House Report 115-253 - STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2018

[House Report 115-253]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

115th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session } { 115-253

======================================================================

STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL,
2018

_______

July 24, 2017.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed

_______

Mr. Rogers of Kentucky, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted
the following

R E P O R T

together with

MINORITY VIEWS

[To accompany H.R. 3362]

The Committee on Appropriations submits the following
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations,
and related programs, for the fiscal year ending September 30,
2018, and for other purposes.

INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

Page number

Bill Report
Overview...................................................
4
Title I--Department of State and Related Agency: 2
11
Department of State: 2
11
Administration of Foreign Affairs.................. 2
11
Diplomatic and Consular Programs................... 2
11
Capital Investment Fund............................ 5
18
Office of Inspector General........................ 6
18
Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs......... 6
19
Representation Expenses............................ 7
20
Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials....... 7
21
Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance.... 7
21
Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service. 8
23
Repatriation Loans Program Account................. 8
24
Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan........ 9
24
International Center, Washington, D.C.............. 9
24
Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and
Disability Fund................................ 9
25
International Organizations: 9
25
Contributions to International Organizations....... 9
25
Contributions for International Peacekeeping
Activities..................................... 9
28
International Commissions: 15
29
International Boundary and Water Commission, United
States and Mexico.............................. 15
29
American Sections, International Commissions....... 16
30
International Fisheries Commissions................ 16
30
Related Agency..................................... 17
31
Broadcasting Board of Governors............ 17
31
Related Programs................................... 19
33
The Asia Foundation........................ 19
33
United States Institute of Peace........... 19
34
Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue
Trust Fund............................. 19
34
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program..... 20
34
Israeli Arab Scholarship Program........... 20
34
East-West Center........................... 20
35
National Endowment for Democracy........... 20
35
Other Commissions.................................. 21
36
Commission for the Preservation of
America's Heritage Abroad.............. 21
36
United States Commission on International
Religious Freedom...................... 21
36
Commission on Security and Cooperation in
Europe................................. 22
36
Congressional-Executive Commission on the
People's Republic of China............. 22
37
United States-China Economic and Security
Review Commission...................... 22
37
Title II--United States Agency for International
Development: 23
37
Funds Appropriated to the President................ 23
37
Operating Expenses......................... 23
37
Capital Investment Fund.................... 24
39
Office of Inspector General................ 25
39
Title III--Bilateral Economic Assistance: 25
39
Funds Appropriated to the President................ 25
39
Global Health Programs..................... 25
39
Development Assistance..................... 31
44
International Disaster Assistance.......... 31
49
Transition Initiatives..................... 31
50
Complex Crises Fund........................
50
Development Credit Authority............... 32
51
Economic Support and Development Fund......
51
Economic Support Fund...................... 34
51
Democracy Fund............................. 34
54
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central
Asia................................... 35
54
Department of State................................ 36
55
Migration and Refugee Assistance........... 36
55
United States Emergency Refugee and
Migration Assistance Fund..............
57
Independent Agencies............................... 37
57
Peace Corps................................ 37
57
Millennium Challenge Corporation........... 38
58
Inter-American Foundation.................. 41
58
United States African Development
Foundation............................. 42
58
Department of the Treasury......................... 43
59
International Affairs Technical Assistance. 43
59
Title IV--International Security Assistance: 43
59
Department of State................................ 43
59
International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement............................ 43
59
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining
and Related Programs................... 45
60
Peacekeeping Operations.................... 47
62
Funds Appropriated to the President................ 47
62
International Military Education and
Training............................... 47
62
Foreign Military Financing Program......... 48
63
Title V--Multilateral Assistance: 52
66
Funds Appropriated to the President................
66
International Organizations and Programs...
66
International Financial Institutions............... 52
66
Global Environment Facility................
67
Contribution to the International
Development Association................ 52
67
Contribution to the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development......... 52
67
Contribution to the Inter-American
Development Bank....................... 52
67
Contribution to the Asian Development Fund. 52
67
Contribution to the African Development
Bank................................... 52
67
Contribution to the African Development
Fund................................... 53
68
Contribution to the International Fund for
Agricultural Development............... 53
68
Global Agriculture and Food Security
Program................................
68
Title VI--Export and Investment Assistance: 53
68
Export-Import Bank of the United States............ 53
68
Overseas Private Investment Corporation............ 56
69
Trade and Development Agency....................... 58
70
Title VII--General Provisions: 58
70
Title VIII--Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on
Terrorism: 276
94
Department of State................................ 276
94
Administration of Foreign Affairs.................. 276
94
Diplomatic and Consular Programs........... 276
95
Office of Inspector General................ 277
95
Embassy Security, Construction, and
Maintenance............................ 277
95
International Organizations........................ 278
95
Contributions to International
Organizations.......................... 278
95
Contributions for International
Peacekeeping Activities................ 278
95
Related Agency.....................................
96
Broadcasting Board of Governors............
96
United States Agency for International Development. 279
96
Funds Appropriated to the President................ 279
96
Operating Expenses......................... 279
96
Office of Inspector General................ 279
96
Bilateral Economic Assistance.............................. 279
97
Funds Appropriated to the President................ 279
97
International Disaster Assistance.......... 279
97
Transition Initiatives..................... 280
97
Complex Crises Fund........................
97
Economic Support and Development Fund......
98
Economic Support Fund...................... 280
98
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central
Asia...................................
98
Department of State................................ 280
98
Migration and Refugee Assistance........... 280
98
United States Emergency Refugee and
Migration Assistance Fund..............
98
International Security Assistance.......................... 281
99
Department of State................................ 281
99
International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement............................ 281
99
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining
and Related Programs................... 281
99
Peacekeeping Operations.................... 282
99
Funds Appropriated to the President................ 282
100
Foreign Military Financing Program......... 282
100
General Provisions................................. 283
100
Title IX--Additional General Provision: 285
100
Spending Reduction Account......................... 285
100
House of Representatives Reporting Requirements............
100
Minority Views.............................................
138

OVERVIEW

United States economic and security interests are affected
by long-standing challenges and emerging crises throughout the
world. From continued chaos sown by the Islamic State in Iraq
and Syria (ISIS); Russian aggression in Europe and Eurasia;
renewed efforts by the Taliban to destabilize Afghanistan;
conflict, disease, and the threat of famine in parts of Africa
and Yemen; increased provocation by North Korea; and
sophisticated criminal networks running drugs and fueling
corruption in America's own backyard, now is not the time for
the United States to back down from global engagement and its
leadership role abroad. The Committee firmly believes that
strategic investments in diplomacy and development, along with
a strong national defense, are the essential components for
addressing these challenges and protecting America's national
security. Military power alone cannot solve all these problems,
especially over the long term. Advancing United States national
interests also requires effective diplomatic engagement and
foreign assistance.
However, the Committee recognizes that resources are
limited, that the nation's debt is a weight on the economy and
on future generations, and that spending must be curtailed in a
responsible manner. The Committee supports steps to reduce
waste, inefficiency, and duplication in agency operations and
programs funded in this Act, and efforts to press other nations
and donors to more equitably share in the global responsibility
to defeat terrorism, support stabilization, promote development
and good governance, and respond to humanitarian crises. The
Committee is concerned, however, that the magnitude of the
reductions proposed for United States diplomatic and
development operations and programs in the fiscal year 2018
request would be counterproductive to the economic and security
interests of the nation and would undermine relationships with
key partners and allies around the globe. The Committee
recommendation, therefore, proposes to reduce spending in a
manner that balances the need to responsibly allocate federal
resources while protecting United States national interests.
The Committee recommendation for fiscal year 2018 for
activities under the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs is $47,364,000,000 in
new discretionary budget authority, which is $5,707,000,000
below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and is $6,842,174,000
above the fiscal year 2018 request. Within the total funding
provided, the recommendation includes $12,019,000,000 in title
VIII for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on
Terrorism, pursuant to the authority contained in section
251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
Control Act of 1985.
The comparison to fiscal year 2017 excludes the
$4,300,000,000 in additional funds appropriated in the Security
Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 for defeating ISIS, other
terrorist organizations, and violent extremism in Africa,
Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East, and South and Central
Asia, and to counter Russian influence. Such funding was
appropriated by Congress for urgent overseas contingency
operations.
The Committee recommendation prioritizes security programs,
including embassy security, international security assistance,
and programs to support the campaign to defeat ISIS and other
terrorist groups; programs that promote democracy and American
ideals; humanitarian, global health, and economic and
development assistance; and oversight, transparency, and
accountability measures.
The Committee recommendation, as detailed in the bill and
this report, yields savings by not providing funding for
several accounts and reducing funds for some multilateral
development banks, international organizations, and programs of
lower priority from the prior year.
The Committee provides guidance under this heading on
reprogramming, notification, reporting, and consultation
requirements contained in the bill and this report.

SECURITY PROGRAMS

The Committee continues its focus on supporting programs
that are critical to the national security interests of the
United States, as well as to the security of allies and
partners in the fight against terrorism and those confronting
Russian aggression.

Embassy Security

The Committee continues to prioritize the security of
diplomatic and development staff and the facilities where they
work by maintaining the fiscal year 2017 level for Embassy
Security, Construction, and Maintenance and Worldwide Security
Protection, excluding supplemental amounts provided in the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017. To ensure proper
oversight of funds, the bill also enhances notification and
reporting requirements for new embassy construction.

Near East

The Committee continues to provide unwavering support for
Israel's security, which is reflected by full funding for the
United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at
$3,100,000,000. The Committee also maintains strong support for
Egypt's security and economic needs by providing $1,456,000,000
for assistance for Egypt and notes that sustaining security
cooperation with Egypt is critical for stability in the region.
The Committee recommendation strongly supports Jordan by
providing not less than $1,280,000,000 to meet economic and
security needs and to address the extraordinary strain on
Jordan from unrest in the region as the country continues to
host significant numbers of refugees.
The Committee recommendation also provides critical
assistance to disrupt and defeat ISIS and other terrorist
groups and promote stability in Iraq and other areas impacted
by such groups.
The Committee notes the important role the countries of
North Africa play with respect to global security and
stability. Therefore the bill includes a new provision
requiring a strategy from the Secretary of State on how
diplomatic engagement and assistance will be prioritized for
these countries. The Committee recommendation rejects the
proposed cuts to Tunisia and Morocco and includes not less than
the fiscal year 2017 level.
The Committee is deeply concerned about the nuclear
ambitions of Iran and the resulting threat to the United States
and our allies. The Committee recommendation continues the
conditions and reporting requirements from the prior year
related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and other
matters related to sanctions on Iranian entities.
The Committee recommendation maintains numerous
restrictions on assistance for the Palestinian Authority (PA),
including prohibiting funds if there is a Palestinian
government formed through an agreement with Hamas, or if the PA
is not acting to counter incitement of violence against
Israelis. The bill also includes a requirement to reduce any
funding by an amount equivalent to that expended by the PA,
Palestine Liberation Organization, or any affiliated
organization, as payments to prisoners who committed acts of
terrorism. As a result of these conditions, no economic
assistance has been provided directly to the PA since fiscal
year 2013, and funds provided for other programs in the West
Bank and Gaza have been significantly reduced.

Afghanistan and Pakistan

The Committee notes the continued importance of United
States assistance to secure and stabilize Afghanistan and
Pakistan. The Committee understands that the staffing and
programming requirements in these countries will remain under
continuous review and, for that reason, has not designated
specific funding recommendations. The Committee expects the
Administration to refine its plans for programs, facilities,
and staff in consultation with the appropriate congressional
committees. The Committee further requires spend plans and
advance notifications before funds are obligated for
Afghanistan and Pakistan, pursuant to sections 7015 and 7076 of
this Act.

Latin America

To address security concerns in Latin America, the
Committee recommendation provides support for Colombia, Mexico,
and the Caribbean Basin. The Committee believes it is critical
to continue strong support for counternarcotics and law
enforcement efforts, as well as assistance for rule of law and
judicial reform activities in the region, in order to fight
drug trafficking and violent crime before it reaches the
borders of the United States.
The Committee recommendation provides $615,000,000 for the
updated United States Strategy for Engagement in Central
America to address the key factors in countries in Central
America that contribute to the migration of undocumented
Central Americans to the United States. The Committee continues
conditions on the central governments of the Northern Triangle
countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to ensure
their commitments are sustained.
The funding recommendation prioritizes security and
includes $334,225,000 for the Central America Regional Security
Initiative (CARSI), in order to enhance border security;
counter the activities of criminal gangs, drug traffickers and
organized crime; and combat human smuggling and trafficking.
The Committee believes that challenges in the region span more
than just the Northern Triangle countries and includes funds to
address security needs in neighboring countries, including
Costa Rica and Panama. The Committee supports continued
resources to train security forces in the region and expects
the Government of Colombia to continue to contribute its
expertise in this area.

Ukraine and Other Countries in Europe and Eurasia

The Committee is troubled by the continued threat faced by
Ukraine and other countries in Europe and Eurasia due to
Russian aggression. In response, the Committee recommendation
does the following: (1) prohibits any assistance to the central
government of the Russian Federation; (2) provides funding for
the Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia account;
(3) maintains robust assistance levels for Ukraine and Georgia,
including increased levels under Foreign Military Financing
Program; (4) continues the Countering Russian Influence Fund;
and (5) makes funds available for broadcasting to the region to
counter Russian propaganda and for independent media in
Ukraine.

Programs to Combat Terrorism

The Committee continues to be concerned about the threat of
terrorism globally and provides support throughout the bill for
programs to address this threat to the national security of the
United States. The Committee recommendation provides
$358,000,000 for antiterrorism programs, which is the same as
the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $134,950,000 above the
request. Funds are intended to prevent and counter terrorist
safe havens and to assist partners in the fight against ISIS
and other terrorist groups. The Committee further notes the
continued rise of terrorism in Africa and maintains the fiscal
year 2017 enacted level for the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism
Partnership and the Partnership for Regional East Africa
Counterterrorism.

Programs to Combat Transnational Crime

The Committee supports the efforts of the Trump
administration to tackle transnational crime including by fully
funding the $58,000,000 request to support implementation of
Presidential Executive Order on Enforcing Federal Law with
Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations and Preventing
International Trafficking. Robust funding is also provided for
counternarcotics programs globally. The Committee maintains
strong support for programs to combat wildlife trafficking,
which provides lucrative resources for criminal networks, some
with links to terrorism. Often times these same networks are
responsible for one of the most heinous crimes imaginable--
human trafficking. The Committee continues its commitment to
address this issue by maintaining fiscal year 2017 levels for
programs to combat trafficking in persons and also by fully
funding the request for the Office to Monitor and Combat
Trafficking in Persons at the Department of State. The
Committee also provides increased funding to assist partner
countries to prevent and respond to cybercrime.

PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE DEMOCRACY AND AMERICAN IDEALS

The Committee notes that during this time of unprecedented
political change in many countries around the world, American
leadership is critical. It is imperative that assistance is
provided to advance democracy worldwide. The Committee is
concerned about continued repression of civil society in many
countries, which inhibits the ability of citizens to exercise
their fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of association,
speech, and religion. This disturbing global trend requires a
renewed focus on democracy promotion in order to overcome
obstacles put in place by increasingly repressive governments.
The Committee recommendation, therefore, exceeds the
request for the National Endowment for Democracy and the
Democracy Fund and maintains language in section 7032 that not
less than $2,308,517,000 be made available for democracy
programs, which is the same as the fiscal year 2017 enacted
level. The Committee recommendation also funds international
broadcasting activities above the request, continues to provide
funding for the Peace Corps, and maintains significant funding
for educational and cultural exchange programs in order to
further promote American values and democratic principles.

HUMANITARIAN, HEALTH, AND DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

The Committee notes that foreign assistance helps to
advance foreign policy and national security objectives and
that such support also reflects the values, generosity, and
goodwill of the American people. The Committee understands that
disease, hunger, poverty, and displacement of vulnerable people
around the world can threaten and destabilize countries and
governments and thereby undermine the national security of the
United States.
To address crises around the world resulting from large-
scale displacement and instability, the Committee
recommendation includes $5,930,686,000, which is the same as
the fiscal year 2017 level, excluding the additional amount
appropriated for famine prevention, relief, and mitigation, and
the additional amounts provided in the Security Assistance
Appropriations Act, 2017. The Committee notes that the
additional $990,000,000 provided for such purposes was intended
to address urgent needs and yet significant balances remain
available for obligation. The Committee urges the Administrator
of the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) to expeditiously program the remaining famine relief
balances and the Committee will review the need for further
famine relief funds as the appropriation process proceeds.
As the Syrian conflict continues and the security and
humanitarian situation grows more complex in the surrounding
region, the Committee remains concerned about the increasing
burden and resulting instability in the communities that host
refugees and displaced persons. In addition to funds provided
under International Disaster Assistance and Migration and
Refugee Assistance, the Committee recommendation directs that
funds under Economic Support Fund and Development Assistance be
made available to provide assistance to host communities with
large refugee populations, and the Committee expects needs in
Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon to be prioritized.
The Committee recommendation continues to devote
significant resources to critical health concerns around the
world, such as improving the health of mothers and children and
combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The Committee
highlights the inclusion of funds to promote global health
security and address emerging health threats.
The Committee recommendation includes provisions that
ensure the respect for life around the globe. In support of the
Administration's Kemp-Kasten determination with respect to the
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the bill includes a
prohibition against contributions to the UNFPA. In support of
the Administration's Presidential Memorandum Regarding the
Mexico City Policy, the bill includes a prohibition against
global health assistance funds for foreign nongovernmental
organizations that promote or perform abortions.
Finally, the Committee recommendation continues to devote
significant resources for Development Assistance and the
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and notes that economic
growth and education are key aspects of long-term development.
The Committee continues to support independent evaluations and
monitoring of development programs and course corrections for
programs that are not meeting their stated goals.

OVERSIGHT, TRANSPARENCY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The Committee takes seriously its responsibility to conduct
proper oversight, and thus far during calendar year 2017, the
Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
held seven hearings and briefings in order to prioritize
funding requests; understand the political, economic, and
security situation in critical countries around the world; and
improve transparency and effectiveness of programs.
Additionally, the Surveys and Investigations staff of the
Committee continues to review programs and provide updates on
studies that began in prior years. The Government
Accountability Office (GAO) also provides reports on matters
within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee, and the
cooperation of GAO is greatly appreciated.
Proper management of taxpayer dollars must be a focus of
all United States Government agencies, and this is particularly
important for the Department of State, USAID, and other
agencies charged with advancing the interests of the United
States around the world. Waste, fraud, and abuse in the
programs funded in this bill will not be tolerated. Reflecting
its commitment to oversight, transparency, and accountability,
the Committee recommendation includes funds at, or above, the
fiscal year 2017 level for the Inspectors General of agencies
within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee, and maintains or
strengthens provisions contained in prior years on multi-year
commitments, direct funding for governments and local
organizations, financial management systems, and the United
Nations (UN). In addition, the Committee continues its focus on
reducing unnecessary expenditures and expects the Departments
and agencies funded by this Act to work with the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) to reduce printing and reproduction
costs and directs agencies to provide information in the
congressional budget justification (CBJ) for fiscal year 2019
on reductions made in fiscal year 2018 as a result of such
efforts.
The Committee notes with concern the management challenges
faced by the Department of State and USAID. Earlier this year
the Committee received testimony from the Inspector General of
the Department of State that revealed a lack of emphasis on
program management and accountability. The Committee expects
the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator to ensure
each agency remains focused on improving all aspects of program
management and accountability. The Committee urges each agency
head to appoint a person at the highest level whose
responsibility is to keep the agency focused on such management
and oversight issues that are fundamental to good government.
To assist in this effort, the Committee recommendation
takes steps to promote improved management of resources
provided in this Act with a focus on addressing deficiencies in
information technology, improving financial management systems,
e-mail and records management, and cyber-security. The
Committee recommendation also provides funding for the
ForeignAssistance.gov Web site to make foreign assistance data
more accessible to the public.
The Committee has deferred action on the proposal in the
request to consolidate Economic Support Fund, Development
Assistance, and other accounts with similar authorities. The
Committee recommendation maintains the same account structure
as prior years. The Committee awaits the organizational
analysis of the Department of State and USAID and anticipates
that the findings and recommendations may inform future
decisions about account management, authorities, and
consolidation.
The Committee recommendation modifies the detailed
reporting requirements related to potential reorganizations of
the Department of State and USAID. It is essential that
Congress be provided detailed information regarding any
reorganization plan prior to its implementation.

REPROGRAMMING, NOTIFICATION, REPORTING, AND CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS

The Committee recommendation grants limited reprogramming
authorities to ensure that funds are devoted to the highest
priorities, particularly due to changes in circumstances of
countries facing unrest, terrorism, and violence. The Committee
notes that reprogramming notifications must be submitted
subject to the regular notification procedures of the
Committees on Appropriations. For the purposes of the bill and
this report, ``regular notification procedures'' means
notification must be provided at least 15 days in advance of
obligation of funds. The Committee cautions that, pursuant to
section 7015(e) of this Act, advance notification requirements
may only be waived if failure to do so would pose a substantial
risk to human health or welfare. The Committee expects the use
of this authority to be extremely rare and directs the
Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator to use this
authority judiciously. Additional notification requirements are
added in fiscal year 2018 to ensure appropriate Congressional
oversight of funds.
For the purposes of the bill and this report, the terms
``consultation requirements'' of the Committees on
Appropriations, ``in consultation with'' the Committees on
Appropriations, and ``consult with'' the Committees on
Appropriations shall mean a consultation must occur with such
Committees not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act,
unless another timeframe is specified.

TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Administration of Foreign Affairs

The Committee recommendation for Administration of Foreign
Affairs provides funds for the broad range of activities
necessary to support the operations and activities of more than
275 diplomatic and consular posts in 190 countries. The
Committee recommends a total of $8,609,029,000 for the
activities of the Department of State in fiscal year 2018. Of
the total amount provided, $8,450,129,000 is derived from
discretionary funds and $158,900,000 is mandatory spending.
Additional funds are provided under title VIII.
Embassy Security.--The Committee recommendation provides
$6,071,348,000, (including funding provided in title VIII) as
detailed in the table below, to meet urgent security
requirements. The total amount provided is the same as the
fiscal year 2017 enacted level, excluding amounts appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017, and
$1,172,274,000 above the fiscal year 2018 request. Funds are
made available for the purchase of property and for
construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of United States
diplomatic and consular missions and other posts overseas, the
costs for the Department of State associated with the continued
expansion of the Marine Security Guard Program, and the
personnel and equipment required to protect United States
Government employees and their families under Chief of Mission
(COM) authority and property worldwide.

EMBASSY SECURITY
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Program/Activity Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Security Protection........................... $3,756,874
Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance......... 2,314,474
---------------
Total, Embassy Security............................. 6,071,348
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $6,147,254,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request\1\........................... 5,283,786,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 5,449,289,000
Change from enacted level......................... -697,965,000
Change from request............................... +165,503,000

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, the fiscal year 2018
request, and the Committee recommendation include funds under this
heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii)
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
\2\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of
P.L. 114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $5,449,289,000 for
Diplomatic and Consular Programs, including up to
$1,380,752,000 for Worldwide Security Protection (WSP).
Additional funds are provided under title VIII.
The Committee expects the Secretary of State to continue
funding overseas inflation and Locally Employed Staff (LES)
wage increases through funds made available in the Buying Power
Maintenance Account.
The Committee is concerned that the continued application
of the hiring freeze to new hires, lateral transfers, and
eligible family member employment is adversely affecting the
functions of the Department of State. The Committee urges the
Secretary of State to immediately reexamine the freeze
guidance, particularly as it relates to lateral transfers and
eligible family member employment.
Funds made available under this heading are allocated in
the following manner:
Human resources.--The Committee recommendation includes
$2,522,390,000 for human resources, of which $476,879,000 is
for WSP. Funds support American salaries at overseas and
domestic United States diplomatic missions.
Overseas programs.--The Committee recommendation includes
$1,260,517,000 for overseas programs. Funds for Overseas
Programs support the operational programs of regional bureaus
of the Department of State. Funds support the operations of
United States embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic posts
worldwide. Additional funds are provided under title VIII.
Diplomatic policy and support.--The Committee
recommendation includes $740,052,000 for the operational
programs and management offices of the functional bureaus of
the Department of State. The Committee recommendation includes
$1,000,000 for the Office of the Special Coordinator for
Tibetan Issues to carry out the responsibilities detailed in
section 621(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act,
Fiscal Year 2003 (P.L. 107-228).
Security programs.--The Committee recommendation includes
$926,330,000 for security programs, of which $903,873,000 is
for WSP. Funds support the personnel, equipment, and training
necessary for the protection of diplomatic personnel, overseas
diplomatic missions, residences, and domestic facilities and
information.

Fees and Transfers

The Committee recommendation also includes language similar
to prior years and requested for fiscal year 2018, which: (1)
permits not to exceed $10,000,000 to be transferred to
Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service for
emergency evacuations and the Rewards for Justice Program; (2)
provides not to exceed $15,000 from reimbursements, surcharges,
and fees for use of Blair House facilities in accordance with
the Department of State Basic Authorities Act of 1956; and (3)
makes available not to exceed $5,000,000 from fees and other
payments authorized by section 810 of the United States
Information and Educational Exchange Act.

Border Security Program

In addition to the funds appropriated under this heading,
an estimated $4,374,585,000 will become available through
currently authorized fees and surcharges, as well as proposed
extensions of expiring fees and surcharges, if authorized, for
the Border Security Program. These funds will support the
passport and visa program and maintain consular operations that
protect United States citizens overseas, safeguard security
interests of the United States, facilitate entry of legitimate
travelers, and foster economic growth.
Discontinuation of Visas for nationals of certain
countries.--The Committee urges the Secretary of State to
ensure that consular officers comply with section 1253 of title
8 of the United States Code with the goal of ensuring all
countries are accepting persons who are covered by such
section. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of State shall report to the Committees on
Appropriations on the steps taken to ensure compliance with
section 1253 of title 8, United States Code.
Visa processing and training.--The Committee is aware of
concerns over capacity and infrastructure issues at United
States Government agencies with responsibility for visa
processing which have led to greater processing delays, delayed
travel for applicants, and lost business opportunities for
United States companies. The Committee directs the Secretary of
State, after consultation with other appropriate United States
Government agencies, to, within applicable law, regulation, and
executive action, address the capacity and infrastructure
challenges in the visa processing system. The Committee further
directs the Secretary of State to prioritize the national
security interests of the United States when considering any
modifications to the current visa review process.

Worldwide Security Protection

The Committee recommendation includes $1,380,752,000 for
WSP. Additional funds are provided under title VIII.
The WSP program provides critical funding for the
protection of life, property, and information of the Department
of State and supports a worldwide guard force protecting
overseas diplomatic missions, residences, and domestic
facilities. Funds provided will support more than 3,500
regional security officers and other United States direct hire
security personnel, over 32,000 guards posted at more than 275
overseas diplomatic missions and residencies. Funds also
support enhanced high threat protection, security technology,
cyber and information security, secure diplomatic courier
operations, and protective services for the Secretary of State,
the United States Ambassador to the UN, and foreign dignitaries
visiting the United States.
Within the amount provided for WSP, the Committee
recommendation includes the amount requested for the
Directorate of Operational Medicine, which has responsibility
for contingency medical preparedness and the Department's
biocontainment evacuation response, which includes the
capability to support short-notice transnational deployment of
security and crisis response teams and to evacuate Chief of
Mission (COM) personnel from posts in crisis.
Security training.--The Foreign Affairs Counter Threat
(FACT) training course is one of the central training programs
provided to COM personnel and their families to prepare them to
safely live and work overseas. The Department of State has
reported to the Committee that FACT training will be maintained
at the Interim Training Facility until the new Foreign Affairs
Training Center (FASTC) is fully operational. The Committee
directs the Secretary of State to ensure that FACT training is
not disrupted during the FASTC construction and transition
process.
Not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, the
Committee directs the Secretary of State to submit to the
Committees on Appropriations a progress report on the FASTC
project. Semi-annual progress reports should be submitted until
completion of the project. Each report shall include the
current cost estimate, training course transition plans, and
steps taken to reduce the impact of any job losses that may
result at existing training sites once FASTC becomes
operational.
Sensitive information.--Growing regional unrest and threats
to United States diplomatic facilities and personnel have led
to, and increased the risk of, the evacuation of overseas
posts. The Committee urges the Secretary of State to ensure
that overseas diplomatic posts have the necessary capabilities
to quickly, safely, and permanently destroy sensitive
information that must be left behind, including through
exploring new tools and equipment to enhance such capabilities.

