILLION TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2010. DEBT RESTRUCTURING, $2,300,000 TO REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2010. TITLE 4, MILITARY ASSISTANCE, FUND APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING, $85,076,000. FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM, $4,900 0,236,000. NONE OF THE ARE NOT SOLD BY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT UNDER THE ARMS EXPORT CONTROL ACT. PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, $293 MILLION.

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS RISE?

>>

I RISE TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD.

THE CHAIRMAN

A DESIGNEE.

MRS. LOWEY

THE LAST WORD AND I YIELD TO MR. OLIVER FOR THE PURPOSE OF A COLLOQUY. .

MR. OLVER

I APPRECIATE YOUR CONSISTENCY. I KNOW OUR COMMITTEE PUT IN OVER $100…

I APPRECIATE YOUR CONSISTENCY. I KNOW OUR COMMITTEE PUT IN OVER $100 MILLION ABOVE THE PRESIDENT'S REQUEST TO ASSIST THE FINANCING OF THE AFRICAN UNION MISSION AND I DO HOPE AT SOME POINT IN THE NEAR FUTURE WE CAN TALK WITH EQUAL PASSION TO TALK ABOUT WHAT IS BEING DONE TO ADDRESS THIS DISASTER.

MR. OLVER

UNDERSTAND AND APPLAUD YOU AND THE RANKING MEMBER FOR THAT $100 MILLION…

UNDERSTAND AND APPLAUD YOU AND THE RANKING MEMBER FOR THAT $100 MILLION ABOVE THE PRESIDENT'S REQUEST. THAT IS VERY COMMENDABLE. BUT THE ATROCITY AND THE GENOCIDE CONTINUES.

MRS. LOWEY

CLERK WILL READ.

THE CHAIRMAN

FUNDS AAPPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

THE CLERK

FUNDS AAPPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY…

FUNDS AAPPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY $106,763,000. CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, $950 MILLION, CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENTERPRISE FOR THE AMERICAS MULTILATERAL INVESTMENT FUND $25 MILLION, CONTRIBUTION TO THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND, $115,306,000, CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK $2,037,000, LIMITATION ON CAPITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS $31,919,000, CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND, $135,684,000, CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT $18,072,000, INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS PROGRAMS -- 333 MILLION,400,000.

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLELADY FROM RISE.

MS. ROS-LEHTINEN

I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM FLORIDA, MS. ROS-LEHTINEN, AND A MEMBER OPPOSED EACH…

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM FLORIDA, MS. ROS-LEHTINEN, AND A MEMBER OPPOSED EACH WILL CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM FLORIDA.

MS. ROS-LEHTINEN

THANK YOU SO MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MS. LOWEY OF NEW…

THANK YOU SO MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MS. LOWEY OF NEW YORK, MR. WOLF, MR. OBEY AND MR. LEWIS FOR THEIR GREAT COOPERATION FOR WORKING WITH ME TO FIND AN ACCEPTABLE COMPROMISE FOR THE IMPORTANT ISSUES IN THIS AMENDMENT, MR. CHAIRMAN. I'M GRATEFUL FOR THEIR AGREEMENT TO SUPPORT THE AMENDMENT TEXT BEFORE US TODAY. THIS AMENDMENT SERVES TWO BASIC PURPOSES. FIRST, IT SEEKS TO RESTORE FUNDING FOR TWO INITIATIVES. IT RESTORES FUNDING FOR THE U.N. DEMOCRACY FUND AT THE ADMINISTRATION'S REQUESTED $14 MILLION LEVEL, WHICH HAD BEEN ZEROED OUT IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. THE DEMOCRACY FUND AN INITIATIVE PROPOSED BY PRESIDENT BUSH IN 2004 INCREASING COOPERATION BETWEEN DEMOCRATIC COUNTRIES AND SUPPORTS NEW AND TRANSITIONAL DEMOCRACIES. IT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN MAKING GRANTS TO COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD TO SUPPORT CIVIL EDUCATION, VOTER REGISTRATION, ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND DEMOCRATIC DIALOGUE. IN RECENT WEEKS I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, CHAIRMAN LANTOS, AND HIS STAFF, TO ENSURE THAT A $14 MILLION AUTHORIZATION FOR THE DEMOCRACY FUND STAYS INTACT IN PRECONFERENCE MEETINGS WITH THE SENATE ON H.R. 1 AND H.R. 982, THE ADVANCED DEMOCRACY ACT. I'M GLAD THAT THIS AMENDMENT PROVIDES US WITH ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE OUR BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR THIS CRITICAL WORK. THE AMENDMENT ALSO WOULD RESTORE $6 MILLION OUT OF THE $10 MILLION REQUESTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION FOR THE U.N. INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE. THIS INITIATIVE MODELED ON THE DEMOCRACY FUND IS DESIGNED AS A VOLUNTARY FUNDED FREE STANDING TRUST THAT WILL MAKE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS FOR BUSINESS AND INNOVATION AROUND THE WORLD. SECOND, IN ADDITION TO RESTORING THOSE DELETED FUNDS, THIS AMENDMENT WILL STRIKE $20 MILLION FROM THE PROPOSED U.S. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE U.N. DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. THE PAST SIX MONTHS HAVE BROUGHT US A SERIES OF VERY SERIOUS REVELATIONS AND QUESTIONS ABOUT THE UNDP ACTIVITIES IN KOREA, A ROGUE REGIME UNDER SANCTIONS BY THE U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL. WE APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN TERMINATED IN NORTH KOREA, THERE HAS NOT BEEN SUFFICIENT INVESTIGATION AND COOPERATION FROM UNDP IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS THAT BEAR ON THE FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES THAT ARE OF NATIONAL SECURITY INTEREST TO THE UNITED STATES. THE $20 MILLION CUT PROPOSED IN MY AMENDMENT WILL SEND A CLEAR SIGNAL ABOUT OUR DEMANDS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR GREATER TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM WHILE ALSO CONTINUING TO MAKE A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TO UNDP'S CORE PROGRAMS. AGAIN, I THANK MY COLLEAGUES FOR THEIR BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IF FOR THIS IMPORTANT AMENDMENT. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

MRS. LOWEY

YES.

MS. ROS-LEHTINEN

YES.

MRS. LOWEY

IS A KEY PARTNER IN OUR EFFORTS TO ADDRESS GLOBAL POVERTY. THEIR PROGRAMS…

IS A KEY PARTNER IN OUR EFFORTS TO ADDRESS GLOBAL POVERTY. THEIR PROGRAMS WORK TO SPREAD DEMOCRACY TO ADDRESS GLOBAL HIV-AIDS, TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO RESPOND TO NATURAL DISASTERS AND CRISES. ALL OF THESE PROGRAMS ARE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT AND THEY ARE WORKING. BECAUSE OF THEIR BROAD MANDATE THEY OFTEN WORK UNDER VERY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES. IT IS THEIR WORK IN NORTH KOREA THAT HAS LED TO THE RECENT ALLEGATIONS OF INADEQUATE CONTROLS ON FUNDS TO NORTH KOREA. THESE ARE SERIOUS CONCERNS AND NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. HOWEVER, I WANT TO POINT OUT TO MY COLLEAGUES UNDP HAS ACTED SWIFTLY BY SUSPENDING ITS PROGRAM AND CLOSING THE OFFICE IN NORTH KOREA. IN ADDITION, UNDP IS WORKING WITH ITS EXECUTIVE BOARD TO PUT NEW ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY MEASURES IN PLACE. IN LIGHT OF CONGRESSIONAL CONCERNS THAT HAVE BEEN RAISED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE, I WORKED WITH THE GENTLELADY TO NEGOTIATE IN AGREEMENT WHICH REDUCES UNDP RESOURCES IN ORDER TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE U.N. DEMOCRACY FUND AND THE U.N. ENTREPRENEURSHIP FUND. I APPRECIATE THE GENTLEWOMAN'S INTEREST IN THIS ISSUE AND I ACCEPT HER AMENDMENT.

