[House Report 115-829]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
115th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 115-829
======================================================================
STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL,
2019
_______
July 16, 2018.--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
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 6385]
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,
2019, and for other purposes.
INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT
Page Number
Bill Report
Overview................................................... 1
4
Title I--Department of State and Related Agency:
Department of State:
Administration of Foreign Affairs.................. 2
11
Diplomatic Programs................................ 2
12
Capital Investment Fund............................ 5
18
Office of Inspector General........................ 5
19
Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs......... 6
19
Representation Expenses............................ 6
21
Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials....... 6
21
Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance.... 7
22
Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service. 8
24
Repatriation Loans Program Account................. 8
25
Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan........ 8
25
International Center, Washington, District of
Columbia....................................... 9
25
Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and
Disability Fund................................ 9
25
International Organizations:
Contributions to International Organizations....... 9
26
Contributions for International Peacekeeping
Activities..................................... 11
29
International Commissions:
International Boundary and Water Commission, United
States and Mexico.............................. 15
30
American Sections, International Commissions....... 15
31
International Fisheries Commissions................ 16
31
Related Agency..................................... 16
32
Broadcasting Board of Governors............ 16
32
Related Programs................................... 19
34
The Asia Foundation........................ 19
34
United States Institute of Peace........... 19
35
Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue
Trust Fund............................. 19
35
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program..... 19
35
Israeli Arab Scholarship Program........... 20
36
East-West Center...........................
36
National Endowment for Democracy........... 20
36
Other Commissions.................................. 21
37
Commission for the Preservation of
America's Heritage Abroad.............. 21
37
United States Commission on International
Religious Freedom...................... 21
37
Commission on Security and Cooperation in
Europe................................. 22
38
Congressional-Executive Commission on the
People's Republic of China............. 22
38
United States-China Economic and Security
Review Commission...................... 22
38
Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission.. 23
39
Title II--United States Agency for International
Development:
Funds Appropriated to the President................ 24
39
Operating Expenses......................... 24
39
Capital Investment Fund.................... 25
41
Office of Inspector General................ 25
41
Title III--Bilateral Economic Assistance:
Funds Appropriated to the President................ 26
41
Global Health Programs..................... 26
41
Development Assistance..................... 32
47
International Disaster Assistance.......... 32
53
Transition Initiatives..................... 32
54
Complex Crises Fund........................
54
Development Credit Authority............... 33
54
Economic Support and Development Fund......
55
Economic Support Fund...................... 35
55
Democracy Fund............................. 35
58
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central
Asia................................... 36
58
Department of State................................ 37
59
Migration and Refugee Assistance........... 37
59
United States Emergency Refugee and
Migration Assistance Fund..............
60
Independent Agencies............................... 38
61
Peace Corps................................ 38
61
Millennium Challenge Corporation........... 39
61
Inter-American Foundation.................. 41
62
United States African Development
Foundation............................. 41
62
Department of the Treasury......................... 42
62
International Affairs Technical Assistance. 42
62
Title IV--International Security Assistance:
Department of State................................ 43
63
International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement............................ 43
63
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining
and Related Programs................... 44
65
Peacekeeping Operations.................... 46
67
Funds Appropriated to the President................ 47
68
International Military Education and
Training............................... 47
68
Foreign Military Financing Program......... 47
68
Title V--Multilateral Assistance:
Funds Appropriated to the President................ 51
70
International Organizations and Programs... 51
70
International Financial Institutions............... 51
71
Global Environment Facility................ 51
71
Contribution to the International
Development Association................ 52
72
Contribution to the Asian Development Fund 52
72
Contribution to the African Development
Bank................................... 52
72
Contribution to the African Development
Fund................................... 52
72
Contribution to the International Fund for
Agricultural Development............... 53
72
Title VI--Export and Investment Assistance:
Export-Import Bank of the United States............ 53
73
Overseas Private Investment Corporation............ 56
73
Development Finance Institution....................
75
Trade and Development Agency....................... 57
75
Title VII--General Provisions.............................. 58
75
Title VIII--Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on
Terrorism:
Department of State................................ 282
107
Administration of Foreign Affairs.................. 282
107
Diplomatic Programs........................ 282
107
Office of Inspector General................ 283
107
Embassy Security, Construction, and
Maintenance............................
107
International Organizations........................
108
Contributions to International
Organizations..........................
108
Contributions for International
Peacekeeping Activities................
108
United States Agency for International Development. 284
108
Funds Appropriated to the President................ 284
108
Operating Expenses......................... 284
108
Office of Inspector General................
108
Bilateral Economic Assistance...................... 284
109
Funds Appropriated to the President................ 284
109
International Disaster Assistance.......... 284
109
Transition Initiatives.....................
109
Complex Crises Fund........................
109
Economic Support Fund...................... 284
109
Department of State................................ 285
109
Migration and Refugee Assistance........... 285
109
International Security Assistance..................
110
Department of State................................
110
International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement............................
110
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining
and Related Programs...................
110
Peacekeeping Operations....................
110
Funds Appropriated to the President................
110
Foreign Military Financing Program.........
110
General Provisions................................. 285
110
Title IX--Additional General Provision:
Spending Reduction Account......................... 286
111
House of Representatives Reporting Requirements
111
Additional Views
149
OVERVIEW
United States economic and security interests are affected
by long-standing challenges and emerging crises throughout the
world. From chaos sown by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
(ISIS) and other terrorist organizations; Russian aggression in
Europe and Eurasia; ongoing efforts by the Taliban to
destabilize Afghanistan; conflict, disease, and the threat of
famine in parts of Africa and Yemen; 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 essential components for
addressing these challenges and protecting America's national
security. Military power alone cannot solve all of these
problems, especially over the long term. Advancing United
States national interests also requires effective diplomatic
engagement and foreign assistance.
At the same time, the Committee acknowledges 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 2019
request would be counterproductive to the economic and security
interests of the nation and would undermine our relationships
with key partners and allies. The Committee recommendation,
therefore, addresses the need to responsibly allocate federal
resources while protecting United States national interests.
The Committee recommendation for fiscal year 2019 for
activities under the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs is $54,018,000,000 in
new discretionary budget authority, which is same as the fiscal
year 2018 enacted level and $11,799,975,000 above the fiscal
year 2019 request. Within the total funding provided, the
recommendation includes $8,018,000,000 in title VIII for
Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism, which
is $4,000,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
The Committee recommendation prioritizes security programs,
including embassy security, international security assistance,
and programs to support the defeat of ISIS and other terrorist
groups and further stabilization and recovery efforts in
communities affected by conflict, terrorism and displacement;
programs and diplomatic activities to stop the flow of opioids
into the United States; programs that promote democracy and
American values; humanitarian, global health, and economic, and
development assistance; and oversight, transparency, and
accountability measures.
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 2018 level for Embassy
Security, Construction, and Maintenance and Worldwide Security
Protection. 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, including maintaining its Qualitative
Military Edge, by providing $3,300,000,000, which is an
increase of $200,000,000 from fiscal year 2018 and reflects
full funding for the first year of the new 10-year Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Israel.
The Committee notes with concern that growing instability and
violence in the Middle East, as well as Iran's expanded
presence in the region, represent an increasing threat to
Israel. Assistance is intended to ensure Israel is able to
defend itself against a wide range of conventional and
unconventional threats. In addition, section 7034 of this Act
includes an extension of authority for loan guarantees to
Israel.
The Committee also maintains strong support for Egypt's
security and economic needs by providing $1,456,800,000 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 $1,525,000,000 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 stabilization and recovery in Iraq and other
areas impacted by such groups.
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 Iran's adherence to United Nations Security Council
resolutions and other matters related to sanctions on Iranian
entities.
The Committee recommendation continues prior year
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 7070 of
this Act.
Latin America and the Caribbean
To address security concerns in Latin America, the
Committee recommendation provides support for Colombia, Mexico,
and countries in 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 $595,000,000 for the
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. Additionally, the recommendation prioritizes
security in Central America by including $346,900,000 for the
Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) 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.
Funds are included to address security needs in neighboring
countries, including Costa Rica and Panama. The Committee also
provides resources to train security forces in the region and
expects the Government of Colombia to continue to contribute
its expertise in this area.
Countering Russian Influence and Agression
The Committee is troubled by the continued threat faced by
Ukraine and other countries in Europe and Eurasia due to
Russian pressure and aggression. In response, the Committee
recommendation does the following: (1) prohibits any assistance
to the central government of the Russian Federation; (2)
maintains funding for the Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and
Central Asia account; (3) provides robust assistance levels for
Ukraine and Georgia, including an increase in security
assistance for Ukraine; (4) provides $250,000,000 for the
Countering Russian Influence Fund; and (5) includes funding
above the prior year for broadcasting to the region to counter
Russian propaganda.
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
$360,250,000 for antiterrorism programs, which is $15,500,000
above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $128,400,000 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. Funds are also
provided to strengthen international airport and aviation
security. The Committee notes the continued rise of terrorism
in Africa and provides additional funds 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 Administration to
tackle transnational crime including by fully funding the
request to support implementation of Presidential Executive
Order on Enforcing Federal Law with Respect to Transnational
Criminal Organizations and Preventing International
Trafficking. The Committee also 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
increasing funding for programs to combat trafficking in
persons and continued support for the Office to Monitor and
Combat Trafficking in Persons at the Department of State. The
Committee also maintains funding to assist partner countries to
prevent and respond to cybercrime.
OPIOIDS
The Committee supports the President's Initiative to Stop
Opioid Abuse and Reduce Drug Supply and Demand. The Committee
believes that international efforts led by the Department of
State are crucial to the success of this Initiative and the
Committee recommendation provides the funding necessary to
expand programs and diplomatic activities to stop the flow of
opioids into the United States.
The Committee recommendation provides $1,435,151,000 for
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, which is
$66,355,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and
$554,801,000 above the budget request. The recommendation: (1)
increases funding to assist the Government of Mexico in
securing its borders and combatting poppy cultivation and
heroin and synthetic drug production; (2) fully funds the
request to disrupt transnational criminal organizations,
including those involved in the trafficking of heroin and
fentanyl; (3) increases funding to support precursor chemical
control and train foreign authorities on international treaty
obligations related to opioids; and (4) increases funding for
global demand reduction programs in order to bolster drug
prevention and treatment services around the globe. The
Committee also supports diplomatic efforts to mobilize support
through international organizations and prevent illegal
shipments of opioids from entering the United States,
particularly from China.
The Committee believes that the Initiative could be
enhanced by a greater focus on international diplomatic and
assistance efforts to stop the flow of heroin and fentanyl
before it reaches the United States. Therefore, the Committee
directs the Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads
of other Federal agencies, as appropriate, to develop an
international diplomatic and assistance strategy to stop the
flow of opioids into the United States. The Strategy shall
contain a clear mission statement, goals and objectives, and
identify the activities and tools necessary to carry out the
Strategy. The Secretary shall also include relevant information
on efforts by other Federal agencies implementing programs in
foreign countries, and steps taken by countries in which
opioids are produced or trafficked. Not later than 90 days
after enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the
Secretary to submit such Strategy to the appropriate
congressional committees.
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 includes language in section 7032 that not
less than $2,400,000,000 be made available for democracy
programs, which is $91,403,000 above the fiscal year 2018
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.
GLOBAL HEALTH
Global health remains a high priority for the Committee in
fiscal year 2019. The Committee believes investments in global
health represent the best of American values by providing life-
saving assistance, including by preventing child and maternal
deaths and combating infectious diseases. Just as important,
funding in global health directly supports United States
national security by developing the capacity around the world
to prevent, detect and respond to dangerous outbreaks of
diseases that have the potential to pose an immediate and
significant threat to the health and well-being of all
Americans.
The Committee recommendation continues funding for
advancing global health security and designates an additional
amount for the Emergency Reserve Fund, established by this
Committee in fiscal year 2017. The need to address pandemic
preparedness in the developing world is vital for this
country's health and security.
The Committee notes the tremendous achievements of the
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the
President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), and the recommendation
continues to devote significant resources to these programs.
The recommendation includes additional funds above the fiscal
year 2018 level for programs to support maternal and child
health, nutrition, and to combat tuberculosis. These matters
are addressed further under Global Health Programs.
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 Protecting Life in Global Health
Assistance policy, the bill includes a prohibition against
global health assistance funds for foreign nongovernmental
organizations that promote or perform abortions.
HUMANITARIAN 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
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.
The world is facing the highest level of displacement on
record. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR), by the end of 2016 an unprecedented 65.6
million people around the world had left their homes and
communities due to conflict and persecution. To help address
these crises of displacement, the Committee recommendation
maintains the $7,645,312,000 for the core humanitarian accounts
that was appropriated for fiscal year 2018.
In addition, the Committee directs that funds made
available under Development Assistance and Economic Support
Fund be made available for programs in countries affected by
significant populations of internally displaced persons or
refugees to--(A) expand and improve host government social
services and basic infrastructure to accommodate the needs of
such populations and persons; (B) alleviate the social and
economic strains placed on host communities, including through
programs to promote livelihoods, vocational training, and
formal and informal education; (C) improve coordination of such
assistance in a more effective and sustainable manner; and (D)
leverage increased assistance from donors other than the United
States Government for central governments and local communities
in such countries. The Committee expects the Secretary of State
to periodically inform the appropriate congressional committees
of the amounts and specific uses of funds made available for
such purposes. The Committee further directs that any funds
made available for the Concessional Finance Facility of the
World Bank to provide financing to support refugees and host
communities, be in addition to funds made available for
bilateral assistance in the report required by section 653(a)
of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and subject to prior
consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.
Finally, the Committee recommendation devotes 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 2018, the
Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
held 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, the United States Agency
for International Development (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 2018 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 2020
on reductions made in fiscal year 2019 as a result of such
efforts.
The Committee has received testimony and reviewed reports
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 senior level person whose responsibility is to keep the
agency focused on such management and oversight issues that are
fundamental to good government. Public service is a public
trust that requires Federal employees to place ethical
principles above private gain. The Code of Federal Regulations
(5 CFR 2635.101) specifies the basic obligation of public
service. Each of the agencies funded in this Act shall ensure
their employees understand and are in compliance with this
obligation.
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.
Section 7069 of this Act includes detailed consultation,
notification, and reporting requirements related to potential
reorganizations of the Department of State, USAID, and other
agencies funded by this Act. It is essential that Congress be
informed and have access to 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 2019 to ensure appropriate Congressional
oversight of funds.
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 $9,212,997,000 for the
activities of the Department of State in fiscal year 2019. Of
the total amount provided, $9,054,097,000 is appropriated as
discretionary funds by this Act and $158,900,000 is
appropriated as mandatory funds by the Foreign Service Act of
1980. Additional funds are provided under title VIII. The
budget request does not seek funding for Overseas Contingency
Operations (OCO) as in previous years. Funding for OCO for the
Administration of Foreign Affairs is included in this Act 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 security requirements. The
total amount provided is the same as the fiscal year 2018
enacted level and $1,016,881,000 above the fiscal year 2019
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]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Security Protection........................ $3,759,874
Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance...... 2,311,474
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Embassy Security.......................... 6,071,348
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIPLOMATIC PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $5,744,440,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 8,113,937,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 5,821,440,000
Change from enacted level......................... +77,000,000
Change from request............................... -2,292,497,000
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $5,821,440,000 for
Diplomatic Programs, including up to $1,383,752,000 for
Worldwide Security Protection (WSP). Additional funds are
provided under title VIII.
Funds made available under this heading are allocated in
the following manner:
Human resources.--The Committee recommendation includes
$2,847,673,000 for human resources, of which $479,879,000 is
for WSP. Funds support American salaries at overseas and
domestic United States diplomatic missions. In support of the
Secretary's decision to lift the Department's hiring freeze on
Foreign Service and Civil Service and authorize the Department
of State to hire to current funding levels, the Committee
recommendation includes $77,000,000 above the enacted level.
Overseas programs.--The Committee recommendation includes
$1,253,799,000 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 $794,561,000 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) and funds to support positions
authorized in the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2019 for the Bureau of Intelligence and Research.
Security programs.--The Committee recommendation includes
$925,407,000 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 2019, 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.
Consular and Border Security Program
In addition to the funds appropriated under this heading,
an estimated $3,849,877,000 will become available through
currently authorized fees and surcharges, as well as proposed
extensions of expiring fees and surcharges, if authorized, for
the Consular and 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(d) of
title 8 of the United States Code with the goal of ensuring all
countries accept persons who are covered by such section.
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 processing delays, resulting in
lost business opportunities for United States companies and
missed public diplomacy exchanges involving foreign legislators
and legislative staff invited by United States Government
Executive and Legislative Branch officials. 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.
Worldwide Security Protection
The Committee recommendation includes $1,383,752,000 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 more
than 275 overseas diplomatic missions and residences, and
domestic facilities. The resources provided will support more
than 3,500 regional security officers and 35,000 guards to
provide perimeter security and access control. 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 COM
personnel from posts in crisis.
Insider threat.--Continuous evaluation of Department of
State employees, including contractors, and its computer
networks is required to detect and prevent insider threats. The
Secretary, who is ultimately responsible for developing an
insider threat analytic and response capability, should review
new technology that meets Department of Defense standards to
increase this capability.
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. FACT training will be maintained
at the Interim Training Facility until the new Foreign Affairs
Security Training Center (FASTC) is fully operational. In the
meantime, the Committee directs the Secretary of State to
continue to submit semi-annual progress reports 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 directs 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
Asia.--Diplomatic engagement and assistance programs with
individual countries and regional organizations in Asia are the
basis of mutually beneficial partnerships. The Committee notes
the number of staff vacancies in the Bureau of East Asian and
Pacific Affairs and the Bureau of South and Central Asian
Affairs and urges the Secretary to expeditiously fill these
vacancies in these important regions.