Other Matters

Child abduction and access.--The Committee notes that when
making use of the waiver in section 204 of the Goldman Act
(P.L. 113-150), the Secretary of State is required to provide a
detailed justification for such waiver involving a country with
a pattern of non-compliance. The Committee expects the
Secretary to comply with this requirement. Further, the
Committee directs the Secretary to include in such
justification the reason, if any, for why actions 4 through 8
under section 204(d) are not being taken. Additionally, the
Secretary shall include in the annual report required by
section 101 of such Act a list of countries with pending cases
that are more than 12 months old and shall also provide such
report to the Committees on Appropriations.
Columbia River Treaty.--The Committee encourages the
Secretary of State to advance the United States negotiating
position and use all appropriate actions to initiate at the
earliest opportunity substantive and ongoing Treaty
negotiations with the Government of Canada.
Cultural Property.--The Cultural Properties Implementation
Act (CPIA) requires countries participating in MOUs restricting
cultural property take significant self-help measures. The
Committee urges the Cultural Property Advisory Committee to
consider the annual national expenditures on securing and
inventorying cultural sites and museums in its annual reviews
of the effectiveness of MOUs, as well as during the reviews
required by the CPIA for extension of an MOU. The Committee
also requests the Secretary of State review the feasibility of
collecting and reporting on the cost of measures taken by
partner countries in support of their cultural property MOU
with the United States and be prepared to report on such review
during the hearing process on the fiscal year 2019 budget
request.
Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).--The Committee
recommendation includes sufficient funds to continue human
rights vetting and training at not less than the fiscal year
2017 level. The recommendation also includes funds for the
Office to Monitor and Combat anti-Semitism as authorized by the
Global Anti-Semitism Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-332). The Committee
remains concerned about the rise of Anti-Semitism and the
increase in anti-Semitic incidents around the world, and urges
the Secretary of State to appoint a Special Envoy to Monitor
and Combat Anti-Semitism as quickly as possible.
Holocaust Issues.--The Committee recognizes the important
work of the Office of Holocaust Issues and urges the Secretary
of State to ensure the office has sufficient funding to
continue efforts to bring a measure of justice and assistance
to Holocaust victims and their families and to assure that the
Holocaust is remembered properly and accurately.
Hong Kong Policy Act report.--Not later than 45 days after
enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the Secretary of
State to update the report described in section 301 of the
United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 and to transmit it
to the appropriate congressional committees.
Intercountry adoptions.--The Committee continues to
reaffirm its commitment to intercountry adoption as a means to
offering a permanent family to a child and supports its
inclusion among the range of options for providing permanency
for children in accordance with the principles of the Hague
Adoption Convention.
The Committee urges the Department of State to proactively
prioritize, and make funds available for, improving the
capacity of foreign government agencies and nongovernmental
organizations, through technical assistance that will help to
prevent child abandonment and connect orphans, displaced, and
abandoned children with permanent homes through family
reunification, guardianship, and domestic and intercountry
adoption.
Furthermore, the Committee encourages the Department of
State to better incorporate at the post level, policies that
reflect the commitment of the United States Government to the
principle that every child has a right to a permanent family;
that advocate for consideration of international placement of
children where in-country placement does not serve the child's
best interests and does not provide appropriate, protective,
and permanent care quickly; and to streamline and strengthen
the United States Government intercountry adoption programs and
processes.
International religious freedom.--The Committee is pleased
that the Department of State, through the Office of
International Religious Freedom, is working to advance
religious freedom programs and initiatives as a critical
component of United States diplomatic efforts, pursuant to the
International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. The
Committee encourages the Secretary of State to consider
elevating the position of the Ambassador-at-Large for Religious
Freedom within the organizational structure of the Department
of State.
The Committee recognizes that the steady growth of
religious persecution and decline of religious freedom around
the world highlights the need to have United States diplomats
trained to understand and advocate for religious freedom, as
required by IRFA. The Committee recommendation includes up to
$500,000 to continue the development of religious freedom
training curriculum pursuant to Section 103 of the Frank R.
Wolf International Religious Freedom Act (P.L. 114-281). In
addition, the report required by section 103(b) of such Act
shall also be provided to the Committees on Appropriations
concurrent with the submission of such report to the Committee
on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
Monitoring and combating trafficking in persons.--The
Committee recommendation includes $13,822,000 for the Office to
Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, as authorized by the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended. Funds
are provided to ensure the Office can fulfill the statutory
mandates, including to support the coordination of the
President's Interagency Task Force and Senior Policy Operating
Group, deployment of rapid response teams, production of the
Trafficking in Persons Report, implementation of child
protection compacts, diplomatic engagement and technical
assistance, and management and oversight of increased
assistance appropriated in this Act to combat trafficking in
persons.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to post the
National Human Trafficking Resources Center hotline, email
address, and Web site information in all United States
Embassies and Consulates in areas where visa applications are
processed. The Committee also supports funds being made
available to develop the Global Human Trafficking Hotline.
Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues.--The Committee
recommendation includes $5,497,000 for the Office of the
Coordinator for Cyber Issues.
Protecting American foreign investment.--The Committee
appreciates the leadership of the Secretary of State in
promoting American foreign investments. The Committee urges the
Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce and
other Cabinet officials, to expand efforts to protect such
investments and those targeted by foreign persons engaged in
public or private sector corruption.
Public access to federally funded research.--The Committee
understands that Federal agencies with significant research
portfolios have implemented policies to provide public access
to federally funded research findings in accordance with
guidance from the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The
Committee encourages the Department of State and USAID to,
where applicable, implement similar policies for providing
public access to federally funded research results.
Public diplomacy.--The Committee continues to support
public diplomacy personnel and programs and expects the
Secretary of State to include projected funding for public
diplomacy in the operating plan required by section 7076 of
this Act. The Committee recommends expanding public diplomacy
efforts to counter Russian propaganda.
Real property.--The Committee expects the Secretary of
State to continue to help facilitate resolution of commercial
disputes for United States entities seeking return of real
property seized, held, or expropriated by foreign governments,
such as the Cuban Government, as appropriate.
Review of development finance activities.--Not later than
180 days after enactment of this Act, the State Department,
after consultation with OMB and other applicable federal
agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees a review of all development finance programs across
the United States Government. The review shall include
recommendations on how federal agencies involved in development
finance can be better integrated and coordinated to achieve
maximum development impact. The review also should explore
whether new or expanded authorities could create a more
sustainable United States foreign assistance strategy through
more development finance and less grant-based assistance, as
well as consider gaps that can be filled with technical
assistance.
Small business.--The Secretary of State is encouraged to
expand opportunities for small businesses to compete for
Department of State contracts, including small businesses owned
and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged
individuals.
State Partnership Program.--The Committee believes the
National Guard State Partnership Program strengthens security
and disaster response cooperation between the United States and
nations participating in the Partnership and builds
professionalism and respect for civilian control of the
military. The Committee expects the Department of State and the
Department of Defense to continue to inform United States
Embassy officials and foreign governments about the value of
the State Partnership Program, including the objectives of the
program, examples of successful engagements, and COM and
Combatant Commander requests for the Program.
United States citizens detained in Iran.--The Committee
remains concerned about United States citizens and legal
permanent residents missing and detained in Iran. The Committee
urges the Secretary of State to prioritize these cases, and to
continue to press the Government of Iran for the immediate
release of those detained and to provide any information it
possesses regarding any United States citizens that have
disappeared within its borders.
Workforce diversity.--The Committee supports the efforts of
the Department of State to increase diversity in hiring,
retention, and promotion within its workforce, including the
allocation of funds to continue and expand its recruitment
programs, professional development activities, and outreach
efforts in fiscal year 2018. The Committee supports ongoing
partnerships between the Department of State and community
colleges, universities, and other institutions to improve the
diversity and excellence of the United States Foreign Service
(Foreign Service) by preparing both graduate and undergraduate
students for positions in the Foreign Service, such as the
Pickering and Rangel fellows programs. The Committee encourages
the Secretary of State to explore new opportunities to partner
with Hispanic Serving Institutions and Historically Black
Colleges and Universities to further the goal of increasing
workforce diversity.
Funds in this Act under this heading are allocated
according to the following table and are subject to sections
7015 and 7076 of this Act.

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Category Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Human Resources...................................... 2,522,390
Worldwide Security Protection................ [476,879]
Overseas Programs.................................... 1,260,517
Diplomatic Policy and Support........................ 740,052
Security Programs.................................... 926,330
Worldwide Security Protection................ [903,873]
------------------
Total, Diplomatic and Consular Programs.......... 5,449,289
------------------
Total, Worldwide Security Protection............. [1,380,752]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau/Office (includes salary and bureau managed
funds)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau of Administration:
Freedom of Information Act................... 33,960
Bureau of Europe and Eurasia Affairs:
Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust 568
Issues......................................
Cultural Antiquities Task Force...................... 1,000
Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor:
Human Rights Vetting......................... 9,000
Office of International Religious Freedom.... 6,500
[Of which for Religious Freedom Curriculum [500]
Development]................................
Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of 1,000
Religious Minorities in the Near East and
South Central Asia..........................
Office of Terrorism Financing and Economic Sanctions 5,625
Policy..............................................
Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons.............. 13,822
Legal Advisor:
Document Review Unit......................... 2,889
Office of the Secretary:
Office of the Special Coordinator for Tibetan 1,000
Issues......................................
Office of Global Women's Issues.............. 5,086
Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues... 5,497
------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $12,600,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 15,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 15,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... +2,400,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 for
Capital Investment Fund. Funds provided are in addition to an
estimated $278,760,000 in expedited passport fees, which will
be used to support the information technology modernization
effort, for a total of $293,760,000 in fiscal year 2018 for
support of the Information Technology Strategic Plan of the
Department of State.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $87,069,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request\1\........................... 72,562,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 73,869,000
Change from enacted level......................... -13,200,000
Change from request............................... +1,307,000

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, the fiscal year 2018
request, and the Committee recommendation include funds under this
heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii)
of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
\2\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of
P.L. 114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $73,869,000 for
support of the oversight personnel and activities of the Office
of Inspector General (OIG) at the Department of State.
Additional funds are provided under title VIII.
Funds provided under this heading will support the audits,
investigations, and inspections of worldwide operations and
programs of the Department of State and Broadcasting Board of
Governors. The Committee expects the OIG to continue the
coordination of audit plans and activities involving Department
of State operations and programs in Afghanistan with the
Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
(SIGAR) in order to ensure the development of comprehensive
oversight plans and to avoid duplication.

EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $634,143,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 285,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 590,900,000
Change from enacted level......................... -43,243,000
Change from request............................... +305,900,000

The Committee recommendation includes $590,900,000 for
Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs.
Central and South America and Mexico.--The Committee
directs the Department of State to continue support of
educational and cultural exchange programs with Mexico and
countries in Central and South America and to increase
opportunities for participation of students from disadvantaged
backgrounds or historically underserved populations at the high
school, college, and post-graduate levels.
Citizen Exchange Program.--The Committee recommendation
includes $111,360,000 for the Citizen Exchange Program. Citizen
exchange programs provide American and foreign participants the
opportunity to gain knowledge and share expertise and
experiences through professional, youth, cultural, and other
exchanges. Funds are provided to support new competitive awards
administered in cooperation with the various divisions within
the Office of Citizen Exchanges, including through the Youth
Programs Division to foster interaction between United States
and foreign youth artists.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program.--The Committee
recommendation includes $4,125,000 for the Congress-Bundestag
Youth Exchange Program. This program is integral for the
continuation of a strong relationship between the United States
and Germany.
English Language Programs.--The Committee recommendation
includes not less than $43,000,000 for English Language
Programs. Within the amount provided, the Committee encourages
the Department of State to maintain strong support for the
English Language Fellow and Specialist Programs which bolster
English language skills within critical world regions.
Fulbright Program.--The Committee recommendation includes
$236,000,000 for the Fulbright Program. Active in over 160
countries, the program provides exchange opportunities to
create and sustain mutual understanding between students,
scholars, teachers, and professionals in the United States and
those from other countries. Within the amount provided, funds
are available for continued support of the Hubert H. Humphrey
Fellowship program.
Other exchanges.--The Committee recognizes the value of
competitive exchange programs for young people, including the
Youth Exchange and Study program; the Future Leaders Exchange;
educator programs, including critical language programs; and
programs providing overseas training in strategic languages for
Americans. The Committee urges the Secretary of State to
continue to prioritize exchange programs from countries with
high importance to United States national security.
Special academic, professional, and cultural exchanges.--
The Committee recommendation includes funds to continue support
of special academic, professional, and cultural exchange
programs where consistent with strategic priorities, including
Mexico and Central America and the Tibetan exchanges and
fellowships. The Committee expects funds for special academic,
professional, and cultural exchange programs to be awarded on a
competitive basis and the planned levels for each to be
included in the fiscal year 2018 operating plan.
Vietnam Education Foundation Act.--The Committee
recommendation includes $2,500,000 under this heading for
grants authorized by section 211 of the Vietnam Education
Foundation Act of 2000, as amended. Additional funds for such
grants are included under Development Assistance.
Section 7076 of this Act includes a requirement that the
Secretary of State submit to the Committees on Appropriations
an operating plan for funds appropriated under this heading.
The Committee expects that such plan will include the
distribution of unobligated balances and recoveries, as well as
any transfers to this account from other accounts in fiscal
year 2018.
Funds made available under this heading are allocated in
the following manner and are subject to the requirements of
sections 7015 and 7076 of this Act.

EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Academic Programs
Fulbright Program................................ $236,000
Global Academic Exchanges........................ 55,541
Special Academic Exchanges....................... 16,350
------------------
Subtotal, Academic Programs.................. 307,891
Professional and Cultural Exchanges
International Visitor Program.................... 97,765
Citizen Exchange Programs........................ 111,360
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange............ [4,125]
Special Professional and Cultural Exchanges...... 575
------------------
Subtotal, Professional and Cultural 209,700
Exchanges...............................
Young Leaders Initiatives............................ 8,822
Program and Performance.............................. 5,493
Exchanges Support.................................... 58,994
------------------
Total, Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs 590,900
------------------------------------------------------------------------

REPRESENTATION EXPENSES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $8,030,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 7,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 7,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... -1,030,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $7,000,000 for
Representation Expenses authorized by section 905 of the
Foreign Service Act of 1980.
Funds provided under this heading are used to reimburse
foreign service officers for expenditures incurred in their
official capacities abroad in establishing and maintaining
relations with officials of foreign governments and appropriate
members of local communities. The Secretary of State is
directed to submit semi-annual reports to the Committees on
Appropriations containing detailed information on the allotment
and expenditure of this appropriation.

PROTECTION OF FOREIGN MISSIONS AND OFFICIALS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $30,344,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 30,890,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 30,890,000
Change from enacted level......................... +546,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $30,890,000 for
Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials.
Funds provided under this heading are used to reimburse
local governments and communities for the extraordinary costs
incurred in providing protection for international
organizations, foreign missions and officials, and foreign
dignitaries under certain circumstances. To be eligible for
reimbursement under the regular program, the costs must be
incurred in a city with 20 or more consular or diplomatic
missions staffed by accredited personnel and all costs must be
certified as eligible by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security of
the Department of State. In addition, funds may be used for
reimbursement for an extraordinary event in a jurisdiction that
does not meet the regular program eligibility requirements, if
specifically allowed. The Committee expects the Department of
State to provide reimbursement to local jurisdictions on a
timely basis if claims are fully justified.
The Department of State shall continue to submit to the
Committees on Appropriations a semi-annual report on the number
of claims for extraordinary protective services that have been
submitted by eligible jurisdictions that are certified as
meeting the program requirements and the amount of unobligated
funds available to pay such claims.
Section 7034(i) of this Act continues authority for the
Secretary of State to transfer expired unobligated balances
from funds made available under Diplomatic and Consular
Programs. The Committee directs the Department of State to
include any expired balances transferred to this heading in the
report required by the previous paragraph.

EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $1,117,859,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 1,142,200,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 2,242,696,000
Change from enacted level......................... +1,124,837,000
Change from request............................... +1,100,496,000

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and the Committee
recommendation include funds under this heading in title VIII
designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
\2\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of
P.L. 114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $2,242,696,000 for
Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance. An additional
$71,778,000 is provided under this heading in title VIII, which
brings the total in the Act for Embassy Security, Construction,
and Maintenance to $2,314,474,000.
The recommendation designates $1,560,015,000, including
funding provided in title VIII, for priority worldwide security
upgrades, acquisition, and construction, and $754,459,000 for
other repair, maintenance, construction, and operations costs.
Embassy construction and maintenance program.--The
Committee recommendation continues language in section 7004
requiring all agencies and departments to fully meet their
capital cost sharing obligations under subsection (e) of
section 604 of the Secure Embassy Construction and
Counterterrorism Act of 1999, in order to be allocated office
space or other accommodations in newly constructed or renovated
diplomatic facilities.
The Committee recommendation does not include the requested
authority to use prior year funds to augment the Capital
Security Cost-Sharing Program (CSCS) contribution of the
Department of State. Instead, the recommendation includes not
less than $956,152,000 from funds made available under this
heading in this Act for the Department's CSCS and Maintenance
Cost Sharing (MCS) annual contributions. This amount, combined
with $1,141,510,000 in estimated CSCS and MCS reimbursements
from other agencies and $124,604,000 from consular fees,
provides a total for maintenance, construction and design of
embassy and consulate compounds of not less than $2,222,266,000
for fiscal year 2018. This amount is consistent with the
recommendation of the Benghazi Accountability Review Board and
supports the accelerated multi-year program to construct new
secure replacement facilities for the most vulnerable embassies
and consulates.
Notification and reporting requirements.--Section 7004(d)
of this Act continues the enhanced notification requirements
from prior Acts as a means of ensuring the Committee has the
necessary information to conduct appropriate oversight of
construction projects. For purposes of section 7004(d), the
Department is directed to clearly define and consistently
report the elements of each project factor and an explanation
of any changes from previous reports or notifications for a
project.
Notifications made pursuant to section 7004(d) shall
include, at a minimum, the following project factors: (1) the
location and size of the property to be acquired, including the
proximity to existing United States diplomatic facilities and
host government ministries; (2) the justification of need for
acquiring the property and construction of new facilities and
the reconciled appraised value of the project; (3) the detailed
breakdown of the total project costs, including, at a minimum,
the projected schedule and the following cost categories: site
acquisition, project development, planning, design,
construction, other construction costs, including costs planned
for the procurement of art, value added tax, contingencies, and
any other relevant costs; (4) the revenues derived from, or
estimated to be derived from, real property sales associated
with the project, if applicable; (5) any unique requirements of
the project that may increase the cost of the project, such as
consular workload, legal environment, physical and/or security
requirements, and seismic capabilities; (6) the number of
waivers required pursuant to section 606 of Appendix G of
Public Law 106-113, if applicable; (7) any religious, cultural,
or political factors that may affect the cost, location, or
construction timeline; (8) the current and projected number of
desks, agency presence, and the projected number of United
States direct hire staff, LES, and Third Country Nationals; (9)
the current and projected number of beds, if applicable; (10)
the most recent rightsizing analysis, and a justification for
exceeding the staffing projections of such rightsizing
analysis, if applicable; and (11) with respect to new projects
not previously justified to the Committees on Appropriations,
confirmation that the Department of State has completed the
requisite value engineering studies required pursuant to OMB
Circular A-131 and Bureau of Overseas Building Operations
Policy and Procedure Directive, Cost 02 and the Department's
adjudication of those recommendations.
The Committee remains concerned about growth in costs
associated with new embassy construction projects, particularly
the Mexico City Embassy and Beirut Embassy projects. The
Committee recommendation continues the requirement for
quarterly reports for these projects in section 7004(h) of this
Act. The reports should include the following: (1) the project
factors as specified under Enhanced Notification Requirements
in section 7004(d) of this Act that were used to develop the
initial cost estimate to justify the project; (2) changes in
these factors from the initial cost estimate to the current
estimate, with an explanation of such changes; and (3) an
explanation of cost containment measures being used to address
cost growth from the initial estimates.
Other repair, construction, and operations.--The Committee
recommendation includes $754,459,000 for other repair,
construction, and operations costs. These funds support the
management of United States Government real property overseas,
maintenance of Government-owned and long-term leased properties
at over 275 locations, and leasing of office and functional
facilities and residential units, not only for the Department
of State, but also for all United States employees overseas
under COM authority.
Operating plan.--Section 7076 of this Act requires the
Secretary of State to submit to the Committees on
Appropriations an operating plan for funds appropriated under
this heading. Such plan should include all resources available
to the Department of State in fiscal year 2018 for operations,
maintenance, and construction, and an accounting of the actual
and anticipated proceeds of sales for all projects in fiscal
year 2017.
Project contingency savings.--The Committee understands
from the information included in the notifications required by
section 7004 of this Act that the Department of State has
contingency savings on previously appropriated construction
projects. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations at the end
of each fiscal quarter on such contingency savings.

EMERGENCIES IN THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $7,900,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 7,885,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 7,885,000
Change from enacted level......................... -15,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $7,885,000 to enable
the Secretary of State to meet unforeseen emergencies arising
in the Diplomatic and Consular Service. Funding provided under
this heading is available until expended.
This appropriation provides resources for the Department of
State to meet emergency requirements in the conduct of foreign
affairs, including for the following purposes: (1) travel and
subsistence expenses for relocation of American employees of
the United States Government and their families from troubled
areas to the United States or safe-haven posts; (2) allowances
granted to Department of State employees and their dependents
evacuated to the United States for the convenience of the
Government; and (3) payment of rewards for information
concerning terrorist activities.
The recommendation continues prior year language providing
the authority to transfer up to $1,000,000 from this heading to
the Repatriation Loans Program heading. This authority will
ensure an adequate level of resources for loans to American
citizens through the Repatriation Loans Program, should
additional funds be required in fiscal year 2018 due to an
unanticipated increase in the number of loans.

REPATRIATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $1,300,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 1,300,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,300,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes a total of $1,300,000
for the Repatriation Loans Program Account for the subsidy cost
of repatriation loans totaling up to $2,440,856, as authorized
by 22 U.S.C. 2671.

PAYMENT TO THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $31,963,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 26,312,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 30,557,000
Change from enacted level......................... -1,406,000
Change from request............................... +4,245,000

The Committee recommendation includes $30,557,000 for
Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan. The Committee
recommendation supports operating expenses of the American
Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and funds may also be made available
for special projects and consular upgrades.
The Taiwan Relations Act requires that programs concerning
Taiwan be carried out by the AIT and authorizes funds to be
appropriated to the Secretary of State to carry out the
provisions of the Act. The Institute administers programs in
the areas of economic and commercial services, cultural
affairs, travel services, and logistics. The Department of
State contracts with the AIT to carry out these activities.

International Center, Washington, D.C.

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $1,320,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 743,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 743,000
Change from enacted level......................... -577,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $743,000 for the
International Center, Washington, D.C.

PAYMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $158,900,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 158,900,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 158,900,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $158,900,000 for
Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund.
This appropriation, which is a mandatory program for budget
scorekeeping purposes, is authorized by the Foreign Service Act
of 1980, which provides for an appropriation to the Fund in 30
equal annual installments of the amount required for the
unfunded liability created by new benefits, new groups of
beneficiaries, or increased salaries on which benefits are
computed. The Retirement Fund is maintained through
contributions made by participants, matching government
contributions, special government contributions (including this
account), interest on investments, and voluntary contributions.

International Organizations

CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $1,262,966,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request\1\........................... 900,195,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 1,074,645,000
Change from enacted level......................... -188,321,000
Change from request............................... +174,450,000

The Committee recommendation includes $1,074,645,000 for
Contributions to International Organizations. Additional funds
are provided under title VIII.
The Committee expects the Secretary of State to prioritize
payments for organizations whose work promotes human health and
international security, including the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA). The Committee recommendation provides funding above the
request to ensure adequate resources for these and other such
organizations. The Secretary of State is directed to consult
with the Committees on Appropriations on these matters not
later than 30 days after enactment of this Act.
Capital projects.--The Committee recommendation does not
include funding for the design, renovation, or construction of
the UN Headquarters in New York and subsection 7048(f) of this
Act prohibits funds in this Act from being used for such
purposes. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act,
the Committee directs the Secretary of State to provide a final
report to the Committees on Appropriations on the UN Capital
Master Plan (CMP), including its initial scope and costs, any
modifications made, the total cost, contributions made to date
by each UN member state, and any unmet requirements due to cost
over-runs from the initial CMP or that resulted from additional
requirements after the initial CMP.
In accordance with subsection 7048(f), the operating plan
submitted for this account shall include a list of ongoing and
new capital projects funded by the plan. The following
information shall also be included for each capital project
with an estimated total assessed cost to all member states in
excess of $100,000,000 over the life of the project: (1) the
justification for the project; (2) a detailed summary of the
proposed budget for the project, including costs for design,
construction, project management, building fitout, and
technology and security upgrades; (3) the assessed costs to be
funded under the operating plan and an estimate of the total
assessed cost to the United States for the project; (4) a
description of the steps taken by the UN and the Department of
State to keep costs within budget and the contingency plan to
address potential cost overruns; and (5) a description of the
risk management strategy and mechanisms to ensure transparency
and accountability.
Procurement.--The Committee expects the Department of State
and USUN to monitor procurement processes at the UN and other
international organizations and ensure that American
manufacturers and suppliers are being provided fair treatment
in bidding on projects and services.
Report.--The Committee remains concerned with continued
anti-Israel bias at the UN and strongly endorses the Department
of State's withholding of a proportionate share of the costs to
such UN entities deemed to be anti-Israeli. Pursuant to Public
Law 98-164, as amended, the Committee notes that in fiscal year
2016 the Secretary of State withheld funding to the following:
the Division for Palestinian Rights in the Department of
Political Affairs; the Committee on the Exercise of the
Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People; and the Special
Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human
Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the
Occupied Territories. The Committee supports this action and
directs the Department to include a description of any anti-
Israel activities of these entities in the annual report
submitted pursuant to section 4(a) of Public Law 79-264 on
United States participation in the UN.
UN budget.--The Committee recommendation includes language
carried in the prior year requiring the Secretary of State to
transmit to the Committees on Appropriations the most recent
biennial budget prepared by the UN at the time of the
submission of the President's budget to Congress. The Committee
recommendation also includes language carried in the prior year
requiring the Secretary of State to notify the Committees on
Appropriations at least 15 days in advance of any UN action to
increase funding for any UN program without identifying an
offsetting decrease elsewhere in the UN budget.
UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO).--The Committee notes that, due to the application of
Public Law 101-246 and Public Law 103-236, United States
contributions are currently being withheld from UNESCO. The
Committee further notes that no funds were requested and none
are provided in this Act for a contribution to UNESCO.
The Committee notes with disappointment decision 41 COM
8C.1 adopted by UNESCO on July 7, 2017, which is one-sided,
runs contrary to history, and is not conducive towards peace
between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).--The Committee is
concerned about the credibility and effectiveness of UNHRC and
notes with disappointment the ascension to UNHRC of countries
with poor human rights records. The Committee is also concerned
with the continued, disproportionate focus of UNHRC on Israel.
The Committee recommendation includes modified language in
section 7048(c) of this Act prohibiting funds to UNHRC unless
certain conditions are met.
The Committee notes with concern the passage by the UNHRC
of resolution A/HRC/31/L.39, which is counterproductive to
achieving peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The
Committee does not expect the United States to participate in
the implementation of this resolution and directs the Secretary
of State to urge the UNHRC and other countries to do the same.
The Committee directs the Secretary to work with the UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights to minimize the impact of the
compilation of the database called for under that resolution.
Not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the
Committee directs the Secretary of State to submit an updated
report to the Committees on Appropriations on all United States
contributions to the UNHRC for the preceding fiscal year,
including amounts provided through the UN Regular Budget and
through voluntary contributions.
UN reform.--The Committee expects the Department of State
and the United States Mission to the UN (USUN) to make UN
reform a high priority and to work with other UN member states
to increase the accountability of the UN and other
international organizations. The Committee supports efforts to
make the UN and other international organizations more
efficient, less costly and to ensure that costs are shared on a
more equitable basis. The Committee understands that the
Department of State is currently reviewing these organizations
to see where reductions and reforms can be achieved. The
Committee also supports efforts to examine and cancel expensive
commercial leases and downsize operations in areas with high
costs of living and construction costs. Not later than 180 days
after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State is directed
to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on these
matters. Such report should include a description of estimated
cost savings and cost avoidance of reforms undertaken.
The Committee supports efforts to increase accountability
by strengthening internal controls and systems to investigate
and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. The Committee expects
the UN and each specialized agency to have a designated
official to carry out an independent ethics function and to
provide protection from retaliation to whistleblowers who
volunteer information concerning ongoing waste, fraud, and
abuse.
The Committee is concerned about recent reports of
excessive travel costs incurred by certain international
organizations. The Committee includes modified language in
section 7048(a) of this Act withholding a portion of funds
until the Secretary of State reports that certain transparency
and accountability requirements have been met, including
policies and procedures regarding travel. The Committee directs
the Secretary of State to continue to include information on
each organization in the report submitted pursuant to this
subsection.

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level1....................... $552,904,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request1............................. 268,886,000
Committee recommendation1............................. 529,909,000
Change from enacted level......................... -22,995,000
Change from request............................... +261,023,000

The Committee recommendation includes $529,909,000 for
Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities.
Additional funds are provided under title VIII. The Committee
provides funding for the United States share of the UN Support
Office in Somalia under Peacekeeping Operations in title VIII
instead of under this heading.
The Committee continues to be concerned about the scope,
duration, and costs of UN peacekeeping missions and supports
the efforts of the Secretary of State and USUN to bring down
costs while maintaining United States interests and
international security. The Committee recommendation continues
language directing the Secretary of State to work with the UN
and members of the UN Security Council to evaluate and
prioritize peacekeeping missions, and to consider a drawdown
when mission goals have been substantially achieved. Not later
than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State is directed to submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations describing efforts by the Department of State to
review UN peacekeeping operations, including prioritization of
missions and proposals for reducing the costs and scope of
missions.
The Committee recommendation continues language requiring
notification at least 15 days in advance of voting for any new
or expanded mission, including the estimated cost and duration
of the mission, the objectives of the mission, the national
interest that will be served, and the exit strategy. The
Committee notes that the notification may be provided less than
15 days in advance of voting for a new or expanded mission in
the event of an emergency. The Committee expects the Secretary
of State to ensure the appropriate and judicious application of
this provision.
The Committee recommendation continues language stating
that funds shall be made available for peacekeeping activities
unless the Secretary of State determines that American
manufacturers and suppliers are not being provided equal
procurement opportunities and language prohibiting funds for
any peacekeeping mission that will involve United States Armed
Forces under the command and control of a foreign national
unless certain requirements have been met.
Oversight and reform.--The Committee continues to support
independent oversight of the UN to identify waste, fraud, and
abuse, and the Committee supports reforms to ensure that such
practices are eliminated. The Committee includes modified
language in section 7048(a) of this Act withholding a portion
of funds for the UN until the Secretary of State certifies that
certain transparency and accountability requirements have been
met, including policies and procedures regarding travel.
Peacekeeping rate.--The Committee recommendation provides
the resources necessary to fund the assessed cost of
peacekeeping missions at the statutory level of 25 percent. The
Committee support efforts by the Department of State and USUN
to seek a reduction of the United States-assessed rate for
international peacekeeping activities and ensure UN
peacekeeping costs are shared on a more equitable basis. The
Committee expects the Department to keep the Committee apprised
of these efforts and directs that information on these matters
be included in the 90 day report directed in the introduction
under this heading.
Trafficking in persons and sexual exploitation and abuse.--
The Committee remains concerned about cases of UN peacekeepers
abusing the people they have been sent to protect. The
Committee notes with great concern the continued sexual
exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers and supports a zero-
tolerance policy. The Committee recommendation includes
language carried in the prior year prohibiting funds unless the
Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on
Appropriations on a peacekeeping mission-by-mission basis that
the UN is implementing effective policies and procedures to
prevent UN employees, contractor personnel, and peacekeeping
troops serving in such mission from trafficking in persons,
exploiting victims of trafficking, or committing acts of sexual
exploitation and abuse or other violations of human rights.
Section 7048(h) of this Act provides that funds
appropriated by this Act shall be made available to implement
section 301 of the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal
Year 2017 (P.L. 114-323), which requires a United States
strategy for combating sexual exploitation and abuse in UN
peacekeeping operations. The Committee notes that section 303
of Public Law 114-323 also states that it is the policy of the
United States that security assistance should not be provided
to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if such
unit has engaged in a gross violation of human rights or in
acts of sexual exploitation or abuse, including while serving
in a UN peacekeeping operation.