MS. ROS-LEHTINEN

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

--

THE CLERK

--

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE.

MRS. LOWEY

I RISE TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD AND YIELD TO MR. MORAN FROM VIRGINIA.

MR. MORAN

I THANK THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK, THE CHAIR WOMAN OF THIS…

I THANK THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK, THE CHAIR WOMAN OF THIS APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE AND I WANT TO EXPRESS MY SUPPORT FOR THIS BILL. AND TO EXPRESS MY SPREERKS SPECIFICALLY FOR THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN FUNDING FOR GLOBAL HEALTH ISSUES, PEACEKEEPING, TRADE CAPACITY BUILDING, ESPECIALLY IN COLOMBIA AND I KNOW THAT THE CHAIRLADY SHARES THE FRUSTRATION THAT WAS ARTICULATED BY 'PRECEDING SPEAKER, MR. OLVER, ON DARFUR. WE WISH WE COULD DO FAR MORE ON THE HORRIFIC SITUATION IN DARFUR. I ALSO WANT TO EXPRESS MY SUPPORT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION, THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS OF MISSING PERSONS, THE ICNP IS AN ORGANIZATION WHOSE WORK IN BOSNIA, IRAQ, VIETNAM, THE TSUNAMI AFFECTED ELLAS HAS BROUGHT RELIEF TO THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES WITH MISSING RELATIVES. THIS COMMISSION WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1996 HAS RECEIVED U.S. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT IN THE PAST AND WIDELY ACCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. SO I WOULD ONLY URGE THE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER THIS ORGANIZATION FOR POSSIBLE CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT IN THIS YEAR'S CONFERENCE OR IN FUTURE APPROPRIATIONS AND WITH THAT I'D BE HAPPY TO YIELD TO THE CHAIRLADY OF THE COMMITTEE.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEMAN FOR YOUR PASSION. I KNOW YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH SO MANY…

THE GENTLEMAN FOR YOUR PASSION. I KNOW YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH SO MANY ISSUES IN THIS BILL. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER. I YIELD BACK. .

THE CHAIRMAN

WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK RISE?

MRS. LOWEY

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE CHAIRMAN

MR. SPEAKER, I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK.

>>

FIRST THE CLERK WILL READ.

THE CHAIRMAN

PAGE 95 LINE 3, SPECIAL NOTIFICATION --

THE CLERK

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM RISE?

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM RISE?

>>

CLERK WILL READ.

THE CHAIRMAN

READ.

THE CLERK

BY MS. MOORE OF WISCONSIN.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM WISCONSIN, MS. MOORE, AND A MEMBER OPPOSED EACH WILL…

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM WISCONSIN, MS. MOORE, AND A MEMBER OPPOSED EACH WILL CONTROL FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM WISCONSIN.

>>

REPEAL OF LAW BEFORE ANY U.S. ASSISTANCE TO BE TO LIBERIA. THE STATE OR…

REPEAL OF LAW BEFORE ANY U.S. ASSISTANCE TO BE TO LIBERIA. THE STATE OR U.S. A.I. INTEREST D. WOULD BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THIS PAPERWORK IN ADDITION TO WHAT THEY HAVE PROVIDED IN THEIR ANNUAL BUDGET DOCUMENTS. THE ONLY OTHER COUNTRIES THAT ARE CURRENTLY SUBJECTED TO THIS REQUIREMENT. AND I WOULD LIKE TO YIELD TO THE DISTINGUISHED THE GENTLEMAN FROM NORTH CAROLINA, MR. DAVID PRICE, FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. PRICE

PERMISSION TO REVISE AND EXTEND.

THE CHAIRMAN

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MR. PRICE

OF REPRESENTATIVE MOORE'S AMENDMENT STRIKING THE REQUIREMENT OF…

OF REPRESENTATIVE MOORE'S AMENDMENT STRIKING THE REQUIREMENT OF CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION OF FOREIGN ASSISTANCE TO LIBERIA. I JOINED MS. MOORE ON A RECENT DELEGATION TO LIBERIA, WHICH HAS AN ONGOING PARTNERSHIP. WE ARE WORKING TO SUPPORT THE NEW DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT IN LIBERIA. A GOVERNMENT THAT IS ATTEMPTING TO LIFT LIBERIA FROM THE WRECKAGE OF ITS RECENT HISTORY OF CIVIL WAR AND DICTATORSHIP. WE MET WITH THE PRESIDENT AND TOLD US THAT THE WINDY OF OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT TO DEMONSTRATE PROGRESS IS BRIEF. LIBERIA IS FACING CHALLENGES, POVERTY AND UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OF 85%, CRUMBLING INFRASTRUCTURE AND A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS. THE LIBERIAN GOVERNMENT MUST FIND A WAY TO DELIVER SIGNIFICANT ADVANCES IF IT IS TO CONVINCE ITS CITIZENS. OUR FOREIGN ASSISTANCE IS CRITICAL TO HELPING THE PRESIDENT SHOW RAPID PROGRESS. IT IS STRENGTHENING THE GOVERNMENT, THE PROVISION OF BASIC SERVICES LIKE ELECTRICITY, AND THE REEXREGS OF CIVIL WAR COMBATANTS INTO PRODUCTIVE ROLES IN SOCIETY. BUT THE BIGGEST HINDRANCE IS THE OUTDATED NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT THAT SETS UP BUREAUCRATIC HURDLES THAT DELAYS OUR AID BY SEVERAL MONTHS. WITH TIME SO CRITICAL IN ACCOMPLISHING PROGRESS, WE CANNOT AFFORD THESE TCHACE. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE MOORE'S WELL DESIGNED AND WELL CONSIDERED AMENDMENT TO ELIMINATE THESE REQUIREMENTS AND GIVE LIBERIA THE CHANCE IT NEEDS.

>>

ADMINISTRATION HAS DONE A GREAT DEAL FOR LIBERIA. CERTAINLY CHAIRWOMAN…

ADMINISTRATION HAS DONE A GREAT DEAL FOR LIBERIA. CERTAINLY CHAIRWOMAN LOWEY IS EXCEPTIONAL AND THIS IS A HUGE PRIORITY FOR HER. I NOTED THAT MY COLLEAGUE MS. SHEILA JACKSON LEE ADDED MONEY TO THIS BILL. AND AS MY COLLEAGUE, MR. PRICE HAS SAID, THIS WILL MAKE OR BREAK, I THINK THIS ADMINISTRATION THAT WE ARE SO HOPEFUL OF THE BEAUTIFUL DEMOCRACY THAT IS BUDDING IN LIBERIA. AND THIS WOULD BE A PRECEDENT-SETTING FORM OF ASSISTANCE THAT WILL COST US NO EXTRA MONEY. THANK YOU SO MUCH, AND I YIELD BACK.

MRS. LOWEY

THANK YOU SO MUCH. YIELD BACK.

>>

MUCH. YIELD BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE QUESTION IS ON ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.…

THE QUESTION IS ON ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT. THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED. THE CLERK WILL READ.

THE CLERK

I HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK.

MRS. LOWEY

AMENDMENT AT THE DESK.

THE CLERK

BY MRS. LOWEY OF NEW YORK.

THE CHAIRMAN

PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF THE HOUSE, THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK, MRS.…

PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF THE HOUSE, THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK, MRS. LOWEY AND A MEMBER OPPOSED EACH WILL CONTROL.