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 of State 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.
The Committee is concerned about reports of the unlawful
removal of United States minors to countries in Latin America
and the Caribbean, including to Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to aggressively
advocate for such minors and to work with host governments to
facilitate their return. The Secretary of State should also
consider taking further actions, as appropriate, such as those
described in section 7034(g) of this Act and those contained in
section 201(b) of the Goldman Act, with a priority on cases
that have been unresolved for more than a year.
Combating Anti-Semitism.--The recommendation includes
$350,000 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 and to maintain the funding and administrative
location of the office within the Office of the Secretary.
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
2018 level. The Committee notes assistance for democracy
programs administered by DRL has increased in recent fiscal
years and the Committee recommendation again provides an
additional amount above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level
under Democracy Fund in title III of this Act. Therefore, the
Committee urges the Secretary to ensure sufficient staffing
levels at DRL to provide proper management and oversight of
these funds.
Eligible Family Members (EFMs).--The Committee is pleased
with the Secretary's decision in May to authorize U.S. missions
abroad to hire EFMs and other overseas employees. EFMs are a
cost-effective talent pool for filling both clerical and
critical positions at embassies and consulates. Just as
importantly, they can play the deciding role in recruitment,
retention, and job satisfaction of members of the diplomatic
corps. The Secretary's decision is the first step towards
restoring the high regard for the official and unofficial
support provided by EFMs.
Global Engagement Center.--The Committee is concerned about
foreign propaganda and disinformation that threatens United
States national security, especially as carried out by China,
Russia, and extremists groups. The Global Engagement Center
(GEC), as formally established by Public Law 114-328, is
expected to use a wide range of technologies and techniques to
counter these campaigns. The operating plan required by section
7070 of this Act should describe the GEC's use of detailees,
personal service contracts, and direct hires, as well as their
foreign language proficiency.
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 funding consistent with prior
years 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 highlight 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).
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.
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 7070 of
this Act.
Procurement.--The Secretary of State is encouraged to
expand opportunities for small businesses or cooperatives to
compete for Department of State contracts and grants, including
small businesses owned and controlled by socially and
economically disadvantaged individuals and faith-based
organizations. The Committee expects the Department to comply
with the requirements of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.
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.
Western Hemisphere Affairs.--The Committee supports steps
taken by the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs to promote
stable democracies throughout the region through racial and
ethnic equality initiatives, including coordinating and
implementing the joint action plans developed with the
governments of Colombia and Brazil.
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. 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 Thomas R.
Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship and Charles B. Rangel
International Affairs 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 7070 of this Act.
DIPLOMATIC PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau/Office (includes salary and bureau managed
funds) Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau of Administration:
Freedom of Information Act....................... $33,960
Bureau of Europe and Eurasia Affairs:
Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues. 634
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 [500]
Curriculum Development].................
Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of 2,000
Religious Minorities in the Near East and
South Central Asia..........................
Office of Terrorism Financing and Economic 6,100
Sanctions 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 Global for Women's Issues............. 5,326
Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues....... 5,497
Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism....... 350
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $103,400,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 92,770,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 103,400,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +10,630,000
The Committee recommendation includes $103,400,000 for
Capital Investment Fund. Funds provided are in addition to an
estimated $260,040,000 in expedited passport fees, which will
be used to support the information technology modernization
effort, for a total of $363,440,000 in fiscal year 2019 for
support of the Information Technology Strategic Plan of the
Department of State.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $77,629,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 142,200,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 90,829,000
Change from enacted level......................... +13,200,000
Change from request............................... -51,371,000
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $90,829,000 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 for the Special
Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR).
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 SIGAR
in order to ensure the development of comprehensive oversight
plans and to avoid duplication.
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $646,143,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 159,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 646,143,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +487,143,000
The Committee recommendation includes $646,143,000 for
Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs. The Committee
recognizes the importance of international exchange programs
and directs that funds made available under this heading be
directed to support United States foreign policy objectives and
be appropriately coordinated with Department of State regional
bureaus.
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. The Committee
expects the Secretary of State to be prepared to report to the
Committees on Appropriations during hearings on the fiscal year
2020 budget request on steps planned to support such exchanges.
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.
Critical Language Programs.--Within the funds provided, the
Committee urges the Secretary of State to prioritize critical
language programs for United States students and exchange
programs with countries of national security importance,
including those with significant Muslim populations and the
countries of the former Soviet Union.
English Language Programs.--The Committee recommendation
includes not less than $45,665,000 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
$240,000,000 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; and programs providing overseas training in
strategic languages for Americans.
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 academic and cultural
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 2019
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 7070 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 2019.
Funds made available under this heading are allocated in
the following manner and are subject to the requirements of
sections 7015 and 7070 of this Act.
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Academic Programs:
Fulbright Program................................ $240,000
Global Academic Exchanges........................ 63,176
Special Academic Exchanges....................... 16,975
Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship [12,550]
Program.....................................
Vietnam Education Foundation Act............. [2,500]
------------------
Subtotal, Academic Programs...................... 320,151
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.......... 5,600
------------------
Subtotal, Professional and Cultural Exchanges.... 214,725
Special Initiatives: 40,500
Young Leaders Initiatives........................ [28,500]
Countering State disinformation and pressure..... [12,000]
Program and Performance.............................. 7,383
Exchanges Support.................................... 63,384
------------------
Total, Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs 646,143
------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPRESENTATION EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $8,030,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 7,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 8,030,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +1,030,000
The Committee recommendation includes $8,030,000 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 2018 enacted level........................ $30,890,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 25,890,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 30,890,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +5,000,000
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. 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 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 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $2,242,696,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 1,657,543,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,311,474,000
Change from enacted level......................... +68,778,000
Change from request............................... +653,931,000
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $2,311,474,000 for
Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance.
Embassy construction and maintenance program.--The
Committee recommendation includes $1,546,015,000 for Worldwide
Security Upgrades. 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 reminds the Secretary to promptly inform the
Committee of agencies that are delinquent in fulfilling their
capital security cost sharing obligation as required by section
7004(a) of this Act.
The recommendation includes funds made available under this
heading in this Act for the Department's Capital Security Cost
Savings (CSCS) and Maintenance Cost Sharing (MCS) annual
contributions. When combined with the estimated CSCS and MCS
reimbursements from other agencies and consular fees, total
resources for maintenance, construction and design of embassy
and consulate compounds exceeds the recommendation of the
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) of this
Act, the Department is directed to clearly define and
consistently report on 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 following cost categories: (a) site acquisition, (b)
project development, (c) design contract, (d) primary
construction, (e) other construction costs, including: (i)
procurement of art, (ii) furniture, (iii) project supervision,
(iv) construction security, (v) contingency, and (vi) value
added tax, and (f) any other relevant costs; (4) the revenues
derived from, or estimated to be derived from, real property
sales and gifts 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, Locally
Employed Staff, 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; (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; and (12) the project's scheduled start and
completion date, actual start and current estimated completion
date, and an explanation of any changes.
The Committee remains concerned about the costs associated
with new embassy and consulate compound construction projects,
particularly the Beirut Embassy, Mexico City Embassy, New Delhi
Embassy, Erbil Consulate, and Jakarta Embassy projects. The
Committee recommendation continues and expands 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; (3) an
explanation of cost containment measures being used to address
cost growth from the initial estimates; and (4) project
performance assessment.
Other repair, construction, and operations.--The Committee
recommendation includes $765,459,000 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 7070 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 2019 for operations,
maintenance, and construction, and an accounting of the actual
and anticipated proceeds of sales or gifts for all projects in
fiscal year 2018.
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.
Project performance assessments.--The Department of State
shall develop performance metrics to evaluate the performance
of ongoing projects. Each project assessment required under
section 7004(h) shall contain charts and explanatory narratives
for each of the following seven performance metrics: (1) Labor
Resources Status--the monthly and cumulative amount of planned
and actual man-months; (2) Work in Place Status--the monthly
and cumulative amount of planned and actual value of work; (3)
Contract Change Order Status--the monthly and cumulative
number, days of delay, and value of: approved contract
modifications, the government's position on proposed change
orders, and the contractor's position on proposed change
orders; (4) Construction S-Curve--a chart that compares the
current project execution schedule against the baseline and
successive iterations of project execution schedules (including
the as of date of each approved project execution schedule),
including the effects of contract modifications, contractor-
proposed change orders, and contractor requests for equitable
adjustment; (5) Activity Status--the monthly and cumulative
number of activities planned and actually started; (6) Activity
Duration Status--the monthly number of activities completed and
their planned and actual duration; and (7) Quality Status--the
monthly and cumulative number of quality control and quality
assurance deficiencies identified, corrected, uncorrected,
reported corrected but not yet verified, and reported corrected
but rejected and reissued.
EMERGENCIES IN THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $7,885,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 7,885,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 7,885,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
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.
The recommendation 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
Repatriation Loans Program. This authority will ensure an
adequate level of resources for loans to American citizens
through the Repatriation Loans Program, should additional funds
be required due to an unanticipated increase in the number of
loans.
REPATRIATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $1,300,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 1,300,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,300,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation includes $1,300,000 for the
subsidy cost of repatriation loans.
PAYMENT TO THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $31,963,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 26,312,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 31,963,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +5,651,000
The Committee recommendation includes $31,963,000 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 this 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, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $743,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 743,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 743,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation includes $743,000 for site
security and routine maintenance and repairs to public spaces
of the International Center, Washington, D.C.
PAYMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $158,900,000
Fiscal Year 2019 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.
These funds are mandatory for budget scorekeeping purposes
and are appropriated by the Foreign Service Act of 1980, 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 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $1,371,168,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 1,095,045,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,364,415,000
Change from enacted level......................... -6,753,000
Change from request............................... +269,370,000
\1\The fiscal year 2018 enacted level includes 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,364,415,000 for
Contributions to International Organizations. This account
supports annual United States assessed contributions to
international organizations, including the United Nations. The
Committee recommendation prioritizes 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.
Capital projects.--Section 7048(f) includes language
carried in the prior year requiring any operating plan
submitted for funds made available under this heading to
include information on capital projects. The Committee is
concerned about cost overruns of the New NATO Headquarters
project and directs the Secretary of State to include
information on steps taken to mitigate such costs. The
Committee recommendation does not include funding for the UN
Headquarters in New York, which has been completed.
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
2017 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.
Transparency and accountability.--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 other international
organizations 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.
Section 7048(a)(1) includes modified language withholding a
portion of funds until the Secretary of State determines and
reports that certain transparency and accountability
requirements have been met, and expands the list of
organizations subject to such requirements. Subsection
(a)(1)(C) requires the Secretary of State to determine whether
each organization, department, or agency is effectively
implementing and enforcing policies and procedures on the
appropriate use of travel funds, including restrictions on
first class and business class travel. The report to accompany
such determination shall provide an updated assessment of the
recommendations contained in the April 2017 United Nations
Joint Inspection Unit's ``Review of Air Travel Policies in the
United Nations System,'' including whether each organization
has adopted the second recommendation to ``abolish first class
travel for all categories of staff and non-staff by January
2019.'' The report should also include additional
recommendations from the Secretary for reducing travel costs
and improving the oversight of travel at such entities.
Subsection (a)(3) requires the Secretary of State to assess
whether certain organizations are meeting the requirements of
subparagraphs (A) through (C) and provide a report to the
Committees on Appropriations. The report should identify any
deficiencies in organizations with respect to meeting these
requirements and any steps planned to address such
deficiencies. The Secretary of State shall continue to include
information on an organization-by-organization basis in the
reports submitted pursuant to subsections (a)(1) and (a)(3).
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. No
funds were requested and none are provided in this Act for a
contribution to UNESCO.
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.
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.
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.
UN reform.--The Committee expects the Department of State
and the United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN) to
keep 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 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.
Universal Postal Union.--The Committee is concerned with
the continued use of the international postal system to send
opioids and other illicit drugs to the United States,
especially from China. The Committee expects the Secretary of
State to work with the Universal Postal Union to adopt and
implement measures to further strengthen the security of the
mail system, including improvements to the quality of data
collection and further adoption of the advance electronic data
system. The opioid strategy directed in the Overview of this
report should describe measures taken and planned to be taken
by the Department of State to work with the Universal Postal
Union and member states to increase the security of the mail
system, particularly from China and other countries that send
such contraband.
UN and United States companies.--The Committee expects the
Department of State and USUN to monitor procurement processes
at UN organizations, including the World Health Organization,
and ensure that American manufacturers and suppliers are being
provided fair treatment in bidding on projects and services,
and to monitor policies in place that may unfairly exclude or
discriminate against United States companies. Not later than 90
days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on these
matters.
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $414,624,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 1,196,108,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,589,496,000
Change from enacted level......................... +1,174,872,000
Change from request............................... +393,388,000
\1\The fiscal year 2018 enacted level includes 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,589,496,000 for
Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities, which
is $393,388,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The
Committee intends to support the assessed cost of peacekeeping
missions at the statutory level of 25 percent and will evaluate
the need for additional funds based on the latest estimates of
projected carryover and available credits as the appropriation
process proceeds. The Committee provides funding to pay
assessed expenses for the UN Support Office in Somalia under
Peacekeeping Operations instead of under this heading.
Cost containment and burden sharing.--The Committee
continues to be concerned about the scope, duration, and costs
of UN peacekeeping missions and supports ongoing efforts of the
Department of State and USUN to bring down costs while
maintaining United States interests and international security.
The Committee further supports current efforts to negotiate a
more equitable financial burden sharing rate of assessment,
including establishing a ceiling for any one Member State's
peacekeeping assessment. 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 45 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 report should also include an update on efforts
to negotiate scales of assessment that would result in other
countries more appropriately sharing the financial burden.
New or expanded 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.
Other requirements.--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 supports reforms to ensure that such practices are
eliminated. The Committee recommendation includes modified
language in section 7048(a) of this Act withholding a portion
of funds for the UN until the Secretary of State determines and
reports that certain transparency and accountability
requirements have been met.
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 prior years 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 required 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 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 2018 enacted level........................ $77,534,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 71,215,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 77,534,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +6,319,000
The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$77,534,000 for International Boundary and Water Commission,
United States and Mexico, including $48,134,000 for Salaries
and Expenses and $29,400,000 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 also supports
efforts to reduce the amount of sediment and other activities
to maintain the health of the river.
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 directs the Secretary of State and
IBWC to work with the Government of Mexico to facilitate a
resolution to this matter.
The Committee is also concerned with deficiencies
identified at IBWC dams on the Rio Grande. The Secretary of
State, in coordination Commissioner of IBWC, should work with
the Government of Mexico to develop a joint plan to address
such deficiencies based on the risk-based classification system
developed by the Army Corp of Engineers. The Committee notes
that international agreements between the United States and
Mexico specify cost-sharing arrangement between the two
countries for such projects.
AMERICAN SECTIONS, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $13,258,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 12,184,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 12,732,000
Change from enacted level......................... -526,000
Change from request............................... +548,000
The Committee recommendation includes $12,732,000 for
American Sections, International Commissions, of which
$8,052,000 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.
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $46,356,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 33,906,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 46,882,000
Change from enacted level......................... +526,000
Change from request............................... +12,976,000
The Committee recommendation includes $46,882,000 for
International Fisheries Commissions.
Funds made available under the heading are allocated in the
following manner and are subject to the requirements of
sections 7015 and 7070 of this Act:
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES COMMISSIONS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commission/Activity Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great Lakes Fishery Commission....................... $33,586
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission.............. 1,750
Pacific Salmon Commission............................ 3,685
International Pacific Halibut Commission............. 4,395
Other Marine Conservation Organizations.............. 3,466
------------------
Total, International Fisheries Commissions....... 46,882
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee recommendation includes funds necessary to
fully support the anticipated United States assessments, other
expenses related to these commissions, and for the
participation of non-government United States commissioners to
the various commissions.
Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC).--The Committee
recommendation includes $33,586,000 for GLFC, which supports
GLFC's base operations, sea lamprey control and fishery
research, and management of invasive carp species. The
Committee intends that the funds made available for the GLFC be
used only for meeting the United States obligations under the
1954 Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries.
RELATED AGENCY
Broadcasting Board of Governors
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $807,686,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 661,133,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 807,686,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +146,553,000
The Committee recommendation includes $807,686,000 under
this heading to carry out United States international
communications activities and operations overseen by the
Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), of which $797,986,000 is
for International Broadcasting Operations and $9,700,000 is for
Broadcasting Capital Improvements.
INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
The Committee recommendation includes $797,986,000 for
International Broadcasting Operations. The Committee
recommendation assumes certain efficiency gains proposed in the
budget request and redirects such funds towards other programs.
This account funds the operations, 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 this heading are allocated according
to the following table and are subject to the requirements of
sections 7015 and 7070 of this Act:
INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Entities Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Broadcasting Bureau Operations......... $61,076
Internet Freedom................................. [16,300]
Voice of America..................................... 251,470
Office Cuba Broadcasting............................. 29,144
Technology, Services and Innovation.................. 180,243
------------------
Subtotal, Federal Entities....................... 521,933
Independent Grantee Organizations:
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.................. 126,542
Radio Free Asia.................................. 43,124
Middle East Broadcasting Networks.................... 106,387
------------------
Subtotal, Grantees............................... 276,053
------------------
Total, International Broadcasting Operations. 797,986
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee expects BBG to keep the Committee informed of
the implementation of reforms, data-driven programing, and
evidence of the Agency's effectiveness in creating access to
independent information, countering propaganda and extremist
rhetoric, and promoting United States public diplomacy.