International Commissions

INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $77,534,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 72,648,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 72,648,000
Change from enacted level......................... -4,886,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$72,648,000 for International Boundary and Water Commission,
United States and Mexico, including $44,748,000 for Salaries
and Expenses and $27,900,000 for Construction.
The Committee recommendation includes not less than the
request for the Rio Grande Flood Control System Rehabilitation
Project to continue and maintain levee projects along the Rio
Grande, including environmental, hydrologic, hydraulic, and low
water weir studies along the Rio Grande Valley that are
consistent with the projects outlined within the Mexican Water
Treaty of 1944, Treaty Series 994.
The Committee notes the treaty obligations of Mexico to
supply water deliveries to the Rio Grande and recognizes the
importance of transparency concerning such matters. The
Committee directs International Boundary and Water Commission
(IBWC) to regularly publish water delivery data on its Web
site, including projections for the balance of water
deliveries. The Committee expects IBWC to hold quarterly
meetings with interested stakeholders to inform them of IBWC
activities and receive feedback.
The Committee is concerned about the adverse impact on
communities in the United States from the release of effluent
from Mexico. The Committee urges the Secretary of State and
IBWC to work with the Government of Mexico to facilitate a
resolution to this matter.

AMERICAN SECTIONS, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $12,258,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 12,184,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 12,184,000
Change from enacted level......................... -74,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $12,184,000 for
American Sections, International Commissions, of which
$7,504,000 is for the International Joint Commission,
$2,290,000 is for the International Boundary Commission, and
$2,390,000 is for the Border Environment Cooperation
Commission.
Lake Ontario shoreline.--Not later than 90 days after
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report on damages to
the shoreline of Lake Ontario as a result of flooding during
2017, including an assessment of damages attributable to the
implementation of Plan 2014 by the International Joint
Commission. The report shall also review and include options
for providing compensation to shoreline property owners
adversely affected by such flooding during 2017.

INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $37,502,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 33,871,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 34,176,000
Change from enacted level......................... -3,326,000
Change from request............................... +305,000

The Committee recommendation includes $34,176,000 for
International Fisheries Commissions.
Funds appropriated under this heading support the United
States share of the expenses of the international fisheries
commissions and related organizations, as well as the travel
expenses of the United States commissioners. The commissions
funded by this appropriation were established by treaties and
agreements negotiated by the United States and were ratified by
the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The
treaties protect access to shared international fisheries
resources and support other vital economic and environmental
interests. The commercial and recreational fisheries managed by
these organizations generate income from $12 billion to $15
billion annually for the United States.
Funds made available under the heading are allocated in the
following manner and are subject to the requirements of
sections 7015 and 7076 of this Act:

INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commission/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great Lakes Fishery Commission....................... $21,345
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission.............. 1,750
Pacific Salmon Commission............................ 3,450
International Pacific Halibut Commission............. 4,200
Other Marine Conservation Organizations.............. 3,431
------------------
Total, International Fisheries Commissions....... 34,176
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Committee recommendation includes funds necessary to
fully support the anticipated United States treaty-mandated
assessments, other expenses related to such commissions, and
for the participation of non-government United States
commissioners to the various commissions. The recommendation
also includes the funds requested for Asian carp control by
Great Lakes Fisheries Commission.

RELATED AGENCY

Broadcasting Board of Governors

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $781,808,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 688,154,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 769,727,000
Change from enacted level......................... -12,081,000
Change from request............................... +81,573,000

The Committee recommendation includes $769,727,000 under
this heading to carry out United States international
communications activities and operations overseen by the
Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), of which $764,936,000 is
for International Broadcasting Operations and $4,791,000 is for
Broadcasting Capital Improvements.

INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS

The Committee recommendation includes $764,936,000 for
International Broadcasting Operations. Additional funds are
included in title VIII.
This account funds the operating, program, and engineering
costs of Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio
Liberty (RFE/RL), Radio Free Asia (RFA), the Middle East
Broadcasting Networks, and BBG. The recommendation also
includes funding for broadcasting to Cuba under this account.
Funds made available under the heading are allocated in the
following manner and are subject to the requirements of
sections 7015 and 7076 of this Act:

INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Entities Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Broadcasting Bureau.................... $55,457
Internet Freedom and Circumvention Activities.... [13,800]
Voice of America..................................... 232,735
Office Cuba Broadcasting............................. 28,056
Technology, Services and Innovation.............. 176,975
------------------
Subtotal, Federal Entities................... 493,223
Independent Grantee Organizations:...................
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.............. 123,867
Radio Free Asia.............................. 42,346
Middle East Broadcasting Networks............ 105,500
------------------
Subtotal, Grantees........................... 271,713
------------------
Total, International Broadcasting Operations......... 764,936
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Committee recommendation continues the requirement that
the BBG notify the Committees on Appropriations within 15 days
of any determination by the Board that any of its broadcast
entities were found to be in violation of the principles,
standards, or journalistic code of ethics.
Countering Internet censorship.--The Committee
recommendation includes $13,800,000 under International
Broadcasting Bureau for global internet freedom for the
expansion of unrestricted access to information on the Internet
in accordance with section 7078 of this Act. In addition,
$1,200,000 is included within funds provided for RFA for the
personnel costs associated with Internet freedom activities,
bringing the total provided for such programs to $15,000,000
for fiscal year 2018.
Subsection (e) of such section requires the BBG Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) to submit to the Committees on
Appropriations a spend plan for funds made available for
programs to promote Internet freedom globally. Such spend plan
shall detail amounts planned for support of the activities
detailed in section 7078(b)(2), including amounts to be
programmed by the Open Technology Fund.
Countering ISIS and violent extremism.--The Committee
recommendation includes funds for continued programming to
counter the misinformation of ISIS and other violent extremist
groups in the Middle East, and Central and South Asia.
Countering Russian media.--The Committee expresses its
strong support for efforts to counter Russia's aggressive
disinformation and propaganda campaign, particularly through
the development of effective Russian language programming. The
Committee recommendation includes funds for countering Russian
influence programming and urges the BBG to continue an
aggressive multi-media effort aimed at Russians and Russian
speakers, including the Current Time TV programming of RFE/RL
and VOA. The Committee directs that BBG report to the
Committees on Appropriations on options for increasing
viewership and reach of Current Time.
East Asia and the Pacific.--The Committee strongly supports
the Tibetan language services of the VOA and RFA which the
Committee understands provide the only sources of independent
information accessible to the people of Tibet. The Committee
recommendation provides $42,346,000 for RFA, including funds to
continue the Tibetan language service.
Korean programming.--The Committee recommendation includes
sufficient funds for RFA and VOA to continue Korean programming
enhancements begun in fiscal year 2017.
Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB).--The Committee
recommendation provides not less than $28,056,000 for OCB Radio
and TV Marti, pursuant to the Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act of
1983, the Television Broadcasting to Cuba Act of 1990, and
section 703(b) of the Department of State Authorities Act,
Fiscal Year 2017.
VOA Africa.--The Committee acknowledges the importance of
VOA Africa programming, including programs in South Sudan,
Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The
Committee urges the BBG to continue to prioritize such
programs.
VOA Pakistan.--The Committee urges VOA to consider
expanding Sindh language broadcasting.

BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

The Committee recommendation includes $4,791,000 for
broadcasting capital improvements.

RELATED PROGRAMS

The Asia Foundation

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $17,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 15,810,000
Change from enacted level......................... -1,190,000
Change from request............................... +15,810,000

The Committee recommendation includes $15,810,000 for The
Asia Foundation. The Committee recommendation does not assume
the closure of The Asia Foundation (TAF), as proposed by the
fiscal year 2018 request.
Authorized by The Asia Foundation Act of 1983, TAF operates
programs throughout Asia. TAF program priorities are developed
in consultation with the Department of State and focus at the
country and regional levels on building democratic institutions
and improving governance, supporting policies and institutions
required for open markets, increasing opportunities for women's
participation and empowerment, and encouraging stability and
cooperative relations among nations in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Committee supports the efforts of TAF to seek donations
from private foundations and corporations, competitively-bid
awards from governmental and multilateral development agencies,
and fee-based or reimbursable agreements as a means of
sustaining program activities. The Committee directs TAF to
include a summary table in the CBJ for fiscal year 2019
detailing total revenue and support by category for fiscal year
2017 and projected for fiscal year 2018.

United States Institute of Peace

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $37,884,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 19,117,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 35,300,000
Change from enacted level......................... -2,584,000
Change from request............................... +16,183,000

The Committee recommendation includes $35,300,000, for the
United States Institute of Peace, as authorized. The Committee
recommendation does not assume the closure of the United States
Institute of Peace (USIP), as proposed by the fiscal year 2018
request.
The Committee notes that USIP receives funds from
interagency transfers, reimbursements, and offsetting receipts
to support USIP programs. The Committee urges USIP to continue
to seek competitive awards from Federal agencies and to fully
implement fee-based or reimbursable agreements, where
appropriate, as a means of sustaining USIP activities and
programs in a fiscally constrained environment. In addition,
the Committee directs USIP to include information in the CBJ
for fiscal year 2019 on the amount of funds received from other
Federal agencies and the amount of revenue generated from fees
and reimbursable agreements in fiscal year 2017, and projected
for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $122,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 140,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 140,000
Change from enacted level......................... +18,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year
2018 of interest and earnings from the Center for Middle
Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund, as authorized by section
633 of Public Law 108-199. Interest and earnings for fiscal
year 2019 are projected to total $140,000.

Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $350,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 158,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 158,000
Change from enacted level......................... -192,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year
2018 of interest and earnings from the Eisenhower Exchange
Fellowship Program Trust Fund, as authorized by sections 4 and
5 of the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Act of 1990. Interest
and earnings for fiscal year 2019 are projected to total
$158,000.

Israeli Arab Scholarship Program

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $47,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 65,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 65,000
Change from enacted level......................... +18,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year
2018 of interest and earnings from the Israeli Arab Scholarship
Endowment Fund, as authorized by section 214 of the Foreign
Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993.
Interest and earnings for fiscal year 2019 are projected to
total $65,000.

East-West Center

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $16,700,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -16,700,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for the East-West Center.

National Endowment for Democracy

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $170,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 103,500,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 170,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +66,500,000

The Committee recommendation includes $170,000,000 for the
National Endowment for Democracy.
Of the total amount provided, the Committee directs that
$117,500,000 shall be allocated in the traditional and
customary manner, including for the core institutes.
The remaining $52,500,000 shall be for democracy, human
rights, and rule of law programs; as well as for the next phase
of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) mid- to long-term
strategic approach and response to immediate and unanticipated
challenges or opportunities, regarding which the President of
the NED shall consult with the core institutes on the use of
such funds, and the core institutes shall be eligible to
receive funds for such purposes.
The Committee remains concerned that new, more
sophisticated, and transnational threats to democracy abroad
have emerged in recent years. The NED, with its four core
institutes, its global grants programs and activities, and its
extensive experience, is uniquely positioned to lead a
strategic response to such threats. The Committee commends the
NED for building on its unparalleled experience and work in the
most difficult political environments to develop a
transnational approach to defending democratic norms, values,
and institutions to address many key strategic challenges. The
Department of State and USAID should recognize the ability of
the NED to address these challenges.
The Committee continues to support democracy and human
rights programs for Tibet and directs that not less than the
amounts provided in fiscal year 2017 be continued for such
purposes.
Not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, the
President of the NED is directed to submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations on the proposed uses of the funds
provided under this heading on a regional and country basis.
The report should include a description of programmatic goals
for each region and country and how the planned use of funds
will meet such goals. The Committee directs the NED to consult
with the Committees on Appropriations in advance of any
significant deviation from the plans outlined in such report.
This grant should continue to be provided directly to the NED,
and therefore funds under this heading shall not be subject to
prior approval by the Department of State or USAID or to
administrative or management surcharges, and minimal expenses,
if any, should be charged to general Department of State
operating expenses. Further, the NED should not be precluded
from competitively bidding on other grant solicitations.

OTHER COMMISSIONS

Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $888,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 675,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 675,000
Change from enacted level......................... -213,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $675,000 for
Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad,
as authorized.

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $3,500,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 4,500,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 4,500,000
Change from enacted level......................... +1,000,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $4,500,000 for the
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, as
authorized by title II of the IRFA of 1998.
The Commission conducts independent reviews, reports on
facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom
abroad, and recommends options for United States policies with
respect to foreign countries engaging in or tolerating
violations of religious freedom.

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $2,579,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 2,579,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,579,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $2,579,000 for
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, as authorized
by Public Law 94-304.
The Commission was established in 1976 to monitor the acts
of the signatories that reflect compliance with or violation of
the articles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and
Cooperation in Europe, with particular regard to provisions
relating to human rights and cooperation in humanitarian
fields.

Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $2,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 2,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $2,000,000 for the
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of
China.
Established by the China Relations Act of 2000, the
Commission's mission is to monitor compliance of the Government
of the People's Republic of China (PRC) with international
human rights standards and to track the development of the rule
of law in the PRC. The Commission reports annually on these
issues to the President and the Congressional leadership,
making recommendations for policy action and legislation, when
appropriate.

United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $3,500,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 3,500,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 3,500,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $3,500,000 for United
States-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
The Committee recommendation continues by reference the
authorities, conditions, and limitations carried under this
heading in division F of Public Law 111-117 that provide an
administrative framework for the operations of the Commission.
Established by the National Defense Authorization Act,
2001, the mission of the Commission is to monitor, investigate,
and assess the ``national security implications of the
bilateral trade and economic relationship'' between the United
States and the PRC. The Commission reports annually on these
issues to Congress, making recommendations for policy action
and legislation when appropriate.

TITLE II--UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Funds Appropriated to the President

OPERATING EXPENSES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $1,204,609,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request1............................. 1,045,797,000
Committee recommendation 1............................ 1,133,906,000
Change from enacted level......................... -70,703,000
Change from request............................... +88,109,000

1In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, the fiscal year 2018
request, and the Committee recommendation include funds under this
heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii)
of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
2The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated by
the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L.
114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $1,133,906,000 for
Operating Expenses. Additional funds are provided under title
VIII.
Funds under this heading are provided for salaries and
expenses of employees of USAID, personal service contractors,
and employees hired by other Federal agencies but assigned to
USAID.
The Committee directs the USAID Administrator to provide an
update to the report required by House Report 114-154 to
reflect employment data as of the end of fiscal year 2018 not
later than November 15, 2018.
The Committee notes that USAID must submit an operating
plan to the Committees on Appropriations as required in section
7076 of this Act.
Diversity of the workforce.--The Committee expects the
USAID Administrator to continue initiatives, including
fellowships, to promote diversity in the workforce.
Procurement.--The Committee directs the USAID Administrator
to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on any
proposed significant or substantive change to USAID guidance or
directives related to acquisition and assistance prior to
issuing such guidance or directives to USAID posts worldwide.
The Committee directs USAID to ensure that technical
officers comply with statutory and regulatory requirements in
selecting the appropriate instrument type when administering
all contracts and awards. USAID shall consult with the
Committee on the guidelines used when selecting the appropriate
mechanism.
As in prior years, USAID is directed to notify the
Committees on Appropriations 15 days prior to any procurement
action that involves awarding of a sole source contract or
other non-competitive grant or contract; raising the ceiling on
an existing Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC); issuing a new
IQC; awarding an umbrella grant; or raising the ceiling on an
existing umbrella grant. The Committee expects the thresholds
for notification to be the same as in fiscal year 2012.
The Committee remains concerned about USAID limiting
competition for certain contracts and grants. The Committee
directs the USAID Administrator to report to the Committees on
Appropriations, not later than 30 days after enactment of this
Act, on any procurement actions for which competition was
limited, and the justification for each such action taken,
during fiscal year 2017.
The Committee continues to be concerned about the
difficulty with which United States companies, including small,
minority-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises;
universities; and non-governmental organizations have in
navigating the acquisitions and assistance process at USAID.
The Committee expects that, to the maximum extent practicable,
the USAID Administrator shall ensure that United States small,
minority-owned, veteran, and disadvantaged business enterprises
fully participate in the provision of goods and services.
The Committee recommends funding in title VI of this Act
for the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to
provide technical procurement advisory assistance and services
for USAID and other Federal agencies for middle income and
lower income countries that need assistance developing and
aligning their standards and regulations with the broader
international community.
The Committee recommends that USAID increase the use of
United States professional engineers and architects in the
design, build, and oversight of construction projects funded by
this Act.
Science and technology research.--The Committee notes USAID
issued their Public Access Plan on increasing access to the
results of federally funded scientific research and urges
continued implementation of such plan.

CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level1....................... $174,985,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 157,980,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 174,985,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +17,005,000

1The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes $174,985,000 for
Capital Investment Fund and notes that USAID must submit an
operating plan to the Committees on Appropriations as required
in section 7076 of this Act.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level1....................... $67,600,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 69,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 69,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... +1,400,000
Change from request............................... 0

1The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes $69,000,000 for
Office of Inspector General and directs the Office of Inspector
General (OIG) to submit its annual audit plan within the first
quarter of fiscal year 2018. Additional funds are provided
under title VIII.
A vibrant private sector is a necessary condition for
economic growth and poverty reduction. Not later than one year
after enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the OIG to
submit a report to the appropriate Congressional committees on
how USAID, MCC, United States African Development Foundation,
Inter-American Foundation, and Overseas Private Investment
Corporation attract, include, and transition private capital
into their projects.

TITLE III--BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

Funds Appropriated to the President

GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $8,724,950,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 6,480,500,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 8,321,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... -403,950,000
Change from request............................... +1,840,500,000

The Committee recommendation includes $8,321,000,000 for
Global Health Programs.

USAID Global Health Programs

The Committee recommendation includes $2,973,500,000 for
USAID global health programs, of which $2,651,000,000 is new
budget authority to be directly apportioned to USAID and
$322,500,000 is repurposed funds. The Committee includes
language similar to the request to repurpose unobligated
balances appropriated under title IX of Division J of Public
Law 113-235 for malaria programs and global health security.
The Committee recommendation includes budgetary resources
of $814,500,000 for maternal and child health; $125,000,000 for
nutrition programs under this heading; $23,000,000 for programs
benefiting vulnerable children; $241,000,000 to combat
tuberculosis; $82,500,000 for global health security and
emerging health threats; and $755,000,000 to prevent and treat
malaria. Included under this heading is authority to provide a
contribution to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the
Committee recommendation includes $132,500,000 for such
contribution.
Global health security and emerging health threats.--The
Committee recommendation includes $72,500,000 to promote global
health security and to address emerging health threats
overseas. Not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act,
and prior to the initial obligation of funds, the Committee
directs the USAID Administrator to submit to the Committees on
Appropriations a report on the proposed uses of such funds on a
country and project basis. The Committee directs that such
report shall be updated and submitted to the Committees on
Appropriations every 60 days until funds are obligated.
In addition, the Committee recommendation includes
$10,000,000 for the Emergency Reserve Fund established pursuant
to section 7058(d)(2) of the Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2017
(Division J of P.L. 115-31) to enable the United States and the
international public health community to respond rapidly to
emerging health threats. Funds in the Reserve Fund are
available until expended, but may only be made available if,
prior to obligation, the Secretary of State determines and
reports to the Committees on Appropriations that it is in the
national interest to respond to an emerging health threat that
poses severe threats to human health.
The Committee supports efforts to prevent and control
vector-borne diseases and encourages USAID to coordinate such
efforts with other agencies, incorporating, both proven and
new, interventions that can be deployed rapidly and scaled up
quickly into their programs.
Malaria.--The Committee reaffirms its support for the
Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat
Malaria Globally as established in Public Law 110-293,
including oversight of relevant programs across government
agencies.
Maternal and child health.--The health of a mother is
directly related to the health of her children, and the
Committee continues its commitment to maintain an emphasis on
expanding access to programs that have proven effective in
reducing maternal and child mortality. From funds provided
under this heading, the Committee directs USAID to increase
funding for programs to prevent and treat obstetric fistula.
Within the funds provided, the Committee also encourages USAID
to continue supporting programs for maternal and neonatal
tetanus. The Committee looks forward to USAID's annual report
on progress towards ending preventable child and maternal
deaths.
Subject to the consultation requirements of the Committees
on Appropriations, USAID shall consider the need and cost-
effectiveness of supporting programs that focus on the
following health issues: children with hydrocephalus; children
with autism; programs for children with disabling burn
injuries; non-communicable diseases; and neurological
disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
The Committee encourages the USAID Administrator, in
consultation with the United States Office of the Global AIDS
Coordinator (OGAC) and the Director of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), to give attention and support to
increasing access to quality health care through frontline
health workers, particularly at the community level, as part of
their strategy to prevent child and maternal deaths and ensure
global health security.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).--The Committee notes
the success of USAID in combating NTDs and supports the
continuation of these life-saving programs.
Nutrition.--The Committee directs that not less than
$125,000,000 be provided for nutrition programs under this
heading, including continued funding for Vitamin A and iodine
deficiency disorder programs. The Committee supports effective
nutrition interventions to reduce stunting, increase
breastfeeding, promote early childhood development, and treat
severe malnutrition.
Polio.--The Committee provides $59,000,000 for programs to
combat and eradicate polio, of which not less than $51,500,000
is provided under this heading. The Committee notes that global
polio eradication programs are also funded by the CDC.
Reproductive health and voluntary family planning.--Section
7058 of this Act includes a limitation of not more than
$461,000,000 for reproductive health and voluntary family
planning programs in this Act. This provision also addresses
funds provided under Economic Support Fund for such programs.
The Committee recommendation continues prior year language
that does the following: (1) requires that none of the funds
appropriated in this Act, or any unobligated balances, may be
made available to any organization or program, which as
determined by the President, supports or participates in the
management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary
sterilization; (2) states that funds cannot be used to pay for
the performance of abortions as a method of family planning or
to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortion; (3)
specifies that population funds shall be available only to
voluntary family planning projects that offer, either directly
or through referral, information about access to a broad range
of family planning methods and services; (4) requires that in
awarding grants for natural family planning under section 104
of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, no applicant shall be
discriminated against because of such applicant's religious or
conscientious commitment to offer only natural family planning;
and (5) requires the provision of accurate information related
to condoms.
The Committee includes language in section 7056 of this Act
prohibiting funds for any foreign nongovernmental organization
that promotes or performs abortion, except in cases of rape or
incest or when the life of the mother would be endangered if
the fetus were carried to term.
The Committee urges USAID to promote the awareness and use
of technology-based fertility-awareness methods of family
planning that are proven effective.
Research.--The Committee directs the Department of State
and USAID to coordinate and undertake a consultative process
with the Department of Defense, the CDC, the National
Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration,
and OGAC as agencies develop their global health research
priorities to ensure that United States investments in global
health research are efficient, coordinated, and streamlined.
The Committee looks forward to USAID's annual health related
research and development report, which, among other things,
outlines the Agency's process to support the uptake of global
health products and interventions.
Tuberculosis.--The Committee expects the USAID
Administrator to consult with the Committees on Appropriations
regarding the use of funds in this Act to implement the
President's National Action Plan for Combating Drug Resistant
Tuberculosis.
Vaccines.--The Committee recommends a United States
contribution of $290,000,000 for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance in
recognition that vaccines are key to decreasing the number of
children who die before age five.
The Committee agrees that developing a vaccine is essential
to the fight against malaria and HIV and encourages USAID to
continue funding to support their advancement as part of a
comprehensive prevention, diagnostic, and treatment strategy to
reduce malaria and HIV worldwide.
Vulnerable children.--The Committee directs that not less
than $23,000,000 shall be provided to support programs and
activities that address the needs of vulnerable children,
including childhood blindness programs.
The Committee notes that six priority countries were
selected for the United States Government Action Plan on
Children in Adversity (APCA). The Committee encourages USAID to
work to develop a coordinated strategy across all government
agencies and a process for collaborative country planning for
each of these six countries. The Committee directs the USAID
Administrator to regularly update the Committee on APCA
implementation.
The Committee supports implementation of all three core
objectives under the APCA, which focus on building strong
beginnings, putting family care first, and protecting children
from violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect. The Committee
encourages USAID to apply Displaced Children and Orphans Fund
resources to plan and budget for activities that support all
APCA core objectives, including, but not limited to, increasing
the percentage of children living within appropriate,
permanent, and protective family care; reducing the percentage
of children living in institutions; and increasing adequate
nutrition, education opportunities, care, and protection for
families and their children.

HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment

The Committee recommendation includes $6,000,000,000 to
fight HIV/AIDS, which is the same amount as the fiscal year
2017 enacted level. Of this amount, the Committee
recommendation includes $5,670,000,000 to be directly
apportioned to the Department of State. The Committee
recommends continued support for a United States contribution
to the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
The Committee recognizes the significant achievements of
the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through
the support of anti-retroviral treatment, testing, counseling,
and other prevention measures. The Committee is concerned about
the growing infection rate among women and girls and recommends
their prioritization within programs to prevent and treat HIV,
especially pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child
transmission. Additionally, the Committee recommends that OGAC
build upon the success of the Accelerating Children's Treatment
Initiative, including a focus on capacity for HIV diagnostics
and anti-retroviral treatment for infants and young children at
the highest risk of dying without treatment.
The Committee supports OGAC's engagement with post-
secondary institutions as authorized in section 204(c) of
Public Law 110-293.
For PEPFAR, sustainability means that a country has
services, systems, and resources to effectively and efficiently
control the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Sustainability requires a long-
term commitment from a country to ensure it establishes and
maintains sufficient levels of fiscal ability, technical
capability, political will, and citizen engagement. The
Committee directs PEPFAR to include in its annual report a
country-by-country assessment of sustainability and the
country-specific obstacles to sustainability.
Microbicides.--The Committee recommends continued support
for microbicide development and directs OGAC to coordinate with
USAID, NIH, other Federal agencies, and donors in order to
advance microbicide development and implementation. The
Committee directs OGAC to update the Committees on
Appropriations on a regular basis on the progress made in
achieving an effective microbicide.
Public-private partnerships.--The Committee recognizes the
important work by OGAC in partnering with the private sector
and other institutional donors to leverage public and private
investments in global health. These efforts are instrumental in
combating a number of health issues unique to the survival of
women and mothers in sub-Saharan Africa, including screening
for disease, education and awareness campaigns, and other
critical improvements to the overall health systems and
services in some of the most underserved areas. The Committee
encourages OGAC to consider expanding these efforts to improve
the health of women worldwide.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
(Global Fund).--The Committee is supportive of the Global Fund
and its performance-based, results-oriented multilateral
funding mechanism to combat HIV/AIDS and other infectious
diseases. The Committee recommends up to $1,350,000,000 to meet
such commitment, and any funds not able to be obligated because
of statutory limitations may be available for bilateral PEPFAR
programs.
Oversight of the Global Fund remains a top priority, as
well as continued support for an independent Office of the
Inspector General. Therefore, the Committee recommendation
continues language withholding 10 percent of funds provided to
the Global Fund until the Secretary of State certifies to the
Committees on Appropriations that the Secretariat and Board of
the Global Fund have not adopted policies that would make the
work of the OIG less transparent or less comprehensive.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to provide to
the Committees on Appropriations an update to the report
required in House Report 113-185 on Global Fund issues related
to financial systems, taxation, the United Nations Development
Programme, and Secretariat budget transparency.
Vulnerable children.--The Committee encourages OGAC to
continue to align existing programs for vulnerable children
with the goals and objectives of APCA and ensure that orphans
and vulnerable children remain a priority within PEPFAR country
programs. The Committee supports the continued integration of
APCA's first objective into PEPFAR Mother-to-Child Transmission
Programs; continued programming that focuses on strengthening
families and preventing family separation, as well as
identifying children outside of parental care for placement
into permanent families; and continued support for efforts to
meet the needs of children living outside of family care.

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $2,995,465,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,780,971,000
Change from enacted level......................... -214,494,000
Change from request............................... +2,780,971,000

The Committee recommendation includes $2,780,971,000 for
Development Assistance.
The Committee recommendation does not endorse the proposal
in the fiscal year 2018 request to eliminate or significantly
reduce development programs in the least developed countries
and expects such programming to continue.