MRS. LOWEY

CURRENT LAW, THE CURRENT GAG LAW PROHIBITS FOREIGN NONGOVERNMENTAL…

CURRENT LAW, THE CURRENT GAG LAW PROHIBITS FOREIGN NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, N.G.O.'S FROM RECEIVING ANY U.S. ASSISTANCE UNLESS THEY AGREE NOT TO USE THEIR OWN FUNDS TO PERFORM OR REFER PATIENTS FOR ABORTION OR TO EVEN ADVOCATE THE LEGALIZATION OF ABORTION. THIS POLICY APPLIES EVEN WHEN ABORTION IS ILLEGAL IN A COUNTRY OR WHEN N.G.O.'S PROMOTE THE LEGALIZATION OF ABORTION FOR CASES OF RAPE AND INCEST. THE BILL BEFORE US KEEPS THE GLOBAL GAG RULE IN TACT WITH ONE IMPORTANT EXCEPTION, IT WOULD ALLOW FOR THE PROVISION OF CONTRACEPTIVES, NOT DIRECT FUNDING, THE PROVISION OF CONTRACEPTIVES TO FOREIGN N.G.O.'S TO HELP REDUCE ABORTION, UNINTENDED PREGNANCY AND THE SPREAD OF HIV/AIDS. LET ME REPEAT THAT. THE INTENT OF THE BILL IS TO PROVIDE INTERNATIONAL N.G.O.'S, U.S.-DONATED CONTRACEPTIVES, NOT FUNDS, FOR MILLIONS OF MEN AND WOMEN WHO DESPERATELY NEED THEM. THE PROVISION PROVIDES ABSOLUTELY NO ASSISTANCE FOR ABORTION. IT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN 10 OTHER SECTIONS OF THE BILL. WHILE I HAVE MADE MY CLEAR MY INTEREST TENTH TO ALLOW THE PROVISION OF DONATED CONTRACEPTIVES, SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES HAVE BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION SKERNINGS THAT THE LANGUAGE CURRENTLY WRITTEN COULD BE INTERPRETED MORE BROADLY THAN INTENDED. THEREFORE, TO MAKE IT ABSOLUTELY CLEAR TO MY COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE WHO MAY HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE LANGUAGE, I'M OFFERING THIS AMENDMENT TO MY OWN BILL TO CLARIFY THE EXISTING LANGUAGE BY NARROWING THE PROVISION IN QUESTION BY REPLACING IT WITH THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE BEGINNING ON PAGE 97, LINE 10 OF THE BILL. QUOTE, THAT IN ORDER TO PREVENT UNINTENDED PREGNANCIES, ABORTIONS AND THE TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS, INCLUDING HIV/AIDS, NO CONTRACT OR GRANT AWARD EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING DONATED CONTRACEPTIVES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES SHALL BE DENIED TO ANY NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION SOLELY ON THE BASIS OF THE POLICY CONTAINED IN THE PRESIDENT'S MARCH 28, 2001 MEMORANDUM TO THE ADMINISTRATOR TO THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH RESPECT TO PROVIDING CONTRACEPTIVES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES OR ANY COMPARABLE ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY REGARDING THE PROVISION OF CONTRACEPTIVES. THIS AMENDMENT, WHICH REPLACES THE CURRENT PROVISION IN THE BILL WITH THE ONE I JUST READ, CAN LEAVE NO DOUBT IN ANY REASONABLE INDIVIDUAL'S MIND THAT THE PROVISION WILL PROVIDE CONTRACEPTIVES. IT WILL NOT PROVIDE FUNDING TO FOREIGN N.G. OOMPLET'S. IN FACT, THIS -- N.G.O.'S, IN FACT, THIS WOULD ADVANCE THE ADMINISTRATION'S GOAL OF THE MEXICAN CITY POLICY, QUOTE, TO MAKE ABORTION MORE RARE, END QUOTE, AND PROTECT WOMEN AND CHILDREN. FILLING THE UNMET NEEDS OF CONTRACEPTIVES COULD PREVENT 52 MILLION UNWARRANTED PREGNANCIES. AN ESTIMATED 29 MILLION ABORTIONS. 142,000 PREGNANCY-RELATED DEATHS AND 505,000 CHILDREN FROM LOSING THEIR MOTHERS IN JUST ONE YEAR. THESE ARE STATISTICS. HOW MUCH MORE EVIDENCE DO MY COLLEAGUES NEED TO BE CONVINCED THAT CONTRACEPTION REDUCES ABORTION, SAFES LIVES. IT IS SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH TO SAY THAT YOU SUPPORT FAMILY PLANNING AS LONG AS THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN LAW DENYING MILLIONS OF THE POOREST MEN AND WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD ACCESS TO CONTRACEPTIVES. IN MY JUDGMENT, SUPPORT FOR MY AMENDMENT REPRESENTS A GOOD FAITH EFFORT TO FIND COMMON GROUND ON THIS ISSUE. I REALLY DO HOPE THAT WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT VOTING AGAINST FAMILY PLANNING AND THE PROVISION OF CON TRAP SEPTEMBERTIVES, WHICH MY COLLEAGUE FROM NEW JERSEY WILL ASK YOU TO DO IN A LATER AMENDMENT, AND AGAINST THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE MORE THAN 200 MILLION MEN AND WOMEN IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WITH ACCESS TO CONTRACEPTIVES IS THE MOST EXTREME VOTE ANY OF US CAN TAKE. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT MY AMENDMENT. AND I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA RISE?

MR. WOLF

I YIELD THREE MINUTES TO MR. PENCE.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE AMENDMENT?

MR. PITTS

DOES NOT ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM. WHETHER WE SUPPORT PRO-ABORTION…

DOES NOT ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM. WHETHER WE SUPPORT PRO-ABORTION ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH CASH DONATIONS OR ITEMS OF CASH VALUE, THE RESULT IS THE SAME. THE AMENDMENT BEFORE US TODAY ATTEMPTS TO UNDERMINE THE MEXICO CITY POLICY. THE MEXICO POLICY EXISTS TO DRAW A BRIGHT LINE BETWEEN U.S. FAMILY PLANNING POLICY AND ABORTION. HOWEVER, IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE SOME OUT THERE WHO WISH TO BLUR THIS LINE. MR. SPEAKER, BLURRED LINE IS WHAT LEADS TO COERCIVE ABORTIONS AND FORCED STERILIZATIONS. THE MEXICO CITY POLICY IS CRITICAL FOR SEVERAL REASONS. MONEY IS FUNGIBLE. EVERY U.S. TAX DOLLAR OR COMMODITY THAT GOES TO AN ABORTION PROVIDER FREEST UP FUNDS. SECONDLY, OUR POPULATION GRANTEES ARE SEEN AS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES IN THE COUNTRIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE. WHEN ORGANIZATIONS PROMINENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE UNITED STATES FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMS PERFORM AND PRO MOLET ABORTIONS, PEOPLE IN THESE COUNTRIES LOGICICALLY SOCIETY THESE ACTIVITIES WITH THE UNITED STATES. IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THIS POLICY DOES NOT IN ANYWAY REDUCE FUNDS FOR FAMILY PLANNING. AS THIS CHART SHOWS, BEFORE SMITH/STUPAK, THERE ARE $441 MILLION FOR INTERNATIONAL FAMILY PLANNING, INCLUDING CONTRACEPTIVE COMMODITIES. AFTER SMITH/STUPAK, THERE WILL STILL BE $441 MILLION FOR INTERNATIONAL FAMILY PLANNING, INCLUDING CONTRACEPTIVE COMMODITIES. SIMPLY REQUIRES THAT ANY FOREIGN GOVERNMENT, NONGOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS THAT RECEIVE TAXPAYER DOLLARS AGREE NOT TO PERFORM OR ACTIVELY PROMOTE ABORTIONS. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO OPPOSE THE LOWEY AMENDMENT, SUPPORT THE SMITH/STUPAK AMENDMENT, TO RESTORE THE MEXICO CITY POLICY. AND PROTECT THE TAXPAYERS' RIGHTS TO EITHER DIRECTLY NOR INDIRECTLY FUND ABORTION. AND I YIELD BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

PLEASURE FOR ME TO YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN, MR.…

PLEASURE FOR ME TO YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN, MR. RYAN, FROM OHIO.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE. .