The Committee recommendation continues the requirement that
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 $16,300,000 under International
Broadcasting Bureau for global internet freedom for the
expansion of unrestricted access to information on the Internet
in accordance with section 7064 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 $17,500,000
for fiscal year 2019.
Section 7064(c) 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 the activities detailed in subsection (b)(2) including
amounts to be programmed by the Open Technology Fund.
Countering ISIS and violent extremist groups.--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 strongly supports
efforts to counter Russia's aggressive disinformation and
propaganda campaign, particularly through the development of
effective Russian language programming. The Committee
recommendation includes funds above the fiscal year 2018
enacted level for countering Russian influence programming and
expects BBG to continue an aggressive multi-media effort aimed
at Russians and Russian speakers, including through the Current
Time TV programming of RFE/RL and VOA.
East Asia and 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 $43,124,000 for RFA, including funds to
continue the Tibetan language service. The Committee
recommendation includes sufficient funds for VOA and RFA to
continue Korean programming.
Latin America.--The Committee recommendation provides
$6,000,000 for the Latin America division of VOA. The Committee
encourages BBG to focus additional funds on countries such as
Venezuela, where access to independent media is restricted. Not
later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the BBG CEO is
directed to submit a report on the independent media space in
countries in Latin America and make recommendations on how to
increase access to independent media where access to
information is limited or restricted.
Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB).--The Committee
recommendation provides not less than $29,144,000 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.
Persian programming.--The Committee supports broadcasting
to Iranian audiences and provides funds above the fiscal year
2018 enacted level for expended Persian programming.
VOA Pakistan.--The Committee urges VOA to consider
expanding Sindh language broadcasting.
BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee recommendation includes $9,700,000 for
broadcasting capital improvements.
RELATED PROGRAMS
The Asia Foundation
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $17,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 17,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +17,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $17,000,000 for The
Asia Foundation. The Committee recommendation does not assume
the closure of The Asia Foundation (TAF), as proposed by the
fiscal year 2019 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 2020
detailing total revenue and support by category for fiscal year
2018 and projected for fiscal year 2019.
United States Institute of Peace
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $37,884,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 20,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 37,884,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +17,884,000
The Committee recommendation includes $37,884,000, for the
United States Institute of Peace (USIP), as authorized.
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 2020 on the amount of funds received from other
Federal agencies and the amount of revenue generated from fees
and reimbursable agreements in fiscal year 2018, and projected
for fiscal years 2019 and 2020.
Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $140,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 185,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 185,000
Change from enacted level......................... +45,000
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 $185,000.
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $158,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 190,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 190,000
Change from enacted level......................... +32,000
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
$190,000.
Israeli Arab Scholarship Program
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $65,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 68,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 68,000
Change from enacted level......................... +3,000
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 $68,000.
East-West Center
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $16,700,000
Fiscal Year 2019 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 2018 enacted level........................ $170,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 67,275,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 170,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +102,725,000
The Committee recommendation includes $170,000,000 for
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 2018 be continued for such
purposes.
The Committee recommendation exempts funds made available
under National Endowment for Democracy from the requirements of
section 7070(a). In lieu thereof, the President of the NED is
directed to submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations, not later than 45 days after enactment of this
Act, 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.
The funds made available under this heading should continue
to be provided directly to the NED, and therefore 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 2018 enacted level........................ $675,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 675,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 675,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
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 2018 enacted level........................ $4,500,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 4,500,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 4,500,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
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. Funds provided may
remain available for obligation until September 30, 2020,
provided that the Commission is authorized beyond September 30,
2019.
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 2018 enacted level........................ $2,579,000
Fiscal Year 2019 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 2018 enacted level........................ $2,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 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 2018 enacted level........................ $3,500,000
Fiscal Year 2019 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.
Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $ 0
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,500,000
Change from enacted level......................... +1,500,000
Change from request............................... +1,500,000
The Committee recommendation includes $1,500,000 for the
Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission, as authorized by
Title VI of the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal
Year 2017 (P.L. 114-323). The recommendation provides an
additional year of availability of funds in order to cover the
costs of salaries and expenses through sunset of the
Commission. The report required by section 601(c) of such Act
shall also be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations.
TITLE II--UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Funds Appropriated to the President
OPERATING EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $1,189,609,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 1,114,920,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 1,189,609,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +74,689,000
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,189,609,000 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.
As in prior years, the Committee directs the USAID
Administrator to provide a report to the Committees on
Appropriations, not later than 60 days after enactment of this
Act, that details the number of people employed by USAID, the
category of employment (direct hire, personal service
contractor, Participating Agency Service Agreement, and similar
categories), the veteran status of direct hires employed by
USAID, the office or overseas post to which they are assigned
or detailed, the appropriation account used to fund the
employees, specific legislative authority needed to hire the
employees, and, if hired by another Federal agency, the
additional administrative expenses charged by that agency.
Additionally, the USAID Administrator shall include the
staffing levels and position titles for all Washington-based
and overseas employees by bureau, office, or other unit. The
Committee directs that this employment report reflect data as
of the end of fiscal year 2018.
The Committee notes that USAID must submit an operating
plan to the Committees on Appropriations as required in section
7070(a) of this Act.
Workforce diversity initiatives.--Funds appropriated under
this heading shall continue to be made available to support
workforce diversity initiatives, at levels commensurate with
prior years, including for fellowships to promote diversity and
excellence in the Foreign Service, such as the Donald M. Payne
International Development Graduate Fellowship Program.
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. The Committee further directs USAID to use this
extraordinary authority judiciously.
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 2018.
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
and faith-based organizations fully participate in the
provision of goods and services especially if they have a
proven record of promoting local self-reliance and democratic
governance.
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 a Public Access Plan on increasing access to the results
of federally funded scientific research and urges continued
implementation of such plan.
Skilled volunteers.--The USAID Administrator shall form a
task force to, among other things, recommend ways to advance
USAID's mission and programs through the use of skilled
volunteers, to promote USAID Missions' awareness of such
volunteers, and to facilitate the procurement process and best
practices for skilled volunteer activities. Not later than one
year after enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall
report to the Committees on Appropriations on the number of
volunteers mobilized in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 and the
disposition of task force recommendations.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $197,100,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 190,900,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 200,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... +2,900,000
Change from request............................... +9,100,000
The Committee recommendation includes $200,000,000 for
Capital Investment Fund to, among other things, support the
objectives of the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability
Act, and notes that USAID must submit an operating plan to the
Committees on Appropriations as required in section 7070(a) of
this Act.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $72,800,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 71,500,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 76,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... +3,200,000
Change from request............................... +4,500,000
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $76,000,000 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 2019.
Not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the OIG
shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on
USAID's use of public-private partnerships for achieving
development goals, metrics for evaluating their performance,
and their advantages and disadvantages.
The Committee directs the OIG to submit a report not later
than 45 days after enactment of this Act on the policies,
procedures, and processes that the Overseas Private Investment
Corporation used to ensure compliance with the funding
conditions and reporting requirements in Public Law 115-141
during fiscal year 2018. The OIG shall consult with the
Committees on Appropriation on the scope of the report.
TITLE III--BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
Funds Appropriated to the President
GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $8,690,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 6,702,601,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 8,690,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +1,987,399,000
The Committee recommendation includes $8,690,000,000 for
Global Health Programs.
USAID Global Health Programs
The Committee recommendation includes $3,092,550,000 for
USAID global health programs, of which $3,020,000,000 is new
budget authority to be directly apportioned to USAID and
$72,550,000 is derived from repurposed funds. The Committee
includes language similar to the request to permit the use of
unobligated balances of funds appropriated under title IX of
Division J of Public Law 113-235 for global health security and
provides an additional amount for the Emergency Reserve Fund.
The Committee recommendation includes budgetary resources
of $845,000,000 for maternal and child health; $145,000,000 for
nutrition programs under this heading; $23,000,000 for programs
benefiting vulnerable children; $302,000,000 to combat
tuberculosis; $172,550,000 for global health security and
emerging health threats; and $755,000,000 to prevent and treat
malaria.
Global health security and emerging health threats.--The
Committee recommendation includes $172,550,000 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
$25,000,000 for the Emergency Reserve Fund established pursuant
to section 7058(c)(1) 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 Emergency Reserve Fund
are available until expended, but may only be made available
if, prior to obligation, the USAID Administrator determines and
reports to the appropriate congressional committees that it is
in the national interest to respond to an emerging health
threat that poses severe threats to human health.
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. Within the funds made available for malaria, the
Committee encourages USAID's continued support for public-
private partnerships, research and development, diagnostics and
vector control, and access and delivery of anti-malarial
medicine, including effective pediatric formulations and
alternatives to counter resistance.
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 support, at
not less than the prior year level, programs to prevent and
treat obstetric fistula, and for maternal and neonatal tetanus,
and report to the Committee on levels provided for such
purposes. The Committee also encourages USAID to continue
supporting cleft lip/palate treatment. The Committee looks
forward to USAID's annual report on progress towards ending
preventable child and maternal deaths.
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 increase 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.
The Committee directs the USAID Administrator to consult
with the Committees on Appropriations on implementation of the
Award Cost Efficiency Study Blue Ribbon Panel recommendations
for USAID maternal and child health investments.
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
$145,000,000 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, including to reduce stunting and
wasting, increase breastfeeding and nutrition supplementation
for pregnant women, promote early childhood development, and
treat severe malnutrition.
Other health matters.--The Committee requests that USAID
consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the estimated
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; neurological disorders,
including Alzheimer's disease and dementia; and surgical care
systems strengthening.
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 Internet-based technology that supports fertility-awareness
methods of family planning that are proven effective.
Research.--The Committee recognizes the important role
USAID has played in health-related research and supports
continued investments in global health technologies across the
agency's health programs to better address longstanding and
emerging global health challenges. To further this effort, 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
further directs the USAID Administrator to continue the annual
report on health-related research which is important for
transparency and oversight of the agency's work on global
health research. For fiscal year 2019, the report should also
include information on the consultative process to determine
global health research priorities as directed under this
heading.
Tuberculosis.--The Committee includes $302,000,000 for
programs to combat drug-susceptible and drug-resistant
tuberculosis. The USAID Administrator is directed to consult
with the Committees on Appropriations regarding the use of
funds in this Act for such purposes.
The Committee expects progress reports issued on the
National Action Plan for Combating Multidrug-Resistant
Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) to include, on a country-by-country
basis, a description of: efforts to increase active case
finding; the number of adults and children receiving treatment
for MDR-TB; the proportion of those treated with regimens that
include new tuberculosis drugs; efforts to address side-effects
of treatment; factors impeding scale up; and progress in
expanding community-based care.
The Committee notes that political will within target
countries has been identified as an impediment to further
progress on MDR-TB and expects USAID, in coordination with the
Department of State, to expand efforts to encourage countries
most impacted to make meaningful commitments on MDR-TB,
including increasing their own domestic resources to combat the
disease.
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 notes USAID's investments in malaria and HIV/
AIDS vaccine development and supports continued efforts to
create effective vaccines for malaria and HIV/AIDS as part of a
comprehensive prevention, diagnostic, and treatment strategy.
The Committee directs the USAID Administrator to consult with
the Committees on Appropriations on amounts proposed for such
efforts for fiscal year 2019. The Committee further notes
ongoing vaccine development efforts to prevent and respond to
future outbreaks from deadly viruses, and encourages the USAID
Administrator to consider supporting such efforts within global
health security and emerging health threats.
Vulnerable children.--The Committee directs that not less
than $23,000,000 be provided to support programs and activities
that address the needs of vulnerable children, including
childhood blindness programs.
The Committee commends USAID for initiating the process to
update the Unites States Government Action Plan on Children in
Adversity (APCA), and supports USAID's objectives of building
strong beginnings, putting family care first, and protecting
children from violence, abuse, and neglect. The Committee
expects USAID to plan and budget for activities that enable
children to remain in or return to the care of their families,
or when appropriate, other close family members, and decrease
the percentage of children living in institutions. In carrying
out these programs, USAID should partner with organizations
that demonstrate an expertise promoting permanent family-based
care, foster care programs in and outside of family networks,
and preventing unnecessary family separation.
The Committee directs the USAID Administrator to regularly
update the Committee on APCA implementation.
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
2018 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 United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
The Committee recognizes the significant achievements of
PEPFAR through the support of anti-retroviral treatment,
testing, counseling, and other prevention measures, including
for key populations. The Committee recommends prioritizing
pregnant women within programs to prevent and treat HIV and
expects OGAC to continue efforts to provide HIV positive
pregnant women services to prevent mother-to-child
transmission, including targeted testing strategies and
adherence support through breastfeeding. Additionally, the
Committee recommends that OGAC build upon the success of the
Accelerating Children's Treatment Initiative, particularly for
infants and young children at the highest risk of dying without
treatment. OGAC should focus on capacity for HIV diagnostics,
including early infant diagnosis and the use of point-of-care
diagnostics; anti-retroviral treatment with age-appropriate
pediatric formulations; and improving case-finding and
adherence support.
For PEPFAR, sustainability means that a country has
services, systems, and resources to effectively and efficiently
control the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The Committee directs PEPFAR to
include in its annual report a country-by-country assessment of
sustainability and the country specific obstacles to
sustainability.
The Committee supports OGAC's engagement with post-
secondary institutions as authorized in section 204(c) of
Public Law 110-293.
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 and plans for the use of
funds in fiscal year 2019.
Public-private partnerships.--The Committee recognizes the
important work by OGAC and USAID 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 understands OGAC and USAID are considering
entering into such partnerships to prevent the spread of human
papillomavirus and cervical cancer through screening and
treatment programs in low-income countries with high
prevalence. The Committee directs OGAC and USAID to consult
with the Committees on Appropriations on plans for and progress
of such partnerships.
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 $1,350,000,000 to meet such
commitment.
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 2018 enacted level........................ $3,000,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request\1\........................... 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 3,000,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +3,000,000,000
\1\The fiscal year 2019 request proposes to consolidate funds under this
heading and Economic Support Fund.
The Committee recommendation includes $3,000,000,000 for
Development Assistance.
Agriculture
The Committee recommendation includes not less than
$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 supports Feed the Future's comprehensive
approach to combating global food insecurity and poverty by
investing in agriculture development in a select group of
developing countries and intends that programs are prioritized
for small-holder farmers, particularly for women, and other
vulnerable populations. The Committee supports the Global Food
Security Strategy's recognition of agricultural research and
academic institutions, including land-grant universities and
extension services, as key stakeholders in food security and
agricultural development. The Committee encourages USAID to
support extension activities in the implementation of the
strategy and establish linkages with other initiatives and
USAID priorities to leverage resources and expertise through
partnerships with a variety of institutions. The Committee
expects the USAID Administrator to ensure that country
coordinators for agriculture development in target countries
have the necessary technical expertise to oversee all food
security programming in such countries. The Committee intends
that funds provided to countries for food security and
agricultural development should be made available at levels not
less than the prior fiscal year, particularly for countries
with high levels of food insecurity.
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 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 directs that the request level for the
Feed the Future Innovation Labs be designated in the CBJ for
fiscal year 2020.
Market-based social enterprises.--The Committee supports
the work of market-based social enterprises, and encourages
USAID to continue partnering with organizations that engage
with small-holder farmers or other beneficiaries in cost-
sharing programs to reduce the cost of program administration.
Spend plan.--Pursuant to section 7070(b) of this Act, the
USAID Administrator is required to submit a spend plan on food
security and agriculture development and the Committee directs
that such plan shall detail the proposed use of funds by
account, office, and country prior to funds being obligated.
The spend plan shall also include information detailing 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 communities throughout the developing world and
encourages USAID to continue such programs 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 not less than $30,000,000 for
the ASHA program, which is a $2,000,000 increase above the
fiscal year 2018 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.
Section 7060(c) of this Act includes a new requirement for
USAID to notify the Committees on Appropriations prior to
making changes to the annual solicitation for ASHA. USAID shall
consult with the Committees on Appropriations not less than 15
days prior to issuing the annual solicitation for ASHA. In
addition, the Committee directs USAID to restore past
performance to the review criteria in the annual solicitation.
Basic education.--The Committee believes basic education
should be a key component of the United States Government
strategy in developing countries. The Committee recommendation
includes not less than $800,000,000 for basic education
programs in this Act, which is the same as the fiscal year 2018
level. The Committee supports increased United States
participation in the Global Partnership for Education and
includes not less than $90,000,000 for a contribution.
The Committee supports funding for Education Cannot Wait to
support basic education programs for children affected by
conflict, natural disasters, and displacement.
The Committee encourages USAID to continue to strengthen
early learning and pre-primary education programming. The USAID
Administrator should 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.
Not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, the USAID
Administrator is directed to submit an updated report to the
Committees on Appropriations on the criteria used to determine
where pre-primary education programs are funded. The report
shall also include a list of countries and funding levels for
all current pre-primary education programs.
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 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 encourages
USAID to place an emphasis on 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 even 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 is encouraged by the progress in reducing the
funding pipeline of basic education assistance. In carrying out
the reporting directive in section 7060(a) of this Act, the
USAID Administrator shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on new efforts and significant progress made to
reduce the funding pipeline.
Higher education.--The Committee recommendation includes
not less than $235,000,000 for assistance for higher education,
which is the same as the fiscal year 2018 level. The
recommendation includes $10,000,000 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
partnerships in Malawi 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, of which not less
than $15,000,000 is for new partnerships. 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.