Agriculture

The Committee includes $1,000,600,000 for food security and
agriculture development as authorized by the Global Food
Security Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-195). The Committee appreciates
the whole-of-government approach presented in the Global Food
Security Strategy and directs the USAID Administrator to
consult with the Committees on Appropriations on such strategy,
including the benchmarks and performance metrics. The Committee
recognizes the importance of biofortification as a part of the
global food security strategy and urges continued support for
such efforts. The Committee notes the positive impact large-
scale irrigation systems could have if accessible to
smallholder farmers and directs the USAID Administrator to
consult with the Committees on Appropriations on such efforts.
The Committee provides $15,000,000 for a contribution as
authorized by section 3202 of Public Law 110-246, as amended by
section 3206 of Public Law 113-79.
Feed the Future Innovation Labs.--The Committee
recommendation includes not less than $60,000,000 for the Feed
the Future Innovation Labs, and the Committee commends USAID
for its increased engagement with United States universities to
capitalize on the unparalleled research capacities of United
States institutions of higher education to solve the world's
most challenging agricultural development and food security
problems. The Committee expects that the request level for the
Feed the Future Innovation Labs will be designated in the CBJ
for fiscal year 2019.
Interagency collaboration.--The Committee notes reports
that have called attention to global food security challenges
to meet growing demand, from addressing water demands, energy
costs, and issues relating to the distribution, utilization,
and waste of food. The Committee expects the President to work
with the Department of State, USAID, and relevant domestic
agencies to align domestic and global efforts related to food
security, including to identify research and engagement
priorities.
Spend plan.--Pursuant to section 7076 of this Act, the
USAID Administrator is required to submit a spend plan on food
security and agriculture development and the Committee expects
such plan to detail the proposed use of funds by account,
office, and country prior to funds being obligated. The spend
plan should also identify the level of resources recipient
countries are investing in their own food security and
agriculture development plans.

Economic Growth

Microenterprise and microfinance.--The Committee
recommendation includes not less than $265,000,000 in this Act
for microenterprise and microfinance development programs. The
Committee notes that USAID is required to target half of all
microfinance and microenterprise funds to the very poor,
defined as those living on less than $1.25 a day, pursuant to
section 251(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. The
Committee directs the USAID Administrator to prioritize
investments in microenterprise and microfinance in sub-Saharan
Africa to reach the poorest and most marginalized and to
consult with the Committees on Appropriations on efforts to
focus existing resources for this purpose. The Committee
encourages investment in a variety of financial services that
allow the poor to save, borrow, and access insurance,
remittances, and other key services. The Committee supports
microenterprise and microfinance programs to promote economic
development in Mexico and Central America.
The Committee supports funding consistent with prior years
to support the programs and activities of the Office of Private
Capital and Microenterprise.
Trade capacity building.--The Committee continues to
support capacity building activities related to countries with
free trade agreements to ensure that United States workers and
businesses can compete on a level playing field.

Education

American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA).--The
Committee recommendation includes $26,000,000 for the ASHA
program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2017 enacted
level. The Committee continues to recognize the important
contributions made to United States foreign policy interests by
institutions funded by this program, including fostering a
positive image of the United States around the world. The
Committee notes the distinct mandate of ASHA from other USAID
development programs, including the focus on public diplomacy
and fostering American values, ideas, and practices. The
Committee also notes that many of the successful ASHA programs
operate in countries that are largely absent of other USAID
programs. USAID should consider the strategic impact that ASHA
programs can have in particular countries and regions in
fostering a stronger commitment to fundamental American values.
The Committee expects ASHA funds to continue to be allocated
through an open and competitive process. The Committee expects
USAID to allocate funds to administer the ASHA program from
funds provided for Operating Expenses on a proportionate basis
with other agency programs.
Basic education.--The Committee believes basic education
should be a key component of the United States Government
strategy in developing countries. An educated citizenry will
result in sustained economic growth, strengthened democratic
institutions, the empowerment of women and girls, and decreased
extremism. The Committee recommendation includes not less than
$800,000,000 for basic education programs in this Act and
directs USAID to use meaningful metrics in evaluating its basic
education programs. The Committee supports increased United
States participation in the Global Partnership for Education
and includes not less than $87,500,000 for a contribution.
The Committee is concerned that USAID has not sufficiently
integrated programs for pre-primary education into the basic
education strategy. Not later than 90 days after enactment of
this Act, the USAID Administrator is directed to submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations on the criteria used
to determine where pre-primary education programs are funded.
The report should also include a list of countries and funding
levels for all current pre-primary education programs. The
Committee encourages the USAID Administrator to explore
opportunities to promote early child development through
ongoing activities and programs, including screening for early
development delays and training for caregivers about behaviors
that promote brain development.
The Committee believes that schools can be centers of
learning and development for an entire community and expects
programs in other sectors to be integrated with schools and
educational programs as much as possible. USAID should
prioritize technical assistance for local governments to foster
communities of learning and should encourage recipient
countries and other donors to pursue comprehensive development
efforts to support these programs. The Committee recommends
USAID provide technical assistance to local partners in order
to implement and scale leadership development programs to
facilitate and sustain educational opportunities. USAID is
directed to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on
this initiative on a regular basis, as well as stakeholders,
during continued implementation of the basic education strategy
to sustain progress in literacy and basic education programs.
Such consultations should include how the strategy will impact
all age groups. The Committee supports funds for basic
education programs in the Western Hemisphere. The Committee
recommends USAID consider school-based eye health programs to
help ensure access to eyeglasses for children.
The Committee notes that violence against children can be
pervasive in settings where children are expected to be safe
and protected, such as homes and schools, and the negative
impact such violence has on education outcomes. The Committee
therefore encourages that basic education programs support the
objectives and outcomes outlined in the APCA.
The Committee notes the reporting requirement contained in
section 7060(a) of this Act and directs USAID to continue to
consult with the Committees on Appropriations on progress made
to reduce the funding pipeline of basic education assistance.
Higher education.--The Committee recommendation includes
$235,000,000 for assistance for higher education, which is the
same as the fiscal year 2017 level. $10,000,000 is included for
partnerships between higher education institutions in the
United States and Malawi. The Committee notes the important
role United States universities have played in advancing recent
innovations in e-learning and directs USAID to include a focus
within the partnerships to increase access to higher education
through the use of this technology.
In addition, the Committee recommendation includes not less
than $35,000,000 for programs to build institutional capacity
of universities and colleges in developing nations through
partnerships with United States universities. The Committee
directs USAID to initiate new competitive grants for
partnerships of a sufficient length and size to make a
transformational impact on colleges and universities in
developing nations.
The Committee supports the work of the USAID Global
Development Lab to accelerate the creation, testing, and
scaling of high-impact approaches to development and directs
that funds consistent with prior years be made available to
continue the Higher Education Solutions Network.
The Committee supports funds for higher education programs
in the Western Hemisphere. The Committee notes that reaching
underserved populations in Latin America and the Caribbean with
educational programs of sufficient duration to provide
leadership, language skills, and career training is important
for countries' economic and social development. Therefore, the
Committee urges USAID to prioritize educational opportunities
at post-secondary institutions for underserved populations in
the region.
The Committee includes further direction on funds made
available under this heading for Vietnam in section 7043 of
this report and expects the USAID Administrator to consult with
the Committees on Appropriations on the use of funds for higher
education programs in the country.
The Committee expects funds provided for higher education
to be made available through open and competitive processes.

Global Programs

The Committee includes language on conservation and
programs to combat trafficking in persons under section 7060 of
this report.
African descent.--The Committee directs the USAID
Administrator to continue to consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on steps taken by USAID to address the specific
needs of people of African descent in countries in which USAID
operates.
Burn prevention.--The Committee supports burn prevention
efforts through the distribution of fire-safe cookstoves and
directs that USAID consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on the estimated need and cost effectiveness of
programs that focus on essential treatment for children with
disabling burn injuries. The Committee further directs that
USAID integrate burn prevention and treatment into existing
programs, as appropriate.
Child marriage.--The Committee recommends funding at not
less than the fiscal year 2017 level for programs that reduce
the incidence of child marriage and to meet the needs of
married girls. The Committee notes advances made in Kenya
against child marriage and encourages the USAID Administrator
to support such efforts.
Cooperative Development Program.--The Committee provides
$12,000,000 for USAID's Cooperative Development Program. The
Committee directs the USAID Administrator to consult with the
Committees on Appropriations on cooperative development
programs for financial systems including how USAID is complying
with the requirements of 22 U.S.C. Sec. 2151i(2).
Domestic resource mobilization.--The Committee supports the
efforts of USAID and the Office of Technical Assistance of the
Department of the Treasury to help countries better mobilize
their own financial resources. Domestic resource mobilization
offers the opportunity to create tools and capacity in partner
countries to increase the accountability of governments to
their people and significantly raise new resources to invest in
and achieve their health, education, and other development
goals. The USAID Administrator shall consult with the
Committees on Appropriations to identify specific countries
where such assistance should be programmed.
Measuring results.--The Committee notes the mainstreaming
of country ownership throughout USAID's revised program cycle
guidance and requests USAID adopt agency-wide metrics with
which to measure progress achieving locally owned sustainable
development.
Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program.--The Committee
includes $1,500,000 for USAID's Ocean Freight Reimbursement
Program to continue support for Private Voluntary Organizations
through a competitive grant program pursuant to section 123(b)
of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. The USAID Administrator
is directed to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on
the administration of the program for fiscal year 2018.
Public-private partnerships and innovative solutions.--The
Committee supports USAID's continued engagement with private
sector to leverage additional funding and to support innovative
solutions to development and global health problems, including
through the Global Development Lab.
Reconciliation programs.--The Committee provides
$26,000,000 under this heading and Economic Support Fund to
support people-to-people reconciliation programs that bring
together individuals of different ethnic, religious, and
political backgrounds from areas of civil strife and war, of
which $10,000,000 shall be for reconciliation activities
between Israelis and Palestinians. Funds shall be awarded
through a competitive grant process. The Committee expects the
Department of State and USAID to ensure that funds provided for
reconciliation programs in the Middle East include a rigorous
vetting and evaluation process and are consistent with United
States foreign policy objectives in the region.
Victims of torture.--The Committee supports continued
funding for the USAID victims of torture programs.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).--The Committee
recommendation includes not less than $400,000,000 in this Act
for long-term, sustainable water supply, sanitation, and
hygiene projects pursuant only to Public Law 109-121, as
amended by Public Law 113-289. The Committee directs that not
less than $145,000,000 of such funds be made available for
programs and activities in sub-Saharan Africa, which should be
prioritized for the poorest communities and countries in
accordance with Public Law 113-289. The Committee expects these
programs to include robust monitoring and evaluation and
directs USAID to consult with the Committees on Appropriations
on these efforts. Access to adequate water, sanitation, and
hygiene is a critical component of disease prevention, and the
Committee supports greater integration of WASH services with
nutrition and health programs, which reinforces priority
actions identified in the USAID Water and Development Strategy.
The Committee notes that a lack of access to toilets, adequate
sanitation, and hygiene products impacts women and girls in
particular and recommends USAID address this issue in the
design of WASH programs. The Committee directs the USAID
Administrator to submit a report, not later than 90 days after
enactment of this Act, on how such issues are included in the
design and implementation of WASH programs, including ensuring
the availability of feminine hygiene products. The Committee
notes the work of academic institutions in WASH programs in
West Africa and supports catalytic approaches that increase
capacity of national and regional institutions to replicate
successful models for safe water and sanitation and improved
hygiene throughout the region.

INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $498,483,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request\1\........................... 690,259,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 1,033,483,000
Change from enacted level......................... +535,000,000
Change from request............................... +343,224,000

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, the fiscal year 2018
request, and the Committee recommendation include funds under this
heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of
the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
\2\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of
P.L. 114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $1,033,483,000 for
International Disaster Assistance, when combined with funds
provided under title VIII the total is $2,821,686,000.
This account funds humanitarian relief, rehabilitation, and
reconstruction in countries affected by natural and man-made
disasters, as well as support for disaster mitigation, disaster
risk reduction, prevention, and preparedness. This includes the
purchase of commodities, such as temporary shelter, blankets,
and supplementary and therapeutic food; potable water; medical
supplies; and agricultural rehabilitation. Program
beneficiaries include disaster victims, conflict victims, and
internally displaced persons. Funds are also provided for the
Emergency Food Security Program, as authorized in the Global
Food Security Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-195).
The Committee notes that additional funds were provided
under this heading in title VIII of division J of Public Law
115-31 for famine prevention, relief, and mitigation. These
funds were intended to address urgent needs and the Committee
notes that at this time significant balances remain available
for obligation. The Committee urges the USAID Administrator to
expeditiously program the remaining famine relief balances. The
Committee will review the need for further famine relief funds
as the appropriation process proceeds.
Child protection.--The Committee recognizes the need for
additional protection of children in conflict and crisis
settings and encourages the Office of Foreign Disaster
Assistance to play an increasing leadership role to protect
children in humanitarian crises.

TRANSITION INITIATIVES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $35,600,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request\1\........................... 30,000,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 30,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... -5,600,000
Change from request............................... 0

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, the fiscal year 2018
request, and the Committee recommendation include funds under this
heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of
the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
\2\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of
P.L. 114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for
Transition Initiatives. When combined with funds provided under
title VIII, the amount recommended is the same as the request.
Funds provided in this account support programs targeting
key transitions to democracy for countries in crisis and quick-
impact activities for conflict prevention or stabilization.
The Committee recommendation continues the following
requirements: (1) funds made available under this heading may
only be administered by the Office of Transition Initiatives
(OTI); (2) five days prior to starting a new program, USAID
must submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations; and
(3) up to $15,000,000 of funds appropriated by this Act to
carry out the provisions of part I of the Foreign Assistance
Act of 1961 may be used for the purposes and with the
authorities provided under this heading if the Secretary of
State determines it is in the national interest and following
consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.
The Committee directs OTI to submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations summarizing new, ongoing, and
completed country programs implemented by OTI in fiscal year
2018, including programs supported with transferred funds,
subject to the reporting requirements of the Committees on
Appropriations.

COMPLEX CRISES FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $10,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -10,000,000
Change from request............................... 0

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level includes funds under
this heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)
of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for the Complex Crises Fund.

DEVELOPMENT CREDIT AUTHORITY

Program Account:
Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $50,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 60,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 50,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... -10,000,000
Administrative Expenses:
Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $10,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 9,120,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 9,120,000
Change from enacted level......................... -880,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes a ceiling of
$50,000,000 on the amount that may be transferred from
bilateral economic assistance accounts for the subsidy cost of
loan guarantees under the Development Credit Authority (DCA)
program. The Committee recommendation includes an appropriation
of $9,120,000 for administrative expenses.
The Act includes a requirement that USAID notify the
Committees on Appropriations prior to the use of gifts for DCA
transactions or in transactions resulting in negative subsidy.
The Committee notes that USAID must submit a spending
report to the Committees on Appropriations as required in
section 7076 of this Act.

ECONOMIC SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $0
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 2,229,350,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... -2,229,350,000

The Committee notes there is merit to consolidating certain
accounts if it achieves efficiencies while maintaining the
integrity of the authorized purposes of such accounts. However,
given that the management review at the Department of State and
USAID has not concluded and the authorizing congressional
committees of jurisdiction have not yet had a chance to review
such consolidations, the Committee has deferred the decision to
consolidate accounts and therefore does not recommend funds
under this heading.

ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $1,041,761,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request\1\........................... 0
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 1,041,761,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +1,041,761,000

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, the fiscal year 2018
request, and the Committee recommendation include funds under this
heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of
the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
\2\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of
P.L. 114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $1,041,761,000 for
Economic Support Fund. Additional funds are provided under
title VIII.
The Committee notes that funds are requested under this
heading to advance United States interests by helping countries
meet political, economic, and security needs.

Africa

The Committee provides additional direction on programs in
this region under section 7042 of this report.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).--The Committee
recommendation includes $71,000,000 for the DRC, which is the
same as the request. Funds are provided to support economic and
agricultural development opportunities, as a result of the
improving investment climate in the DRC, including in eastern
DRC. Funds should also support democracy and governance, rule
of law, and civil society capacity building. The Committee
notes the success of public-private partnerships to help small
farmers with agricultural development initiatives and
encourages USAID to continue to support such efforts.
Somalia.--The Committee supports continued funding for
Somalia to support the formation of legitimate, durable
institutions that will enhance peace and stability in the
country. The Secretary of State is directed to submit an update
to the report required under this heading in House Report 114-
693.

East Asia and the Pacific

People's Republic of China (PRC).--The Committee
recommendation includes a prohibition on direct assistance to
the Government of the PRC from this account.
Tibet.--The Committee includes $8,000,000, which is the
same as the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, to support
activities that preserve cultural traditions and promote
sustainable development and environmental conservation in
Tibetan communities in the Tibetan Autonomous Region and in
other Tibetan autonomous areas in the PRC. The Committee notes
the development challenges facing Tibetan communities in South
Asia and includes $6,000,000, which is the same as the fiscal
year 2017 enacted level, to continue to support Tibetan
communities in India and Nepal in the areas of education,
skills development, and entrepreneurship.

Near East

The Committee provides additional direction on programs in
the region under section 7041 of this report.
Lebanon scholarships.--The Committee includes not less than
$12,000,000 for scholarships for Lebanese students with high
financial need to attend not-for-profit educational
institutions in Lebanon that meet standards comparable to those
required for American accreditation. Students graduating from
public and private high schools in Lebanon should be eligible
for scholarships if they demonstrate financial need, have
strong academic records, and show potential to contribute to
the long-term political, economic, and social development of
Lebanon. The Committee directs that these funds be awarded
through an open and competitive process.
Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) scholarship
program.--The Committee includes $12,000,000 to continue the
MEPI scholarship program.
Middle East Regional Cooperation Program.--The Committee
includes $5,000,000 for the Middle East Regional Cooperation
Program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2017 level.
Near East Regional Democracy.--The Committee includes
$32,000,000 for the Near East Regional Democracy program, which
is the same as the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The
Committee expects a portion of the funds provided above the
request to be used to support programs to increase the
participation of women in politics, including as candidates in
elections, and in consultation with diaspora communities in the
United States.
Scholarship program for refugees in Lebanon.--The Committee
includes $2,000,000 to continue the university pilot program
for refugees in Lebanon. Such funds are in addition to funds
made available for assistance for Lebanon under this heading.
The USAID Administrator is directed to consult with the
Committees on Appropriations on an ongoing basis on how the
program will be administered consistent with the Lebanon
scholarship program at not-for-profit educational institutions
in Lebanon that meet the standards required for American
accreditation, and other matters related to implementation.

South and Central Asia

The Committee provides additional direction on programs in
this region under section 7044 of this report.
The Committee supports regional economic integration
programs that support transit, trade, and energy linkages in
the region and increase economic growth and stability by
expanding trade through neighboring countries.

Western Hemisphere

Cuba.--The Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000
for programs to promote democracy and strengthen civil society
in Cuba, of which not less than $8,000,000 shall be for the
NED. The remaining funds should be administered by DRL, the
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs and USAID, and the
Committee encourages these bureaus and USAID to consider the
unique capabilities of the core institutes of the NED in
implementing similar programs. The Committee directs that funds
shall only be used for programs and activities pursuant to
section 109(a) of the Cuban Liberty and Solidarity (LIBERTAD)
Act of 1996 and section 1705 of the Cuban Democracy Act of
1992, and shall not be used for business promotion, economic
reform, entrepreneurship or any other assistance that is not
democracy-building. With respect to grantee selection and
implementation, the Committee directs that grants exceeding
$1,000,000, or to be implemented over a period of 12 months,
shall be awarded only to organizations with experience
promoting democracy inside Cuba.
Venezuela.--The Committee recommendation provides
$8,000,000 for democracy programs in Venezuela.
Other Assistance for Latin America and the Caribbean.--The
Committee provides direction for other countries and programs
in Latin America and the Caribbean under section 7045 of this
report.

Global Programs

Foreign assistance resources.--The Committee recommendation
includes the request for the Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance
Resources to support aid transparency and evaluation.
Green Climate Fund (GCF).--Section 7034 prohibits funds in
this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the
Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs
for a contribution, grant, or any other payment to the GCF.
Independent media.--The Committee continues to support
assistance for independent media, including in Afghanistan,
Burma, and Pakistan.
National Ocean Policy.--The Committee notes that no funds
are requested in fiscal year 2018 for the implementation of the
National Ocean Policy, and the Committee recommendation
includes no funding for this purpose. The Committee further
notes that any funds obligated in support of this policy are
subject to the notification requirements contained in this Act.
Parliamentary exchanges.--The Committee includes $1,900,000
for the House Democracy Partnership and encourages coordination
with USAID in implementing parliamentary strengthening
programs.
The Committee notes concerns about USAID decreasing
legislative strengthening programs in emerging and
transitioning democracies. The Committee directs the USAID
Administrator to support legislative strengthening programs in
those countries where the House Democracy Partnership is
engaged in an active program.
Rule of law and judicial reform.--The Committee believes
the rule of law is fundamental to promoting democracy and
sustainable development. The Committee notes that the rule of
law is strengthened by promoting independent judiciaries, human
rights and women's rights, combating human trafficking and
corruption, and increasing public accountability and access to
justice. The Committee continues to support programs to develop
fair and transparent judicial systems that advance the rule of
law worldwide.

DEMOCRACY FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level....................... $210,500,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request............................. 0
Committee recommendation............................. 210,500,000
Change from enacted level........................ 0
Change from request.............................. +210,500,000

The Committee includes $210,500,000 for Democracy Fund,
which is the same as the fiscal year 2017 enacted level.
Funds included under this heading were requested under
Economic Support and Development Fund. Of the funds provided,
$145,375,000 shall be for the Human Rights and Democracy Fund
of DRL at the Department of State, and $65,125,000 shall be for
the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance
at USAID.

ASSISTANCE FOR EUROPE, EURASIA AND CENTRAL ASIA

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $291,638,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 691,571,000
Change from enacted level......................... +399,933,000
Change from request............................... +691,571,000

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level includes funds under
this heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section
251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control
Act of 1985.
\2\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of
P.L. 114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $691,571,000 for
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia. Additional
funds are provided under title VIII.
Cyprus.--The Committee is aware that no funds are requested
for Cyprus, but should the Secretary of State decide to provide
funds, such assistance should only be used only for measures
aimed at reunification and designed to reduce tensions and
promote peace and cooperation between the two communities on
Cyprus. The Committee notes that such programs are subject to
the requirements of section 7015 of this Act.
Moldova.--The Committee recommendation includes sufficient
funding to continue programs under this heading for Moldova.
Reconciliation programs.--The Committee expects that funds
will be made available to further the economic, social
development, and reconciliation goals of Public Law 99-415 at
levels consistent with amounts provided in prior years.
Research and training.--The Committee recommendation
supports programs made pursuant to section 7034(d) of this Act
for research and training authorized by the Soviet-Eastern
European Research and Training Act of 1983.

Department of State

MIGRATION AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $912,802,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request\1\........................... 715,241,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 877,802,000
Change from enacted level......................... -35,000,000
Change from request............................... +162,561,000

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, the fiscal year 2018
request, and the Committee recommendation include funds under this
heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii)
of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
\2\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of
P.L. 114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $877,802,000 for
Migration and Refugee Assistance. When combined with additional
funds for Migration and Refugee Assistance provided under title
VIII, the amount recommended is the same as the fiscal year
2017 enacted level less additional amounts made available in
the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017.
Of the funds made available under this heading in this
title, the Committee recommendation includes not less than
$35,000,000 to respond to small-scale emergency humanitarian
requirements.
Minority communities.--Conflict and instability in the
Middle East and Africa intensify the challenges facing minority
communities, including Christian populations. The Committee
urges the Secretary of State to ensure that eligible
individuals and families from such communities have access to
humanitarian assistance and resettlement services.
Resettlement in Israel.--The Committee recommendation
includes not less than $7,500,000 for refugees from the former
Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and other refugees resettling in
Israel, which is the same as the request and similar to
language carried in prior years.
Syrian refugee assistance.--Not later than 90 days after
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to
the Committee on Appropriations, a report detailing country
commitments and plans, including non-traditional donors, to
assist in the Syrian refugee crisis. The report should also
include the type and duration of the pledge, and whether such
countries have followed through with their commitments. The
report shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include
a classified annex.
Tibetan refugees.--The Committee supports the continued
allocation of funds to assist Tibetan refugees in Nepal and
India at a level commensurate with prior years. The Committee
is concerned about reports that Nepalese officials have handed
over Tibetan refugees to Chinese border authorities, in
contravention of Nepal's international obligations to protect
refugees fleeing persecution. The Committee supports efforts by
the Secretary of State to work with the Government of Nepal to
provide safe transit for Tibetan refugees and legal protections
to Tibetans residing in Nepal.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)
accountability.--The Committee recommendation includes language
in section 7048(d) of this Act prohibiting funds appropriated
under this heading from being made available to UNRWA until the
Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on
Appropriations that UNRWA is:
(1) utilizing Operations Support Officers in the West Bank,
Gaza, and other fields of operation to inspect UNRWA
installations and reporting any inappropriate use;
(2) acting promptly to address any staff or beneficiary
violation of its own policies (including the policies on
neutrality and impartiality of employees) and the legal
requirements under section 301(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act
of 1961;
(3) implementing procedures to maintain the neutrality of
its facilities, including implementing a no-weapons policy, and
conducting regular inspections of its installations, to ensure
they are only used for humanitarian or other appropriate
purposes;
(4) taking necessary and appropriate measures to ensure it
is operating in compliance with the conditions of section
301(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and continuing
regular reporting to the Department of State on actions it has
taken to ensure conformance with such conditions;
(5) taking steps to ensure the content of all educational
materials currently taught in UNRWA-administered schools and
summer camps is consistent with the values of human rights,
dignity, and tolerance and does not induce incitement;
(6) not engaging in operations with financial institutions
or related entities in violation of relevant United States law,
and is taking steps to improve the financial transparency of
the organization; and
(7) in compliance with the UN Board of Auditors' biennial
audit requirements and is implementing in a timely fashion the
Board's recommendations.
The Committee directs that in reviewing whether UNRWA is
meeting the requirements of paragraph (2), the Secretary of
State shall ensure that UNRWA's employment policies prohibit
staff from being members of militant political parties or a
Foreign Terrorist Organization designated pursuant to section
219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, including members
of Hamas.
House Report 114-693 directed the Secretary of State to
include in the annual report required by section 4 of the
United Nations Participation Act of 1945 (Public Law 79-264) a
justification of why it is in the national interest of the
United States to provide funds to UNRWA. It further directed
the Secretary to include in the justification an analysis of
the current definition of Palestinian refugees that is used by
UNRWA, how that definition corresponds with, or differs from,
that used by UNHCR, other UN agencies, and the United States
Government, and whether such definition furthers the prospects
for lasting peace in the region. In addition, the Committee
further urges the Secretary of State, in consultation with the
United States Ambassador to the UN and other donor countries,
to review UNRWA's contemporary mandate as approved by the UN
General assembly and report back to the Committees on
Appropriations about the findings of that review.

UNITED STATES EMERGENCY REFUGEE AND MIGRATION ASSISTANCE FUND

The Committee recommendation does not include funds under
this heading. Funds previously provided under the heading have
been included under Migration and Refugee Assistance. The
Committee directs the Secretary of State to provide a report to
the Committees on Appropriations on any available balances
remaining under the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance
Fund not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act.

Independent Agencies

PEACE CORPS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $410,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 398,221,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 398,221,000
Change from enacted level......................... -11,779,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $398,221,000 for
Peace Corps.
The Committee recommendation for Peace Corps will provide
support for the positive contributions of Americans serving as
volunteers throughout the world, including volunteer safety and
security operations. The Committee recommendation continues the
ban on the use of funds for abortion, with certain exceptions,
and requires an operating plan pursuant to section 7076 of this
Act.
The Committee recommendation continues the requirement that
the Peace Corps consult with and notify the Committees on
Appropriations prior to any decisions to open, close,
significantly reduce, or suspend a domestic or overseas office
or country program. The Committee directs the Director of the
Peace Corps to submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations, listing all decisions made during the fiscal
year to change the status of offices or country programs and
the justifications for such decisions, subject to the reporting
procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.

MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $905,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 800,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 800,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... -105,000,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $800,000,000 for
Millennium Challenge Corporation. The Committee recommendation
includes a limitation of $102,400,000 for administrative
expenses and not more than $100,000 may be for representational
expenses.
Corruption.--The Committee directs the CEO of the
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to continue to update
the Committees on Appropriations on efforts to seek better data
on governance and other measures of corruption.
MCC mandate.--The Committee continues to direct the CEO of
the MCC to include the corresponding economic rate of return
estimated for each line item funded in the compact in
congressional notifications submitted for new compacts.
Reporting requirements.--The Committee directs the MCC to
continue to adhere to the directives contained in House Report
114-154 with respect to reporting requirements.

INTER-AMERICAN FOUNDATION

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $22,500,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 4,565,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 11,250,000
Change from enacted level......................... -11,250,000
Change from request............................... +6,685,000

The Committee recommendation includes $11,250,000 for the
Inter-American Foundation. The Committee recommendation does
not assume the closure of the Inter-American Foundation (IAF),
as proposed by the fiscal year 2018 request.
The Committee directs the IAF to consult with the
Committees on Appropriations prior to exercising the authority
in section 7024 of this Act.

UNITED STATES AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $30,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 8,332,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 15,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... -15,000,000
Change from request............................... +6,668,000

The Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 for the
United States African Development Foundation. The Committee
recommendation does not assume the closure of the United States
African Development Foundation (USADF), as proposed by the
fiscal year 2018 request.
The Committee directs the USADF to consult with the
Committees on Appropriations prior to exercising the authority
in section 7024 of this Act for new grants.
The Committee notes that the USADF must submit an operating
plan to the Committees on Appropriations as required in section
7076 of this Act.

Department of the Treasury

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $30,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 25,455,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 25,455,000
Change from enacted level......................... -4,545,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $25,455,000 for
International Affairs Technical Assistance by the Department of
the Treasury.