MR. RYAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

MR. WOLF

THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY MR. SMITH.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

MR. SMITH

ANOTHER 15 SECONDS.

MR. WOLF

15 SECONDS.

MR. SMITH

THE MEXICO CITY POLICY MAKES IT VERY CLEAR THAT WHEN IT COMES TO LOBBYING…

THE MEXICO CITY POLICY MAKES IT VERY CLEAR THAT WHEN IT COMES TO LOBBYING WE ARE ONLY TALKING ABOUT LOBBYING FOR ABORTION AS A METHOD OF BIRTH CONTROL. EXETCHTED, EXPLICITLY UNLIKE WHAT SHE SAID EARLIER, RAPE, INCEST AND LIFE OF THE MOTHER PROVISIONS. IF A GROUP DOES THAT IT IS PERMITTED. I HOPE SHE WILL CORRECT THE RECORD. IT IS CLEARLY FALSE.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

--

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

TO MR. LANGEVIN AND MR. CUELLAR FOR A COLLOQUY.

MR. LANGEVIN

THANK THE GENTLELADY FOR YIELDING FOR THE PURPOSE OF A -- TO ENGAGE IN A…

THANK THE GENTLELADY FOR YIELDING FOR THE PURPOSE OF A -- TO ENGAGE IN A COLLOQUY WITH CHAIRWOMAN LOWEY AND THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS, MR. CUELLAR. MADAM CHAIR, THANK YOU FOR ENGAGING IN THIS DISCUSSION TO CLARIFY THE LANGUAGE RELATED TO INTERNATIONAL FAMILY PLANNING AND ABORTION RESTRICTIONS IN THE BILL. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU HAVE INCLUDED A PROVISION IN THE UNDERLYING BILL THAT MAKES CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS FOR CONTRACEPTIVES FOR THE MEXICO CITY POLICY. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT THE INTENT OF THIS PROVISION IS TO ALLOW INTERNATIONAL NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, N.G.O.'S, TO RECEIVE U.S.-DONATED CONTRACEPTIVES FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE POOREST MEN AND WOMEN IN THE POOREST REGIONS OF THE WORLD. AS THE CHOOM -- CHAIRWOMAN KNOWS I DO NOT SUPPORT DIRECT FUNDING TO N.G.O.'S THAT DO NOT ADHERE TO THE MEXICO CITY POLICY. I HAVE CONCERNS THAT THE LANGUAGE DRAFTED CAN BE INTERPRETED MORE WIDELY THAN INTENDED AND COULD PROVIDE FUDDING DIRECTLY TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT PERFORM OR ADVOCATE FOR ABORTIONS. I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS.

MR. CUELLAR

WOULD THE GENTLEMAN TEXAS YIELD?

MS. LOWEY

I YIELD TO THE CHAIRWOMAN.

MR. CUELLAR

I YIELD TO THE CHAIRWOMAN.

MRS. LOWEY

OPPORTUNITY TO CLARIFY THE INTENT OF THE PROVISION. I WANT TO BE BE VERY…

OPPORTUNITY TO CLARIFY THE INTENT OF THE PROVISION. I WANT TO BE BE VERY CLEAR, THE INTENT OF THIS PROSITUATION ONLY TO ALLOW FOR THE DONATION OF THE CONTRA SENTIVES NOT TO PROVIDE FUNDING. I DISAGREE WITH BROADER INTERPRETATIONS OF THIS LANGUAGE, I WANTED TO OFF AND AMENDMENT TO CLARIFY THIS PROVISION. MY AMENDMENT IS CRYSTAL CLEAR. IT WOULD ONLY ALLOW N.G.O.'S TO RECEIVE U.S.-DONATED CONTRACEPTIVES, NOT FUNDS, FOR DISTRIBUTION TO MILLIONS OF MEN AND WOMEN ACROSS THE GLOBE IN DESPERATE NEED OF THESE PRODUCTS. I HOPE THAT OUR DISCUSSION AND MY CLARIFYING AMENDMENT I INTEND TO OFFER WILL ALLEVIATE ANY CONCERNS THAT YOU OR OTHER MEMBERS HAVE ABOUT THE INTENT BEHIND THIS PROVISION.

MR. CUELLAR

MADAM CHAIRWOMAN. DOES YOUR AMENDMENT DO ANYTHING TO ALTER OR WEAKEN THE…

MADAM CHAIRWOMAN. DOES YOUR AMENDMENT DO ANYTHING TO ALTER OR WEAKEN THE 15 PROVISIONS CURRENTLY IN THE UNDERLYING BILL THAT BAN U.S. FUNDING FOR ABORTIONS ABROAD OR PLACE RESTRICTIONS FOR THE USE OF FAMILY PLANNING FUNDS?

MRS. LOWEY

ABSOLUTELY NOT. MY AMENDMENT WOULD NOT ALTER OR WEAKEN THESE LONG STANDING…

ABSOLUTELY NOT. MY AMENDMENT WOULD NOT ALTER OR WEAKEN THESE LONG STANDING PROVISIONS WHICH I CHOSE TO RETAIN IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2008 BILL, 15 DIFFERENT PROVISIONS THAT WERE OFFERED BY VARIOUS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. EVERY PROVISION IS STILL IN THIS BILL THAT PROHIBITS THE USE OF U.S. TAX DOLLARS FOR ABORTION OR RESTRICTS FAMILY PLANNING AND I THANK YOU.

MR. CUELLAR

THE CHAIRWOMAN FOR HER CLARIFICATION THAT HER AMENDMENT WOULD ALLOW ONLY…

THE CHAIRWOMAN FOR HER CLARIFICATION THAT HER AMENDMENT WOULD ALLOW ONLY DONATED CONTRACEPTIVES TO BE PROVIDED TO INTERNATIONAL N.G.O.'S AND NO FUNDS, NO FUNDS IN THIS BILL WILL BE USED TO PROVIDE OR ADVOCATE FOR ABORTIONS OVERSEAS. I SUPPORT YOUR DECISION TO RETAIN THE LONG STANDING PROVISIONS IN THE BILL TO PROHIBIT U.S. FUNDS FROM BEING USED OR PROVIDE FOR ABORTIONS OVERSEAS AND PLACE REASONABLE RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF FAMILY PLANNING FUNDS.

MR. LANGEVIN

WILL THE GENTLEMAN YIELD?

MR. CUELLAR

YES.

MR. LANGEVIN

THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE CHAIRWOMAN FOR HER COMMENTS…

THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE CHAIRWOMAN FOR HER COMMENTS AND THE WILLINGNESS TO PROVIDE THIS CLARIFYING AMENDMENT AND THE BILL WILL ALLOW FOR CONTRACEPTIVES AND NOT DIRECT FUNDING. I YIELD BACK.

MRS. LOWEY

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

MR. WOLF

I WILL WAIT. CHINA WAS THE SECOND COUNTRY TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A QUALIFIED…

I WILL WAIT. CHINA WAS THE SECOND COUNTRY TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A QUALIFIED MEMBER OF INTERNATIONAL PLANNED PARENTHOOD FOUNDATION, THEY TOUTED, SALUTED, SAID IT WAS A GREAT THING, CHINA'S EFFORT TO EXPORT EXPLOITATION FAMILY PLANNING PLSI REGIME WORLDWIDE. I DON'T WANT TO GET OFF TOO FAR BUZZ THIS IS A COUNTRY GETTING AIDS FROM THIS GROUPS POISONING YOUR TOOTHPASTE, POISONING YOUR PETS AND PAINTING THE THOMAS THE TANK TRAIN WITH LEAD PAINT. THIS COUNTRY IS THE COUNTRY. MR. CHAIRMAN, WE RESTRICT UNFBF FUNDS TO CHINA EXPRESSLY BECAUSE OF CHINA'S COERCIVE -- THIS IS A COERCIVE GOVERNMENT, THIS IS A GOVERNMENT THAT SINGLE HANDEDLY COULD BE STOPPING THE GENOCIDE IN DARFUR TODAY. . ORGANIZATIONS THAT WILL RECEIVE FUNDS UNDER THE NEW FAMILY PLANNING LANGUAGE IN THIS BILL WILL HELP CHINA TO CONTINUE THESE UNCONSCIONABLE AND IMMORAL ACTIVITIES. I SUPPORT FAMILY PLANNING, BUT I CAN'T SUPPORT AND WILL NOT SUPPORT GIVING FAMILY PLANNING TAXPAYER FUNDS TO THESE KINDS OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT NOT ONLY EVER SPEAK OUT, BUT ACTUALLY PARTICIPATE.