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 recommendation includes
$11,000,000 for programs that reduce the incidence of child
marriage and to meet the needs of married girls.
Cooperative Development Program.--The Committee
recommendation 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. 2151i(2) regarding technical assistance for low income
people to have access to credit for their own economic
advancement.
Domestic resource mobilization.--The Committee continues to
support the efforts of USAID and the Office of Technical
Assistance (OTA) 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. Not later than 90 days
after enactment of this Act, the USAID Administrator, in
consultation with the OTA and the Millennium Challenge
Corporation, shall provide to the appropriate congressional
committees a domestic resource mobilization strategy that
establishes goals and objectives, monitoring, performance
metrics, and funding sources by country. The USAID
Administrator shall consult with the appropriate congressional
committees prior to the submission of such strategy.
Long Term Assistance and Services for Research.--The
Committee supports USAID's efforts to establish an
international network of higher education institutions, civil
society, policy-makers and the private sector to solve
development issues through collaborative research.
New Partners.--The Committee supports USAID establishing
additional grant opportunities for new partners, particularly
small and mid-size community and faith-based organizations
which have received less than $25,000,000 of cumulative federal
direct grant funding over the last five years. These new
partnerships are intended to assist in the development of local
capacity so that countries can address their own development
issues and decrease dependence on foreign organizations and
technical assistance. Not later than 45 days after enactment of
this Act, the USAID Administrator shall submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations with recommendations for such
opportunities.
Mobility.--The Committee directs the USAID Administrator to
submit a report, not later than 180 days after enactment of
this Act to the Committees on Appropriations, on efforts taken
to increase mobility in developing countries, including through
the use of bicycles, to achieve key development objectives, and
options for increasing such efforts.
Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program.--The Committee
recommendation 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 2019.
Development innovation.--The Committee supports funding at
not less than the prior year for Development Innovation
Ventures.
Reconciliation programs.--The Committee recommendation
provides $30,000,000 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 $12,000,000 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.
Strategy to strengthen families.--The Committee directs
USAID, in consultation with the Department of State, and
relevant stakeholders, to develop a strategy to protect and
strengthen families globally, including metrics to assess
social cohesion, in order to achieve development outcomes.
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 to Public Law 109-121, as amended by
Public Law 113-289. The Committee directs that not less than
$155,000,000 of such funds shall 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 and
Multi-Sectoral Nutrition 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 update the report
on these issues under this heading in House Report 115-253, not
later than 45 days after enactment of this Act.
The Committee recognizes the work of academic institutions
in WASH programs in West Africa and supports catalytic
approaches that increase the capacity of national and regional
institutions to replicate successful models for safe water and
sanitation and improved hygiene throughout the region. The
Committee notes the rapid urbanization of countries in the
developing world and recommends USAID give special
consideration to urban WASH projects.
The Committee also notes that Goal 2 of the Department of
State and USAID Joint Strategic Plan is Renew America's
Competitive Advantage for Sustained Economic Growth and Job
Creation. In pursuing this goal, the USAID Administrator is
directed to review policy and procedures for USAID programs in
order to expand the creation of market opportunities for United
States industries. The Committee encourages the USAID
Administrator to utilize American standards in the design and
implementation of relevant development programs, such as water
and sanitation projects, including water infrastructure. USAID
is directed to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on
the use of such standards in the design and implementation of
development programs.
Water security.--The Committee notes that water scarcity
endangers the livelihoods of communities and leads to conflicts
and migration. The Committee directs USAID and the Department
of State to support projects that improve water sector
governance and finance; improve management of water resources;
and promote cooperation on shared waters.
INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $2,696,534,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 3,557,412,000
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 2,997,734,000
Change from enacted level......................... +301,200,000
Change from request............................... -559,678,000
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $2,997,734,000 for
International Disaster Assistance, when combined with funds
provided under title VIII the total is $4,285,312,000, which is
the same as the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
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).
TRANSITION INITIATIVES
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $30,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 87,043,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 96,145,000
Change from enacted level......................... +66,145,000
Change from request............................... +9,102,000
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $96,145,000 for
Transition Initiatives.
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
2019, including programs supported with transferred funds,
subject to the reporting requirements of the Committees on
Appropriations.
COMPLEX CRISES FUND
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $10,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -10,000,000
Change from request............................... 0
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for the Complex Crises Fund.
DEVELOPMENT CREDIT AUTHORITY
Program Account:
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level.................... $55,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request\1\....................... 0
Committee recommendation.......................... 40,000,000
Change from enacted level..................... -15,000,000
Change from request........................... +40,000,000
Administrative Expenses:
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level.................... $10,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request\1\....................... 0
Committee recommendation.......................... 9,120,000
Change from enacted level..................... -880,000
Change from request........................... +9,120,000
\1\For fiscal year 2019, the budget proposes to replace DCA with a new
Development Finance Institution.
The Committee recommendation includes a ceiling of
$40,000,000 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, which is consistent with the recent level of
transfers. 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 7070(c) of this Act.
ECONOMIC SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT FUND
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $0
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 5,063,125,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... -5,063,125,000
The Committee does not recommend funds under this heading,
as proposed in the fiscal year 2019 budget request.
ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $1,816,731,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation\1\........................... 2,518,654,000
Change from enacted level......................... +701,923,000
Change from request............................... +2,518,654,000
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $2,518,654,000 for
Economic Support Fund. Additional funds are provided under
title VIII.
The Committee notes that funds recommended under this
heading are provided 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 $75,180,000 for the DRC, which is the
same as the request. Funds are provided to support economic and
agricultural development opportunities, 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 not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act.
East Asia and Pacific
The Committee provides additional direction on programs in
this region under section 7043 of this report.
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 recommendation includes $8,000,000,
which is the same as the fiscal year 2018 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 Tibet 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 2018 enacted level, to continue to support Tibetan
communities in India and Nepal in the areas of education,
skills development, and entrepreneurship. In addition, the
Committee includes $3,000,000 for Tibetan governance and
institutions.
Latin America and the Caribbean
The Committee provides additional direction for programs in
Latin America and the Caribbean under section 7045 of this
report.
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. 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.
Middle East and North Africa
The Committee provides additional direction on programs in
the region under section 7041 of this report.
Lebanon scholarships.--The Committee recommendation
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 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).--The Committee
supports continued funding for MEPI and directs that within
such funds $20,000,000 be made available for the MEPI
scholarship program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2018
level.
Middle East Regional Cooperation Program.--The Committee
recommendation includes $5,000,000 for the Middle East Regional
Cooperation Program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2018
level.
Near East Regional Democracy.--The Committee recommendation
includes $47,000,000 for the Near East Regional Democracy
program, which is $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted
level. The Committee expects a portion of the funds 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
recommendation includes $5,000,000 to continue the university
scholarship 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.
Global Programs
Combating violent extremism.--The Committee encourages
USAID to invest in innovative, locally-led organizations with
programs developed to prevent and address the underlying causes
of violent extremism and promote sustainable development in a
community or communities recently liberated from or
particularly vulnerable to extremist organizations, including
terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram.
Disability Programs.--The Committee notes USAID's ongoing
support for programs that support inclusive development of
persons with disabilities and encourages funding for such
programs at prior year levels.
Foreign assistance resources.--The Committee recommendation
includes the request for the Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance
Resources to support aid transparency and evaluation.
Independent media.--The Committee continues to support
assistance for independent media, including in Afghanistan,
Burma, and Pakistan.
Information communication technology training.--The
Committee is supportive of programs that provide policy and
technical training to information communication technology
professionals from developing countries at prior year levels.
National Ocean Policy.--The Committee notes that no funds
are requested in fiscal year 2019 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.
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 2018 enacted level........................ $215,500,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation 225,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... +9,500,000
Change from request............................... +225,000,000
The Committee includes $225,000,000 for Democracy Fund,
which is $9,500,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
Funds included under this heading were requested under
Economic Support and Development Fund. Of the funds provided,
$155,500,000 shall be for the Human Rights and Democracy Fund
of DRL at the Department of State, and $69,500,000 shall be for
the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance
at USAID.
ASSISTANCE FOR EUROPE, EURASIA AND CENTRAL ASIA
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $750,334,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request\1\........................... 0
Committee recommendation $750,334,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +750,334,000
\1\The fiscal year 2019 request proposes to consolidate funds under this
heading and Economic Support Fund.
The Committee recommendation includes $750,334,000 for
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia.
Cyprus.--No funds were requested for Cyprus, but should the
Secretary of State decide to provide funds, such assistance
should only be used 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. Funding for the United States assessed cost of the
UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus are provided under
Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities.
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 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $927,802,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 2,800,375,000
Committee recommendation\1\ 996,766,000
Change from enacted level......................... +68,964,000
Change from request............................... -1,803,609,000
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $996,766,000 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
2018 enacted level.
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.
Burmese refugees.--The Committee expects the Secretary of
State to provide robust diplomatic and funding for refugees and
other displaced people from Burma, including those who have
fled ethnic cleansing and other attacks.
Coordination.--The Committee recommendation includes
sufficient funds for the Administration to support the work of
the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs, as requested.
Minority communities.--Conflict and instability in the
Middle East and Africa intensify the challenges facing minority
ethnic and religious communities, including Christian
populations. The Committee directs 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 $5,000,000 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.--The Committee encourages the
Secretary of State to ensure that senior level Department
leadership is dedicated to addressing the diplomatic and
assistance needs of Syrian refugees, especially refugees of
special humanitarian concern, and to the development and
implementation of other appropriate policies and programs
concerning Syrian refugees, other refugees in the region,
internally displaced persons and people of humanitarian concern
in Syria.
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 determines and reports to the Committees on
Appropriations that UNRWA is meeting the conditions enumerated
in that section.
The Committee directs that in reviewing whether UNRWA is
meeting the requirements of section 7048(d)(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.
In addition to the pre-obligation determination and report
required by section 7048(d) of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall, not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act,
submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on
United States policy concerning UNRWA, including funding plans,
reforms needed by UNRWA to improve accountability and
sustainability of services, and changes in United States policy
towards UNRWA. In developing such a report, the Secretary shall
also include an assessment of the following: (1) the current
definition of Palestinian refugees that is used by UNRWA, how
that definition corresponds with, or differs from, the standard
practice used by UNHCR, other UN agencies, and the United
States Government, and whether such definition furthers the
prospects for lasting peace in the region and the
sustainability of UNRWA's operations; (2) any reforms that have
been, or are planned to be, submitted to the UN or to UNRWA and
whether such reforms are a condition for future funding; (3)
UNRWA's commitment and capacity to ensure (i) financial
transparency, efficiency, and oversight of services and (ii)
that UNRWA staff, facilities, and materials are not utilized
for political purposes or terrorist activities; (4)
alternatives for assisting Palestinians in need outside of the
UNRWA framework; and (5) the impact of changes to United States
policy towards, and funding for, UNRWA on United States
national security and regional stability in the Middle East and
North Africa. The strategy shall be submitted in unclassified
form, but may include a classified annex.
Western Hemisphere.--The Committee remains concerned about
the growing number of refugees and immigrants in the Western
Hemisphere, especially refugees fleeing Venezuela, and urges
the Secretary of State to carefully monitor the needs of
displaced individuals and families and the communities that
host them.
UNITED STATES EMERGENCY REFUGEE AND MIGRATION ASSISTANCE FUND
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $1,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -1,000,000
Change from request............................... 0
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 2018 enacted level........................ $410,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 396,200,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 410,500,000
Change from enacted level......................... +500,000
Change from request............................... +14,300,000
The Committee recommendation includes $410,500,000 for
Peace Corps, of which $6,000,000 is for the Office of the
Inspector General.
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 7070(a) 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 2018 enacted level........................ $905,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 800,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 905,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +105,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $905,000,000 for
Millennium Challenge Corporation. The Committee recommendation
includes a limitation of $105,000,000 for administrative
expenses and not more than $100,000 may be for representational
expenses.
Funding included for administrative expenses is made
available until September 30, 2020.
Corruption.--The Committee directs the CEO of the 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 2018 enacted level........................ $22,500,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 3,482,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 22,500,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +19,018,000
The Committee recommendation includes $22,500,000 for the
Inter-American Foundation (IAF). The Committee recommendation
does not assume the consolidation of the IAF into USAID, as
proposed by the fiscal year 2019 request.
The Committee recommendation provides additional resources
for IAF via transfer from Development Assistance to support the
United States Strategy for Engagement in Central America.
The Committee notes that section 7070(a) of this Act
requires an operating plan for funds made available under this
heading.
UNITED STATES AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $30,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 4,623,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 30,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +25,377,000
The Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for
United States African Development Foundation. The Committee
recommendation does not assume the consolidation of the United
States African Development Foundation (USADF) into USAID, as
proposed by the fiscal year 2019 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 section 7070(a) of this Act
requires an operating plan for funds made available under this
heading.
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
The Committee directs the Department of the Treasury's
Office of Inspector General (OIG) to submit a report not later
than 45 days after enactment of this Act on the policies,
procedures, and processes that the Office of Technical
Assistance used to ensure compliance with the funding
conditions and reporting requirements in Public Law 115-141
during fiscal year 2018. The OIG shall consult with the
Committees on Appropriation on the scope of the report.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $30,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 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
International Affairs Technical Assistance by the Department of
the Treasury. The operating and spend plans required under
sections 7070 of this Act shall include estimated program and
administrative costs by fiscal year of appropriation.
The Committee is troubled by the Office of Technical
Assistance's (OTA) non-compliance with the notification
requirements under section 7015 of this Act and lack of full
compliance with operating and spend plans required under
section 7070 of this Act. The Committee directs the Department
to make all records and staff available to the Office of
Inspector General in the course of their work to prepare a
report for the Committee on OTA's compliance with funding
conditions and reporting requirements.
TITLE IV--INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE
The Committee notes that under the direction of the
President, the Secretary of State shall be responsible for the
continuous supervision and general direction of economic
assistance, law enforcement and justice sector assistance,
military assistance, and military education and training
programs, including but not limited to determining whether
there shall be a military assistance (including civic action)
or a military education and training program for a country and
the value thereof, to the end that such programs are
effectively integrated both at home and abroad and the foreign
policy of the United States is best served thereby.
Department of State
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $950,845,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 880,350,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,435,151,000
Change from enacted level......................... +484,306,000
Change from request............................... +554,801,000
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,435,151,000 for
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.
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]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Country/Program Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Argentina............................................ $2,500
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.................. $25,250
Central America Regional Security Initiative......... 222,500
Combating wildlife poaching and trafficking.......... 50,000
Colombia............................................. 160,000
Countering Russian Influence Fund.................... 50,000
Critical Flight Safety Program....................... 12,000
Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Rights.......... 10,000
Demand Reduction..................................... 15,000
DNA forensic technology.............................. 8,000
Egypt................................................ 2,000
Georgia.............................................. 4,000
International Law Enforcement Academies.............. 27,000
International Organizations.......................... 7,000
International Organized Crime........................ 80,850
Mexico............................................... 120,000
Morocco.............................................. 5,000
Partnership for Regional East Africa Counterterrorism 2,580
Peru................................................. 32,000
Programs to end modern slavery....................... 25,000
Stabilization and recovery........................... 10,000
Trafficking in persons............................... 45,000
Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership............ 10,032
Tunisia.............................................. 13,000
Ukraine.............................................. 30,000
Western Hemisphere Regional Security Cooperation..... 12,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Argentina.--The Committee notes the renewed security
cooperation and engagement between Argentina and the United
States. Funds provided under this heading should support
mutually agreed upon goals in the areas of counterterrorism,
counternarcotics, and law enforcement, and increase Argentina's
technological capabilities in such areas.
Combating wildlife trafficking.--The Committee includes
$50,000,000 under this heading for programs to combat wildlife
poaching and trafficking. The Committee continues to support
the use of aircraft for anti-poaching activities and directs
the Secretary of State to consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on the current and proposed demonstration
projects not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act.
The Committee supports the use of the authority provided in
section 484(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act for transfer of
title of aircraft to support anti-poaching activities.
Coordination.--The Committee notes that, consistent with
section 481(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the
Secretary of State is responsible for coordinating all
assistance provided by the United States Government to support
international efforts to combat illicit narcotics production or
trafficking. In addition, the provision of assistance by the
Department of Defense which is comparable to assistance made
available under this heading should be provided in a manner
consistent with the requirements of section 333(b) of title 10,
United States Code.
Critical Flight Safety Program.--The Committee
recommendation provides $12,000,000 for the Critical Flight
Safety Program, including $6,500,000 for health monitoring
systems to increase aircraft safety, readiness and reliability.
The Committee directs that such funds shall be awarded on a
competitive basis.
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, including through the placement
of Intellectual Property Law Enforcement Coordinators. The
Committee notes the spend plan requirements contained in
section 7070(b) apply to such funds.
Demand reduction.--The Committee recommendation includes
$15,000,000 for global demand reduction programs. 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 demand reduction
programs on a country-by-country basis for each program,
project, and activity for fiscal years 2015 through 2018. The
report shall include both global and bilateral programs
supported by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for
the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs.
DNA forensic technology.--Section 7034(b)(2) provides
$8,000,000 for DNA forensic technology programs. Such funds are
derived from funds provided under this heading for CARSI and
for assistance for Mexico. The Committee provides additional
direction for this program under section 7034 of this report.
International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEA).--The
Committee recommendation provides $27,000,000 for ILEA to
support regional law enforcement training. The Committee
expects the Secretary of State to provide sufficient resources
for ILEA San Salvador to support the goals of CARSI. The
Committee also expects ILEA to continue coursework to address
wildlife poaching and trafficking.