TITLE IV--INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE

Department of State

INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $889,664,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request\1\........................... 695,550,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 848,139,000
Change from enacted level......................... -41,525,000
Change from request............................... +152,589,000

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, the fiscal year 2018
request, and the Committee recommendation include funds under this
heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii)
of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
\2\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of
P.L. 114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $848,139,000 for
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement. Additional
funds are provided under title VIII.
Funds for certain programs under this heading are allocated
according to the following table and subject to section 7019 of
this Act:

INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.................. $25,200
Central America Regional Security Initiative......... 230,000
Colombia............................................. 143,000
Combating wildlife poaching and trafficking.......... 50,000
Countering Russian Influence Fund.................... 20,000
Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Rights.......... 10,000
Demand Reduction..................................... 12,500
Egypt................................................ 2,000
Georgia.............................................. 4,000
International Law Enforcement Academies.............. 25,000
International Organized Crime........................ 58,000
Mexico............................................... 90,000
Morocco.............................................. 5,000
Peru................................................. 33,500
Tunisia.............................................. 13,000
Ukraine.............................................. 30,000
Western Hemisphere Regional Security Cooperation..... 10,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act and
prior to the initial obligation of funds appropriated under
this heading, the Committee directs the Secretary of State to
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on the
proposed uses of funds in a manner similar to prior years. The
Committee notes that such report does not meet the notification
requirements under section 7015 of this Act.

Programs

Cybercrime and intellectual property rights.--The Committee
recommendation supports the efforts of United States Government
agencies to build the capacity of partner nations to combat
cybercrime and strengthen law enforcement in the area of
intellectual property rights. The Committee recommendation
provides funding above the request to address the evolving
threats in cyberspace and assist partner countries to prevent
and respond to cybercrime. Not later than 45 days after
enactment of this Act and prior to the initial obligation of
funds for such purposes, the Secretary of State is directed to
submit a spend plan to the Committees on Appropriations of
assistance planned under this heading to combat cybercrime,
including bilateral and global programs funded under this
heading, along with a description of the activities planned for
each country.
The Committee supports the placement of Intellectual
Property Law Enforcement Coordinators in locations around the
world to help coordinate United States training and mentor
partner enforcement agencies.
International organized crime.--The Committee
recommendation incudes $58,000,000 for programs to combat
international organized crime, which is the same as the
request. Not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of State is directed to submit a spend plan to
the Committees on Appropriations of assistance planned under
this heading to combat international organization crime,
including bilateral and global programs funded under this
heading, along with a description of the activities planned for
each country.

NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $500,696,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request\1\........................... 312,766,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 617,873,000
Change from enacted level......................... +117,177,000
Change from request............................... +305,107,000

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, the fiscal year 2018
request, and the Committee recommendation include funds under this
heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii)
of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
\2\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of
P.L. 114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $617,873,000 for
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related
Programs. Additional funds are provided under title VIII. Funds
for certain programs under this heading are allocated according
to the following table and subject to section 7019 of this Act:

NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonproliferation programs............................ $283,556
Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund............ [25,000]
Export Control and Related Border Security [59,656]
Assistance......................................
Global Threat Reduction.......................... [70,000]
Anti-terrorism programs.............................. 358,000
Antiterrorism Assistance Program................. [182,000]
[of which, airport and aviation security].... [20,000]
Counterterrorism Financing....................... [12,500]
Terrorist Interdiction Program................... [36,000]
Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund............... [127,500]
Conventional Weapons Destruction..................... 196,900
------------------
Total, Non-Proliferation, Anti-terrorism, 838,456
Demining and Related Programs...................
------------------
of which, OCO................................ [220,583]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nonproliferation programs.--The Committee includes
$283,556,000 for Nonproliferation Programs. The Committee
emphasizes that nonproliferation programs of the Department of
State and other Federal agencies are critical United States
national security. The Committee urges close coordination among
all agencies involved in nonproliferation activities.
The Committee recommendation includes not less than the
request for a voluntary contribution to the IAEA to support
programs that promote nuclear safeguards, nuclear safety and
security, the responsible use of nuclear energy, and the
peaceful uses of nuclear technologies. The Committee expects
the Secretary of State to prioritize funding to support the
IAEA's verification activities, including monitoring Iran's
nuclear commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of
Action.
Antiterrorism programs.--The Committee recommendation
includes $358,500,000 in this Act for Antiterrorism programs,
including $182,000,000 for the Antiterrorism Assistance
Program, which provides counterterrorism law enforcement
training to partner countries.
The Committee recommendation provides $20,000,000 to
strengthen international airport and aviation security,
including passenger and baggage screening, and crisis response.
In programming such funds, the Department of State should
consider national security risks to the United States and the
extent to which countries are meeting international standards
for airport and aviation security. Not later than 45 days after
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State is directed to
submit an updated spend plan to bolster airport and aviation
security in key countries.
The Committee recommendation supports efforts of the
Department of State and other Federal agencies to assist
foreign countries to detect, disrupt, and dismantle terrorist
financial networks. The Committee recommendation also supports
efforts to assist countries at risk from terrorist activity
enhance their border security capabilities through the
Terrorist Interdiction Program.
The Committee recommendation includes $127,500,000 in this
Act for the Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund.
Conventional Weapons Destruction.--The Committee includes
$196,900,000 for Conventional Weapons Destruction Programs and
encourages the Secretary of State to continue support for
programs in Angola, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Laos, and
Vietnam.
The Committee notes the increases in funding for demining
programs over the last decade and believes an examination is
needed to ensure strategic direction of these programs. The
Committee urges the Secretary of State to conduct an assessment
of such programs, which should include: consideration of United
States national security interests; risk factors in each
country; cooperation of host countries in program
implementation; efficiency and effectiveness of ongoing
programs; and support for similar activities from sources other
than the United States Government. The Committee recommends the
Secretary establish goals and graduation criteria for each
country. The Committee directs the Secretary to consult with
the appropriate congressional committees on these matters not
later than 45 days after enactment of this Act.

PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $135,041,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request\1\........................... 122,300,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 135,041,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +12,741,000

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, the fiscal year 2018
request, and the Committee recommendation include funds under this
heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii)
of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
\2\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of
P.L. 114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $135,041,000 for
Peacekeeping Operations. Additional funds are provided under
title VIII.
Child soldiers.--The Committee includes language in section
7034 of this Act requiring that funds should not be used to
support military training or operations that include child
soldiers.
Global Peace Operations Initiative.--The Committee includes
$61,000,000 for the Global Peace Operations Initiative, which
is the same as the fiscal year 2017 level, including to support
the Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance
program.
Near East.--The Committee recommendation includes
$31,000,000 for the Multinational Force and Observers Mission
(MFO) in the Sinai, which is the same as the request. The
Committee directs that funds made available above the level of
the United States contribution are intended to address ongoing
force protection requirements and emerging needs to protect and
sustain the MFO mission in the Sinai.
Somalia.--Consistent with prior years, the Committee
recommendation includes funds under this heading in title VIII
for the UN Support Office for the African Union Mission in
Somalia, instead of under Contributions for International
Peacekeeping Activities. The Committee recommendation allows
bills to be paid for such mission up to the statutory rate.

Funds Appropriated to the President

INTERNATIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $110,300,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 100,160,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 105,160,000
Change from enacted level......................... -5,140,000
Change from request............................... +5,000,000

The Committee recommendation includes $105,160,000 for
International Military Education and Training.
The Committee notes that International Military Education
and Training (IMET) and Expanded International Military
Education and Training (E-IMET) programs are a valuable part of
United States security assistance. In addition to providing
professional training and education, IMET exposes foreign
students to American democratic values, particularly respect
for civilian control of the military and the government, and
internationally recognized standards of individual and human
rights. IMET and E-IMET serve as tools to strengthen military
alliances and international coalitions that are critical to
United States national security.
Burma.--The Committee recommendation does not include
assistance for Burma under this heading.
Country levels.-- The Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2017 level for Malta. The Committee recommendation
does not provide funding for Nicaragua.
Countering Russian Influence Fund.--The Committee
recommendation includes $5,000,000 for the Countering Russian
Influence Fund.
Report.--The Secretary of State, in consultation with the
Secretary of Defense, is directed to submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees on changes made in the
current fiscal year to enhance IMET and E-IMET and
recommendations for the following fiscal year. Such report
should be submitted concurrently with the report required by
section 7034(b)(6) of this Act.

FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1,2\................... $4,785,805,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request\1\........................... 4,670,713,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 5,625,863,000
Change from enacted level......................... +840,058,000
Change from request............................... +955,150,000

\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, the fiscal year 2018
request, and the Committee recommendation include funds under this
heading in title VIII designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii)
of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
\2\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level also excludes funds appropriated
by the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of
P.L. 114-254).

The Committee recommendation includes $5,625,863,000 for
Foreign Military Financing Program. Additional funds are
provided under title VIII.
The Committee recognizes that the Foreign Military
Financing Program is a key component of building partner nation
capacity to address common threats and helping allies and
partners defend themselves. Foreign Military Financing Program
provides grants for the acquisition of United States defense
equipment, services, and training. The Committee notes that
such assistance enables nations to improve defensive
capabilities, fosters bilateral military relationships with the
United States, and builds interoperability in joint missions.
The Committee recommendation continues prior year language
allowing the Secretary of State to expedite the procurement of
defense articles or services for foreign security forces,
following consultation with, and notification of, the
Committees on Appropriations.
Funds for certain programs under this heading are allocated
according to the following table and subject to section 7019 of
this Act:

FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
Program/Activity Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Belize.................................................. $1,000
Colombia................................................ 38,525
Costa Rica.............................................. 5,000
Countering Russian Influence Fund....................... 50,000
Egypt................................................... 1,300,000
El Salvador............................................. 1,900
Estonia................................................. 8,000
Georgia................................................. 35,000
Guatemala............................................... 1,740
Honduras................................................ 4,500
Israel.................................................. 3,100,000
Iraq.................................................... 250,000
Jordan.................................................. 450,000
Latvia.................................................. 8,000
Lithuania............................................... 8,000
Mexico.................................................. 5,000
Moldova................................................. 12,750
Morocco................................................. 10,000
Panama.................................................. 2,000
Peru.................................................... 1,800
State Western Hemisphere Regional/Central America....... 12,500
State Western Hemisphere Regional/Caribbean Basin 7,500
Security Initiative....................................
Tunisia................................................. 65,000
Ukraine................................................. 95,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Argentina.--The Committee notes renewed security
cooperation and engagement between Argentina and the United
States. The Committee supports the use of funds in this Act and
prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs for mutually agreed
upon goals in the areas of counternarcotics, law enforcement,
and peacekeeping.
Asia and the Pacific.--The Committee remains concerned
about the military modernization of the PRC and the increasing
frequency of aggressive claims in territorial disputes,
including on the seas and in cyberspace. The Committee
encourages the Administration to continue to engage with allies
in the region on the political, economic, and military
implications of the strategic rise of the PRC, including
through military assistance and sales programs. Foreign
Military Financing Program resources should emphasize building
the maritime security capabilities of United States partners in
Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The Secretary of State should
also work with the Secretary of Defense to provide excess
defense articles applicable to maritime security missions to
countries in the region, as appropriate.
Burma.--The Committee recommendation does not include
assistance for Burma under this heading.
Child soldiers.--The Committee includes language in section
7034 of this Act requiring that funds should not be used to
support military training or operations that include child
soldiers.
Foreign Military Sales and Foreign Military Financing
Program.--The Committee remains concerned that interagency
processes have kept agreed-upon security assistance and sales
from being delivered promptly and efficiently. Section 7034(b)
of this Act directs that funds provided under Foreign Military
Financing Program be made available to increase the efficiency
and effectiveness of foreign military sales programs. The
Secretary of State is also directed to identify in the
submission of subsequent CBJ documents any resources required
by the Department of State to support measures to increase the
efficiency and effectiveness of such programs.
The Secretary of State is directed to continue cooperating
with the ongoing review being conducted by the Government
Accountability Office to identify reforms that can be made by
the Departments of State and Defense to increase the efficiency
and effectiveness of the foreign military sales process.
In accordance with subsection (b)(7)(B), the Secretary of
State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall
include a list of cases under development for major defense
equipment (as defined in section 47 of the Arms Export Control
Act) that are above the thresholds identified in section 36(b)
of the Arms Export Control Act for which the letter of request
is over 180 days old, consultations have not begun with the
committees of jurisdiction, and a Letter of Offer has not been
submitted. Such list shall include: (1) the date of the letter
of request; (2) the amount of the proposed sale; and (3) a
description of the defense article or service. The report shall
be submitted in unclassified form, but may be accompanied by a
classified annex, if necessary. The Secretary of State, in
coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall also be
prepared to discuss the status of each case, including whether
the case has been received by the Department of State.
Israel.--The Committee recommendation includes
$3,100,000,000 in grants for military assistance to Israel,
which is the same as the budget request. The Committee notes
that of the funds provided for assistance for Israel, not less
than $815,300,000 is for offshore procurement of military
equipment. The Committee recommendation continues prior year
language that funds shall be made available within 30 days of
enactment of this Act.
The Committee notes that the Committee recommendation
supports the last installment of the current $30,000,000,000
ten-year United States-Israel MOU. The Committee further notes
the continued importance of Israel as a major strategic partner
and ally of the United States in an increasingly unstable and
critical region of the world. The Committee recognizes that the
United States-Israel partnership is integral to United States
national security interests in the region and supports the
continuation of the MOU framework to strengthen the strategic
partnership to the benefit of both the United States and
Israel. The Committee emphasizes that the MOU reflects the
commitment of the United States to the security of Israel and
to ensuring that Israel's qualitative military edge and defense
capabilities are maintained.
Kosovo.--The Committee supports continued assistance to the
Kosovo Security Force as it makes the gradual transition to a
multiethnic army for the Republic of Kosovo.
Lebanon.--The Committee recommendation includes language in
section 7041(e) of this Act requiring that certain conditions
be met prior to the obligation of funds for assistance for
Lebanon. The Committee intends that assistance provided to the
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will not be used against Israel,
and such assistance will not affect Israel's qualitative
military edge in the region. The Committee notes that section
7041(e) prohibits funds for the Lebanese Internal Security
Forces or the LAF if either organization is controlled by a
foreign terrorist organization and the Committee directs the
Secretary of State to consult with the Committee regarding the
rigorous implementation of this provision.
Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the
Committee further directs the Secretary of State to submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations, in classified form
if necessary, on the performance of the LAF, including an
assessment of the operational capabilities of such forces and
how the training, curriculum, and equipment provided by the
United States contributes to those capabilities. The Committee
directs the Secretary of State to regularly consult with the
Committees on Appropriations on the activities of the LAF and
assistance provided by the United States.
Loan authority.--The Committee recommendation does not
include the requested authority for loan assistance on a global
basis. The Committee will consider providing this authority on
a country-by-country basis and recommends the Department of
State include in future congressional budget justifications a
detailed analysis and justification for any country for which
loan authority is requested.

TITLE V--MULTILATERAL ASSISTANCE

Funds Appropriated to the President

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $339,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -339,000,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for International Organizations and Programs. The
Committee notes that funds for a contribution to UNICEF are
provided under Global Health Programs.

International Financial Institutions

International Monetary Fund (IMF) internal budget.--The
Committee expects the Secretary of the Treasury to submit to
the Committees on Appropriations the information required in
House Report 114-154 regarding IMF surcharges on loans and the
internal budget for the IMF and directs the Secretary to
provide updated information on such matters for calendar year
2017.
Green Climate Fund.--Section 7034 of this Act prohibits the
use of funds in this Act and prior Acts making appropriations
for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs for a contribution, grant, or any other payment to the
GCF.

Concerns about the World Bank Group

Budget support.--The Committee continues to be concerned
about the use of budget support, through Development Policy
Loans and Program for Results. Not later than 90 days after
enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the Secretary of
the Treasury to report to the Committees on Appropriations on
the ten countries receiving the highest levels of lending for
each instrument during calendar year 2017.

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $146,563,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 102,375,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -146,563,000
Change from request............................... -102,375,000

The Committee recommendation includes funds for the
biodiversity activities of the Global Environment Facility
under title III of this Act.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $1,197,128,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 1,097,010,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 658,661,000
Change from enacted level......................... -538,467,000
Change from request............................... -438,349,000

The Committee recommendation includes $658,661,000 for
Contribution to the International Development Association.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND
DEVELOPMENT

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $5,963,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -5,963,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for Contribution to the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $21,940,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -21,940,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for Contribution to the Inter-American
Development Bank.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $99,233,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 47,395,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 47,395,000
Change from enacted level......................... -51,838,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $47,395,000 for
Contribution to the Asian Development Fund.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $32,418,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 32,418,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 32,418,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $32,418,000 for
Contribution to the African Development Bank.
The Committee recommends a limitation on the amount that
the United States Governor of the African Development Bank may
subscribe to the callable portion of the United States share of
the General Capital Increase.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $214,332,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 171,300,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 109,387,000
Change from enacted level......................... -104,945,000
Change from request............................... -61,913,000

The Committee recommendation includes $109,387,000 for
Contribution to the African Development Fund.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $30,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 30,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 30,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for
Contribution to the International Fund for Agricultural
Development.

GLOBAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $23,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -23,000,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for Global Agriculture and Food Security Program.

TITLE VI--EXPORT AND INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE

Export-Import Bank of the United States

INSPECTOR GENERAL

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $5,700,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 5,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 5,700,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +700,000

The Committee recommendation includes $5,700,000 for the
Office of Inspector General.
The Committee directs the Office of Inspector General to
submit to the Committees on Appropriations its annual audit
plan within the first quarter of fiscal year 2018.

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $110,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 95,500,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 95,500,000
Change from enacted level......................... -14,500,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $95,500,000 for
Administrative Expenses and does not include funds for a
subsidy appropriation.

Overseas Private Investment Corporation

NONCREDIT ACCOUNT

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $70,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 60,800,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 60,800,000
Change from enacted level......................... -9,200,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes $60,800,000 for
Noncredit Account for the administrative expenses of the
Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC).

PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $20,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 10,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... -10,000,000
Change from request............................... +10,000,000

The Committee recommendation includes $10,000,000 for the
cost of OPIC's direct and guaranteed loan credit programs. The
Committee directs the President of OPIC to submit a report on
obligations not less than 14 days after the end of each month
and include the weekly amount of the principal and subsidy
obligated in the previous month; the weekly amount of principal
and subsidy deobligated; the net amount of obligated principal
and subsidy by geography, sector, and credit score; the
corresponding amount of subsidy remaining for the fiscal year
expressed as a dollar amount and percentage; and a projection
of the following month's expected obligations of principal and
subsidy.
The Committee recommendation does not extend the
authorization of OPIC, but defers such action to the
authorizing committees of jurisdiction. The Committee
recommendation does not assume the closure of OPIC, as proposed
by the fiscal year 2018 request.
The Committee directs the President of OPIC to include in
the CBJ for fiscal year 2019 a confidential annex that
describes new loans, guarantees, and insurance approved in
fiscal year 2018 by category, recipient, country, level of OPIC
resources provided, and source year of financing used, as well
as any updates to the previous report. The Committee also
directs OPIC to provide additional detail, including a
description of the positive and negative subsidy assigned to
the largest projects and the level of guarantee provided.
The Committee directs OPIC to continue to adhere to the
directives contained in House Report 112-494 with respect to
investment funds, local currency guarantees, and non-
governmental and private and voluntary organizations.

TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $75,000,00
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 12,105,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 70,500,000
Change from enacted level......................... -4,500,000
Change from request............................... +58,395,000

The Committee recommendation includes $70,500,000 for the
United States Trade and Development Agency. The Committee
recommendation does not assume the closure of the United States
Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), as proposed by the fiscal
year 2018 request.
Procurement assistance.--The Committee recommendation
includes funds to support global procurement assistance from
USTDA to educate and train foreign governments and public
officials about how to establish procurement practices and
policies for programs funded in this Act by USAID, MCC, and
Department of State assistance programs. The Committee expects
that such assistance will focus on training on risk mitigation
measures, as well as on integrating life-cycle cost analysis
and best-value determination in a fair, transparent manner.

TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 7001 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding allowances and differentials.
Sec. 7002 includes language carried in the prior year
requiring agencies to provide quarterly reports on the
cumulative balances of any unobligated funds.
Sec. 7003 includes language carried in the prior year
requiring that consulting service contracts shall be a matter
of public record.
Sec. 7004 includes language modified from the prior year
with respect to the construction and use of diplomatic
facilities, setting limitations and expanding notification and
oversight requirements, and placing conditions and restrictions
on certain funds.
Sec. 7005 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain personnel actions and the authority to
transfer funds between appropriations accounts.
Sec. 7006 includes language modified from the prior year on
Department of State management.
Sec. 7007 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for the governments of Cuba, North
Korea, Iran, and Syria.
Sec. 7008 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for countries whose duly elected head of
government is deposed by military coup or decree, or a coup or
decree in which the military plays a decisive role; requiring a
determination; and providing a waiver under certain conditions.
Sec. 7009 includes language carried in the prior year
setting limitations and conditions on transfers between
appropriations accounts, requiring audits of certain transfers,
and reporting requirements on transfers for the Department of
State and USAID.
Sec. 7010 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting first-class travel and setting certain limitations
on computer networks and the promotion of tobacco.
Sec. 7011 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding the availability of funds made available in the Act
and new language placing a limitation on the authority until
the Secretary of State submits the reports required under this
section for the last two fiscal years.
Sec. 7012 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for countries in default and allowing
exceptions in certain circumstances.
Sec. 7013 includes language carried in the prior year
withholding assistance to a country where such assistance is
subject to taxation, unless the Secretary of State makes
certain determinations, and updating a reporting requirement.
The Committee notes that the taxation of foreign assistance
by recipient countries remains a problem and directs the
Secretary of State to prioritize finding a resolution to the
issue by developing a comprehensive plan that addresses
failures in preventing taxation of United States assistance.
Sec. 7014 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the reservation of funds and the designation of
certain funding levels.
Sec. 7015 includes language modified from the prior year
establishing the notification requirements for funds made
available in the Act.
The Committee notes that all notification requirements
apply to funds appropriated in title VIII and designated
pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Subsection (g) includes modified language requiring
notification for certain trust funds. The Committee directs
that such notifications include the following information: (1)
the office or bureau at USAID, the Department of State, or the
Department of the Treasury that will oversee programs and
expenditures of the trust fund; (2) the Web site link to
publicly available expenditures of the trust fund; (3)
assurances that the provisions of this Act or in statute
pertaining to funds provided by title III will be adhered to
and enforced; (4) a copy of the administrative agreement
between the international finance institution (IFI) and the
United States, or if not available, a draft of the pending
agreement; and (5) whether direct government assistance will be
provided by the trust fund and specific risk mitigation and
anti-corruption steps being taken by the trust fund.
Sec. 7016 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the notification requirements concerning the
provision of excess Department of Defense articles.
Sec. 7017 includes language similar to the prior year
regarding the availability of funds for international
organizations and programs.
Sec. 7018 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funding for abortions and involuntary
sterilization.
Sec. 7019 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding funding directives specified in tables in the report
accompanying the Act.
Sec. 7020 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting the use of assistance for certain representation
expenses.
Sec. 7021 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for governments that support
international terrorism.
Sec. 7022 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding authorization requirements.
Sec. 7023 includes language carried in the prior year
defining the terms ``program, project, and activity''.
Sec. 7024 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain authorities for the Peace Corps, IAF, and the
USADF.
Sec. 7025 includes language carried in the prior year
relating to commerce, trade, and surplus commodities.
Sec. 7026 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the requirement that separate accounts be established
for cash transfers and assistance that generates local
currencies and establishing certain conditions on the use of
those funds.
Sec. 7027 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding assistance through nongovernmental organizations and
assistance provided under the Food for Peace Act.
Sec. 7028 includes language modified from the prior year
conditioning funds provided to local organizations through
limited competitions.
Sec. 7029 includes language modified from the prior year
establishing certain conditions on funds appropriated to IFIs.
Sec. 7030 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding debt-for-development programs.
Sec. 7031 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding management of direct assistance to governments,
budget transparency of recipient countries, corruption and
human rights violations, and the foreign assistance Web site.
In subsection (c), the Committee notes that the Department
of State has interpreted the term ``significant corruption'' in
this subsection to be corrupt activities that would result in a
denial under the 2004 Presidential Proclamation 7750.
Sec. 7032 contains language modified from the prior year
regarding democracy programs funded in this Act.
The Committee continues to support the efforts of the
Parliamentary Forum for Democracy in advancing democracy and
democratic institutions around the world. The Committee directs
the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator, in consultation
with NED, to consult with the Committees on Appropriations, not
later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, on how to
expand such efforts.
The Committee expects country strategies to include
performance measures for democracy programs which examine
outcome, output, and efficiency measures.
With respect to the provision of assistance made available
in this Act for democracy programs, the Secretary of State and
USAID Administrator should prioritize using organizations with
significant experience implementing such programs and that
demonstrate successful outcomes.
The Committee supports continued investments in programs
that enhance the success of elections, including through
comprehensive programs that use flexible and cost-effective
methods to help prepare for and manage elections, train
political parties, educate voters, and enhance transparency and
accountability.
Sec. 7033 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding international religious freedom.
Subsection (a) designates funds for the Office of
International Religious Freedom, including for the continued
development and implementation of an international religious
freedom curriculum in accordance with section 708 of the
Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended by the IRFA.
Subsection (b)(2) designates $10,000,000 from funds
appropriated under Economic Support Fund for programs to
protect vulnerable and persecuted religious minorities,
including for programs authorized by section 5 of H.R. 390, the
Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act
of 2017, as passed by the House of Representatives on June 6,
2017.
Paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (b) include directives
concerning the provision of humanitarian assistance for relief
for vulnerable and persecuted religious minorities and the
delivery of international broadcasting programs related to
religious freedom.
Sec. 7034 includes language modified from the prior year
granting certain special authorities and limitations relating
to funds made available in the Act.
Subsection (b)(3)(B) is language carried in the prior year
directing funds for DNA forensic technology to combat human
trafficking in Central America and Mexico. These funds are in
addition to funds made available pursuant to section 7060(f) of
this Act. The Committee notes that DNA forensic science and DNA
databases have a unique capability to confirm identities and
have proven to be an effective tool in deterring and preventing
human trafficking. The Committee expects the Department of
State to work in partnership to further develop the capacity of
the governments of Central America and Mexico to utilize DNA
forensic science and databases to combat trafficking in
persons. These efforts should include collaboration with local
law enforcement, civil society, and academic institutions and
also leverage investments from the private sector. The
Committee directs the Secretary of State to consult with the
Committees on Appropriations, not later than 45 days after
enactment of this Act, on the use of such funds. The Committee
expects these funds to be provided through an open and
competitive process.
Sec. 7035 continues language carried in the prior year
related to the Arab League Boycott of Israel. The Committee is
concerned about international efforts to stigmatize and isolate
Israel through the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS)
movement. The Committee directs, as part of the annual report
to Congress on the Arab League Boycott of Israel, that the
President add information about the BDS campaign, covering
companies, international organizations, countries, and other
organizations, including state investment vehicles, that are
involved in promoting the movement, as well as specific steps
the Department of State has taken and expects to take to
discourage or end politically-motivated efforts to boycott,
divest from, or sanction Israel or Israeli entities.
Sec. 7036 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing limitations on the use of funds in support of a
Palestinian state.
Sec. 7037 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing restrictions on the use of funds for the purpose
of conducting official United States Government business with
the Palestinian Authority.
Sec. 7038 includes language carried in the prior year
restricting assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting
Corporation.
Sec. 7039 includes language carried in the prior year
placing conditions on assistance for the West Bank and Gaza.
Sec. 7040 includes language modified from the prior year
placing limitations on any assistance for the Palestinian
Authority and regarding Hamas.
Sec. 7041 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Egypt.--Subsection (a) is modified from the prior year.
Funds for Egypt are allocated according to the following
table and subject to section 7019 of this Act:

EGYPT
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund................................ $150,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 2,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 3,000
Related Programs....................................
International Military Education and Training........ 1,800
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 1,300,000
------------------
Total............................................ 1,456,800
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Committee directs that not less than $35,000,000 of the
funds made available for assistance for Egypt under Economic
Support Fund should be made available for higher education
programs, including not less than $10,000,000 for scholarships
at not-for-profit institutions for Egyptian students with high
financial need.
The Committee encourages the USAID Administrator to
implement programs that assist orphans and vulnerable children
in Egypt, including children from religiously diverse
populations.
Iran.--Subsection (b) includes language carried from the
prior year regarding policy and bilateral and international
sanctions with respect to the involvement of the Government of
Iran in nuclear and ballistic missile development, support of
terrorism, and compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of
Action.
For the purposes of the report required by subsection
(b)(3)(B), the term ``international community'' shall mean the
UN, the PRC, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the
United Kingdom, and the European Union.
Iraq.--Subsection (c) is similar to language carried in the
prior year regarding the use and distribution of assistance for
Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and other areas
impacted by the conflict in Syria, and among religious and
ethnic minority populations in Iraq.
The USAID Administrator and the Secretary of State are
directed to support programs in Iraq that address sectarianism,
assist vulnerable populations, and strengthen governance,
including promoting civil society. Programs should advance
peace and reconciliation goals, at national and local levels,
and build a strong foundation for the long-term stability of
Iraq. In addition, the Committee supports efforts to protect
and preserve cultural antiquities in Iraq that have been
targeted or damaged by ISIS, including in the recently
liberated city of Mosul.
The Committee remains concerned about the safe return of
Iraqi ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians,
Yezidis, and other groups who have been victimized by genocide,
to their ancestral homelands in the Nineveh Plain, Tel Afar,
and Sinjar areas of Iraq. Support for such individuals and
communities should, to the maximum extent practicable, take
into account the unique needs and security requirements
necessary to for safe repatriation. The Committee urges the
Secretary of State to make available from funds appropriated by
this Act, assistance for securitization and stabilization in
the Nineveh Plain, Tel Afar, Sinjar, and surrounding areas of
Iraq. Such assistance should include support for demining and
clearing of hazardous materials; interim zones of stability;
restoration of basic services such as water and electricity,
and repair of infrastructure; training related to security,
local law enforcement, and pursuit of justice; and support for
civil society and activities that promote dialogue between
local leadership and coalition partners. The Committee
encourages USAID to establish psychosocial support programs to
benefit religious and ethnic minorities affected by ISIS,
prioritizing trauma therapy and care for children and survivors
of sexual slavery.
Jordan.--Subsection (d) includes language modified from the
prior year by deleting paragraph (2).
The Committee recommendation includes not less than
$1,280,000,000 for assistance for Jordan. Funds for Jordan are
allocated according to the following table and subject to
section 7019 of this Act:

JORDAN
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund................................ $812,400
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 13,600
Related Programs....................................
International Military Education and Training........ 4,000
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 450,000
------------------
Total............................................ 1,280,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Committee notes the importance of the relationship with
the Kingdom of Jordan and the strong leadership that Jordan
continues to play in advancing peace and stability in the
region and in the ongoing campaign to defeat ISIS. The United
States should continue to support critical economic aid and to
provide the assistance needed to ensure Jordan's success in
coalition operations, including to strengthen Jordan's borders
with Iraq and Syria.
Lebanon.--Subsection (e) is modified from the prior year by
deleting language making Economic Support Fund available
notwithstanding a certain provision of law.
Libya.--Subsection (f) is modified from the prior year by
deleting a funding directive and language on infrastructure
projects.
Morocco.--Subsection (g) includes language modified from
the prior year.
The Committee recommendation includes not less than
$38,500,000 for assistance for Morocco. Funds for Morocco
allocated according to the following table and subject to
section 7019 of this Act:

MOROCCO
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund................................ $20,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 5,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 1,500
Related Programs....................................
International Military Education and Training........ 2,000
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 10,000
------------------
Total............................................ 38,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Committee recommendation makes funds available for
assistance for any region or territory administered by Morocco,
including the Western Sahara. The Committee expects funds to
support democratic reforms and economic development. The
Committee remains concerned by the failure to resolve the
longstanding dispute over the Western Sahara and the protracted
refugee situation in the Polisario-run camps near Tindouf,
Algeria. The Committee believes that the Secretary of State
should pursue a negotiated settlement to the dispute,
consistent with United States policy to support a solution to
the issue based on a formula of autonomy under Moroccan
sovereignty. These redoubled diplomatic efforts can lead to a
realistic and lasting settlement, the completion of a UN
peacekeeping mission that has existed for over 25 years, and a
more stable region. The Committee also encourages the
Administration to support private sector investment in the
Western Sahara. The Committee recommendation includes a
requirement to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on
all of these issues not later than 45 days after enactment of
this Act.
Refugee Assistance in North Africa.--Subsection (h)
includes language similar to the prior year regarding refugee
assistance in North Africa. The Committee notes that the UN
Security Council (UNSC), through adoption of UNSC resolution
2351, reiterated its request for consideration of a refugee
registration in the Tindouf refugee camps and emphasized
efforts be made in this regard. The Committee supports funds
being made available to support such efforts. Given the
unprecedented demand for humanitarian assistance globally, the
Committee emphasizes the need for transparency and
accountability of humanitarian resources.
Strategy requirement.--Subsection (i) includes new language
that requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the
Secretary of Defense, to submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a strategy on United States engagement
in North Africa not later than 60 days after enactment of this
Act. The Committee notes the important role the countries of
North Africa play with respect to global security and
stability. The Secretary of State should prioritize issues
affecting the future of these countries and ensure adequate
diplomatic and assistance resources are made available to
support their needs.
Syria.--Subsection (j) is modified by limiting the
authority related to non-lethal assistance to address the needs
of civilians affected by conflict in Syria to title III funds,
and by deleting paragraph (2) on explosive ordnance disposal
programs and paragraph (3) on Syrian organizations.
The Committee notes the declaration of genocide made by the
Secretary of State on March 18, 2016. Section 7033(b)(2) of
this Act directs that funds be made available for programs to
protect vulnerable and persecuted religious minorities,
including programs authorized by section 5 of H.R. 390, the
Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act
of 2017, as passed by the House of Representatives on June 6,
2017.
The Committee remains concerned about the lengthy
displacement of Syrians and the ongoing burden they face, as
well as the continued strain Syrian refugees are placing on
host communities. The Committee urges the Department of State
to continue to: (1) assist host countries expand their national
systems to accommodate refugee needs; (2) increase host country
capacity to deliver basic services to their own citizens; (3)
strengthen the ability of local governments to respond to the
refugee influx; (4) employ policies and programs to close gaps
in distribution of need-based aid to at-risk minority
populations; and (5) ensure that refugees have freedom of
movement and meaningful access to economic opportunity.
Tunisia.--Subsection (k) includes language carried in the
prior year related to funding levels for Tunisia.
Funds for Tunisia are allocated according to the following
table and subject to section 7019 of this Act:

TUNISIA
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund................................ $79,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 13,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 6,100
Related Programs....................................
International Military Education and Training........ 2,300
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 65,000
------------------
Total............................................ 165,400
------------------------------------------------------------------------

West Bank and Gaza.--Subsection (l), West Bank and Gaza, is
modified from the prior year by deleting the waiver and
modifying the requirements with respect to the International
Criminal Court, modifying a funding reduction, and modifying
the reporting requirement. The report required in paragraph (3)
shall include steps taken by the Secretary of State as well as
the Palestinian Authority to end the practice of payments to
individuals imprisoned for acts of terrorism.
Yemen.--The Committee notes the significant health and
humanitarian needs in Yemen and expects funds to be made
available for such purposes.
Sec. 7042 includes modified language from the prior year
regarding assistance for Africa.
Boko Haram.--The Committee notes with concern the ongoing
attacks on civilians by Boko Haram and related food insecurity.
The Committee directs that funds be made available at not less
than the fiscal year 2017 level for protection of civilian
populations and to support victims of violence from Boko Haram.
The Committee encourages USAID to address the unique needs of
these victims, especially women and girls, into its
programming. Funds made available in this Act for Cameroon,
Chad, Niger, and Nigeria may be used for counterterrorism
programs, specifically to combat Boko Haram.
Electrify Africa.--The Committee supports continued funding
to carry out the objectives of the Electrify Africa Act of 2015
(P.L. 114-121).
Ethiopia.--The Committee encourages the Secretary of State
to consider whether the Government of Ethiopia has made reforms
to improve human rights and governance, when determining
whether to provide assistance to such government.
Kenya.--The Committee is concerned about police abuse in
Kenya and directs the Secretary of State to support programs
that further the investigations and prosecutions of such abuse.
Lord's Resistance Army.--The Committee directs the
Department of State to continue the reporting requirement
contained in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law
113-76 on the Lord's Resistance Army during fiscal year 2018.
South Sudan.--Funds in this Act may not be made available
to the central Government of South Sudan until the Secretary of
State certifies that the conditions in section 7042(f) of this
Act have been met. The Committee commends the work of the Panel
of Experts on South Sudan, which presented its final report in
February 2016. The Panel found evidence that senior leaders on
both sides of the conflict in South Sudan violated the August
2015 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and met the criteria of the
UN Security Council for the imposition of targeted sanctions.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to encourage
members of the international community to implement and enforce
meaningful, targeted sanctions on those responsible for the
ongoing conflict. The Committee prioritizes funding to ensure
that the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission and the
Hybrid Court of the African Union have the necessary resources,
technical expertise, and support to quickly and effectively
fulfill their respective roles in implementing the overall
provisions of the peace agreement. The Secretary of State is
directed to ensure that data collected by bodies charged with
monitoring ceasefire violations, attacks against civilians,
violations of international humanitarian law, and general human
rights monitoring is shared in a timely manner and is made
publicly available, as appropriate.
The Committee notes the presence of civil society
organizations and grassroots movements in South Sudan and
encourages the USAID Administrator to prioritize funding for
such groups in order to support accountability and
reconciliation among communities impacted by violence. The
Committee also continues to support global health programs and
programs for clean water, agriculture development, and other
livelihood activities that build the resilience of communities.
The Committee notes such programs can also serve to build and
maintain peace and encourages including those objectives in
economic development programs.
Sec. 7043 includes language modified from the prior year
containing limitations, directives, and authorities for
diplomatic and development activities and programs in Burma,
Cambodia, North Korea, the PRC, and Tibet.
Burma.--The Committee recommendation continues the
authority and funding for economic and development assistance
for the people of Burma, but does not include funding for
Foreign Military Financing Program and International Military
Education and Training. The Committee provides assistance to
address the needs of displaced communities on the Thai-Burma
border. The Committee recognizes a transition is underway in
Burma that may require adjustments in programming to these
communities and directs the USAID Administrator to consult with
the Committee on any proposed changes in levels or types of
assistance provided. The Committee supports funds for global
health programs in Burma.
Laos.--The Committee directs the Secretary of State, in
consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to submit a report
not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act to the
appropriate congressional committees describing the assistance
the Government of Laos provides to recover the remains of and
account for missing United States personnel, including any
unfilled Department of Defense requests.
Philippines.--Extrajudicial killings in the Philippines,
particularly those committed in the conduct of the anti-drug
campaign, call into question the commitment of the central
Government of the Philippines to human rights, due process, and
the rule of law. The Committee recognizes the need to remain
engaged with the Philippine government and strongly encourages
the Department of State to strictly monitor United States
assistance, including Foreign Military Financing, with respect
to the accountability and professionalism of security force
personnel.
The report required in subsection (e) shall include an
assessment of: 1) The extent to which the Government of the
Philippines is investigating and prosecuting extrajudicial
executions and forced disappearances connected with its anti-
drug campaign, 2) the participation rate of security forces in
human rights and ethics training, and 3) the extent to which
the Government of the Philippines is strengthening the capacity
of the Philippine justice sector institutions.
The Committee recommendation includes funding for public
health programs in the Philippines that consist of integrated
and comprehensive drug treatment and rehabilitation in line
with international standards under the International Narcotics
Control and Law Enforcement demand reduction program.
Vietnam.--The Committee recommendation includes $55,500,000
under Development Assistance for Vietnam. The Committee expects
that funds appropriated under Educational and Cultural Exchange
Programs and Development Assistance will support activities
authorized by section 211 of the Vietnam Education Foundation
Act of 2000, as amended.
Sec. 7044 includes language modified from the prior year
containing limitations, directives, and authorities for
diplomatic and development activities and programs in South and
Central Asia and for regional programs.
Afghanistan and Pakistan.--The Committee includes funds
under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement for
the recruitment, retention, and professionalization of women in
the police forces of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The authority referenced in section 7044(a)(4)(B) shall not
be exercised unless the Secretary of State, in consultation
with the USAID Administrator, reports to the Committees on
Appropriations that: (1) adequate financial controls and
oversight are in place, including monitoring of project
implementation and resource disbursements in all parts of the
country; and (2) that the recipient has established regular,
transparent, and comprehensive reporting procedures regarding
the use of United States assistance.
The Committee notes with concern allegations of sexual
abuse of boys by members of the Afghan security forces and
expects the Secretary of State to consult on how funds provided
for Afghanistan in this Act, as applicable, are working to
prevent such acts, including through the required vetting for
security assistance.
Bangladesh.--The Committee directs the Secretary of State
to submit a report, not later than 90 days after the enactment
of this Act, to the Committees on Appropriations on the extent
to which the Government of Bangladesh is supporting human
rights and workers' rights; implementing policies to protect
freedom of expression, association, and religion, and due
process of law; and ensuring free, fair, and participatory
elections. The Committee directs that funds made available by
this Act for assistance for Bangladesh shall include programs
to improve labor conditions in readymade garment, shrimp, and
fish industries.
Sec. 7045 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding programs and funding for Latin America and the
Caribbean.
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).--Funds for CBSI
are allocated according to the following table and subject to
section 7019 of this Act:

CARIBBEAN BASIN SECURITY INITIATIVE
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund................................ $25,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 25,200
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 7,500
------------------
Total............................................ 57,700
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Committee recommendation supports activities to combat
organized crime and drug-related violence in a region
particularly susceptible to the drug trade.
Not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, the
Committee directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with
the USAID Administrator, to provide to the Committees on
Appropriations a report on the uses of all funds provided for
CBSI on a country-by-country basis for each program, project,
and activity for fiscal years 2010 through 2017, and integrate
such information into the ForeignAssistance.gov Web site, as
appropriate.
Central America.--The Department of State, Foreign
Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2017,
required the Secretary of State to review and update the United
States Strategy for Engagement in Central America (the
Strategy). The Act also required that the Strategy address the
key factors in countries in Central America that contribute to
the migration of undocumented Central Americans to the United
States. Subsection (a)(1) of this Act provides that
$615,000,000 should be made available for countries in Central
America to implement the updated Strategy. Such funds are
allocated according to the following table and subject to
section 7019 of this Act:

UNITED STATES STRATEGY FOR ENGAGEMENT IN CENTRAL AMERICA
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Health Programs
Guatemala........................................ $12,000
Subtotal, Global Health Programs............. 12,000
Development Assistance
El Salvador...................................... 52,590
Guatemala........................................ 88,885
Honduras......................................... 77,560
Nicaragua........................................ 6,500
Northern Triangle Incentive Award................ 10,000
Subtotal, Development Assistance............. 235,535
Economic Support Fund
Central America Regional Security Initiative..... 104,225
[Northern Triangle Incentive Award].............. [4,000]
Subtotal, Economic Support Fund.............. 104,225
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement
Central America Regional Security Initiative..... 230,000
[Costa Rica]..................................... [25,000]
[DNA forensic technology]........................ [6,000]
[Northern Triangle Incentive Award].............. [6,000]
Subtotal, International Narcotics Control and 230,000
Law Enforcement.............................
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and
Related Programs
Panama........................................... 500
Subtotal, Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, 500
Demining and Related Programs...............
International Military Education and Training
Belize........................................... 250
Costa Rica....................................... 725
El Salvador...................................... 800
Guatemala........................................ 800
Honduras......................................... 800
Panama........................................... 725
Subtotal, International Military Education 4,100
and Training................................
Foreign Military Financing Program
Belize........................................... 1,000
Costa Rica....................................... 5,000
El Salvador...................................... 1,900
Guatemala........................................ 1,740
Honduras......................................... 4,500
Panama........................................... 2,000
State Western Hemisphere Regional................ 12,500
Subtotal, Foreign Military Financing Program. 28,640
------------------
Total, United States Strategy for Engagement 615,000
in Central America..........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Committee recommendation does not include funds for
cash transfer assistance or major infrastructure projects for
countries in Central America. Such projects should be financed
from sources other than the United States Government. The
Secretary of State should continue to support regional security
and economic initiatives, including the Plan of the Alliance
for Prosperity in the Northern Triangle in Central America, to
the extent such initiatives are consistent with the Strategy.
Subsection (a)(2) requires a multi-year spend plan that
includes a description of how such funds shall prioritize
addressing the key factors in countries in Central America that
contribute to the migration of undocumented Central Americans
to the United States. In accordance with this subsection, the
plan shall describe in detail the proposed uses of assistance
from this Act for each country and the amounts allocated from
prior Acts (since fiscal year 2015) to support the Strategy.
The plan shall also describe: (1) how such assistance differs
from, complements, and leverages funds allocated by each
foreign government, other donors (including IFIs), and other
United States Government agencies; (2) the amounts of funding
from such sources; (3) funds planned to be transferred or
otherwise provided to other United States government agencies,
IFIs, and organizations and offices listed in the table below,
and the purpose; (4) and the funding levels planned for each of
the central governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and
Honduras.
Subsection (a)(3) continues the withholding of assistance
made available for each of the central governments of El
Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, unless the Secretary of
State certifies and reports that such government is taking
effective steps to meet certain conditions. The Committee notes
that these conditions have helped maintain the focus on reform
and increased accountability for United States taxpayer
dollars.
To further incentivize reform and progress in the region,
subsection (a)(4) reserves funds for a Northern Triangle
Incentive Award. In accordance with this subsection, this award
may be made available to El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras,
only if the Secretary of State determines and reports that a
country has made extraordinary progress in meeting two or more
of the conditions enumerated in subsection (a)(3). Such a
determination may only be made following the submission of the
reports made for a country pursuant to paragraphs (3)(A) and
(3)(B). In making the determination, the Committee recommends a
focus on clauses (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (3)(A) as well as
clauses (ii) and (v) of paragraph (3)(B). $20,000,000 is
designated for the award, to be issued in total for only one
country.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State, in
coordination with the USAID Administrator, to update the plan
for monitoring and evaluation to reflect the updated Strategy
and to issue a progress report with results not later than
October 30, 2018. The report should be submitted to the
appropriate congressional committees and posted to the
Department of State and USAID Web sites.
The Committee recommendation maintains country notification
requirements for Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras and
directs that such notifications: (1) indicate whether funds
will support current or new programs, the central government of
such country, an IFI, or an organization or office listed in
the table below; (2) describe how programs align with the
Strategy and the plan for monitoring and evaluation; and (3)
describe the cost-matching arrangements made pursuant to
section 7045(a)(1). The Committee expects congressional
notifications submitted for the International Commission
Against Impunity in Guatemala and the Mission to Support the
Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras to specify
the activities to be supported, the planned agency oversight of
such funds, and a brief description of the activities and
investigations undertaken by the entity during the previous six
months.
The Committee is concerned about reports that United States
business entities that operate in El Salvador, Guatemala, and
Honduras are being subject to tax withholdings in excess of
amounts legally due and delays in reimbursements. The Secretary
of State is directed to include: (1) in the report required by
subparagraph (3)(B) of subsection (a) (relating to clause
(xi)), a description of efforts to improve transparency in the
tax collection system; and (2) in the report required by
subparagraph (3)(B) (relating to clause (xii)), a description
of efforts to increase the timeliness of reimbursements to
United States business entities.
The Committee recommendation supports programs in the
Northern Triangle to address the key factors that contribute to
the migration of undocumented Central Americans to the United
States. The Committee expects the Secretary of State and USAID
Administrator to monitor and evaluate the effects of these
programs on such factors and, where feasible, their effects on
the migration itself. Not later than 45 days after enactment,
the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator are directed to
consult with the Committees on Appropriations on these matters.
The Committee recommendation includes funding under
Development Assistance to support governance, transparency, and
accountability; increase food security and education; and
reduce poverty. The Committee encourages USAID to seek partners
with extensive regional experience in working with all levels
of government, international organizations, civil society, and
the private sector. The Committee supports agricultural
programs that seek to capitalize on the region's comparative
advantages and encourages engagement with small- and medium-
scale farmers to enable them to participate in value chains and
increase their access to markets. The Committee encourages
USAID to utilize the knowledge and experience of the United
States land-grant university system in working on such issues.
The Committee also encourages USAID to work with host countries
on reforms to strengthen their ability to provide technical
assistance and disseminate agricultural practices, including
through more effective agricultural extension services.
The Committee recommends up to $10,000,000 for a transfer
from Development Assistance to the Inter-American Foundation,
following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.
The Committee believes that citizen security is a
prerequisite for long-term development and sustained economic
growth in the region and includes funding for the Central
America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). CARSI programs
should bolster border security; counter criminal gangs, drug
traffickers and organized crime; combat human smuggling and
trafficking; provide training for law enforcement; and provide
crime prevention programs that target at-risk youth.
The Committee recommendation supports efforts to strengthen
the rule of law by combating corruption and impunity. Within
the total funding provided for the Strategy, funds for certain
organizations and offices are allocated according to the
following table and subject to section 7019 of this Act:

ORGANIZATIONS AND OFFICES
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Commission Against Impunity in $5,500
Guatemala...........................................
Mission to Support the Fight Against Corruption and 4,500
Impunity in Honduras................................
Office of the Attorney General/Public Ministry, El 9,000
Salvador............................................
Office of the Attorney General/Public Ministry, 10,000
Guatemala...........................................
Office of the Attorney General/Public Ministry, 5,500
Honduras............................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Committee supports efforts to strengthen the
investigative capacity of the Salvadoran National Civil Police
and the Salvadoran Public Prosecutors to lead effective
criminal investigations and prosecutions of crimes against
women and children, including sexual violence. The Committee
also supports programs to increase the capability of police
sexual assault units in Guatemala.
The Committee recommendation supports programs to reduce
impunity and strengthen the rule of law by increasing the use
of forensic technology and scientific evidence and reducing the
dependence on witness testimony in court cases. The Committee
encourages the Department of State and USAID to share best
practices regarding these programs to encourage the adoption of
such methods in the region more broadly.
The Committee recommendation includes not less than
$6,000,000 from CARSI funds for programs to combat human
trafficking in Central America through the use of DNA forensic
technology, in accordance with section 7034(b)(3)(B) of this
Act. The Committee provides further direction on these matters
in this report under that section.
Not later than 45 days after the enactment of this Act, the
Committee directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with
the USAID Administrator, to provide to the Committees on
Appropriations a report on the uses of all funds provided for
CARSI on a country-by-country basis for each program, project,
and activity for fiscal years 2010 through 2017, and integrate
such information into the ForeignAssistance.gov Web site, as
appropriate.
The Committee recommendation includes Foreign Military
Financing Program funding to support efforts by the security
forces of Central American countries to increase border and
maritime security, particularly in areas at risk of
exploitation by transnational criminal organizations.
Colombia.--The Committee supports Colombia's efforts to
expand state presence, provide citizen security and access to
government services, counter illicit crop cultivation and
narcotics trafficking, and establish a lasting and durable
peace. The Committee recognizes the strategic importance of
Colombia and notes the improvements made in the everyday lives
of the Colombian people that have resulted over the last 17
years. The Committee is concerned, however, about the
significant increase in coca production in Colombia.
Subsection (b)(1) provides not less than $335,925,000 for
assistance for Colombia. Such funds are allocated according to
the following table and subject to section 7019 of this Act:

COLOMBIA
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund................................ $133,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 143,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 20,000
Related Programs....................................
International Military Education and Training........ 1,400
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 38,525
------------------
Total............................................ 335,925
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subsection (b)(2) continues the prohibition on payment of
reparations to conflict victims or compensation to demobilized
combatants associated with a peace agreement.
In accordance with subsection (b)(3), the multi-year spend
plan shall describe in detail the proposed uses of funds by
account and activity, including those activities specified in
subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1), and the amounts
made available from prior Acts. The spend plan shall also
include the following information for any funds made available
to support the implementation of the peace agreement: (1) an
estimate of planned funding by fiscal year and account; (2) an
estimate of the commitments and expenditures required by the
Government of Colombia to implement the agreement; and (3) an
explanation of how assistance made available by this Act and
prior Acts to support implementation of the agreement will be
coordinated with resources allocated by the Government of
Colombia and other donors, including IFIs.
The Committee includes funding under International
Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement to combat illegal armed
groups and drug trafficking organizations, strengthen the
Colombian National Police, and prevent illicit narcotics from
reaching the United States. In accordance with subsection
(b)(4), 30 percent of the funds made available by this Act
under Economic Support Fund and International Narcotics Control
and Law Enforcement for assistance for Colombia may be
obligated only after the Secretary of State certifies and
reports to the Committees on Appropriations that Colombia has
reduced overall illicit drug cultivation, production, and
trafficking, including through eradication and interdiction
activities, and provides metrics to support such certification.
The Committee recommendation supports expanding civilian
government institutions into former conflict zones, addressing
humanitarian and development needs of populations in war-torn
areas, and support for Afro-Colombians and indigenous
communities. The Committee encourages funding for Colombian
civil society, programs to support truth and reconciliation,
support for victims, the protection of human rights defenders
and other vulnerable groups, peacebuilding, and verification of
the implementation of the accords.
The Committee assumes that up to $7,000,000 of funds
available under Economic Support Fund will be transferred to
Migration and Refugee Assistance, as in prior years, to augment
support to nongovernmental and international organizations that
provide assistance to Colombian refugees in neighboring
countries.
The Committee encourages a continued focus on justice and
rule of law activities, including within the Colombian Armed
Forces. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State is directed to submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations on these issues. The report should
include steps taken by the Government of Colombia to do the
following: (1) subject cases involving members of the Colombian
military who have been credibly alleged to have violated human
rights to civilian jurisdiction; (2) uphold its international
obligations by holding accountable persons responsible for
crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other gross violations
of human rights; (3) continue to dismantle illegal armed
groups; and (4) take effective steps to protect the rights of
human rights defenders, and indigenous and Afro-Colombian
communities.
The Committee is concerned about reports of anti-
competitive policies in Colombia that limit the ability of
United States companies to compete fairly in Colombia's market,
particularly with respect to policies regarding heavy duty
trucks. The Secretary of State is directed to include such
information in the report on outstanding commercial and trade
disputes between the United States and Colombia required by the
explanatory statement that accompanied the Department of State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act,
2017. The Secretary is also directed to update such report and
submit it to the Committees on Appropriations six months after
the submission of the first report.
No funds appropriated or otherwise made available for
assistance for Colombia by this Act and prior Acts making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations,
and related programs may be made available for the
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) or the National
Liberation Army in Colombia, as such entities are designated as
foreign terrorist organizations pursuant to section 219 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).
Cuba.--Subsection (c) includes language prohibiting funds
from being used for the establishment of a United States
diplomatic presence in Cuba or to facilitate the establishment
or operation of a diplomatic mission of Cuba in the United
States beyond that which was in existence prior to December 17,
2014, with certain exceptions and limitations, until the
President determines and reports to the Committees on
Appropriations the requirements and factors specified in
section 205 of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity
(LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 have been met, including the extent to
which the Government of Cuba has extradited or otherwise
rendered to the United States all persons sought by the United
States Department of Justice for crimes committed in the United
States, such as Joanne Chesimard. The provision also includes
language concerning Cuba democracy promotion programs.
Haiti.--Subsection (d) withholds funding for assistance for
the central Government of Haiti unless the Secretary of State
certifies and reports that the Government of Haiti is taking
certain steps. The Committee remains concerned about the lack
of progress in self-reliance and governance in Haiti and
encourages the USAID Administrator to prioritize programs that
can be sustained.
Mexico.--Funds for Mexico are allocated according to the
following table and subject to section 7019 of this Act:

MEXICO
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund................................ $39,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 90,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 1,160
Related Programs....................................
International Military Education and Training........ 1,500
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 5,000
------------------
Total............................................ 136,660
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Committee recommendation provides funding under
Economic Support Fund for assistance for Mexico for programs to
support justice reform, promote good governance, promote human
rights, implement crime and violence prevention programs, and
facilitate United States-Mexico trade and investment. The
Committee recommendation provides funding under International
Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement to combat transnational
organized crime, increase border security, promote due process
and the rule of law, and reduce the flow of illicit narcotics,
particularly heroin and fentanyl, into the United States.
The Committee recognizes that the United States and Mexico
face difficult challenges in securing our shared border while
also facilitating the efficient flow of commerce and trade. The
Committee believes that efforts to address these challenges
could be strengthened through the development of common or
complementary approaches in areas of mutual interest such as
border security and law enforcement. The Committee encourages
the Department of State, in cooperation with other United
States Government agencies, to explore new opportunities for
cooperation with Mexican authorities, including training
opportunities by state and local law enforcement entities in
the United States.
The Committee notes the efforts of the Government of Mexico
to address the migration of unaccompanied, undocumented minors
from Central America traveling to the United States. The
Committee recommendation includes funding to continue to
support efforts to secure Mexico's borders and encourages a
continued focus on Mexico's southern border with Guatemala and
Belize.
Not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the
Committee directs the Department of State, in consultation with
other relevant agencies, to provide a report to the Committees
on Appropriations describing the implementation of assistance
for Mexico since fiscal year 2008. Such report should include
information on activities and funding in support of border
security, including Mexico's southern border.
The Committee urges the Secretary of State to engage in
negotiations with Mexico to seek the return of items of
historical value, including to facilitate the repatriation of a
flag which was flown at the battle of the Alamo.
Other Assistance for Latin America.--Funds provided under
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement for Western
Hemisphere Regional Security Cooperation are in addition to
amounts otherwise provided for bilateral and regional programs
under that heading. The Committee directs the Secretary of
State to program these funds in a manner similar to prior
years.
The Committee is concerned about reports of the removal of
United States minors to countries in Latin America and the
Caribbean, including to Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago, that
stem from custody disputes. The Committee urges the Secretary
of State to advocate for the expeditious return of these
minors.
Section 7046 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding assistance for Ukraine and other Independent States
of the former Soviet Union.
Georgia.--Funds for Georgia are allocated according to the
following table and subject to section 7019 of this Act:

GEORGIA
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia...... $58,025
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 4,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 1,100
Related Programs....................................
International Military Education and Training........ 2,200
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 35,000
------------------
Total............................................ 100,325
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ukraine.--Subsection (a) provides not less than
$410,465,000 for assistance for Ukraine. Funds for certain
programs are allocated according to the following table and
subject to section 7019 of this Act:

UKRAINE
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia...... $239,685
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 30,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and 10,000
Related Programs....................................
International Military Education and Training........ 2,900
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 95,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Committee recommendation includes not less than the
$32,880,000 for Global Health Programs which, when combined
with the amounts in the table above, provides not less than
$410,465,000 for Ukraine.
The Committee recommendation helps further stabilize
Ukraine's economy and supports economic and political reform,
including reforms to combat corruption. The recommendation also
supports Ukraine's security and its capacity to counter Russian
influence and aggression, and promotes Ukraine's orientation to
the West.
The Committee encourages the Department of State and USAID
to support the agricultural sector in Ukraine in order to
improve exports, as well as increase engagement with rural
women and small to medium-size farm holders. The Committee also
supports assistance for independent media in Ukraine.
The Committee supports funds to assist youth and other
vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by violence
and in need of access to mental health services. The Committee
remains concerned about the humanitarian needs of those
displaced due to the conflict and urges the Secretary of State
and USAID Administrator to ensure that sufficient funds are
made available to support such needs.
The Committee recommendation provides funding under Foreign
Military Financing Program to help Ukraine defend its sovereign
territory against Russian aggression. The Committee notes that
Ukraine, as a formal NATO partner, is eligible for the full
range of activities listed in the NATO Partnership Cooperation
Menu, which comprises more than 1,600 activities such as
multilateral training exercises and equipment modernization.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to ensure that
Ukraine has the appropriate training, lethal defensive weapons,
and other equipment to continue to work closely with NATO.
The Committee recommendation provides funding under
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement to
strengthen the rule of law and fight corruption. Funding should
strengthen and help professionalize Ukraine's law enforcement
bodies and build upon the success of the Patrol Police reform
effort. Programs should also support agencies of the Government
of Ukraine dedicated to targeting corruption.
The Committee recommendation supports efforts to increase
security, reduce tensions, and monitor the situation in
Ukraine, including through the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.
Sec. 7047 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding authority for the President to draw down certain
funds to support UN war crimes tribunals or commissions.
Sec. 7048 includes language modified from the prior year
relating to conditions on funds for the UN and other
international organizations.
Sec. 7049 includes language carried in the prior year
related to assistance made available for community-based
policing programs.
Sec. 7050 includes language carried in the prior year
limiting funding for publicity or propaganda purposes within
the United States.
Sec. 7051 includes language carried in the prior year
limiting funds available under the Act from being used to
support attendance at international conferences.
Sec. 7052 includes language similar to the prior year
relating to aircraft transfer and coordination.
Sec. 7053 includes language carried in the prior year
relating to unpaid parking fines and real property taxes owed
by foreign governments.
Sec. 7054 includes language carried in the prior year
relating to landmines and cluster munitions.
Sec. 7055 includes language modified from the prior year
related to the continuous supervision and general direction of
economic and military assistance.
Sec. 7056 is a new provision prohibiting funds to UNFPA and
prohibiting the award of global health assistance funds to
foreign nongovernmental organizations that promote or perform
abortion, with certain exceptions.
Sec. 7057 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain management conditions and authorities of
USAID.
Sec. 7058 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding global health activities, placing a funding
limitation on international family planning programs,
conditioning contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS,
Tuberculosis and Malaria, and providing certain authorities.
Sec. 7059 includes modified language carried from the prior
year regarding programs that support gender equality by
deleting subsection (e) on extremism. The Committee directs the
Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues, Department of
State, and the Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and
Women's Empowerment, USAID, to jointly submit a report, not
later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, on the
allocation of funds for gender-related programs and activities
for the previous fiscal year.
The Committee encourages the Secretary of State to ensure
women's participation is increased in peacekeeping operations
and other security assistance programs, as appropriate.
Sec. 7060 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding assistance for programs related to basic education,
higher education, conservation, food security and agriculture
development, microenterprise, programs to combat trafficking in
persons, and water and sanitation.
Subsection (b) includes not less than $265,000,000 in title
III for biodiversity conservation programs, which is the same
as the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The Act provides an
additional $102,375,000 to support biodiversity conservation
programs of the Global Environment Facility, in lieu of the
contribution requested under title V. Such funds may only be
made available on a grant basis and are subject to prior
consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of,
the Committees on Appropriations.
The Committee notes funds from biodiversity programs are
used to meet the funding directive to combat wildlife poaching
and trafficking. The Committee supports continued funding to
implement and enforce the Lacey Act (section 8204 of P.L. 110-
246), $10,500,000 for biodiversity programs in the Brazilian
Amazon, including efforts that seek to build the capacity of
Brazil to manage its own protected areas, and $20,000,000 for
such programs in the Andean Amazon. The Committee also
encourages programs to support Guatemala's Mayan Biosphere. The
Committee notes that demand for paper and wood products is
rapidly increasing and that programs that support responsible
forest management are needed to assist in protecting vulnerable
forests, such as high conservation value forests, from illegal
logging and encroachment.
The Committee remains concerned about the wildlife poaching
and trafficking crisis and the continued negative effect it is
having on international security and stability and the
implications for endangered species. The Committee notes that
the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products is
estimated at $8,000,000,000 to $10,000,000,000 annually. The
Committee recognizes the severity of poaching in Africa,
particularly with respect to elephant ivory and rhinoceros
horn, and the destabilizing effect it has on regional security,
including by providing a significant source of financing for
armed groups with links to transnational organized crime and
terrorism.
The Act provides not less than $90,664,000 in titles III
and IV be made available to address this urgent crisis, and the
Committee directs not less than $10,000,000 of such funds for
programs to combat rhinoceros poaching.
Funds to address the wildlife poaching and trafficking
crisis should be used to strengthen law enforcement capacity;
address poaching at the source; build capacity for site-based
protection of wildlife; disrupt trafficking routes; enhance
regional cooperation and anti-trafficking networks; support
regional wildlife enforcement networks, including not less than
the fiscal year 2017 enacted level for the Wildlife Enforcement
Network Southern Africa; improve port and border security at
key transit points; promote community-based approaches for
wildlife protection; and support programs to reduce consumer
demand.
The Committee encourages continued implementation of the
National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking. The
Committee directs the Secretary of State to update the strategy
required by the joint explanatory statement of Public Law 113-
76, and expects such strategy to include how funds are being
used to implement the National Strategy for Combating Wildlife
Trafficking. The Committee notes such strategy calls for the
use of innovative and science-based analytical tools to combat
wildlife poaching and trafficking. The Committee supports
efforts to engage with the private sector and nongovernmental
organizations in the development and use of such tools.
The Committee directs the Department of State and USAID to
work with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),
the Department of the Treasury, and the Office of the Director
of National Intelligence to integrate information and share
data to support a common platform that will inform strategies
to combat money laundering and illicit trade.
The Committee notes the continued need for training and
equipment of security forces to address poaching and wildlife
trafficking and expects these requirements to be addressed,
including through the provision of excess defense articles and
the expedited procurement of defense articles and services, as
appropriate.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State, the USAID
Administrator, and the Director of USFWS to consult with the
Committees on Appropriations on the use of funds provided for
programs to combat wildlife trafficking and directs that the
CBJ for fiscal year 2019 include country and program funding
levels for such programs. The Committee also directs USAID and
the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement
Affairs to include monitoring and evaluation components in
wildlife trafficking implementation agreements and include data
from such monitoring and evaluation efforts in its reports to
Congress.
The Committee expects that international conservation
programs administered by the Department of State and USAID will
utilize expertise from across the United States Government,
including in partnership with the USFWS, the United States
Forest Service, and other agencies, as appropriate, at levels
consistent with fiscal year 2017. The Committee notes the
ongoing threats to other endangered species and supports
continued funding for programs to protect great apes and
tigers, including for habitat conservation.
The Committee expects the Secretary of State to work with
countries rich in biodiversity and wildlife habitats to make a
sustained commitment of budgetary resources to combat wildlife
trafficking and promote community conservation.
The Committee supports continued United States leadership
of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership and includes $39,400,000
for the Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment
(CARPE). The Committee directs that $17,500,000 of the funds
made available for CARPE be apportioned directly to the USFWS
to support further development and implementation of a Central
African regional wildlife law enforcement network and to build
local capacity for wildlife protection in such region. These
programs should include the professionalization of park guards
and other wildlife law enforcement officials and the provision
of tools and technologies for measuring, evaluating, and
improving the effectiveness of wildlife law enforcement patrols
and site-based protection and conservation activities.
The Committee notes that the success of CARPE depends on
building the capacity of Central African governments to
professionally manage and protect their countries' resources.
MOUs and cooperative agreements should be used to provide a
roadmap, with benchmarks for measuring progress, to carry out
environmental impact assessments, social and environmental
management plans, fisheries management, and training of an
effective force for wildlife conservation and park management.
Buy-in by governments, in coordination with other implementing
partners, is necessary for CARPE to become a comprehensive and
sustainable program.
Subsection (f), Programs to Combat Trafficking in Persons,
includes not less than $65,000,000. Of the amounts provided,
$40,000,000 is included under International Narcotics Control
and Law Enforcement. The Committee notes $13,822,000 is
provided under Diplomatic and Consular Programs for the
operational costs of the Office to Monitor and Combat
Trafficking in Persons, which is described further under
Diplomatic and Consular Programs in this report. The Committee
continues to support programs to end modern slavery.
The Committee directs that $5,000,000 be made available for
child protection compacts. The Committee expects that funds
will be prioritized for countries with the greatest need and to
continue to support child protection compacts pursuant to
Public Law 113-94.
The Committee urges the USAID Administrator to strengthen
implementation of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP)
policy. The Administrator should ensure that USAID personnel
and implementing partners are appropriately educated and
trained according to the C-TIP Field Guide. C-TIP activities
should be integrated into other development programs, project
design, and methods for program evaluation. The Committee
believes the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator
should ensure that foreign assistance programs relating to
humanitarian assistance, food security, poverty reduction,
social and economic growth and development, education, and
democracy and governance contribute to decreased vulnerability
to or prevalence of human trafficking and forced labor,
consistent with United States policy, including with section
107A(e) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000.
Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State, in consultation with the USAID
Administrator, is directed to submit a report to the Committees
on Appropriations on obligations and expenditures of all fiscal
year 2017 funds managed by the Department of State and USAID to
combat human trafficking and forced labor. The report shall
include funding by program, project, and activity and describe
the management structure at the Department of State and USAID
used to program such funds.
Sec. 7061 is language modified from the prior year
concerning countries significantly impacted by internally
displaced persons or refugees.
Sec. 7062 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funds to implement the Arms Trade Treaty.
Sec. 7063 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding timely access by Inspectors General to records,
documents, or other materials available to a department or
agency of the United States.
Sec. 7064 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the transfer of individuals detained at Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba.
Sec. 7065 includes language carried in the prior year on
multi-year pledges.
Sec. 7066 includes language modified from the prior year
prohibiting funds for the use of torture.
Sec. 7067 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funds for a country that does not cooperate in the
extradition to the United States of certain individuals.
Sec. 7068 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding commercial leasing of defense articles.
Sec. 7069 includes new rescissions of unobligated balances
for Development Assistance, the North American Development
Bank, Export and Import Bank, and the Advanced Technology
Vehicle Manufacturing Program.
Sec. 7070 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding countering Russian influence and aggression.
Subsection (d)(1) makes funds available for assistance to
counter Russian influence and aggression in countries in Europe
and Eurasia, which is allocated according to the following
table and subject to section 7019 of this Act:

COUNTERING RUSSIAN INFLUENCE FUND
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia...... $30,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 20,000
International Military Education and Training........ 5,000
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 50,000
------------------
Total............................................ 105,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Such funds are in addition to amounts made available for
bilateral assistance for such countries.
The Committee recommendation deletes a reporting
requirement carried in the prior year and expects the
Department of State to continue to include such information in
the Annual Country Reports on Human Rights.
Sec. 7071 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the International Monetary Fund.
Sec. 7072 includes language carried in the prior year
designating an amount for the Special Defense Acquisition Fund.
Sec. 7073 includes language modified from the prior year
making funds available for activities to counter foreign
fighters and violent extremist organizations.
Sec. 7074 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing restrictions on enterprise funds.
Sec. 7075 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funds for programs in contravention of this Act.
Sec. 7076 includes language modified from the prior year
requiring operating and spend plans for funds provided in this
Act.
The regional security initiatives to be addressed in the
spend plans required by subsection (b)(1)(B) shall include
CBSI; CARSI; the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership; the
Partnership for Regional East Africa Counterterrorism; the
Global Peace Operations Initiative, including Africa
Contingency Operations Training and Assistance; the Africa
Conflict Stabilization and Border Security program; the African
Military Education Program; the Africa Maritime Security
Initiative; the Africa Regional Counterterrorism fund; the
Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund; and the Countering Russian
Influence Fund.
Sec. 7077 includes language modified from the prior year
concerning public posting of reports and documents, records
management, and cybersecurity. The Department of State Office
of Inspector General reports referenced in subsection
(c)(3)(C)(v) of this Act shall include ``Office of Security:
Evaluation of Email Records Management and Cybersecurity
Requirements'' (ESP-16-03, 5/2016); ``Management of Inactive
User Accounts Within the Department of State's Active
Directory'' (AUD-IT-16-37, 6/2016); and ``Compliance Follow-Up
Review of the Department of State's Implementation of Executive
Order 13526, Classified National Security Information'' (AUD-
SI-16-43, 9/2016).
Sec. 7078 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding Internet freedom programs.
Sec. 7079 includes language modified from the prior year
establishing certain limitations on assistance that may impact
jobs in the United States.
Sec. 7080 includes new language regarding the Export-Import
Bank of the United States.

TITLE VIII--OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS/GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM

Title VIII of the Committee recommendation includes an
additional $12,019,000,000, which is designated pursuant to
section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985 for OCO/GWOT. Such funds are
intended to address the extraordinary costs of diplomatic and
development operations overseas, including embassy security;
security assistance, economic stabilization, and peacekeeping
programs; humanitarian activities; law enforcement and
antiterrorism efforts; and oversight activities. Funds in this
title are subject to the operating and spend plan requirements
of section 7076 of this Act, where applicable.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Administration of Foreign Affairs

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $2,410,386,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 2,975,971,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,975,971,000
Change from enacted level......................... +565,585,000
Change from request............................... 0

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$2,975,971,000 for Diplomatic and Consular Programs, including
$2,376,122,000 for WSP. The full amount is designated pursuant
to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and will support the
costs of operations and security in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and
Iraq.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $54,900,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 68,100,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 68,100,000
Change from enacted level......................... +13,200,000
Change from request............................... 0

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$68,100,000 for Office of Inspector General. The full amount is
designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and will
support reviews, audits, and investigations by SIGAR.

EMBASSY SECURITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $1,238,800,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 71,778,000
Change from enacted level......................... -1,167,022,000
Change from request............................... +71,778,000

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$71,778,000 for Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance
for Worldwide Security Upgrades. The full amount is designated
pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

International Organizations

CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $96,240,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 96,240,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 96,240,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$96,240,000 for Contributions to International Organizations.
The full amount is designated pursuant to section
251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
Control Act of 1985 and will support UN missions in
Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Somalia.

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $1,354,660,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 927,224,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 965,906,000
Change from enacted level......................... -388,754,000
Change from request............................... +38,682,000

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$965,906,000 for Contributions for International Peacekeeping
Activities. The full amount is designated pursuant to section
251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
Control Act of 1985 and will support peacekeeping activities in
Africa and the Near East.

RELATED AGENCY

Broadcasting Board of Governors

INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $4,800,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -4,800,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation does not include an additional
appropriation for International Broadcasting Operations.

UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Funds Appropriated to the President

OPERATING EXPENSES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $152,080,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 136,555,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 136,555,000
Change from enacted level......................... -15,525,000
Change from request............................... 0

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$136,555,000 for Operating Expenses. The full amount is
designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and will
support USAID operations in Afghanistan.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $0
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 2,500,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,500,000
Change from enacted level......................... +2,500,000
Change from request............................... 0

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$2,500,000 for Office of Inspector General. The full amount is
designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and will
support USAID operations in Afghanistan.

BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

Funds Appropriated to the President

INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $3,313,203,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 1,817,941,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,788,203,000
Change from enacted level......................... -1,525,000,000
Change from request............................... -29,738,000

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$1,788,203,000 for International Disaster Assistance. The full
amount is designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of
the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985
and will support the extraordinary costs of the United States
response to international disasters and crises, including those
resulting from conflict in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and
Syria.

TRANSITION INITIATIVES

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $37,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 62,043,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 62,043,000
Change from enacted level......................... +25,043,000
Change from request............................... 0

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$62,043,000 for Transition Initiatives. The full amount is
designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and will
support conflict countries and countries emerging from
conflict.

COMPLEX CRISES FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $20,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -20,000,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for Complex Crises Fund.

ECONOMIC SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $0
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 2,708,800,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... -2,708,800,000

The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for Economic Support and Development Fund.

ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $2,609,242,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,353,672,000
Change from enacted level......................... -255,570,000
Change from request............................... +2,353,672,000

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$2,353,672,000 for Economic Support Fund. The full amount is
designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and will
support the costs of assistance for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and
Iraq.

ASSISTANCE FOR EUROPE, EURASIA AND CENTRAL ASIA

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $453,696,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -453,696,000
Change from request............................... 0

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation does not include an additional
appropriation for Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central
Asia.

Department of State

MIGRATION AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $2,146,198,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 2,030,900,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,231,198,000
Change from enacted level......................... +85,000,000
Change from request............................... +200,298,000

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$2,231,198,000 for Migration and Refugee Assistance. The full
amount is designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of
the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985
and will support the extraordinary cost of overseas assistance
to respond to refugee crises.

UNITED STATES EMERGENCY REFUGEE AND MIGRATION ASSISTANCE FUND

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level........................ $40,000,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -40,000,000
Change from request............................... 0

The Committee recommendation does not include an additional
appropriation for United States Emergency Refugee and Migration
Assistance Fund.

INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE

Department of State

INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $412,260,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 196,250,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 417,951,000
Change from enacted level......................... +5,691,000
Change from request............................... +221,701,000

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$417,951,000 for International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement. The full amount is designated pursuant to section
251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
Control Act of 1985 and will support assistance for countries
in conflict and areas of instability and violence, including
Afghanistan and Pakistan.

NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $341,754,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 365,840,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 220,583,000
Change from enacted level......................... -121,171,000
Change from request............................... -145,257,000

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$220,583,000 for Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and
Related Programs. The full amount is designated pursuant to
section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985 and will support countries in
conflict and area of instability and violence.

PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $473,973,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 179,100,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 325,213,000
Change from enacted level......................... -148,760,000
Change from request............................... +146,113,000

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$325,213,000 for Peacekeeping Operations. The full amount is
designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and will
support peacekeeping activities, including the UN Support
Office in Somalia.

Funds Appropriated to the President

FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM

Fiscal Year 2017 enacted level\1\..................... $1,325,808,000
Fiscal Year 2018 request.............................. 450,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 460,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... -865,808,000
Change from request............................... +10,000,000

\1\The fiscal year 2017 enacted level excludes funds appropriated by the
Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (division B of P.L. 114-
254).

The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$460,000,000 for Foreign Military Financing Program. The full
amount is designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of
the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985
and will support security assistance in countries in conflict
and areas of instability and violence, including to counter
Russian influence and aggression.

GENERAL PROVISIONS--TITLE VIII

Sec. 8001 includes language carried in the prior year
noting that funds appropriated by this title are in addition to
amounts appropriated or otherwise made available.
Sec. 8002 includes language carried in the prior year
directing that funds appropriated by this title are subject to
the authorities and conditions applicable to such headings in
prior titles, unless noted otherwise.
Sec. 8003 includes modified language making funds available
for the Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund.
Sec. 8004 is a new provision that rescinds funds.
Sec. 8005 includes language providing that each amount
designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 in this title
shall be available only if the President subsequently so
designates all such amounts and transmits such designations to
the Congress.

TITLE IX--ADDITIONAL GENERAL PROVISION

SPENDING REDUCTION ACCOUNT

Section 9001 establishes a spending reduction account.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORTING REQUIREMENT

The following materials are submitted in accordance with
various requirements of the Rules of the House of
Representatives:

Full Committee Votes

Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure
authorizes funding: The Committee on Appropriations considers
program performance, including a program's success in
developing and attaining outcome-related goals and objectives,
in developing funding recommendations.

Rescissions

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following table is submitted
describing the rescissions recommended in the accompanying
bill:

Development Assistance................................ $29,906,927
North American Development Bank....................... 10,000,000
Export-Import Bank.................................... 165,000,000
Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan 1,090,000,000
Program..............................................
Economic Support Fund (OCO/GWOT)...................... 156,913,000

Transfers of Funds

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following list includes the
transfers of funds included in the accompanying bill:
In title III, under ``Peace Corps'', language is included
to transfer funds to the Foreign Currency Fluctuations Account.
In title VIII, under ``Diplomatic and Consular Programs'',
language is included to permit the transfer of funds to other
departments and agencies for Afghanistan.

Disclosure of Earmarks and Congressionally Directed Spending Items

Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House
of Representatives, neither the bill nor this report contain
any congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited
tariff benefits as defined in clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules
of the House of Representatives.

Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3(e) (Ramseyer Rule)

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italics, existing law in which no change
is proposed is shown in roman):

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS
APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1990

TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS

* * * * * * *

establishing categories of aliens for purposes of refugee
determinations

Sec. 599D. (a) In General.--In the case of an alien who is
within a category of aliens established under subsection (b),
the alien may establish, for purposes of admission as a refugee
under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, that
the alien has a well-founded fear of persecution on account of
race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social
group, or political opinion by asserting such a fear and
asserting a credible basis for concern about the possibility of
such persecution.
(b) Establishment of Categories.--
(1) For purposes of subsection (a), the Attorney
General, in consultation with the Secretary of State
and the Coordinator for Refugee Affairs, shall
establish--
(A) one or more categories of aliens who are
or were nationals and residents of an
independent state of the former Soviet Union or
of Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania and who share
common characteristics that identify them as
targets of persecution in that state on account
of race, religion, nationality, membership in a
particular social group, or political opinion,
(B) one or more categories of aliens who are
or were nationals and residents of Vietnam,
Laos, or Cambodia and who share common
characteristics that identify them as targets
of persecution in such respective foreign state
on such an account; and
(C) one or more categories of aliens who are or were
nationals and residents of the Islamic Republic or Iran
who, as members of a religious minority in Iran, share
common characteristics that identify them as targets of
persecution in that state on account of race, religion,
nationality, membership in a particular social group,
or political opinion.
(2)(A) Aliens who are (or were) nationals and
residents of an independent state of the former Soviet
Union or of Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania and who are
Jews or Evangelical Christians shall be deemed a
category of alien established under paragraph (1)(A).
(B) Aliens who are (or were) nationals of an
independent state of the former Soviet Union or of
Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania and who are current
members of, and demonstrate public, active, and
continuous participation (or attempted participation)
in the religious activities of, the Ukrainian Catholic
Church or the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, shall be
deemed a category of alien established under paragraph
(1)(A).
(C) Aliens who are (or were) nationals and residents
of Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia and who are members of
categories of individuals determined, by the Attorney
General in accordance with ``Immigration and
Naturalization Service Worldwide Guidelines for
Overseas Refugee Processing'' (issued by the
Immigration and Naturalization Service in August 1983)
shall be deemed a category of alien established under
paragraph (1)(B).
(3) Within the number of admissions of refugees
allocated for each of fiscal years 1990, 1991, and 1992
for refugees who are nationals of the Soviet Union
under section 207(a)(3) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (and within the number of such
admissions allocated for each of fiscal years 1993,
1994, 1995, and 1996 for refugees who are nationals of
the independent states of the former Soviet Union,
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under such section) and
within the number of such admissions allocated for each
of fiscal years 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998,
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,
2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016,
[and 2017] 2017, and 2018 for refugees who are
nationals of the independent states of the former
Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under such
section, notwithstanding any other provision of law,
the President shall allocate one thousand of such
admissions for such fiscal year to refugees who are
within the category of aliens described in paragraph
(2)(B).
(c) Written Reasons for Denials of Refugee Status.--Each
decision to deny an application for refugee status of an alien
who is within a category established under this section shall
be in writing and shall state, to the maximum extent feasible,
the reason for the denial.
(d) Permitting Certain Aliens Within Categories to Reapply
for Refugee Status.--Each alien who is within a category
established under this section and who (after August 14, 1988,
and before the date of the enactment of this Act) was denied
refugee status shall be permitted to reapply for such status.
Such an application shall be determined taking into account the
application of this section.
(e) Period of Application.--
(1) Subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on the
date of the enactment of this Act and shall only apply
to applications for refugee status submitted before
October 1, [2017] 2018.
(2) Subsection (c) shall apply to decisions made
after the date of the enactment of this Act and before
October 1, [2017] 2018.
(3) Subsection (d) shall take effect on the date of
the enactment of this Act and shall only apply to
reapplications for refugee status submitted before
October 1, [2017] 2018.

adjustment of status for certain soviet and indochinese parolees

Sec. 599E. (a) In General.--The Attorney General shall adjust
the status of an alien described in subsection (b) to that of
an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if the
alien--
(1) applies for such adjustment,
(2) has been physically present in the United States
for at least 1 year and is physically present in the
United States on the date the application for such
adjustment is filed,
(3) is admissible to the United States as an
immigrant, except as provided in subsection (c), and
(4) pays a fee (determined by the Attorney General)
for the processing of such application.
(b) Aliens Eligible for Adjustment of Status.--The benefits
provided in subsection (a) shall only apply to an alien who--
(1) was a national of an independent state of the
former Soviet Union or of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,
Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia, and
(2) was inspected and granted parole into the United
States during the period beginning on August 15, 1988,
and ending on September 30, [2017] 2018, after being
denied refugee status.
(c) Waiver of Certain Grounds for Inadmissibility.--The
provisions of paragraphs (4), (5), and (7)(A) of section 212(a)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act shall not apply to
adjustment of status under this section and the Attorney
General may waive any other provision of such section (other
than paragraph (2)(C) or subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (E) of
paragraph (3)) with respect to such an adjustment for
humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is
otherwise in the public interest.
(d) Date of Approval.--Upon the approval of such an
application for adjustment of status, the Attorney General
shall create a record of the alien's admission as a lawful
permanent resident as of the date of the alien's inspection and
parole described in subsection (b)(2).
(e) No Offset in Number of Visas Available.--When an alien is
granted the status of having been lawfully admitted for
permanent residence under this section, the Secretary of State
shall not be required to reduce the number of immigrant visas
authorized to be issued under the Immigration and Nationality
Act.
----------

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005

* * * * * * *

TITLE X

OTHER MATTERS

* * * * * * *

CHAPTER 2--BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

* * * * * * *

GENERAL PROVISIONS, THIS CHAPTER

Sec. 12001. (a)(1) Notwithstanding section 514 of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h), the President may
transfer to Israel, in exchange for concessions to be
negotiated by the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of
the Secretary of State, any or all of the items described in
paragraph (2).
(2) The items referred to in paragraph (1) are armor,
artillery, automatic weapons ammunition, missiles, and other
munitions that--
(A) are obsolete or surplus items;
(B) are in the inventory of the Department of
Defense;
(C) are intended for use as reserve stocks for
Israel; and
(D) are located in a stockpile in Israel.
(b) The value of concessions negotiated pursuant to
subsection (a) shall be at least equal to the fair market value
of the items transferred. The concessions may include cash
compensation, services, waiver of charges otherwise payable by
the United States, and other items of value.
(c) Not later than 30 days before making a transfer under the
authority of this section, the President shall transmit a
notification of the proposed transfer to the Committees on
Foreign Relations and Armed Services of the Senate and the
Committees on International Relations and Armed Services of the
House of Representatives. The notification shall identify the
items to be transferred and the concessions to be received.
(d) No transfer may be made under the authority of this
section after September 30, [2018] 2019.

* * * * * * *

----------

FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1961

* * * * * * *

TITLE XII--FAMINE PREVENTION AND FREEDOM FROM HUNGER

* * * * * * *

Chapter 2--Military Assistance

* * * * * * *

Sec. 514. Stockpiling of Defense Articles for Foreign
Countries.--(a) No defense article in the inventory of the
Department of Defense which is set aside, reserved, or in any
way earmarked or intended for future use by any foreign country
may be made available to or for use by any foreign country
unless such transfer is authorized under this Act or the Arms
Export Control Act, or any subsequent corresponding
legislation, and the value of such transfer is charged against
funds authorized under such legislation or against the
limitations specified in such legislation, as appropriate, for
the fiscal period in which such defense article is transferred.
For purposes of this subsection, ``value'' means the
acquisition cost plus crating, packing, handling, and
transportation costs incurred in carrying out this section.
(b)(1) The value of defense articles to be set aside,
earmarked, reserved, or intended for use as war reserve stocks
for allied or other foreign countries (other than for purposes
of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or in the
implementation of agreements with Israel) in stockpiles located
in foreign countries may not exceed in any fiscal year an
amount that is specified in security assistance authorizing
legislation for that fiscal year.
(2)(A) The value of such additions to stockpiles of defense
articles in foreign countries shall not exceed $200,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, [and 2018]
2018, and 2019.
(B) Of the amount specified in subparagraph (A) for a fiscal
year, not more than $200,000,000 may be made available for
stockpiles in the State of Israel.
(c) Location of Stockpiles of Defense Articles.--
(1) Limitation.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
no stockpile of defense articles may be located outside
the boundaries of a United States military base or a
military base used primarily by the United States.
(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply with
respect to stockpiles of defense articles located in
the Republic of Korea, Thailand, any country that is a
member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, any
country that is a major non-NATO ally, or any other
country the President may designate. At least 15 days
before designating a country pursuant to the last
clause of the preceding sentence, the President shall
notify the congressional committees specified in
section 634A(a) in accordance with the procedures
applicable to reprogramming notifications under that
section.
(d) No defense article transferred from any stockpile which
is made available to or for use by any foreign country may be
considered an excess defense article for the purpose of
determining the value thereof.

* * * * * * *

----------

PUBLIC LAW 106-46

SECTION 1. CLARIFICATION OF QUORUM REQUIREMENT FOR THE EXPORT-IMPORT
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES.

(a) In General.--Section 3(c)(6) of the Export-Import Bank
Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635a(c)(6)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(6) A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of at
least three members.''.
(b) Exception.--Notwithstanding section 3(c)(6) of the
Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, if, during the period that
begins on [July 21, 1999, and ends on December 2, 1999] October
1, 2017, and ends on September 30, 2019, there are fewer than
three persons holding office on the Board of Directors of the
Export-Import Bank of the United States, the entire membership
of such Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum until the
end of such period.