>>

YIELD?

MR. WOLF

TO YIELD. HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE LEFT.

THE CHAIRMAN

MINUTES HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN STILL CONTROLS TIME. IT'S JUST HIS…

MINUTES HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN STILL CONTROLS TIME. IT'S JUST HIS THREE MINUTES --

>>

GENTLEMAN AN ADDITIONAL ONE MINUTE.

THE CHAIRMAN

HAS 14 MINUTES REMAINING ON HIS TIME. HE YIELDED HIMSELF THREE MINUTES.…

HAS 14 MINUTES REMAINING ON HIS TIME. HE YIELDED HIMSELF THREE MINUTES. AND THAT HAS EXPIRED.

MR. JACKSON

ANY OBJECTION? WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE CHAIRMAN

OBJECTION? WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MR. JACKSON

COMMITTEE THE SPECIFIC PROVISION IN MRS. LOWEY'S AMENDMENT THAT SAYS FUNDS…

COMMITTEE THE SPECIFIC PROVISION IN MRS. LOWEY'S AMENDMENT THAT SAYS FUNDS ARE BEING USED FOR THIS PURPOSE? THE SPECIFIC PROVISION. AND I YIELD BACK THE TIME.

MR. WOLF

THESE GROUPS THAT I JUST REFERENCED, AND MR. JACKSON, IF YOU COULD HAVE…

THESE GROUPS THAT I JUST REFERENCED, AND MR. JACKSON, IF YOU COULD HAVE HEARD THE N.P.R., I WILL GET YOU THE STORY. I WILL GET IT AND INSERT IT IN THE RECORD. THESE GROUPS --

MR. JACKSON

SPECIFIC LANGUAGE IN THE STATUTE THAT THE GENTLELADY IS ADVANCING. COULD…

SPECIFIC LANGUAGE IN THE STATUTE THAT THE GENTLELADY IS ADVANCING. COULD YOU SHOW US THE LANGUAGE IN THE STATUTE.

MR. WOLF

THE SUPPORT THAT ARE NOW ACTIVELY DOING THIS IN CHINA.

MR. JACKSON

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING.

MR. WOLF

BALANCE OF MINE.

MRS. LOWEY

TO RESPOND QUICKLY BEFORE I RECOGNIZE MR. KIRK, TO MY GOOD FRIEND, MR.…

TO RESPOND QUICKLY BEFORE I RECOGNIZE MR. KIRK, TO MY GOOD FRIEND, MR. WOLF. AS MR. WOLF KNOWS, NO MONEY IS GOING TO CHINA. CHINA HAS NO PARTICIPATION IN THIS DEBATE AT ALL. IT'S VERY CLEAR. IN FACT, NOT ONLY DID WE NOT ADDRESS UNF RN PA, WE STRENGTHENED THE PROHIBITION SO NOT A DIME WOULD BE SPENT IN CHINA. SO I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY THAT CHINA HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS DEBATE ON CONTRACEPTIVES AND I'M DELIGHT TODD YIELD TO MR. KIRK, TWO MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. KIRK

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

THE CHAIRMAN

FROM VIRGINIA.

MR. WOLF

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

MR. GINGREY

WANT TO SAY I REPRESENTATIVE, DR. GINGREY IN THE INTEREST OF FULL…

WANT TO SAY I REPRESENTATIVE, DR. GINGREY IN THE INTEREST OF FULL DISCLOSURE, I'M VERY SUPPORTIVE OF FAMILY PLANNING, BUT NOT FAMILY PLANNING THAT INCLUDES THE DEFINITION OF ABORTION AS PART OF FAMILY PLANNING. YOU KNOW, IN THE LOWEY AMENDMENT, OF WHICH I'M OPPOSED TO, I'M NOT QUESTIONING HER INTEGRITY OR INTENT AND WHAT SHE SAYS IN AN EXPLANATION, BUT I THINK IT IS A VERY CONFUSING AMENDMENT. AND WHEN WE JUST HEARD THE TWO DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS ENGAGE IN A COLLOQUY WITH THE CHAIRWOMAN, THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS AND THE GENTLEMAN FROM RHODE ISLAND, MR. LANGUAGE VIN, AS THEY SAID, THEY WERE VERY MUCH IN FAVOR OF THE MEXICO CITY POLICY AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT NO MONEY WOULD BE SPENT -- AND I THINK THE CHAIRLADY TRIED TO EXPLAIN THAT. BUT JUST A SECOND AGO, THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, MR. JACKSON, STOOD UP TO ASK OUR RANKING MEMBER IF THERE WAS ANYTHING IN THE LOWEY AMENDMENT THAT SAID THAT SPOKE TO THE ISSUE OF FUNDING. BUT I WOULD SAY TO THE GENTLEMAN, MR. CHAIRMAN, AND MY COLLEAGUES, FUNDING VERSUS COMMODITY, IF YOU TELL ME THAT YOU'RE GOING TO GIVE ME $75, THAT'S FUNDING, I GUESS. IF YOU'RE GOING TO SAY, NO, I'M NOT GOING TO GIVE YOU, $75, I'M GOING TO GIVE YOU A TANK OF GAS, IT'S THE SAME VALUE. THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY, MR. SMITH, WAS EXPLAINING EARLIER WITH HIS POSTER, THAT YOU ULTIMATELY TAKE MONEY AWAY FROM THE COUNTRIES THAT NEED IT. AND WE DON'T WANT TO DO THAT. IF YOU REALLY WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T EXPORT -- I WILL IN JUST A SECOND WHEN I FINISH MY THOUGHT -- IF YOU DON'T WANT TO EXPORT ABORTION TO ANOTHER COUNTRY, THEN WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THE STUPAK/SMITH AMENDMENT THAT STRIKES THE LANGUAGE AND RESTORES THE MEXICO CITY POLICY. AND I YIELD TO MY FRIEND FROM OHIO.

MR. RYAN

YOU SAID THIS MONEY IS GOING TO COME FROM COUNTRIES THAT NEED IT AND WILL…

YOU SAID THIS MONEY IS GOING TO COME FROM COUNTRIES THAT NEED IT AND WILL GO TO OTHER COUNTRIES. ARE YOU SUGGESTING THAT THOSE OTHER COUNTRIES DO NOT NEED THIS CONTRACEPTIVE AND PREVENTIVE CARE?

MR. GINGREY

WOULD NOT RECEIVE DONATIONS UNDER THIS AMENDMENT BECAUSE THE COUNTRIES IN…

WOULD NOT RECEIVE DONATIONS UNDER THIS AMENDMENT BECAUSE THE COUNTRIES IN QUESTION THAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT HAVE COMPARATIVELY LOW NEED FOR FAMILY PLANNING AND THEY LACK U.S. A.I.D. PRESENCE NECESSARY TO MONITOR COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER STATUTORY PROVISIONS. I WOULD BE GLAD TO YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY.

MR. WOLF

THE GENTLEMAN AN ADDITIONAL 30 SECONDS.