International organizations.--The Committee recommendation
provides $7,000,000 for activities to mobilize global
institutions to combat factors that contribute to the opioid
crisis and other drug and transnational criminal organization
threats.
International organized crime.--The Committee
recommendation provides $80,850,000 for International Organized
Crime, which includes amounts requested for programs to further
the objectives of Executive Order 13773 on Enforcing Federal
Law with Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations and
Preventing International Trafficking. The Committee notes the
spend plan requirements contained in section 7070(b) apply to
such funds.
Report.--Not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act
and prior to the initial obligation of funds appropriated under
this heading, the Secretary of State is directed 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. The Committee
notes with displeasure that the Secretary of State has not
adequately complied with this requirement in prior years and
directs that such reports be provided expeditiously.
NONPROLIFERATION, ANTI-TERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $655,467,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 690,306,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 876,050,000
Change from enacted level......................... +220,583,000
Change from request............................... +185,744,000
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $876,050,000 for
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related
Programs. Such funds 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............................ $301,800
Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund............ [40,000]
Export Control and Related Border Security [60,000]
Assistance......................................
Global Threat Reduction.......................... [70,000]
Anti-terrorism programs.............................. 360,250
Anti-terrorism Assistance Program................ [182,000]
Airport and aviation security.................... [20,000]
Counterterrorism Financing Program............... [12,500]
Terrorist Interdiction Program................... [50,000]
Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund............... [115,750]
Conventional Weapons Destruction..................... 189,000
Stabilization and recovery........................... 25,000
------------------
Total, Non-Proliferation, Anti-terrorism, 876,050
Demining and Related Programs...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonproliferation programs.--The Committee includes
$301,800,000 for Nonproliferation programs. The Committee
emphasizes that nonproliferation programs of the Department of
State and other Federal agencies are critical to United States
national security. The Committee urges close coordination among
all agencies involved in such activities.
The Committee recommendation includes not less than the
request for a voluntary contribution to the International
Atomic Energy Agency (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 notes the increased
workload and resources associated with IAEA's expanded
responsibilities to verify compliance with international
nuclear nonproliferation agreements, including monitoring
Iran's nuclear commitments, and expects the Secretary of State
to prioritize funding for such activities.
Anti-terrorism programs.--The Committee recommendation
includes $360,250,000 for Anti-terrorism programs, including
$182,000,000 for the Anti-terrorism 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.
Such funds are derived from funds under the Anti-terrorism
Assistance Program and Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund. In
programming such funds, the Secretary 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 is directed to submit an updated
spend plan detailing activities that will 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 of terrorist activity
enhance their border security capabilities through the
Terrorist Interdiction Program.
Funds made available under this heading are provided for
programs and activities to counter and defeat violent extremism
and foreign fighters abroad, consistent with the strategy
required by section 7073(a)(1) of the Department of State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act,
2017. The Secretary of State should ensure such programs are
coordinated with, and complement the efforts of, other United
States Government agencies and international partners, and that
information gained through the conduct of such programs is
shared in a timely manner with relevant departments and
agencies of the United States Government, other international
partners, and the appropriate congressional committees, as
appropriate.
Conventional Weapons Destruction.--The Committee
recommendation includes $189,000,000 for Conventional Weapons
Destruction programs, of which $30,000,000 is for programs in
Laos. The recommendation also includes funds to support
programs in Angola, Cambodia, Colombia, Kosovo, Sri Lanka, and
Zimbabwe.
PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $212,712,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 291,380,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 490,400,000
Change from enacted level......................... +277,688,000
Change from request............................... +199,020,000
\1\In addition the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $490,400,000 for
Peacekeeping Operations.
Africa Regional.--The Committee includes $40,900,000 for
Africa Regional to support Partnership for Regional East Africa
Counterterrorism; Africa Conflict Stabilization and Border
Security; Africa Military Education Program; Africa Maritime
Security Initiative; and Africa Regional Counterterrorism.
Child soldiers.--The Committee includes language in section
7049(c) 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
$71,000,000 for the Global Peace Operations Initiative, which
is $10,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 level. Additional
funds should be made available to support the Africa
Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) program
above the previous fiscal year, including to support
modernization efforts to ACOTA training infrastructure.
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 for the UN
Support Office for the African Union Mission in Somalia,
instead of under Contributions for International Peacekeeping
Activities.
Funds Appropriated to the President
INTERNATIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $110,875,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 95,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 110,875,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +15,875,000
The Committee recommendation includes $110,875,000 for
International Military Education and Training.
The Committee recommendation provides not less than the
fiscal year 2018 level for Malta.
FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level\1\..................... $5,671,613,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 5,347,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 6,361,342,000
Change from enacted level......................... +689,729,000
Change from request............................... +1,014,342,000
\1\In addition, the fiscal year 2018 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $6,361,342,000 for
Foreign Military Financing Program.
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]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Country/Program Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.................. $7,500
Colombia............................................. 38,525
Counter Russia Influence Fund........................ 120,000
Central America...................................... 31,500
Of which, Costa Rica............................. 7,500
Egypt................................................ 1,300,000
Estonia.............................................. 8,000
Georgia.............................................. 35,000
Israel............................................... 3,300,000
Jordan............................................... 425,000
Latvia............................................... 8,000
Lithuania............................................ 8,000
Mexico............................................... 5,000
Morocco.............................................. 10,000
Peru................................................. 1,800
Stabilization and recovery........................... 25,000
Tunisia.............................................. 105,000
Ukraine.............................................. 110,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Child soldiers.--The Committee includes language in section
7049(c) of this Act requiring that funds should not be used to
support military training or operations that include child
soldiers.
Department of Defense programs and funding notifications.--
Section 7015(d) includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funding appropriated by this Act or prior Acts
making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs to support or continue certain
programs initially funded by the Department of Defense, unless
the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of
Defense and in accordance with the regular notification
procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, submits a
justification to such Committees.
East Asia and 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 Secretary of State 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 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.
FMF administration.--Funds made available under this
heading for the general costs of administering military
assistance and sales should be made available to increase the
efficiency and effectiveness of programs authorized by Chapter
2 of the Arms Export Control Act.
Israel.--The Committee recommendation includes
$3,300,000,000 in grants for military assistance to Israel,
which is the same as the budget request. The Committee notes
that the recommendation fully funds the first year of the 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 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 increased appropriation 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.
The Committee notes that Israel maintains the flexibility
under the MOU to purchase jet fuel from the United States.
Section 7049(b) includes language carried in the prior year
designating an amount for the Special Defense Acquisition Fund.
The Committee supports the use of this fund to transfer
precision guided munitions and related defense articles and
services to reserve stocks for Israel and the transfer of such
stocks as necessary for Israel's legitimate self-defense.
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 under this heading 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 directs the Secretary of State to submit to the
Committees on Appropriations, an update to the report required
on the performance of the LAF under section 7041 of the
Explanatory Statement accompanying the Department of State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act,
2018. 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.
Quarterly Status Report.--The Committee notes that the
Secretary of State has not complied with the reporting
requirements contained in section 7034(b)(8) of the Department
of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
Appropriations Act, 2017 (division J of Public Law 115-31) and
the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Programs Appropriations Act, 2018 (division K of Public Law
115-141). The Secretary of State is directed to submit such
reports not later than 30 days after the enactment of this Act.
In accordance with section 7049(e)(2) of this Act, 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.
TITLE V--MULTILATERAL ASSISTANCE
Funds Appropriated to the President
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $339,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 213,800,000
Change from enacted level......................... -125,200,000
Change from request............................... +213,800,000
The Committee recommendation includes $213,800,000 for
International Organizations and Programs. Such funds are
allocated according to the following table and subject to
section 7019 of this Act:
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organization Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Civil Aviation Organization............ $1,200
International Conservation Programs.................. 5,000
Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy 50
and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.............
UN Children's Fund................................... 132,500
UN Development Program............................... 60,000
UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women.......... 1,000
UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture............. 6,550
UN Women............................................. 7,500
------------------
Total............................................ 213,800
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transparency and accountability.--The Committee
recommendation includes modified language in section 7048(a)
withholding a portion of funds for UN agencies until the
Secretary of State determines and reports that certain
transparency and accountability requirements have been met.
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
2019.
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 45 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 2018.
Global Agriculture Food Security.--The Act does not include
an appropriation for a contribution to the Global Agriculture
Food Security Program (GAFSP), which has remaining balances
available from prior appropriations Acts for such contribution.
The Secretary of the Treasury shall continue the 2012 pledge to
provide to GAFSP $1 for every $2 in contributions from other
donors, utilizing such prior year balances.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $139,575,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 68,300,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 139,575,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +71,275,000
The Committee recommendation includes $139,575,000 for the
Global Environment Facility (GEF) subject to the regular
notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
The Secretary of the Treasury is required to submit a report
about the programming of funds in the previous GEF
replenishment cycle.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $1,097,010,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 1,097,010,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,097,010,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation includes $1,097,010,000 for
Contribution to the International Development Association.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $47,395,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 47,395,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 47,395,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
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 2018 enacted level........................ $32,418,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 32,417,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 32,417,000
Change from enacted level......................... -1,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation includes $32,417,000 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 2018 enacted level........................ $171,300,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 171,300,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 171,300,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation includes $171,300,000 for
Contribution to the African Development Fund.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $30,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 30,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +30,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for
Contribution to the International Fund for Agricultural
Development.
TITLE VI--EXPORT AND INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE
Export-Import Bank of the United States
INSPECTOR GENERAL
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $5,700,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 4,750,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 5,700,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +950,000
The Committee recommendation includes $5,700,000 for the
Office of Inspector General (OIG).
The Committee directs the OIG to submit to the Committees
on Appropriations its annual audit plan within the first
quarter of fiscal year 2019.
The Committee directs the OIG to submit a report not later
than 45 days after enactment of this Act on the policies,
procedures, and processes that Export-Import Bank used to
ensure compliance with the funding conditions and reporting
requirements in Public Law 115-141 during fiscal year 2018. The
OIG shall consult with the Committees on Appropriation on the
scope of the report.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $110,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 90,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 110,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +20,000,000
The Committee recommendation includes $110,000,000 for
Administrative Expenses and does not include funds for a
subsidy appropriation.
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
NONCREDIT ACCOUNT
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $79,200,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request\1\........................... 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 79,200,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +79,200,000
\1\For fiscal year 2019, the budget proposes to replace OPIC with the
Development Finance Institution.
The Committee recommendation includes $79,200,000 for
Noncredit Account for the administrative expenses of the
Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC).
The Committee directs OPIC to submit a report not later
than 45 days after enactment of this Act on the staff and
activities funded by the noncredit credit account.
Specifically, the report shall describe the differences among
credit administrative expenses, insurance administrative
expenses, and project-specific transaction costs; how shared
administrative expenses are allocated among these categories;
the historical dollar amounts for of these categories; and the
definition and amounts of direct and indirect costs.
The Committee is concerned about the thoroughness and
timeliness of responses by OPIC, noting, for example, the
agency's non-compliance with the reporting requirement for a
confidential annex for two consecutive years. The Committee
expects the Office of External Affairs to be readily available
to provide technical assistance, to be receptive to inquiries,
and to establish effective processes and procedures to ensure
that OPIC complies with all funding conditions and reporting
requirements.
PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $20,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request\1\........................... 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 10,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... -10,000,000
Change from request............................... +10,000,000
\1\For fiscal year 2019, the budget proposes to replace OPIC with the
Development Finance Institution.
The Committee recommendation includes $10,000,000 for the
cost of OPIC's direct and guaranteed loan credit programs.
The Committee recommendation does not extend the
authorization of OPIC, but defers such action to the
authorizing committees of jurisdiction. The Committee will
consider conforming changes in accordance with any changes in
enacted laws.
The Committee directs the President of OPIC to include in
the CBJ for fiscal year 2020 a confidential annex that
describes new loans, guarantees, and insurance approved or
anticipated in the prior year, current year, and budget year 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 submit the confidential annex
on a quarterly basis for the current year to the Committees on
Appropriations not later than 30 days after the end of each
quarter, including the amounts of principal and subsidy
obligated or deobligated by date and the remaining unobligated
balances of resources and the statutory cap.
Investment funds.--As in prior years, the Committee directs
OPIC to continue to provide written reports on a semi-annual
basis, including the following information for each investment
fund: the identity, selection process, and professional
background of current and past managers; the fees and
compensation currently provided to senior management; the
amount of OPIC guarantees and actual investments made at the
end of the previous six months; and any additional pertinent
data.
Local currency guarantees.--As in prior years, the
Committee directs OPIC to consult with the Committees on
Appropriations before exercising local currency loan guarantee
authority, and to provide to the Committees on Appropriations,
prior to the consultation, justification for the need to
exercise such authority, the use of OPIC subsidy required, the
degree to which the United States would be exposed to
additional risk as a result of such transactions, and which
other United States Government agencies have been consulted.
Non-governmental and private and voluntary organizations.--
As in prior years, the Committee directs the President of OPIC
to consult with the Committees on Appropriations before any
future financing for non-governmental organizations or private
and voluntary organizations is approved.
Development Finance Institution
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $0
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 118,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... -118,000,000
The Committee recommendation does not include the
Development Finance Institution. The Committee will consider
conforming changes in accordance with any changes in enacted
laws.
Trade and Development Agency
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $79,500,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 12,105,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 79,500,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +67,395,000
The Committee recommendation includes $79,500,000 for the
United States Trade and Development Agency.
TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Committee recommends the following general provisions
carried in the fiscal year 2018 Act be deleted: 7050, 7055,
7061, 7064, 7073, and 7080. These provisions are either
addressed elsewhere in permanent law, have been considered by
the appropriate authorizing committee, are directly addressed
in this report, or are no longer necessary.
The Committee recommends the following new, revised and
retained provisions:
Section 7001 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding allowances and differentials.
Section 7002 includes language carried in the prior year
requiring agencies to provide quarterly reports on the
cumulative balances of any unobligated funds.
Section 7003 includes language carried in the prior year
requiring that consulting service contracts shall be a matter
of public record.
Section 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. Further direction concerning notification and
oversight of diplomatic facilities is included under Embassy
Security, Construction, and Maintenance.
Section 7005 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain personnel actions and the authority to
transfer funds between appropriations accounts.
Section 7006 includes language carried in the prior year on
Department of State management. The report required in
subsection (c) shall include a description of the criteria used
by the Secretary of State to certify that an office or bureau
is capable of managing and overseeing foreign assistance, and a
description of the technical training required by the
Department of State for personnel involved in such activities.
The report should also include a summary of each open
recommendation from the Department of State Office of Inspector
General related to oversight and management of foreign
assistance for such bureau.
The Committee is concerned about the Department of State's
management of appropriated funds within the period of
availability, including the need to improve fund management to
avoid expired and canceled funds. The Committee directs the
Inspector General for the Department of State to conduct an
audit of the Department's use of appropriated funds prior to
expiration and cancellation. The audit shall determine whether
operating units used appropriated funds within the deadlines of
the appropriations, whether obligations using expired funds
were made in accordance with Federal requirements, and review
the closeout process of operating units. The audit should also
include any findings related to the reasons for any expired or
canceled funds, identify the root causes for deficiencies and
determine monetary benefits that could have been achieved if
contracts and cooperative agreements had been closed in a
timely manner.
Section 7007 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for the governments of Cuba, North
Korea, Iran, and Syria.
Section 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.
Section 7009 includes language modified from 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.
Section 7010 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting first-class travel and setting certain limitations
on computer networks and the promotion of tobacco.
Section 7011 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding the availability of funds appropriated by this Act
and new language placing a limitation on the authority until
the Secretary of State submits the report required under this
section in the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2017 (division J of Public
Law 115-31).
Section 7012 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for countries in default and allowing
exceptions in certain circumstances.
Section 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 report required pursuant to subsection (h) shall
include a description of the steps taken by the Department of
State and other relevant Federal agencies to comply with the
requirements of this section. The report shall include rules,
regulations, and policy guidance issued and updated pursuant to
subsection (f).
Section 7014 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the reservation of funds and the designation of
certain funding levels.
Section 7015 includes language modified from the prior year
establishing the notification requirements for funds made
available in this 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 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) 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 (4) 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.
Not later than 5 days after the conclusion of an agreement
with a country, including a state with a compact of free
association with the United States, to receive by transfer or
release individuals detained at the United States Naval
Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Secretary of State shall
notify the Committees on Appropriations in writing of the terms
of the agreement, including whether funds appropriated by this
Act or prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of
State, foreign operations, and related programs will be made
available for assistance for such country pursuant to such
agreement.
Section 7016 includes language modified from the prior year
concerning public posting of reports and documents, records
management, and cybersecurity. The Secretary of State shall
include amounts planned for reducing the FOIA and Congressional
oversight requests backlog in the operating plan required by
section 7070(a) of this Act.
Section 7017 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funds for programs in contravention of this Act.
Section 7018 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funding for abortions and involuntary
sterilization.
Section 7019 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding funding directives specified in tables and reporting
directives in the report accompanying this Act.
Section 7020 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the use of representation expenses.
Section 7021 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting assistance for governments that support
international terrorism.
Section 7022 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding authorization requirements.
Section 7023 includes language carried in the prior year
defining the terms ``program, project, and activity''.
Section 7024 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain authorities for the Peace Corps, IAF, and the
USADF.
Section 7025 includes language carried in the prior year
relating to commerce, trade, and surplus commodities.
Section 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.
Section 7027 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding assistance through nongovernmental organizations and
assistance provided under the Food for Peace Act.