* * * * * * *

Changes in the Application of Existing Law

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following statements are
submitted describing the effect of provisions in the
accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the
application of existing law.
Language is included in various parts of the bill to
continue ongoing activities in fiscal year 2018 that require
annual authorization or additional legislation, which to date
has not been enacted. The bill includes provisions that place
limitations on the use of funds in the bill or change existing
limitations and that might under some circumstances be
construed as changing the application of existing law. The bill
includes a number of provisions that have been virtually
unchanged for many years, which are technically considered
legislation. The bill provides that several of the
appropriations shall remain available for obligation beyond the
current fiscal year. In all cases it is deemed desirable to
carry such language in order to provide for orderly
administration of such programs and effective use of funds. In
various places in the bill, the Committee recommendation
continues the prior year practice of designating amounts within
appropriation accounts in order to fund specific programs and
has adjusted some designations.
The bill contains general provisions and other language
that has been carried in the bill in past years that include
limitations and conditions on funding provided in the Act.
Additional changes in the fiscal year 2018 bill, which may
be construed as changing existing law, are as follows:
Title I
Under ``Diplomatic and Consular Programs'', language
similar to the prior year providing transfer authority to other
accounts within ``Administration of Foreign Affairs'',
limitations on certain programs, offices, and activities.
Under ``Diplomatic and Consular Programs'', language
carried in the prior year designating the availability and use
of certain fees and transfers from other agencies, and
conditioning the obligation of certain funds made available for
security training.
Under ``Office of Inspector General'', language carried in
the prior year notwithstanding section 209(a)(1) of the Foreign
Service Act of 1980 as it relates to post inspections.
Under ``Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs'',
language modified from the prior year on the use of certain
fees, and a notification requirement.
Under ``Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance'',
language carried in the prior year placing limitations on the
uses of funds, restricting representation expenses, and
requiring submission of an operating plan.
Under ``Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular
Service'', language carried in the prior year permitting the
transfer of not to exceed $1,000,000 to the ``Repatriation
Loans Program Account''.
Under ``Contributions to International Organizations'',
language similar to the prior year limiting the use of funds,
and establishing a number of notification and reporting
requirements.
Under ``Contributions for International Peacekeeping
Activities'', language similar to the prior year limiting the
use of funds and establishing a number of notification and
reporting requirements.
Under ``International Boundary and Water Commission, United
States and Mexico'' and ``American Sections, International
Commissions'', language carried in the prior year limiting
representation expenses.
Under ``American Sections, International Commissions'',
language carried in the prior year limiting representation
expenses.
Under ``International Fisheries Commissions'', language
carried in the prior year providing authority to pay United
States expenses in advance, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3324.
Under ``International Broadcasting Operations'', language
carried in the prior year setting limitations on funds
available for certain expenses and receipts, requiring the
Broadcasting Board of Governors make funds available to expand
unrestricted access to information on the Internet, extending
certain personnel authorities, requiring a notification of
certain programs, restricting representation expenses, and
requiring notifications.
Under ``Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program'', language
carried in the prior year limiting the use of funds relating to
compensation.
Under ``Commission for the Preservation of America's
Heritage Abroad'', language carried in the prior year allowing
the Commission to procure certain services notwithstanding
paragraph (3) of section 312304(b) of Public Law 113-287 during
fiscal year 2018 and requiring notification.
Under ``United States-China Economic and Security Review
Commission'', language carried in the prior year incorporating
by reference several provisos relating to personnel and
financial management authorities that were carried in in the
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Appropriations Act, 2010.
Title II
Under ``Operating Expenses, United States Agency for
International Development'', language carried in the prior year
limiting financing construction or entering into leases,
allowing transfers of funds, and limiting and restricting
representation and entertainment expenses.
Under ``Capital Investment Fund'', language carried in the
prior year requiring notifications.

Title III

Under ``Global Health Programs'', language carried in the
prior year placing restrictions and requirements related to
family planning and abortion, requiring direct apportionment to
agencies, designating the use of funds, requiring
notifications, and setting a cap on administrative expenses.
Under ``Transition Initiatives'', language carried in the
prior year designating the use of funds, requiring a report
prior to the initiation of a country program, and allowing the
use of additional funds in the Act for the same purposes as
funds under this heading following consultation.
Under ``Development Credit Authority'', language carried in
the prior year authorizing transfers, setting funding and
financing limitations, and requiring notification.
Under ``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia'',
language carried in the prior year providing notwithstanding
authority, designating responsibilities for the administration
of assistance, and designating certain funds for purposes of
administrative authorities.
Under ``Migration and Refugee Assistance'', language
carried in the prior year designating amounts for small-scale
emergency humanitarian requirements and for refugees resettling
in Israel.
Under ``Peace Corps'', language carried in the prior year
limiting representation expenses, requiring prior
consultations, allowing the Director to transfer funds to help
mitigate exchange rate losses, and placing limitations on
certain activities.
Under ``Millennium Challenge Corporation'', language
modified from the prior year placing a cap on administrative
expenses, establishing certain funding conditions and
notification requirements, and limiting and restricting
entertainment and representation expenses.
Under ``Inter-American Foundation'', language carried in
the prior year limiting representation expenses.
Under ``United States African Development Foundation'',
language carried in the prior year allowing for the investment
of project funding by grantees, limiting the use of interest
earned, waiving certain limitations due to currency
fluctuations subject to notification, and allowing certain
building leases in Africa.
Under ``International Affairs Technical Assistance'',
language carried in the prior year providing funds
notwithstanding any other provision of law.

Title IV

Under ``International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement'', language modified from the prior year giving the
Department of State the authority to provide excess property to
a foreign country, waiving a section of the Foreign Assistance
Act subject to notification, requiring notification for certain
transfers, and permitting funds for certain purposes.
Under ``Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and
Related Programs'', language similar to the prior year
designating the use of funds, providing authorities for funds,
and establishing certain funding conditions and notification
requirements.
Under ``Peacekeeping Operations'', language carried in the
prior year designating the use of funds, providing certain
authorities, establishing prohibitions for the use of funds,
and requiring notifications.
Under ``International Military Education and Training'',
language modified in the prior year allowing certain civilian
personnel to receive training and limiting entertainment
expenses.
Under ``Foreign Military Financing Program'', language
similar to the prior year requiring consultations and
notifications, designating the use of funds, establishing
requirements for the disbursement and transfer of certain
funds, establishing limitations and conditions on funds, and
establishing prohibitions for the use of funds, and limiting
representation and entertainment expenses.

Title VI

Under ``Export-Import Bank of the United States, Program
Account'', language carried in the prior year allowing for
certain expenditures and setting limitations on funds.
Under ``Export-Import Bank of the United States,
Administrative Expenses'', language carried in the prior year
limiting representation expenses, allowing for the collection
of certain fees, and requiring notifications.
Under ``Export-Import Bank of the United States, Receipts
Collected'', language carried in the prior year requiring
sufficient fees to cover costs.
Under ``Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Noncredit
Account'', language carried in the prior year limiting
representation expenses, and providing that certain costs shall
not be considered administrative costs.
Under ``Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Program
Account'', language carried in the prior year designating
transfer authority from ``Noncredit Account'', providing
program authority in Iraq, requiring certain notifications, and
designating funds for administrative expenses.
Under ``Trade and Development Agency'', language carried in
the prior year restricting representation and entertainment
allowances and designating the use of funds.

Title VII

Sec. 7001 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding allowances and differentials.
Sec. 7002 includes language carried in the prior year
requiring agencies to provide quarterly reports on the
cumulative balances of any unobligated funds.
Sec. 7003 includes language carried in the prior rear
requiring that consulting service contracts shall be a matter
of public record.
Sec. 7004 includes language modified from the prior year
with respect to the construction and use of diplomatic
facilities, setting limitations and expanding notification and
oversight requirements, and placing conditions and restrictions
on certain funds.
Sec. 7005 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain personnel actions and the authority to
transfer funds between appropriations accounts.
Sec. 7006 includes language modified from the prior year on
Department of State management.
Sec. 7007 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for the governments of Cuba, North
Korea, Iran, and Syria.
Sec. 7008 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for countries whose duly elected head of
government is deposed by military coup or decree, or a coup or
decree in which the military plays a decisive role, requires a
determination, and provides a waiver under certain conditions.
Sec. 7009 includes language carried in the prior year
setting limitations and conditions on transfers between
appropriations accounts, requiring audits of certain transfers,
and reporting requirements on transfers for the Department of
State and USAID.
Sec. 7010 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting first-class travel, and setting certain limitations
on computer networks, and the promotion of tobacco products.
Sec. 7011 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding the availability of funds made available in the Act
and new language placing a limitation on the authority until
the Secretary of State submits the reports required under this
section for the last two fiscal years.
Sec. 7012 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for countries in default and allowing
exceptions in certain circumstances.
Sec. 7013 includes language carried in the prior year
withholding assistance to a country where such assistance is
subject to taxation, unless the Secretary of State makes
certain determinations, and updating a reporting requirement.
Sec. 7014 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the reservation of funds and the designation of
certain funding levels.
Sec. 7015 includes language modified from the prior year
establishing the notification requirements regarding funds made
available in the Act.
Sec. 7016 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the notification requirements concerning the
provision of excess Department of Defense articles.
Sec. 7017 includes language similar to the prior year
regarding the availability of funds for international
organizations and programs.
Sec. 7018 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funding for abortions and involuntary
sterilization.
Sec. 7019 includes language similar to the prior year
regarding funding directives specified in tables in the report
accompanying the Act.
Sec. 7020 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting the use of assistance for certain representation
expenses.
Sec. 7021 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for governments that support
international terrorism.
Sec. 7022 includes language similar to the prior year
regarding authorization requirements.
Sec. 7023 includes language carried in the prior year
defining the terms ``program, project, and activity''.
Sec. 7024 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain authorities for the Peace Corps, Inter-
American Foundation, and the United States African Development
Foundation.
Sec. 7025 includes limitation language carried in the prior
year relating to commerce, trade, and surplus commodities.
Sec. 7026 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the requirement that separate accounts be established
for cash transfers and assistance that generates local
currencies and establishing certain conditions on the use of
those funds.
Sec. 7027 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding assistance through nongovernmental organizations and
assistance provided under the Food for Peace Act.
Sec. 7028 includes language modified from the prior year
conditioning funds provided to local organizations through
limited competitions.
Sec. 7029 includes language modified from the prior year
establishing certain conditions on funds appropriated to
international financial institutions.
Sec. 7030 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding debt-for-development programs.
Sec. 7031 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding management of direct assistance to governments,
budget transparency of recipient countries, corruption and
human rights violations, and the foreign assistance Web site.
Sec. 7032 contains language modified from the prior year
regarding democracy programs funded in this Act.
Sec. 7033 includes language modified from the prior year on
assistance regarding international religious freedom.
Sec. 7034 includes language modified from the prior year
granting certain special authorities and limitations relating
to funds made available in the Act.
Sec. 7035 continues language carried in the prior year
related to the Arab League Boycott of Israel.
Sec. 7036 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing limitations on the use of funds in support of a
Palestinian state.
Sec. 7037 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing restrictions on the use of funds for the purpose
of conducting official United States Government business with
the Palestinian Authority.
Sec. 7039 includes language carried in the prior year
placing conditions on assistance for the West Bank and Gaza.
Sec. 7040 includes language modified from the prior year
placing limitations on any assistance for the Palestinian
Authority and regarding Hamas.
Sec. 7041 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Sec. 7042 includes modified language from the prior year
regarding assistance for Africa.
Sec. 7043 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding assistance for East Asia and the Pacific.
Sec. 7044 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding assistance for South and Central Asia.
Sec. 7045 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding assistance for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Sec. 7046 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding assistance for Ukraine and other Independent States
of the former Soviet Union.
Sec. 7047 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding authority for the President to drawdown certain funds
to support UN war crimes tribunals or commissions.
Sec. 7048 includes language modified from the prior year
relating to conditions on the funds for the UN and other
international organizations.
Sec. 7049 includes language carried in the prior year
related to assistance made available for community-based
policing programs.
Sec. 7050 includes language carried in the prior year
limiting funding for publicity or propaganda purposes within
the United States.
Sec. 7051 includes language carried in the prior year
limiting funds available under the Act from being used to
support attendance at international conferences.
Sec. 7052 includes language similar to the prior year
relating to aircraft transfer and coordination.
Sec. 7053 includes language carried in the prior year
relating to unpaid parking fines and real property taxes owed
by foreign countries.
Sec. 7054 includes language carried in the prior year
relating to land mines and cluster munitions.
Sec. 7055 includes language modified from the prior year
related to the continuous supervision and general direction of
economic and military assistance.
Sec. 7056 includes new language prohibiting funds to UNFPA
and prohibiting funds for global health assistance to foreign
nongovernmental organizations that promote or perform abortion.
Sec. 7057 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain management conditions and authorities of
USAID.
Sec. 7058 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding global health activities, placing a funding
limitation on international family planning programs, and
conditioning contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS,
Tuberculosis and Malaria, and conferring certain authorities.
Sec. 7059 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding programs that support gender equality.
Sec. 7060 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding assistance for programs related to basic education,
higher education, conservation, food security and agriculture
development, microenterprise, trafficking in persons, and water
and sanitation.
Sec. 7061 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding assistance to countries impacted by significant
refugee populations or internally displaced persons.
Sec. 7063 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding timely access by Inspectors General to records,
documents, or other materials available to a department or
agency of the United States.
Sec. 7064 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the transfer of individuals detained at Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba.
Sec. 7065 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding multi-year pledges.
Sec. 7066 includes language modified from the prior year
prohibiting funds for the use of torture.
Sec. 7067 includes language similar to the prior year
prohibiting funds for a country that does not cooperate in the
extradition to the United States of certain individuals.
Sec. 7068 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding commercial leasing of defense articles.
Sec. 7069 includes new rescissions.
Sec. 7070 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding countering Russian influence and aggression.
Sec. 7071 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding lending by the International Monetary Fund.
Sec. 7073 includes language modified from the prior year
making funds available to counter foreign fighters and violent
extremist organizations.
Sec. 7074 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing restrictions on enterprise funds.
Sec. 7075 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funds for programs in contravention of this Act.
Sec. 7076 includes language modified from the prior year
requiring spending and operating plans for funds provided in
this Act.
Sec. 7077 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding public posting of reports and documents, records
management, and cybersecurity.
Sec. 7078 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding Internet freedom programs.
Sec. 7079 includes language modified from the prior year
establishing certain limitations impacting jobs in the United
States.
Sec. 7080 includes new language regarding the Export-Import
Bank of the United States.

Title VIII

Under ``Diplomatic and Consular Programs'', language
carried in the prior year allowing the transfer of funds to
other federal departments and agencies, designating funds, and
requiring notification of any such transfers.
Under ``Office of Inspector General'', language similar to
the prior year designating an amount for the Special Inspector
General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, limiting printing and
reproduction costs, and providing certain personnel
authorities.
Under ``Peacekeeping Operations'', language carried in the
prior year providing authority for the use of such funds to pay
assessed expenses.
Sec. 8002 includes language carried in the prior year
stating that funds appropriated in title VIII shall be
available under the authorities and conditions applicable to
such appropriations accounts, unless noted otherwise.
Sec. 8003 includes language modified from the prior year
making funds available for the Counterterrorism Partnerships
Fund.

Appropriations Not Authorized By Law

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following table lists the
appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not
authorized by law for the period concerned:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations in
Agency/Activity Last Year Authorization Last Year of Appropriations in
Authorized Level Authorization the Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of State/ 2003.............. $5,290,390,000.... $5,874,914,000.... $11,565,978,000
Administration of Foreign
Affairs.
Department of State/ 2003.............. $1,529,702,000.... $1,672,000,000.... $2,666,700,000
International Organizations.
Department of State/ 2003.............. $71,385,000....... $57,730,000....... $119,008,000
International Commissions.
Broadcasting Board of Governors. 2003.............. $644,486,000...... $599,560,000...... $769,727,000
Department of State/Related 2003.............. $72,000,000....... $69,986,000....... $186,173,000
Programs.
United States Institute of Peace 2014.............. Such sums as may $37,000,000....... $35,300,000
be necessary.
Operating Expenses of the United 1987.............. $387,000,000...... $340,600,000...... $1,270,461,000
States Agency for International
Development.
Capital Investment Fund......... None.............. NA................ NA................ $174,985,000
Operating Expenses of the United 1987.............. $21,750,000....... $21,000,000....... $71,500,000
States Agency for International
Development--Inspector General.
Global Health Programs (see note Population (1987); Population Population $2,321,000,000
below). Health and Disease ($290,000,000);. ($234,625,000);. (includes
Prevention Health and Disease Health and Disease $461,000,000 for
(1987); Child Prevention Prevention Population)
Survival Fund ($180,000,000); ($166,762,000);
(1987). Child Survival Child Survival
Fund Fund (75,000,000).
($75,000,000).
Global Health Programs: HIV/AIDS 2013.............. $48,000,000,000 $5,720,499,000.... $6,000,000,000
over 5 years.
Development Assistance (see note Agriculture; Agriculture Agriculture $2,780,971,000
below). (1987) Education ($760,000,000); ($693,613,000); (programs
(1987); Energy Education Education difficult to
and selected ($180,000,000); ($155,000,000); determine due to
development Energy and Energy and changing
activities (1987). selected selected definitions of
development development programs since
activities activities last authorized)
($207,000,000). ($149,990,000).
Transition Initiatives.......... None (same NA................ NA................ $92,043,000
authorities as
International
Disaster
Assistance).
Development Credit Authority.... None.............. NA................ NA................ (by transfer)
$50,000,000
Development Credit Authority-- None.............. NA................ NA................ $9,120,000
administrative expenses.
Economic Support Fund........... 1987.............. $3,800,000,000.... $3,555,000,000.... $3,395,433,000
Democracy Fund.................. None.............. NA................ NA................ $210,500,000
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia 1993.............. $410,000,000...... N/A............... 691,571,000
and Central Asia.
Migration and Refugee Assistance 2003.............. $820,000,000...... $781,884,000...... $3,109,000,000
Peace Corps..................... 2003.............. $365,000,000...... $295,069,000...... $398,221,000
Millennium Challenge Corporation 2005.............. Such sums as may $1,488,000,000.... $800,000,000
be necessary.
Inter-American Foundation....... 1993.............. $31,000,000....... $30,960,000....... $11,250,000
United States African 1987.............. $3,872,000........ $6,500,000........ $15,000,000
Development Foundation.
Department of the Treasury, 1999.............. $5,000,000........ $1,500,000........ $25,455,000
International Affairs Technical
Assistance.
International Narcotics Control 1994.............. $171,500,000...... $100,000,000...... $1,266,090,000
and Law Enforcement.
Nonproliferation, Anti- 2003.............. $226,200,000...... NA................ $838,456,000
terrorism, Demining and Related
Programs (see note below).
Peacekeeping Operations......... 1999.............. $83,000,000....... $76,500,000....... $460,254,000
International Military Education 2003.............. $85,000,000....... $79,480,000....... $105,160,000
and Training.
Foreign Military Financing...... 2003.............. $4,107,000,000.... $6,104,632,000.... $6,085,863,000
International Development 2015.............. $3,871,800,000.... $1,287,800,000.... $658,661,000
Association.
Asian Development Fund.......... 2015.............. $359,600,000...... $104,977,000...... $47,395,000
African Development Fund........ 2015.............. $585,000,000...... $32,418,000....... $109,387,000
Overseas Private Investment 2016.............. Such sums as may $70,000,000....... $60,800,000
Corporation Administrative be necessary.
Expenses.
Overseas Private Investment 2016.............. Such sums as may $20,000,000....... $10,000,000
Corporation Program Account. be necessary.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Amounts for Administration of Foreign Affairs, International Organizations, Operating Expenses, Transition
Initiatives, Economic Support Fund, Migration and Refugee Assistance, Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism,
Demining and Related Programs, and Foreign Military Financing Program include funds appropriated in title VIII
of the bill and designated for OCO/GWOT pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of
1985.
Note: Programs recommended herein under ``Global Health Programs'' were last authorized under a different
account structure than that recommended in this bill; the account structure included a number of functional
accounts, as described above.
Note: Funds for the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Program (ERMA) are authorized in
such amounts as may be necessary; however, appropriations which would result in a balance in the fund of more
than $100,000,000 are prohibited (22 U.S.C. 2601(c)) absent a waiver of this provision of law.
Note: Programs recommended herein under ``Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs''
include some major programs for which authorizations of appropriations were provided for fiscal year 2002;
these programs include $73,000,000 authorized for antiterrorism assistance and $142,000,000 authorized for
nonproliferation activities. In addition, some programs now in this account were previously in accounts which
had authorizations of appropriations in prior years.

Comparison With the Budget Resolution

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(A) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table compares
the levels of new budget authority provided in the bill with
the appropriate allocation under section 302(b) of the Budget
Act.

[In millions of dollars]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Authority Outlays
---------------------------------------------------------------
Committee Committee
Allocation Amount in Bill Allocation Amount in Bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Purpose................................. 35,345 35,345 42,984 \1\45,209
Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on 12,019 12,019 7,071 \1\4,725
Terrorism......................................
Mandatory....................................... 159 159 159 159
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

Five Year Outlay Projections

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section
308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the
following table contains five-year projections associated with
the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill as
provided to the Committee by the Congressional Budget Office.

[In millions of dollars]

2018.................................................. \1\18,290
2019.................................................. 12,150
2020.................................................. 8,150
2021.................................................. 4,773
2022 and future years................................. 4,788

\1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

Assistance to State and Local Governments

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section
308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the
Congressional Budget Office has provided the following
estimates of new budget authority and outlays provided by the
accompanying bill for financial assistance to State and local
governments.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget
authority Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial assistance to State and local 0 \1\0
governments............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

Program Duplication

No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a
program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of
another Federal program, a program that was included in any
report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress
pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program
related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance.

Directed Rulemaking

The bill does not direct any rule making.

Comparative Statement of New Budget (Obligational) Authority

The following table provides a detailed summary, for each
department and agency, comparing the amounts recommended in the
bill with fiscal year 2017 enacted amounts and budget estimates
presented for fiscal year 2018:

MINORITY VIEWS

The Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Programs appropriations bill supports the diplomatic and
development efforts critical to maintaining U.S. global
leadership and protecting our country's national security.
Investments in this bill provide the State Department, U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID), and other
agencies the resources to help reduce global poverty,
strengthen democratic political systems, and create greater
political and economic stability.
Disease, disaster, terrorism and economic strife around the
world threaten the security, safety, and well-being of
Americans at home and abroad. A strong and capable State
Department and USAID with well-staffed embassies and missions
effectively represent our interests in this interconnected
world; oversee assistance programs; and build bridges with host
governments, civil societies, and the private sector that are
vital to our national security and economic interests. The
investments in this bill are often the best means to ensure our
nation does not have to pursue military solutions that are
costlier in both lives and treasure.
This is why the cuts sustained in the bill must be restored
through bipartisan negotiations to raise the caps under the
Budget Control Act for Defense and Non-Defense bills. Our
commitment to our men and women in uniform, senior citizens,
working mothers, and citizens overseas cannot be met under the
current budget caps.
As the fiscal year 2018 appropriations process developed,
the Committee Democrats were united in opposition to
considering bills without complete 302b allocations, which
failed to provide the American people with a full budget
blueprint for federal spending. Committee Democrats can only
assume this piecemeal approach was designed to hide excessive
cuts and the failure to adopt a budget in the House, leaving
the Appropriations Committee to consider bills without knowing
the topline level. Marking up appropriations bills without any
sense of the whole was irresponsible and counterproductive, and
it had dire consequences for the State and Foreign Operations
bill.
During his confirmation hearing, Secretary of State Rex
Tillerson stated, ``Quite simply, we are the only global
superpower with the means and the moral compass capable of
shaping the world for good. If we do not lead, we risk plunging
the world deeper into confusion and danger.''
Most of my colleagues and I share this belief, which is why
I am so troubled both by the fiscal year 2018 request put
forward by the President as well as the allocation provided for
this bill. The allocation provides $35,345,000,000 in core
funding and $12,019,000,000 in Overseas Contingency Operations
(OCO) funding, totaling $47,364,000,000. While this is
$7,266,000,000 higher than the President's request, it is
$10,007,000,000, or more than 17%, below the fiscal year 2017
enacted level.
Not only is the allocation for State and Foreign Operations
the largest proportional cut to any of the twelve House
appropriations bills, it is also insufficient to respond to the
global challenges threatening the interests of U.S. citizens
and meet the global commitments of the United States. With mass
migration in the Middle East and North Africa; proliferation on
the Korean Peninsula; famine threatening a historical number of
countries; and increasing Russian aggression, U.S. global
engagement is essential.
Despite the disappointing process and resulting allocation,
Chairman Rogers made an effort to meet several Democratic
priorities. The bill sustains unwavering, bipartisan support
for our close allies, Israel and Jordan. I appreciate the
Chairman's work to preserve funding for basic education, water
and sanitation, democracy and governance, and women's
empowerment. These efforts provide communities the foundations
for inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction.
While the bill rejects many of President Trump's most
extreme and destabilizing proposals, the recommended cuts would
make regions less stable and diminish our global leadership by
severely reducing or eliminating funding for programs such as
international family planning, multilateral cooperation, and
climate change.
Additionally, the bill expands the Global Gag Rule to all
global health programs and prohibits U.S. contributions to the
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Expanding the Global
Gag Rule when the impact is unknown would be dangerous and
jeopardize lives. Coupled with a prohibition on UNFPA, one of
our best partners in global women's health, the bill would
leave more people without access to health services and make
U.S. assistance less effective. I offered an amendment to
strike the expansion of this ill-advised policy and the
prohibition on UNFPA and was disappointed it failed on a
largely party line vote of 23-29. Representative Barbara Lee
offered an amendment to undo the ban on funding to UNFPA and
strike the cap of $461,000,000 on bilateral family planning
funds, which was rejected on a similar party line vote.
Another casualty of the inadequate allocation is the
reneging on our commitments to multilateral institutions, such
as the United Nations (UN) and the multilateral development
banks. Decreases in assistance to multilaterals, including an
18.4% cut to our UN contributions and failure to meet our
obligations for assessed peacekeeping bills, sends a signal to
the rest of the world that the U.S. no longer keeps its
promises to allies and partners. The bill disproportionately
cuts the International Development Association and the African
Development Fund, two institutions that help lift the poorest
countries out of poverty and become self-sustaining.
Additionally, this bill ends all funding to the International
Organizations and Programs account, terminating U.S. support
for critical international partners, such as UNDP and UN Women.
Representative Barbara Lee's amendment to restore this account
was defeated in a 22-30 vote.
The excessive cuts and distribution of resources in this
bill are not the approach we should take. Faced with an
inadequate allocation, the U.S. should prioritize areas in
which we can get the most from each dollar. Partnerships with
multilateral institutions stretch our resources farther toward
meeting shared goals.
Businesses recognize the role multilateral cooperation and
investment play in advancing our domestic economy. According to
the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, international trade accounts for
half of all U.S. manufacturing jobs, and 300,000 of our small
and medium businesses export internationally. Multilateral
engagement assists in the development of markets for U.S. goods
and services and incentivizes increased transparency, good
governance, and an improved investment climate.
Nowhere is multilateral partnership more important than
with the environment. Regrettably, the bill prohibits U.S.
contributions to the Green Climate Fund and discontinues a
contribution to the Global Environment Facility that
traditionally has bipartisan support. Through these
prohibitions, the United States retreats from our historic
leadership on climate change, a global threat that must be
faced urgently and can only be tackled through international
cooperation.
While the hope may be that other nations will fill the gaps
created by these cuts, we risk the void being filled by those
who oppose our values and interests. Democratic members offered
amendments by Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz on the
Global Environment Facility and Representative Dutch
Ruppersberger on the International Development Association,
both of which were withdrawn due to opposition from the
majority.
In another amendment rejected by a mostly party line vote,
Representative Mark Pocan reinforced the application of the
domestic and foreign emoluments clause of the United States
Constitution to the State and Foreign Operations bill. The
framers of the Constitution were wise in drafting the
emoluments clause as a means to avoid corruption and
international influence on our government. It is deeply
disturbing and disappointing that the Committee could not agree
to a basic tenet of our democracy and insist that U.S.
taxpayers' funds not be used to enrich the President.
My colleagues also offered several amendments to address
rumored office closures in advance of the planned
reorganization of the State Department and USAID. The Chairman
offered welcome assurances that Congress would be consulted in
any reorganization sought by the Secretary of State. While I
believe a reorganization could bring improvements to efficiency
and effectiveness, any restructuring and reform effort must
work from the bottom up without preordained targets. I urge the
Department to focus their attention on the tracking of
resources; the rationalization of service delivery and
implementer; and the coordination of effort within the U.S.
government.
Finally, the process for development and diplomacy cannot
be truncated, and a retreat from America's role in the world
will not make Americans safer or our nation stronger. The State
and Foreign Operations bill is a critical tool to protect
national security, carry out our diplomatic agenda, support
economic interests, and express the values of the U.S. by
addressing humanitarian needs abroad. Supporting programs which
build stronger and more stable communities around the world by
raising the health, education and economic well-being of
citizens as well as building government capacity for
generations to come are integral to a vibrant United States
economy and long-lasting security. Due to the low allocation,
the cuts in this bill endanger our efforts and strategic goals.
I hope my Republican colleagues will reconsider the funding
cuts and policy riders in this bill that would make it more
difficult to achieve these priorities. I look forward to
working with Chairman Rogers and my colleagues in the House to
improve the bill.

Nita M. Lowey.