MR. SMITH

SURVIVAL, MICROCREDIT LENDING AND OTHER INTERVENTIONS THAT HELP POOR…

SURVIVAL, MICROCREDIT LENDING AND OTHER INTERVENTIONS THAT HELP POOR PEOPLE. IT'S ABOUT PRIORITIZATION. I SHOWED YOU ONE COUNTRY AFTER ANOTHER THAT HAS A DOUBLING AND TRIPLING OF THEIR MONEY AND COMMODITIES AND CONTRACEPTIVES SINCE THE MEXICO CITY POLICY WAS REINSTATED IN 2001. THESE ALL ABOUT PRIORITIZATION. LET ME SAY, BECAUSE GUANTANAMOA WAS MENTIONED, JUST BECAUSE PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF GUANTANAMOA IS OBSESSED WITH ABORTION PROMOTION THAT IT WON'T SIGN THE POLICY, OTHER PROVIDERS HAVE STEPPED INTO THE BREACH AND PROVIDED FAMILY PLANNING TO THE PEOPLE OF GUANTANAMOA.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

YIELD TO MY GOOD FRIEND, A DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF THIS CONGRESS FROM NEW…

YIELD TO MY GOOD FRIEND, A DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF THIS CONGRESS FROM NEW YORK, MR. JOSEPH CROWLEY TWO MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. CROWLEY

AND COLLEAGUE FOR YIELDING ME THIS TIME. I RISE IN STRONG SUPPORT OF THE…

AND COLLEAGUE FOR YIELDING ME THIS TIME. I RISE IN STRONG SUPPORT OF THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY GOOD FRIEND. THE STATE FOREIGN OPERATIONS COMMITTEE AND I THINK WE HAVE TO MAKE SOMETHING PERFECTLY CLEAR THAT IN THIS BILL, THERE ARE 10 PROVISIONS, 10 PROVISIONS THAT SPECIFICALLY OUTLAW OR PROHIBIT THE USE OF U.S. FUNDS IN FOREIGN ASSISTANCE FOR ABORTION OR THE PROMOTION OF ABORTION. WE HAVE IT RIGHT HERE ON THESE CHARTS. 10 PROVISIONS IN TOTAL THAT PROHIBIT THE SPENDING OF ANY U.S. FUNDS ON THE PROMOTION OF ABORTION OR ABORTION. THIS AMENDMENT AND THIS LEGISLATION IS NOT ABOUT ABORTION BUT ABOUT PREVENTION. AND THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT PREVENTION. HERE WE HAVE -- THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK IS TRYING TO PREVENT 5 MILLION UNPLANNED PREGNANCIES, 29 MILLION ABORTIONS EACH YEAR, 1.4 MILLION INFANT DEATHS EACH YEAR, 142,000 PREGNANCY-RELATED DEATHS EACH YEAR AND HALF A MILLION CHILDREN FROM LOSING THEIR MOTHERS EACH YEAR. THAT'S WHAT THE AMENDMENT IS ABOUT AND THE GENTLELADY IS TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH. THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE IS SAYING THEY ARE FOR FAMILY PLANNING. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THAT. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW NOT ONLY THE CONGRESS BUT THE UNITED STATES AND THE WORLD AND ESPECIALLY THE DEVELOPING WORLD, THAT YOU ARE FOR FAMILY PLANNING AND HELPING TO EXTEND NOT ONLY LIFE, BUT THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN MANY OF THESE COUNTRIES. WE OUGHT TO BE APPLAUDING WHAT THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK IS TRYING TO DO TODAY AS OPPOSE TRYING TO DERAIL THAT. IF YOU ARE FOR FAMILY PLANNING, HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY. IF YOU ARE FOR PRESENT VENTING OF TRANSMITTABLE SEXUAL DISEASE, STAND UP FOR FAMILY PLANNING AND SUPPORT THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK IN HER AMENDMENT AND THE UNDERLYING BILL AS WELL. AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA

MR. WOLF

YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA, MR. BURTON, ONE MINUTE.

MR. BURTON

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

SECONDS.

MR. RYAN

MONEY. THIS IS A PRODUCT THAT WILL BE SHIPPED. AND THE OTHER SIDE KEEPS…

MONEY. THIS IS A PRODUCT THAT WILL BE SHIPPED. AND THE OTHER SIDE KEEPS DISTORTING THE DEBATE. THIS IS ABOUT THE PRODUCT GOING OVER THERE. YOU CAN'T SAY YOU'RE FOR FAMILY PLANNING AND THEN WE PROVIDED SOME OF THE CONTRACEPTIVES TO SHIP OVER AND THEN THEY VOTE AGAINST IT.

MRS. LOWEY

SUGGEST BEFORE I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN, MR. LEVIN, THAT THESE PROVISIONS…

SUGGEST BEFORE I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN, MR. LEVIN, THAT THESE PROVISIONS , THE CHARTS DISAPPEARED, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REFRESH YOUR MEMORY, THERE ARE 15 PROVISIONS THAT I LEFT IN THIS BILL THAT MAKE IT ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THAT NO U.S. DOLLARS MAY GO FOR ABORTION. AND I YIELD TO MR. LEVIN ONE MINUTE.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. LEVIN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

THE CHAIRMAN

FROM VIRGINIA.

MR. WOLF

RECOGNIZE THE GENTLELADY FL OHIO FOR ONE MINUTE. IF I COULD RECOGNIZE…

RECOGNIZE THE GENTLELADY FL OHIO FOR ONE MINUTE. IF I COULD RECOGNIZE RESPOND TO SOMETHING THAT WAS SAID.

MR. BURTON

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO MY COLLEAGUES. I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN…

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO MY COLLEAGUES. I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN SAYING. YOU WILL GIVE THEM PRODUCT. BUT THAT FREEZE UP MONEY. YOU WILL BE INDIRECTLY FUNDING ABORTION AND THE AMERICAN TAXPAYERS DON'T WANT THEIR MONEY TO BE USED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FOR ABORTIONS.

MRS. LOWEY

LOOK AT THE STATISTICS.

THE CHAIRMAN

I RECOGNIZE THE GENTLELADY FROM OHIO FOR ONE MINUTE. .

MR. WOLF

THE GENTLELADY FROM OHIO FOR ONE MINUTE. .

>>

STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE LOWEY AMENDMENT. THE MECHANICS KOY CITY POLICY…

STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE LOWEY AMENDMENT. THE MECHANICS KOY CITY POLICY REQUIRES THAT AS A K.B. OF RECEIPT OF U.S. FAMILY PLANNING AID, COMMODITIES OR CASH, FOREIGN NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS CERTIFY THAT THEY NEITHER PERFORM OR ACTIVELY PERFORM ABORTION AS A METHOD OF FAMILY PLANNING. THIS IS A SOUND POLICY. THE LOWEY AMENDMENT IS AN ATTEMPT TO BLUR THIS LINE BY DIVERTING CONTRACEPTIVES COMMODITIES FROM ORGANIZATIONS THAT DO NOT PROMOTE OR PROVIDE ABORTIONS TO THOSE WHO DO. ABORTION IS A TRAGIC LOSS OF LIFE, NOT ONLY TO THE CHILD BUT TO THE MOTHER. WE KNOW FROM THE AFFIDAVITS THAT WERE PRODUCED FROM THE GOPES CASE 180 POST ABORTIVE WOMEN WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY. HOW HAS ABORTION AFFECTED YOU?

>>

WORTHLESS TO YOU. THERE IS NOTHING BUT SHAME AND REGRET. IT IS HARD TO…

WORTHLESS TO YOU. THERE IS NOTHING BUT SHAME AND REGRET. IT IS HARD TO LIVE WITH. I'M 50 YEARS OF AGE. MR. CHAIRMAN, THE MEXICO CITY POLICY ESTABLISHES A BRIGHT LINE BETWEEN ABORTION. THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MR. WOLFE

EACH SIDE HAVE?