Section 7028 includes language modified from the prior year
conditioning funds provided to local organizations through
limited competitions.
Section 7029 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the compensation level of the United States executive
director to international financial institutions. The Committee
directs the Secretary of the Treasury:
(1) To instruct the United States executive director
of each international financial institution to seek to
require that such institution adopts and implements a
publicly available policy, including the strategic use
of peer reviews and external experts, to conduct
independent, in-depth evaluations of the effectiveness
of at least 25 percent of all loans, grants, programs,
and significant analytical non-lending activities in
advancing the institution's goals of reducing poverty
and promoting equitable economic growth, consistent
with relevant safeguards, to ensure that decisions to
support such loans, grants, programs, and activities
are based on accurate data and objective analysis. Not
later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations on steps taken in fiscal year 2018 by
the United States executive directors and the
international financial institutions on these matters
compared to the previous fiscal year.
(2) To instruct the United States Executive Director
of the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development and the International Development
Association to vote against any loan, grant, policy, or
strategy if such institution has adopted and is
implementing any social or environmental safeguard
relevant to such loan, grant, policy, or strategy that
provides less protection than World Bank safeguards in
effect on September 30, 2015.
(3) To instruct the United States executive director
of each international financial institution to vote
against loans or other financing for projects unless
such projects--
a. provide for accountability and
transparency, including the collection,
verification and publication of beneficial
ownership information related to extractive
industries and on-site monitoring during the
life of the project;
b. will be developed and carried out in
accordance with best practices regarding
environmental conservation; cultural
protection; and empowerment of local
populations, including free, prior and informed
consent of affected indigenous communities;
c. do not provide incentives for, or
facilitate, forced displacement; and
d. do not partner with or otherwise involve
enterprises owned or controlled by the armed
forces.
(4) To seek to require that such institution conducts
rigorous human rights due diligence and risk
management, as appropriate, in connection with any
loan, grant, policy, or strategy of such institution.
Prior to voting on any such loan, grant, policy, or
strategy, the executive director shall consult with the
Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and
Labor, Department of State, if the executive director
has reason to believe that such loan, grant, policy, or
strategy could result in forced displacement or other
violation of human rights.
(5) To promote in loan, grant, and other financing
agreements improvements in borrowing countries'
financial management and judicial capacity to
investigate, prosecute, and punish fraud and
corruption.
(6) To seek to require that such institution
collects, verifies, and publishes, to the maximum
extent practicable, beneficial ownership information
(excluding proprietary information) for any corporation
or limited liability company, other than a publicly
listed company, that receives funds from any such
financial institution. Not later than 45 days after
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations on steps
taken in fiscal year 2018 by the United States
executive directors and the international financial
institutions on these matters compared to the previous
fiscal year.
(7) To seek to require that each such institution is
effectively implementing and enforcing policies and
procedures which reflect best practices for the
protection of whistleblowers from retaliation,
including best practices for--
a. protection against retaliation for
internal and lawful public disclosure;
b. legal burdens of proof;
c. statutes of limitation for reporting
retaliation;
d. access to independent adjudicative bodies,
including external arbitration; and
e. results that eliminate the effects of
proven retaliation.
Section 7030 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding debt-for-development programs.
Section 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.
Section 7032 contains language modified from the prior year
regarding democracy programs funded in this Act. The Committee
recommendation includes not less than $2,400,000,000 in
assistance for democracy programs, which is an increase of
$91,483,000 over the level directed in fiscal year 2018. An
additional $170,000,000 is provided under National Endowment
for Democracy. Funds made available pursuant to this section
are not intended for attribution to other sector or program
directives included in this Act.
The Committee includes $10,000,000 from funds made
available under Economic Support Fund and Democracy Fund for
the diplomatic and programmatic action plan to support and
protect civil society activities and journalists who have been
threatened, harassed, or attacked for peacefully exercising
their rights of free expression, association, or assembly.
The Committee supports continued investments in programs
that enhance the technical capacity of countries to prepare for
and manage elections, train political parties, educate voters,
and enhance transparency and accountability.
The Committee continues support for Department of State and
USAID independent media and internet freedom programs globally.
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.
Section 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)(1) designates not less than $10,000,000 of
the funds under Democracy Fund be made available for
international religious freedom programs. The Committee intends
that these funds be administered at the direction of the
Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.
Subsection (b)(2) designates not less than $10,000,000 from
funds appropriated under Economic Support Fund for programs to
document, investigate, and prosecute genocide, crimes against
humanity, war crimes, and other human rights violations,
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. The Committee intends that these funds be administered by
USAID in consultation with the Office of Global Criminal
Justice, Department of State. Additionally, funds should, to
the maximum extent practicable, be implemented through non-
governmental organizations.
Paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of subsection (b) include
directives concerning the provision of humanitarian assistance
for vulnerable and persecuted religious minorities, the support
of transitional justice programs, and the delivery of
international broadcasting programs related to religious
freedom.
The Committee is troubled by a reported under-
representation of persecuted religious minority populations in
the United States refugee admissions program. Such reports
raise questions about whether there are aspects of the
admissions process that discourage religious minority
populations from seeking refuge. The Committee encourages the
State Department to review the process and examine ways to
improve the process, such as allowing persecuted religious
populations and victims of genocide to apply directly to the
United States Refugee Admissions Program, having the initial
visa applications processed by members of the same ethnic or
religious community, or language as the applicant.
The Committee remains concerned for ethnic and religious
minorities, including Christians, Yezidis, Rohingya, and other
groups across the globe that have been victims of mass
atrocities, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. The Committee
recognizes the benefits of existing psychosocial support
programs coordinated by the State Department and USAID for
these groups and individuals and supports the expansion of
these programs. Furthermore, the Committee encourages the
prioritization of psychosocial support programs to benefit
religious and ethnic minorities affected by ISIS, including
trauma therapy and care for children and survivors of sexual
slavery, as well as other highly vulnerable populations
worldwide.
Section 7034 includes language modified from the prior year
granting certain special authorities and limitations relating
to funds made available in this Act.
Subsection (b)(2) includes language modified from the prior
year directing not less than $8,000,000 for DNA forensic
technology to combat human trafficking in Central America and
Mexico. 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.
Subsection (j) includes language prohibiting funds
appropriated in this Act or prior Acts making appropriations
for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs, from being made available for a contribution, grant,
or any other payment to the Green Climate Fund.
Section 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. The
Committee further directs the Secretary of State and USAID
Administrator to strengthen policies and procedures to ensure
organizations supported through funding are not participants in
such efforts.
Section 7036 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing limitations on the use of funds in support of a
Palestinian state.
Section 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.
Section 7038 includes language carried in the prior year
restricting assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting
Corporation.
Section 7039 includes language carried in the prior year
placing conditions on assistance for the West Bank and Gaza.
For the purposes of subsection (c)(1)(A), the prohibition shall
include any funds provided to family members of Palestinians
who commit or have committed acts of terrorism if the purpose
of providing such funds is to recognize or otherwise honor the
individual who commits or has committed such acts.
Section 7040 includes language modified from the prior year
placing limitations on any assistance for the Palestinian
Authority and regarding Hamas.
Section 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 notes a portion of funds appropriated for
assistance for Egypt in three prior fiscal years remain
withheld from systems and programs that support Egypt's
military capabilities, including to combat real and ongoing
terrorists threats. The Committee directs the Secretary of
State to provide regular updates to the Committees on
Appropriations on the status of funds, including the
requirements necessary to proceed with such funds, and any
other impediments to programming such funds unrelated to
conditions in this and prior Acts making appropriations for the
Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs.
Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State is directed to submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees on steps taken by the
Government of Egypt to--(i) comply with United Nations Security
Council resolution 2270 and other such resolutions regarding
North Korea; (ii) govern democratically, including protecting
freedom of expression, association, and assembly; (iii) advance
human rights, including protecting the rights of religious
minorities and women; (iv) improve the transparency and
accountability of security forces; and (v) dismiss, vacate, or
otherwise appropriately resolve all unfounded charges and
convictions associated with democracy-related cases.
The Committee also urges the Secretary to, as appropriate,
press the Government of Egypt to expeditiously resolve in a
fair and just manner the claims arising from the September 13,
2015 incident involving Egyptian security forces and American
and Mexican nationals.
Funds made available for assistance for Egypt under
Economic Support Fund shall be subject to prior consultation
with the appropriate congressional committees and the regular
notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations and
section 634A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Such funds
should be made available for democracy programs and for
development programs in the Sinai. Such funds may not be made
available for cash transfer assistance or budget support unless
the Secretary of State certifies to the appropriate
congressional committees that the Government of Egypt is taking
consistent steps to stabilize the economy and implement market-
based reforms.
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
for Egyptian students with high financial need to attend not-
for-profit institutions of higher education in Egypt. Such
institutions must meet standards equivalent to those required
for United States institutional accreditation by a regional
accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department
of Education. Not later than 45 days after enactment of this
Act, the USAID Administrator shall consult with the Committees
on Appropriations on implementation of funds made available for
scholarships in Egypt.
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 modified language similar to
the prior year regarding international sanctions.
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.
Within the amount provided for assistance for Iraq, the
recommendation includes funds to support American-style higher
education institutions in Iraq, including in the Kurdistan
region, on an open and competitive basis. American educational
institutions play an important role in educating the next
generation of leaders in the region, countering extremism,
strengthening democracy, and encouraging economic
opportunities. The Secretary of State or USAID Administrator,
as appropriate, shall include funds to be allocated for this
purpose in the spend plan submitted pursuant to section 7070(b)
of this Act.
The Committee remains concerned about the safe return of
displaced 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 for safe repatriation. The Committee
directs that not less than $50,000,000 of the funds provided in
this Act for stabilization and recovery assistance be made
available for assistance to support the safe return of
displaced religious and ethnic minorities to their communities
in Iraq. This funding will build upon ongoing programming in
support of these efforts, and may include, but is not limited
to, repair of homes, utilities, and other infrastructure;
protection of minority communities; forensic and criminal
justice assistance to identify victims and perpetrators of
genocide; and psycho-social support for trauma survivors.
Not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, the
USAID Administrator shall submit a report on the status of the
modified agreement between USAID and the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) regarding assistance to Iraqis,
particularly religious and ethnic minorities, to enable them to
return to their homes in areas liberated from ISIS. One aim of
the modified agreement was to ensure that the United States
contribution will help the populations of liberated areas in
Ninewa Province resume normal lives by restoring community-
prioritized services such as water, electricity, sewage,
health, and education.
The Committee continues to support programs to assist
ethnic and religious minorities, such as the Assyrian/Chaldean/
Syriac people, Yezidis, and others who are victims of
persecution in the Nineveh Plans and elsewhere in Iraq and
Syria. Support for these communities should, to the maximum
extent practicable, be directed to indigenous aid and security
organizations on the ground in these areas who have a proven
track record of supporting their local communities. The
Committee further acknowledges the ongoing need for the
Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to
integrate these communities into the civil and security
infrastructure while working towards reconciliation of past and
current transgressions which have led to marginalization of
Iraq's most vulnerable communities.
The Committee encourages the State Department to work with
the relevant federal agency partners to expedite the processing
of the backlog of Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)
applications. The Committee notes the critical role of the SIV
program in assisting the United States mission in Afghanistan
and urges the Committees of jurisdiction to review the needs of
this program. The current situation is unacceptable as many
family members of SIV holders have waited more than five years
without any notification from the Departments of State or
Homeland Security on the status or timeline of their visa
applications. The Committee also encourages the State
Department to expand the days and hours of operation for
consular services in Erbil to accommodate the demand of
persecuted populations in Northern Iraq. The State Department
must provide adequate opportunity with a normal operating
schedule so vulnerable populations have reasonable access to
the programs available to them.
The Committee understands that the diplomatic note
governing the United States presence in the Republic of Iraq
provides no legal or economic protections for United States
contractors supporting the American national security mission
in Iraq. The Committee is concerned that the lack of such
protections fosters the excessive and arbitrary application and
enforcement of tax payments on United States companies and
personnel supporting operations in Iraq and compromises the
integrity and capability of the Iraqi tax authorities to fairly
assess and collect taxes. The Committee appreciates the State
Department's recent attention to this issue and encourages the
Department to seek an immediate solution that will provide
legal and economic protections for United States personnel
supporting national security contracts in Iraq.
Jordan.--Subsection (d) includes language carried in the
prior year designating funding levels for Jordan.
The Committee recommendation includes not less than
$1,525,000,000 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................................ $1,082,400
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 13,600
Related Programs....................................
International Military Education and Training........ 4,000
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 425,000
------------------
Total............................................ 1,525,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
The Committee supports the goals and objectives of
establishing an Enterprise Fund for Jordan, consistent with
H.R. 2646 as passed by the House of Representatives on February
5, 2018. Funds may be made available for such purpose from
funds under Economic Support Fund, in addition to amounts
designated under this heading.
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.
The Committee notes with concern the occurrence of forced
labor and modern day slavery in Libya and expects that
assistance be made available to combat these practices.
Morocco.--Subsection (g) includes language modified from
the prior year.
The Committee recommendation includes not less than
$39,500,000 for assistance for Morocco. Funds for Morocco are
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 2,500
Related Programs....................................
International Military Education and Training........ 2,000
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 10,000
------------------
Total............................................ 39,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, 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 26 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.
Stabilization and recovery assistance.--Subsection (i)
designates funding in this Act under Economic Support Fund,
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement,
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related
Programs, Peacekeeping Operations, and Foreign Military
Financing Program that are reserved for stabilization and
recovery assistance. These funds are in addition to amounts
directed in this Act for bilateral assistance. Funds for
stabilization and recovery assistance are designated in
accordance with the following table and subject to section 7019
of this Act.
STABILIZATION AND RECOVERY ASSISTANCE
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund................................ $120,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 10,000
Transitional Justice............................. [5,000]
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 25,000
Related Programs....................................
Peacekeeping Operations.............................. 25,000
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 25,000
------------------
Total............................................ 205,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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,
by deleting paragraph (2) on explosive ordnance disposal
programs and paragraph (3) on Syrian organizations, and by
adding paragraph (2) on a funding limitation for assistance in
areas of Syria controlled by the government led by Bashar al-
Assad or associated forces, except for humanitarian assistance.
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................... 105,000
------------------
Total............................................ 205,400
------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Bank and Gaza.--Subsection (l), West Bank and Gaza, is
modified from the prior year by deleting the waiver authority
with respect to the International Criminal Court requirements
and modifying a funding reduction. 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.
The Committee understands the Administration is conducting
a comprehensive review of assistance for the West Bank and
Gaza. Not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State is directed to provide the Committees on
Appropriations a report detailing the status of, and any
conclusions produced by, this review.
Yemen.--The Committee remains concerned about the
significant humanitarian needs in Yemen and the lack of
consistent access to allow relief to be provided in Yemen. Not
later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of State, in consultation with the USAID Administrator, shall
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations that
addresses delivery of humanitarian assistance, including access
for humanitarian organizations to deliver assistance; the
capacity of Yemeni ports to receive commercial and humanitarian
goods; and the conditions required to transition from
humanitarian assistance to longer-term development assistance.
The Committee also recognizes the importance of fuel to
alleviating the humanitarian crisis and urges the Secretary of
State to press for access, including for food and fuel, into
all Red Sea Ports, which are critical lifelines for the Yemeni
population.
Strategy requirement.--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. Not later than 60 days after
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation
with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit an update to the
strategy on United States engagement in North Africa required
pursuant to section 7041(i) of the State, Foreign Operations,
and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2018 (division K of
Public Law 115-141). The Secretary is also directed to ensure
sufficient funds are made available to support such strategy in
the report required pursuant to section 653a of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961.
Section 7042 includes modified language from the prior year
regarding assistance for Africa. The Committee acknowledges
that global development, diplomacy and defense are pertinent to
protecting United States national security and advancing United
States policy toward Africa. The Committee also recognizes that
the underlying causes of instability and conflict in the
region, including extreme poverty, poor health, food
insecurity, and environmental degradation, are critical areas
for United States involvement through foreign assistance. The
Committee reaffirms that sustainable development, economic
growth, human rights, and humanitarian assistance in Africa are
important to national security interests of the United States
and remain critical investments in the prosperity and security
throughout the continent.
Africa counterterrorism.--Funds for counterterrorism
partnerships in Africa are allocated according to the following
tables and subject to section 7019 of this Act:
PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL EAST AFRICA COUNTERTERRORISM
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Support Fund................................ $2,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 2,580
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 11,150
Related Programs....................................
Peacekeeping Operations.............................. 10,000
------------------
Total............................................ 25,730
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANS-SAHARA COUNTERTERRORISM PARTNERSHIP
[Budget authority in thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Development Assistance............................... $15,275
Economic Support Fund................................ 10,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 10,032
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 18,446
Related Programs....................................
Peacekeeping Operations.............................. 40,000
------------------
Total............................................ 93,753
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, in 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 and other violent extremist organizations.
The Committee also encourages continued support for
development, democracy, health and governance activities in
these countries as effective strategies to counter violent
extremism.
Central African Republic.--The Committee supports efforts
that have been made by the United States, UN, African Union,
and the governments of Central Africa to achieve a political
resolution to conflict and provide life-saving humanitarian
assistance to communities in Central Africa, but notes that
these efforts must be coordinated. As such, not later than 60
days after enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the
Secretary of State, in consultation with the USAID
Administrator, to submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees that includes the following elements:
(1) a description of the diplomatic engagement necessary to
work with other international partners, such as the European
Union and World Bank, to ensure coordinated assistance to the
Central African Republic; (2) an assessment of the UN
peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic; and (3) a
description of the Department of State's approach to reduce
violence by the Lord's Resistance Army.
Electrify Africa.--The Committee supports continued funding
to carry out the objectives of the Electrify Africa Act of 2015
(P.L. 114-121).
Liberia.--The Committee supports continued funding for
Liberia consistent with prior year levels, including for
programs that strengthen democratic institutions and good
governance.
Section 7043 includes language modified from the prior year
containing limitations, directives, and authorities for
diplomatic and development activities and programs in Asia and
Pacific.
Burma.--The Committee recommendation continues the
authority and funding for economic and development assistance
for the people of Burma, but prohibits 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.
The Committee is concerned about the repeated assaults on
freedom of the press in Burma and supports assistance for
programs to strengthen independent media.
Laos.--The Committee directs the Secretary of State to
continue to consult with the Secretary of Defense on the level
of cooperation that the Government of Laos provides to recover
the remains of and account for missing United States personnel
and to notify the Committees on Appropriations of any unfilled
Department of Defense requests.
Philippines.--Extrajudicial killings in the Philippines,
including those committed in the conduct of the anti-drug
campaign, erode confidence in the Government of the
Philippines' commitment to human rights, due process, and the
rule of law. The Committee recognizes the need to remain
engaged with the Philippine government and expects 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.
Funding under title III of this Act is available to support
the implementation by the Philippine Department of Health and
local entities of a national and community-based drug treatment
and demand reduction program. Such funds shall be made
available on a cost-matching basis, to the maximum extent
practicable, and following consultation with the appropriate
congressional committees.
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.
Section 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.--The authority referenced in section
7044(a)(3)(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 the strategy for United States
engagement in Afghanistan required pursuant to the State,
Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act,
2017, includes political settlement with the Taliban as its
ultimate goal. Therefore, no later than 90 days after the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report on progress
made to date in achieving such goal and detailed information,
in classified form if necessary, on specific steps to be taken
to encourage a political resolution of the conflict in
Afghanistan.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to submit a
report, in classified form if necessary, not later than 30 days
after enactment of this Act and every 120 days thereafter until
September 30, 2020, detailing by agency the number of personnel
present in Afghanistan under Chief of Mission authority per
section 3927 of title 22, United States Code, at the end of the
120 day period preceding the submission of such report. The
report shall also include the number of locally employed staff
and contractors supporting United States Embassy operations in
Afghanistan during the reporting period.
The Committee notes the significant needs of children of
incarcerated mothers that are often required to live in prison
with them. The Committee directs that funds be made available
at not less than prior year levels for child support centers
that provide safe shelter, mental and physical care, education,
and other support to children who would otherwise be imprisoned
with their mothers in Afghanistan.
Bangladesh.--The Secretary of State shall 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;
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 include programs to improve labor conditions in
readymade garment, shrimp, and fish industries.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State and USAID
Administrator to provide for humanitarian assistance to help
displaced Rohingya who have fled from Burma to Bangladesh.
Pakistan.--In submitting the information required in
subsection (b)(1)(B), the Secretary of State shall include a
description of the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan
to: (1) conduct military operations that significantly disrupt
the safe havens, fundraising and recruiting efforts, and
freedom of movement of domestic and foreign terrorist
organizations, including the Haqqani Network, in Pakistan; (2)
demonstrate its commitment to prevent domestic and foreign
terrorist organizations, including the Haqqani Network, from
using any Pakistan territory as a safe haven and for
fundraising and recruiting efforts; (3) coordinate with the
Government of Afghanistan to restrict the movement of
militants, such as the Haqqani Network, along the Afghanistan-
Pakistan border; (4) arrest and prosecute senior leaders and
mid-level operatives of domestic and foreign terrorist
organizations; and (5) prevent the proliferation of nuclear-
related materials and expertise.
The Committee includes funds under International Narcotics
Control and Law Enforcement for the recruitment, retention, and
professionalization of women in the police forces in countries
in South and Central Asia, including $5,000,000 for Pakistan.
South and Central Asia Regional Programs.--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.
Section 7045 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding programs and funding for countries in Latin America
and the Caribbean.
Caribbean.--The Committee recommendation supports
activities to combat organized crime and drug-related violence
in a region particularly susceptible to the drug trade. Funds
for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative 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................................ $25,250
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 25,250
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 7,500
------------------
Total............................................ 58,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative on a country-by-country
basis for each program, project, and activity for fiscal years
2010 through 2018, and integrate such information into the
ForeignAssistance.gov Web site, as appropriate.
The Committee supports programs to increase the resilience
of countries to emergencies and natural disasters in the
Caribbean.
Central America.--The United States Strategy for Engagement
in Central America (Strategy) was released following the
migration crises at the southwest border of the United States
in 2014. The Department of State, Foreign Operations and
Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2017, required the
Secretary of State to review and update the Strategy, which was
submitted to Congress in 2017. Subsection (a) provides that up
to $595,000,000 may be made available for assistance 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]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account/Program Budget Authority
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Health Programs............................... $12,000
Guatemala........................................ 12,000
Development Assistance............................... 200,000
Transfer to Inter-American Foundation............ 10,000
Economic Support Fund................................ 124,400
Central America Regional Security Initiative..... 124,400
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 222,500
Central American Regional Security Initiative.... 222,500
Costa Rica................................... [32,500]
International Commission against Impunity in [6,000]
Guatemala...................................
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 500
Related Programs....................................
Panama........................................... 500
International Military Education and Training........ 4,100
Costa Rica....................................... 725
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 31,500
Costa Rica....................................... 7,500
------------------
Total, United States Strategy for Engagement 595,000
in Central America..........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subsection (a)(1) also requires that funds be made
available on a cost-matching basis. The Committee notes that
funding provided in this Act represents the fifth fiscal year
of resources provided to implement the Strategy.
Subsection (a)(2) continues the requirement for a multi-
year spend plan to be submitted prior to the obligation of
funds and as described under this subsection in fiscal year
2018 (as described in the explanatory statement accompanying
division K of Public Law 115-141). The Committee recommendation
provides the Secretary of State with the flexibility to
allocate funds among countries, particularly countries in the
Northern Triangle. The Committee expects the Secretary to
allocate such funds based on the progress made by a country
under the Strategy and the central government's commitment to
reform. The Secretary is directed to specify proposed country
levels and include a discussion of such matters in the spend
plan.
Subsection (a)(3) includes modified language withholding
half of the 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 meeting certain conditions. The Committee notes that such
conditions have helped maintain focus on reform and
accountability. The Secretary should consider progress made by
each central government in meeting similar conditions in prior
years when allocating funds in the spend plan.
In making the certification under subsection (a)(3), the
Secretary of State should consider the following: (1) relating
to subparagraph (G), whether the government is increasing the
capacity and independence of the judiciary and the Office of
the Attorney General, including on civil, criminal, and tax
matters, and whether the government is implementing
international best practices to ensure appropriate due process;
(2) relating to subparagraph (J), whether the government is
investigating and prosecuting in the civilian justice system
government personnel, including military and police personnel,
who are credibly alleged to have violated human rights, and
ensuring that such personnel are cooperating in such cases; (3)
relating to subparagraph (N), whether the government is
protecting the right of members of civil society to operate
without interference, including journalists, trade unionists,
and human rights defenders; (4) relating to subparagraph (O),
whether the government is implementing tax reforms that
increase government revenue and transparency in the tax
collection system, and strengthen customs agencies; (5)
relating to subparagraph (P), whether the government is
resolving commercial disputes between United States entities
and such government, including the confiscation of real
property, and increasing the timeliness of reimbursements to
United States business entities. The Secretary is directed to
include such information in the report to accompany this
certification.
The Committee is concerned about the length of time it has
taken in prior years for the Department of State to meet the
oversight requirements provided for in this subsection. The
Secretary of State is directed to submit the spend plan
required by subsection (a)(2) not later than 60 days after
enactment of this Act, and to take other steps in order to
obligate funds in a timely manner, particularly with respect to
funds not subject to the requirements of subsection (a)(3).
Not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act and
prior to the submission of the spend plan required by
subsection (a)(2), the Secretary of State, in coordination with
the USAID Administrator, shall issue a progress report based on
the plan for monitoring and evaluation for the Strategy. The
report shall be submitted to the appropriate congressional
committees and the information contained in the report shall be
posted to the Department of State and USAID Web sites. The
Secretary of State should consider progress made by a country
when allocating funds in the spend plan.
The Committee recommendation supports efforts to strengthen
the rule of law by combating corruption and impunity in Central
America. Within the total funding provided for the Strategy,
not less than $30,000,000 is for the International Commission
against Impunity in Guatemala, the Mission to Support the Fight
against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras, and the offices of
the Attorneys General/Public Ministries of El Salvador,
Guatemala, and Honduras. In allocating funds, the Secretary of
State should consider each organization's capacity, record, and
commitment to the rule of law. The Secretary shall specify
proposed levels for each individual organization in the spend
plan.
The Committee recommendation maintains congressional
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 international financial
institution, or an organization listed in the preceding
paragraph; (2) describe the cost-matching arrangements made
pursuant to subsection (a)(1); and (3) describe how programs
align with the Strategy and the plan for monitoring and
evaluation, including the program and context indicators for
each program described in the notification. Congressional
notifications submitted for the International Commission
Against Impunity in Guatemala and the Mission to Support the
Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras shall also
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 believes that citizen security is a
prerequisite for long-term development and sustained economic
growth in the region and includes $346,900,000 for CARSI. The
Committee notes that CARSI was established by Congress to take
a comprehensive approach to the myriad of problems such as
youth violence and gangs, organized crime, drug trafficking and
other forms of criminality and violence in Central America.
CARSI programs are intended to 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 expects that the Administration,
as it implements CARSI, will ensure that it includes sufficient
funding for prevention and for institutional strengthening of
police, prosecutors, and judicial systems. The Committee also
supports efforts to increase the capacity and geographic reach
of local wildlife law enforcement and park rangers in border
forest communities in order to protect the rights of indigenous
and forest communities and halt the illegal movement of people,
drugs, weapons, and natural resources across unregulated
borders.
The Committee is concerned about widespread sexual and
gender-based violence in the Northern Triangle and supports
programs to expand school-based prevention programs, increase
the capacity of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute
such cases, and provide protection and services to survivors.
The Committee supports programs to reduce domestic abuse and
help survivors of such abuse.
The Committee recommendation provides resources above the
prior year to support Costa Rica's efforts to disrupt the flow
of illicit drugs and dismantle organized criminal groups. The
Committee notes that in 2016, Costa Rican authorities seized
over 24 metric tons of cocaine, a 44 percent increase over the
prior year.
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 2018, and integrate
such information into the ForeignAssistance.gov Web site, as
appropriate.
The Committee notes that in order to incentivize and
attract foreign investment, Northern Triangle countries must
aggressively combat corruption and impunity and work to create
a positive business climate that enforces the rule of law and
respects due process. The Committee encourages business groups
in the United States and Northern Triangle countries to
contribute to these efforts and encourages them to pursue their
goals of strengthening the economies through a commitment
towards economic growth, entrepreneurship, investments,
fighting corruption, job creation, and the reduction of
migration, malnutrition, and poverty.
Funds provided under Development Assistance for rural
development programs should include support for small scale and
subsistence farmers, with attention to women's access to
credit, building local markets and increasing local capacity.
Funding transferred from Development Assistance to Inter-
American Foundation should only be used for assistance for
countries in the Northern Triangle and such programs should be
included in the plan for monitoring and evaluation of the
Strategy.
The Committee recommendation does not include funds under
title IV of this Act for Nicaragua. Any funding provided for
Nicaragua in this Act should be made available for programs
that promote democracy and the rule of law. No funds are
provided for the central government of Nicaragua. The Committee
notes that funds for Nicaragua are subject to the notification
requirements of section 7015 of this Act.
Colombia.--The Committee supports Colombia's efforts to
counter illicit crop cultivation and narcotics trafficking,
enhance security and stability, strengthen and expand
governance and access to services, 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 over the last two
decades. The Committee remains concerned, however, about the
significant levels of coca production and trafficking and the
continued violence associated with the drug trade.
Subsection (b)(1) provides that not less than $391,250,000
should be made available for assistance for Colombia. The
Committee may adjust assistance for Colombia as the
appropriation process proceeds.
The Committee is concerned with the spillover effects from
turmoil in Venezuela and its impact on Colombia and other
countries in the region. Subsection (b)(1) includes modified
language supporting the efforts of the Government of Colombia
to assist communities impacted by significant refugee or
migrant populations. In addition, the Committee recommendation
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 funding for Colombian civil
society, programs to support truth and reconciliation, victims
support, the protection of human rights defenders and other
vulnerable groups, peacebuilding, and verification of the
implementation of the accords. The Committee encourages support
for the Colombia Attorney General's Human Rights Unit and the
Special Unit to Dismantle Organized Crime and Paramilitary
Successor Groups. The Committee recommendation also continues
support for programs to assist Afro-Colombians and indigenous
communities.
Subsection (b)(2) continues the prohibition on payment of
reparations to conflict victims or compensation to demobilized
combatants associated with a peace agreement with funds made
available by this Act.
Subsection (b)(3) continues the requirement for a multi-
year spend plan to be submitted prior to the obligation of
funds and as described under this subsection required in fiscal
year 2018 (as described in the explanatory statement
accompanying division K of Public Law 115-141).
The Committee remains concerned about the significant
increase in coca production in Colombia and supports the goal
of halving such production in five years. Subsection (b)(4)
continues the withholding of assistance until the Secretary of
State certifies and reports the Government of Colombia has
reduced overall illicit drug cultivation, production, and
trafficking. The report to accompany such certification shall
include metrics and related information to support such
certification.
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: (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.
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).
The Committee would support a transfer of up to $5,000,000
from Development Assistance to the Inter-American Foundation if
the Secretary of State, in coordination with the USAID
Administrator, determines that such a transfer would further
advance United States development goals in Colombia, subject to
prior consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.
Cuba.--Direction on democracy programs for Cuba is included
under Economic Support Fund.
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
Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to prioritize
programs that build towards long-term sustainability. In
accordance with subsection (d)(2), the review shall examine
programs funded since the 2010 earthquake to determine whether
such programs were sustained, reasons why such programs were or
were not sustained, and recommendations for current and future
programing in order to increase program sustainability. The
Secretary and USAID Administrator shall consult with the
Committees on Appropriations on these matters not later than 30
days after enactment of this Act.
The Committee is concerned with the lack of border security
between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which undermines
legitimate trade, fosters instability, and inhibits efforts to
regenerate markets and provide foreign assistance. The
Committee urges the Secretary of State to work with the
Governments of Haiti and the Dominican Republic to develop a
strategy for enhancing border security, including through
assistance provided for such countries under this Act.
Mexico.--The Committee recommendation provides funding
under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement to
combat transnational organized crime, increase border security,
promote the rule of law, and reduce the flow of illicit
narcotics into the United States. The recommendation includes
$20,000,000 above the prior year to assist the Government of
Mexico in securing its borders and combatting poppy cultivation
and heroin and synthetic drug production. Congressional
notifications for assistance for Mexico submitted pursuant to
section 7015 shall include a description of such programs and
activities.
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.
Funding provided under Economic Support Fund should 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 recognizes that the United States and Mexico face
difficult challenges in securing our shared border while
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.
Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations regarding efforts by the Government of Mexico
to: (1) thoroughly and credibly investigate and prosecute
violations of human rights in civilian courts, including the
killings at Tlatlaya in June 2014 and the disappearance of 43
students at Ayotzinapa in September 2014, in accordance with
Mexican law; (2) vigorously enforce prohibitions against
torture and the use of testimony obtained through torture; and
(3) search for the victims of forced disappearances and
credibly investigate and prosecute those responsible for such
crimes.
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.
Venezuela.--Subsection (e) provides not less than
$15,000,000 for programs to promote democracy and the rule of
law in Venezuela. No funds are provided for the central
government of Venezuela. The Committee notes that funds for
Venezuela are subject to the notification requirements of
section 7015 of this Act.
Other Matters.--The Committee is concerned about attacks
and assassinations of journalists, human rights defenders, and
social leaders in Latin America, and recommends continued
support for programs to help protect them and investigate the
perpetrators of these crimes.
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.
Section 7046 includes language regarding Europe and
Eurasia.
Georgia.--Subsection (a)(1) provides not less than
$105,325,000 for assistance for Georgia. Such funds 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...... $63,025
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............................................ 105,325
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee recommendation supports programs to increase
Georgia's resilience in the face of Russian influence and
aggression, including by strengthening Georgia's defense
capabilities.
The Committee notes that over the years economic reforms
made by the Government of Georgia have resulted in strong
economic growth and foreign investment from the United States,
benefiting both countries. The Committee believes it is
critical that public and private Georgian entities continue to
adhere to their contractual obligations with United States
businesses and expects the Secretary of State to assist
American businesses in Georgia who face challenges. Not later
than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations
regarding the business environment in Georgia, any significant
ongoing commercial disputes between the Government of Georgia
and United States entities, and steps taken by the United
States government to assist in the resolution of such issues.
Ukraine.--Subsection (a)(2) provides not less than
$441,000,000 for assistance for Ukraine. Such funds 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Health Programs............................... $33,000
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia...... 250,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 30,000
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and 15,000
Related Programs....................................
International Military Education and Training........ 3,000
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 110,000
------------------
Total............................................ 441,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee recommendation supports Ukraine's capacity to
counter Russian influence and aggression, and advances
Ukraine's capacity to integrate into Western markets and
political, security, and defense institutions.