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA HAS 8 1/2 MINUTES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK…

GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA HAS 8 1/2 MINUTES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK HAS 4 1/2 MINUTES.

MRS. LOWEY

TO YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA, MR. MORAN.

MR. MORAN

MR. SPEAKER, WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING HERE IS ELIMINATING THE GAG RULE.…

MR. SPEAKER, WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING HERE IS ELIMINATING THE GAG RULE. THAT IS NOT WHAT WE ARE DOING. ALL THIS AMENDMENT COUSIN IS TO ALLOW FAMILY PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS TO RECEIVE FREE DONATIONS OF CONTRACEPTIVES. NOW, INSTEAD, MANY OF YOU WANT TO PROHIBIT EVEN THIS, EVEN THOUGH YOU SUGGEST THAT YOU ARE FOR FAMILY PLANNING. YOU WOULD NEVER DO THIS TO THE WOMEN OF AMERICA. BECAUSE THEY HAVE CONTROL OVER THEIR LIVES. BUT THE WOMEN OF THE THIRLED WORLD DON'T HAVE CONTROL OVER THEIR LIVES AND YOU KNOW THAT. AND WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IS THAT 52 MILLION UNWANTED PREGNANCIES WILL OCCUR AND THERE WILL BE ALMOST 30 MILLION ABORTIONS AS A RESULT. WHERE IS THE SENSE IN THAT? WE HAVE GOT TO FIND A WAY FOR WOMEN TO CONTROL THEIR LIVES IN THE THIRD WORLD AND THE FACT IS THE VAST MAJORITY OF WOMEN THAT -- IN THE THIRD WORLD, THEY DON'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OF WHEN THE SEX ACT IS PERFORMED. THAT IS NOT THEIR CHOICE. AND MOST OF THEM ARE MARRIED. AND MOST OF THEM ARE IN FAITHFUL RELATIONS -- MAY I HAVE ANOTHER 30 SECONDS.

MRS. LOWEY -- MR. MORAN

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR 20 SECONDS.

THE CHAIRMAN

IS RECOGNIZED FOR 20 SECONDS.

MR. MORAN

IN THE THIRD WORLD WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ARE MARRIED. THEY ARE IN FAITHFUL…

IN THE THIRD WORLD WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ARE MARRIED. THEY ARE IN FAITHFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR HUSBANDS. THEY ARE OVERWHELMED BY THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN THEY HAVE TO PROVIDE FOR. AND WE ARE GOING TO DENY THEM THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN THEIR FAMILIES? IS PUNITIVE. THIS SPUNNISHING OF THOSE WOMAN. IT IS WRONG. IT IS IMMORAL, IN FACT. THIS MODERATE AMENDMENT CERTAINLY SHOULD BE PASSED BY THIS CONGRESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

MR. WOLF

THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES DOES HE RISE.

>>

CONSENT REQUEST WE YIELDED AN ADDITIONAL MINUTE TO THEIR SIDE AND OUR…

CONSENT REQUEST WE YIELDED AN ADDITIONAL MINUTE TO THEIR SIDE AND OUR SIDE. I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THE ADDITIONAL MINUTE HAS BEEN CALCULATED.

THE CHAIRMAN

IT HAS BEEN ADDED IN. THE MINUTE IS 8 1/4 FOR THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA…

IT HAS BEEN ADDED IN. THE MINUTE IS 8 1/4 FOR THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA AND 2 3/4 MINUTES FOR THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MR. WOLF

THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

THE CHAIRMAN

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I'M LISSENING TO THIS DEBATE TODAY --

MS. FALLON

THERE IS MONEY ALLOCATED TO OTHER FOREIGN COUNTRIES FOR FAMILY PLANNING…

THERE IS MONEY ALLOCATED TO OTHER FOREIGN COUNTRIES FOR FAMILY PLANNING THE QUESTION IS WHO IS THE MONEY GOING TO AND DO THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT RECEIVE THE MONEY FOR FAMILY PLANNING PROMOTE ABORTION AS A METHOD OF FAMILY PLANNING. THAT IS WHAT THIS WHOLE DEBATE IS ON OUR SIDE. THE WAY I SEE IT, IF WE SUPPLEMENT THE BUDGETS OF OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES WHO USE ABORTION AS FAMILY PLANNING BY GIVING THEN CONTRACEPTIVES, WHICH WE ALREADY DO BY THE WAY, $441 MILLION WORTH OF FAMILY PLANNING HELP, WE ARE SUPPLEMENTING THEIR BUDGETS SO THEY CAN HAVE FREED UP MONEY TO CONTINUE DOWN THE ROUTE OF DOING ABORTIONS FOR FAMILY PLANNING. IT IS JUST KIND OF LOGICAL THAT THAT'S WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE BY CHANGING THIS POLICY. THAT IS WHY I SUPPORT THE SMITH-STUPAK AMENDMENT AND THE GENTLELADY HAS BEEN KIND TO SAY THAT SHE WANTS TO WORK IN GOOD FAITH AND FIND COMMON GROUND AND SAID IT IS HER GOAL TO GET CONTRACEPTIVES TO OTHER COUNTRIES AND SO IF THAT IS OUR GOAL AND HER GOAL IS NOT TO HELP OTHER COUNTRIES WITH ABORTIONS FOR FAMILY PLANNING THEN LET'S ACCEPT THIS AMENDMENT, THE SMITH-STUPAK AMENDMENT AND LET'S PASS IT AND LET'S SHOW THE UNITED STATES WILL NOT BE IN THE BUSINESS OF EXPORTING ABORTIONS TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES. THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

MRS. LOWEY

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

MR. WOLF

TO MARILYN MUSGRAVE, THE GENTLELADY FROM COLORADO, TWO MINUTES.

MRS. MUSGRAVE

I THANK YOU. MR. CHAIRMAN, AS WE ARE DEBATING THIS I THINK THAT ONE THING…

I THANK YOU. MR. CHAIRMAN, AS WE ARE DEBATING THIS I THINK THAT ONE THING WE HAVE TO BE MINDFUL OF IS EVERY MEMBER OF CONGRESS KNOWS WHAT AN IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION IS. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE TO ACCOUNT FOR IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS. AND WE HAVE TO CONSIDER THIS IN THE LOWEY AMENDMENT. I OPPOSE THIS BECAUSE I REALLY FEEL THAT WE NEED TO PROTECT THE INTERNATIONAL FAMILY PLANNING INTEGRITY. WE KNOW WHAT THE MEXICO CITY POLICY WAS PUT IN EFFECT TO DO. WE KNOW THAT PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY DO NOT WANT THEIR TAXPAYERS' DOLLARS USED TO PROVIDE FOR ABORTION AS A MEANS OF FAMILY PLANNING. ANOTHER THING THAT HAS NOT BEEN BROUGHT INTO THIS DEBATE IS THIS AMENDMENT REALLY IS A POISON PILL. I THINK THAT IT UNDERMINES THE MEXICO CITY POLICY AND I THINK IT COULD POSSIBLY SUBJECT THIS BILL TO A VETO. I THINK WE NEED TO BE VERY MINDFUL OF THAT AS WE ENGAGE IN THIS DEBATE. WE NEED TO BE MINDFUL THIS AMENDMENT DOESN'T INCREASE THE U.S.A. I.D. FUNDING FOR CONTRACEPTIVES. IT SIMPLY DIVERTS CONTRACEPTIVES COMMODITIES FROM ORGANIZATIONS THAT DO NOT PROMOTE OR PROVIDE ABORTIONS AS A METHOD OF FAMILY PLANNING. SO I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE LOWEY AMENDMENT. I UNDERSTAND THE INTENTION, BUT, AGAIN, WE ALL KNOW WHAT AN IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION DOES AND WE KNOW WHAT IT DOES TO THE BUDGETS OF THOSE ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROMOTE ABORTION AS A METHOD OF FAMILY PLANNING. THE SMITH-STUPAK AMENDMENT IS THE ONLY AMENDMENT THAT REMOVES THE POISON PILL, RESTORES THE MEXICO CITY POLICY AND ALLOWS U.S.A. I.D. TO CONTINUE TO DIRECT THE U.S. FAMILY PLANNING RESOURCES TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE NOT ENGAGED IN PROABORTION ACTIVITIES. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

-- MR. CIRRUS.

THE CHAIRMAN

IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. CIRRUS

I RISE IN SUPPORT OF THE LOWEY AMENDMENT. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD CLARIFY…

I RISE IN SUPPORT OF THE LOWEY AMENDMENT. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD CLARIFY EXISTING LANGUAGE IN THE FOREIGN OPERATIONS BILL THAT WOULD ONLY, I REPEAT ONLY ALLOW FOR N.G.O.'S TO RECEIVE U.S. DONATED CONTRACEPTIVES. THIS AMENDMENT MAKES IT CLEAR THAT ONLY CONTRACEPTIVES WILL BE DONATED AND MADE VAIL TO MILLS OF MEN AND WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD. NOT FUNDING. BY INCREASING GLOBAL CONTRACEPTIVES SUPPLIES THIS WILL HELP MANY WOMEN AND MEN OVERSEAS PLAN THEIR FAMILIES, PROTECT AGAINST SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND MINIMIZE AT-RISK PREGNANCIES. MR. CHAIRMAN, SINCE THE ADMINISTRATION REINSTATED THIS POLICY IN 2001, 20 NATIONS HAVE STOPPED RECEIVING U.S. SHIPMENTS OF CONTRACEPTIVES. WOMEN AND CHILDREN OFTEN SUFFER HIGH MATERNAL AND CHILD MORTALITY RATES BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF ADEQUATE HEALTH CARE AND ACCESS TO FAMILY PLANNING. I BELIEVE WE MUST GIVE HOPE TO THESE FAMILIES WITH PROVIDING THEM WITH THE CONTRACEPTIVES THEY NEED TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS REGARDING THEIR FAMILIES AND PROVIDE INDIVIDUALS WITH THE TOOLS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST H.I.V. I RISE IN SUPPORT AND URGE AWESOME MEMBERS TO SUPPORT THIS AMENDMENT. THANK YOU.

THE CHAIRMAN

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA.

MR. WOLF

FROM NEW YORK HAS 4 MINUTES. MR.

THE CHAIRMAN

FROM NEW YORK HAS 4 MINUTES.

MR. PENCE

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING. I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE LOWEY…

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING. I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THE LOWEY AMENDMENT, ALTHOUGH I DO WANT TO EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION TO CHAIRMAN LOWEY FOR PRESERVING AS SHE INDICATED THE 15 DIFFERENT RESTRICTIONS ON THIS BILL ON THE USE OF AMERICAN TAXPAYER DOLLAR OVERSEAS TO DIRECTLY FUND ABORTION. I WANT TO SAY RESPECTFULLY TO MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE, COME ON. LEGISLATION THAT DISALLOWS CONTRIBUTIONS TO FUND ABORTIONS IN FAMILY PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS AROUND THE GLOBE OUGHT TO ALSO DISALLOW IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SAME ORGANIZATIONS. MONEY IS FUNGIBLE. WE KNOW THAT. ORGANIZATIONS THAT RECEIVE COMMODITIES CAN TAKE THE RESOURCES THEY WOULD HAVE USED TO PURCHASE THOSE COMMODITIES AND USE IT TO PROMOTE ABORTION. WE ALL KNOW, WE ARE ADULTS IN THIS ROOM. WE ALL KNOW THAT WE ARE SEEING HERE A CONCERTED SINCERE AND I WOULD LIKE TO RESPECTFULLY CREATIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFORT TO UNDERMINE A POLICY KNOWN AS THE MEXICO CITY POLICY THAT I THINK MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE KNOW IS BROADLY SUPPORTED BY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. WHATEVER THE VIEW IS ON ABORTION IN THIS COUNTRY, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO SEE THEIR TAXPAYER DOLLARS USED TO FUND ABORTIONS AT HOME OR ABROAD. THEY DON'T WANT TO SEE THEIR TAXPAYER DOLLARS USED THROUGH THE FOREIGN AID PROGRAM TO FUND ORGANIZATIONS WHO FUND ABORTION AS A MEANS OF FAMILY PLANNING. THE POSSIBILITY OF MAKING TENS OF MILLIONS IF NOT HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AVAILABLE TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROMOTE ABORTION AROUND THE GLOBE, NOW MAKING IT AVAILABLE IN THE FORM OF COMMODITIES IS STILL MAKING RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROMOTE ABORTION. I SAY VERY RESPECTFULLY, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO SEE THEIR TAX DOLLARS USED TO FUND ABORTION OVERSEAS AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO SEE THEIR TAXPAYER DOLLARS USED TO MAKE IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT FUND ABORTION AND PROMOTE ABORTION AS WELL. I YIELD BACK.

THE CHAIRMAN

GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK.

MRS. LOWEY

TO YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM CONNECTICUT.

MS. DELAURO

INTENT TO ALLOW ONLY FOR THE PROVISION OF DONATED CONTRACEPTIVES. SOME OF…

INTENT TO ALLOW ONLY FOR THE PROVISION OF DONATED CONTRACEPTIVES. SOME OF OUR COLLEAGUES HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERNS THAT THE LANGUAGE AS CURRENTLY WRITTEN COULD BE INTERPRETED MORE BROADLY THAN INTENDED. THEREFORE, CHAIRWOMAN LOWEY IS OFFERING THIS AMENDMENT TO CLARIFY THIS PROVISION. THIS AMENDMENT IS CRYSTAL CLEAR, MY FRIENDS. IT WOULD ONLY ALLOW NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS TO RECEIVE U.S. DONATED CONTRACEPTIVES. NOT FUNDS. FOR DISTRIBUTION TO MILLIONS OF MEN AND WOMEN IN DESPERATE NEED OF THESE PRODUCTS. MR. CHAIRMAN, WE CANNOT REDUCE ABORTIONS WITHOUT CONTRACEPTION. THAT IS A FACT. CONTRACEPTION IS ABOUT PREVENTION. MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE WANT TO TALK ABOUT PREVENTION THAT IS THE FOCUS OF THIS AMENDMENT. AND LET ME JUST SAY THIS, TO ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES, FOR THOSE IN THIS BODY WHO PROCLAIM TO WANT TO PROTECT LIVES AND TO SAVE LIVES AND THAT IS YOUR MISSION, YOU HAVE BUT ONE CHOICE IN THIS DEBATE AND THAT IS TO SUPPORT THE LOWEY AMENDMENT. .

THE CHAIRMAN

FROM VIRGINIA.

MR. WOLF

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA HAS THE RIGHT TO CLOSE.

THE CHAIRMAN

FROM VIRGINIA HAS THE RIGHT TO CLOSE.

MR. WOLF

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA HAS THE RIGHT TO CLOSE.

THE CHAIRMAN

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO, THEN?

MR. WOLF

GO, THEN?

MRS. LOWEY

I WOULD LIKE TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD. AND I WOULD LIKE TO YIELD ONE MINUTE…

I WOULD LIKE TO STRIKE THE LAST WORD. AND I WOULD LIKE TO YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO,

MR. RYAN

I'M GOING TO --

MR. WOLF

TO --

THE CHAIRMAN

THE WOMAN CONTROLS THE TIME.

MRS. LOWEY

TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM RHODE ISLAND, MR. LANGEVIN.

THE CHAIRMAN

I YIELD TIME TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM RHODE ISLAND.