The Committee recommendation provides funding above the
prior year under Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and
Related Programs to support the removal of landmines and other
explosive remnants of war, which, according to the UN, were the
second highest cause of civilian casualties in 2017.
The Committee urges the Government of Ukraine to undertake
additional reforms to combat corruption, including passage of
legislation to establish an independent anti-corruption court.
Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations on reforms undertaken or planned by the
Government of Ukraine to fight corruption, and United States
assistance and programs that support these efforts.
The Committee supports efforts to help Ukraine diversify
its energy sources and reduce dependency on Russia and urges
the Secretary of State to promote reforms in this area. The
Committee also encourages the Department of State to increase
cyber cooperation with Ukraine to increase its readiness
against cyber-attacks.
The Committee remains concerned about the humanitarian
needs of those displaced due to the conflict and encourages the
Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to support such
needs, including access to mental health services for youth and
vulnerable populations. The Committee also supports efforts to
strengthen Ukraine's capacity to provide integrated health
services to combat veterans, reservists, and active soldiers
engaged in the conflict in the east. The Committee encourages
USAID to continue working with Ukraine's Ministry of Health on
a system of mental health protection, to strengthen cooperation
on veterans' issues, and facilitate the sharing of best
practices on mental health and posttraumatic stress disorder
treatment and related support to military families.
The Committee is pleased with the Department of State and
USAID's support of and direct engagement with small-holder
Ukrainian farmers and rural women. The Committee encourages the
Department of State and USAID to support the development of
cooperatives to empower small-holder farmers to increase
productivity and marketability of their products.
The Committee recommendation provides funding above the
prior year 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 recommendation
supports the provision of appropriate training, lethal
defensive weapons, and other equipment to continue to work
closely with NATO and meet its security challenges.
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.
Moldova.--The Committee recommendation supports Moldova's
integration with the West and efforts to counter Russian
influence and pressure.
Section 7047 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding countering Russian influence and aggression. The Act
provides not less than $250,000,000 for the Countering Russian
Influence Fund (CRIF), which is in addition to amounts made
available for bilateral assistance for countries in Europe,
Eurasia and Central Asia. Such funds are 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...... $75,000
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.. 50,000
International Military Education and Training/....... 5,000
Foreign Military Financing Program................... 120,000
------------------
Total............................................ 250,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subsection (b) prohibits funds in this Act for the central
government of a country that the Secretary of State determines
and reports has taken affirmative steps to support the Russian
annexation of Crimea or other territory in Ukraine. The
Secretary may waive the prohibition if it is in the national
interest.
Subsection (c) continues the prohibition of funds in this
Act for the central government of a country that the Secretary
of State determines and reports has recognized the independence
of, or has established diplomatic relations with, the Russian
occupied Georgian territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali
Region/South Ossetia. The Secretary may waive the prohibition
if it is in the national interest. The Committee notes that
Syria recognized such territories in May 2018.
Section 7048 includes language modified from the prior year
relating to conditions on funds for the UN and other
international organizations.
Section 7049 includes language modified from the prior year
related to assistance, authorities, limitations, and
notifications regarding law enforcement and security matters.
Section 7050 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funds to implement the Arms Trade Treaty.
Section 7051 includes language carried in the prior year
limiting funds available under this Act from being used to
support attendance at international conferences.
Section 7052 includes language carried in the prior year
relating to aircraft transfer and coordination.
Section 7053 includes language carried in the prior year
relating to unpaid parking fines and real property taxes owed
by foreign governments.
Section 7054 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding the International Monetary Fund.
Section 7055 includes language carried in the prior year
limiting funding for publicity or propaganda purposes within
the United States.
Section 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.
Section 7057 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding certain management conditions and authorities of
USAID.
The Committee directs the Inspector General for USAID to
conduct an audit of the USAID's use of appropriated funds prior
to expiration and cancellation. The audit shall determine
whether operating units used appropriated funds within the
deadlines of the appropriations, whether obligations using
expired funds were made in accordance with Federal
requirements, and review the closeout process of operating
units. The audit should also include any findings related to
the reasons for any expired or canceled funds, identify the
root causes for deficiencies and determine monetary benefits
that could have been achieved if contracts and cooperative
agreements had been closed in a timely manner.
Section 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 to
better prepare for, and respond to, emerging health threats.
Section 7059 includes modified language carried from the
prior year regarding programs that support gender equality.
Not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State, in consultation with the USAID
Administrator, shall submit a report to the appropriate
congressional committees on programs supported by the
Department of State and USAID in furtherance of the
requirements of this section. With respect to subsection (c)(2)
that requires gender programs incorporate coordinated efforts
to combat a variety of forms of gender-based violence,
including child marriage, rape, female genital cutting and
mutilation, and domestic violence, the Committee expects the
report to include programs and policies that reduce the
incidence of child marriage and meet the needs of already
married adolescent girls.
The Committee supports the continuation of programs for
women and girls who are at risk from extremism and conflict.
The Committee also supports the provision of additional funds
under Economic Support Fund for the UN Children's Fund program
to eliminate female genital mutilation/cutting.
The Committee encourages the Secretary of State to ensure
women's participation is increased in peacekeeping operations
and other security assistance programs, as appropriate.
Section 7060 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding assistance for programs related to basic education,
higher education, conservation, development programs, food
security and agriculture development, microenterprise, programs
to combat trafficking in persons, and water and sanitation.
Subsection (b) includes not less than $269,000,000 in title
III for biodiversity conservation programs, which is the same
as the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
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 also recognizes that
illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing undermines
sustainable fisheries management, the stability of coastal
communities abroad, and food security, and supports USAID
programs that address such issues.
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 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 2018 enacted level for ongoing regional efforts
in 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 supports continued implementation of the
Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt (END) Wildlife Trafficking
Act of 2016 and expects funds to be made available to support
the goals and objectives of such Act. The Committee expects the
Secretary of State to work with countries rich in biodiversity
and wildlife habitats or identified as focus countries in the
END Wildlife Trafficking Act, to make a sustained commitment of
budgetary resources to combat wildlife trafficking and promote
community conservation.
The Committee also encourages continued implementation of
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 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 2020 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. 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 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.
Based on the CARPE model, the Committee supports continuing
and expanding transnational approaches throughout sub-Saharan
Africa, including the Okavango River Basin.
Subsection (f) includes $67,000,000 for programs to combat
trafficking in persons, to be coordinated by the Office to
Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Of the amounts
provided, $45,000,000 is included under International Narcotics
Control and Law Enforcement. The Committee directs that
$5,000,000 of such funds 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 notes an additional $13,822,000 is provided
under Diplomatic Programs for the operational costs of the
Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, which is
described further under Diplomatic Programs in this report.
In addition to funds made available pursuant to subsection
(f), the Committee includes $25,000,000 under International
Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement to support programs to
end modern slavery.
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 2018 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.
Section 7061 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing restrictions on enterprise funds.
Section 7062 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing certain limitations on assistance that may impact
jobs in the United States.
Section 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.
Section 7064 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding global Internet freedom programs.
Section 7065 includes language carried in the prior year on
multi-year pledges.
Section 7066 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting funds for the use of torture.
Section 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.
The Committee recommendation continues the limitation in
this section on assistance for the central government of a
country that refuses to extradite to the United States any
individual indicted for a criminal offense for which the
maximum penalty is life imprisonment without parole or for
killing a law enforcement officer, as specified in a United
States extradition request. The Secretary of State is directed
to engage with foreign governments not covered by section 7067
of this Act, such as the Government of Cuba, to resolve cases
of fugitives from justice, including persons sought by the
United States Department of Justice for such crimes committed
in the United States, such as Joanne Chesimard.
Section 7068 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.
Section 7069 includes language modified from the prior
concerning consultation, notification, and reporting
requirements involving any agency reorganization, redesign, or
transformation.
Pursuant to subsection (a)(3), the notification shall
include a detailed justification and analysis that includes the
following information: (1) a detailed description of, and
justification for, the proposed action, including any policies
or procedures currently or expected to be used to implement
Executive Order 13781; (2) the current organizational chart,
showing the operating units of the respective department,
agency or organization and a brief description of each
operating unit; the number of employees for each operating
unit; the proposed new organizational chart with descriptions
of each new operating unit; and the number of employees once
the proposed reorganization is complete; (3) an assessment of
how the proposed action will improve the efficiency,
effectiveness, performance, and accountability (including
through modernizing information technology platforms and
streamlining administrative functions) of the department,
agency, or organization; (4) an analysis of the impact of any
such change on the ability to advance the national interest of
the United States through diplomacy and development, and to
conduct adequate monitoring and oversight of foreign assistance
programs, and any legislative change necessary to implement
such proposals; (5) the estimated cost and timeline to complete
the proposed action; and (6) an assessment of any cost savings
and efficiencies achieved through implementation of each
element of the proposed action.
Pursuant to subsection (a)(4), operating plans shall
include amounts for each of the State Department regional and
functional bureaus and the following offices, envoys, and
coordinators:
Coordinator for Cyber Issues
Coordinator for Sanctions Policy
Office of Global Women's Issues
Office of International Religious Freedom
Office of the Special Coordinator for Global Criminal
Justice
Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat
Anti-Semitism
Office of the Special Envoy for North Korean Human
Rights Issues
Office of the Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan
Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage
Affairs
Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near
East and South Central Asia
Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues
Subsection (b)(3) includes language that limits funds
relating to the Technology Modernization Fund. The terms
``Technology Modernization Fund'' and ``Technology
Modernization Board'' have the same meaning given to ``Fund''
and ``Board'' in section 1076 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018.
Section 7070 includes language modified from the prior year
requiring operating and spend plans for funds provided in this
Act.
Section 7071 includes new language related to Member access
to facilities in the United States used for purposes of
detaining foreign national minors.
TITLE VIII--OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS/GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM
Title VIII of the Committee recommendation includes an
additional $8,018,000,000, 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 economic
stabilization; humanitarian response; and oversight activities.
Funds in this title are subject to the operating and spend plan
requirements of section 7070 of this Act, where applicable.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Administration of Foreign Affairs
DIPLOMATIC PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $2,975,971,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,975,971,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +$2,975,971,000
The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$2,975,971,000 for Diplomatic 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, Iraq
and other high threat posts.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $68,100,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 54,900,000
Change from enacted level......................... -13,200,000
Change from request............................... +54,900,000
The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$54,900,000 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 2018 enacted level........................ $71,778,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -71,778,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation does not include an additional
appropriation for Embassy Security, Construction and
Maintenance.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $96,240,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -$96,240,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation does not include an additional
appropriation for Contributions to International Organizations.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $967,456,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -967,456,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation does not include an additional
appropriation for Contributions to International Peacekeeping
Activities.
UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Funds Appropriated to the President
OPERATING EXPENSES
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $158,067,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 158,067,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... +158,067,000
The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$158,067,000 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.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $2,500,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -2,500,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation does not include an additional
appropriation for Office of Inspector General.
BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
Funds Appropriated To The President
INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $1,588,778,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,287,578,000
Change from enacted level......................... -301,200,000
Change from request............................... +1,287,578,000
The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$1,287,578,000 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, Iraq, and Syria.
TRANSITION INITIATIVES
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $62,043,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -62,043,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation does not include an additional
appropriation for Transition Initiatives.
COMPLEX CRISES FUND
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $20,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 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 FUND
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $2,152,122,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,178,250,000
Change from enacted level......................... -973,872,000
Change from request............................... +1,178,250,000
The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$1,178,250,000 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.
Department of State
MIGRATION AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $2,431,198,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,363,234,000
Change from enacted level......................... 67,964,000
Change from request............................... +2,363,234,000
The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$2,363,234,000 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.
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE
Department of State
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $417,951,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -417,951,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement.
NONPROLIFERATION, ANTITERRORISM, DEMINING AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $220,583,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -220,583,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for Nonproliferation, Anti-Terrorism, Demining
and Related Programs.
PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $325,213,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... -325,213,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for Peacekeeping Operations.
Funds Appropriated to the President
FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING PROGRAM
Fiscal Year 2018 enacted level........................ $460,000,000
Fiscal Year 2019 request.............................. 0
Committee recommendation.............................. 0
Change from enacted level......................... 460,000,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommendation does not include an
appropriation for Foreign Military Financing Program.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 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.
Section 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.
Section 8003 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
The bill does not include any rescissions.
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 I, under Emergencies in the Diplomatic and
Consular Service, language is included to transfer funds to
Repatriation Loans Program.
In title I, under Diplomatic Programs, language is included
to transfer funds to Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular
Service for emergency evacuations and rewards.
In title III, under Development Credit Authority, language
is included to transfer funds to Assistance for Europe, Eurasia
and Central Asia and to transfer funds to Operating Expenses.
In title III, under Peace Corps, language is included to
transfer funds to the Foreign Currency Fluctuations Account and
to transfer funds to other departments and agencies.
Under title VI, under Program Account, language is included
to transfer funds from the Overseas Private Investment
Corporation Noncredit Account.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7004 to
transfer funds between Diplomatic Programs and Embassy
Security, Construction, and Maintenance to implement the
recommendations of the Benghazi Accountability Review Board.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7009 to
transfer funds under title I for the Department of State and
the Broadcasting Board of Governors.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7034 to
transfer funds under Protection of Foreign Missions and
Officials and unobligated balances of expired funds under
Diplomatic Programs for extraordinary protection.
Under title VII, language is included under section 7048 to
transfer funds between Global Health Programs and International
Disaster Assistance.
In title VIII, under Diplomatic Programs, language is
included to transfer 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):
EMERGENCY WARTIME SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2003
* * * * * * *
TITLE I
WAR-RELATED APPROPRIATIONS
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 5--BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
* * * * * * *
LOAN GUARANTEES TO ISRAEL
During the period beginning March 1, 2003, and ending
[September 30, 2019] September 30, 2023, loan guarantees may be
made available to Israel, guaranteeing 100 percent of the
principal and interest on such loans, the principal amount, any
part of which is to be guaranteed, not to exceed
$9,000,000,000, of which up to $3,000,000,000 may be issued
prior to October 1, 2003, or thereafter and of which
$3,000,000,000 may be issued subsequent to September 30, 2004:
Provided, That such guarantees shall constitute obligations, in
accordance with the terms of such guarantees, of the United
States and the full faith and credit of the United States is
hereby pledged for the full payment and performance of such
obligations: Provided further, That if less than the full
amount of guarantees authorized to be made available is issued
prior to [September 30, 2019] September 30, 2023, the authority
to issue the balance of such guarantees shall extend to the
subsequent fiscal year: Provided further, That guarantees may
be issued under this section only to support activities in the
geographic areas which were subject to the administration of
the Government of Israel before June 5, 1967: Provided further,
That the amount of guarantees that may be issued shall be
reduced by an amount equal to the amount extended or estimated
to have been extended by the Government of Israel during the
period from March 1, 2003, to the date of issue of the
guarantee, for activities which the President determines are
inconsistent with the objectives and understandings reached
between the United States and the Government of Israel
regarding the implementation of the loan guarantee program:
Provided further, That the President shall submit a report to
Congress no later than September 30 of each fiscal year during
the pendency of the program specifying the amount calculated
under the preceding proviso and that will be deducted from the
amount of guarantees authorized to be issued in the next fiscal
year: Provided further, That the interest rate for loans
guaranteed under this heading may include a reasonable fee to
cover the costs and fees incurred by the borrower in connection
with this program or financing under this heading in the event
the borrower elects not to finance such costs or fees out of
loan principal: Provided further, That no appropriations under
this heading are available for the subsidy costs for these loan
guarantees: Provided further, That the Government of Israel
will pay the cost, as defined in section 502 of the Federal
Credit Reform Act of 1990, as amended, including any non-
payment exposure risk, associated with the loan guarantees
issued in any fiscal year, on a pro rata basis as each
guarantee is issued during that year: Provided further, That
all fees (as defined in section 601(e) of Public Law 102-391)
associated with the loan guarantees shall be paid by the
Government of Israel to the Government of the United States:
Provided further, That funds made available for assistance to
Israel under chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act
of 1961, as amended, may be utilized by the Government of
Israel to pay such fees to the United States Government:
Provided further, That the President shall determine the terms
and conditions for issuing guarantees, taking into
consideration
the budgetary and economic reforms undertaken by Israel:
Provided further, That if the President determines that these
terms and conditions have been breached, the President may
suspend or terminate the provision of all or part of the loan
guarantees not yet issued under this heading.
* * * * * * *
----------
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, [2019] 2020.
* * * * * * *
----------
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, 2018, [and
2019] 2019, and 2020.
(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.
* * * * * * *
----------
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,
2017, [and 2018] 2018, and 2019 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, [2018] 2019.
(2) Subsection (c) shall apply to decisions made
after the date of the enactment of this Act and before
October 1, [2018] 2019.
(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, [2018] 2019.
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, [2018] 2019, 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.
* * * * * * *
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 2019 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 have 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 2019 bill, which may
be construed as changing existing law, are as follows:
Title I
Under Diplomatic Programs, language carried in the prior
year providing transfer authority to other accounts within
Administration of Foreign Affairs; limitations on certain
programs, offices, and activities; 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
carried in the prior year designating amounts for certain
activities, authorizing the use of certain fees, and directing
a reporting requirement.
Under Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance,
language similar to 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 similar to the prior year permitting the transfer of
not to exceed $1,000,000 to Repatriation Loans Program Account.
Under Repatriation Loans Program Account, language similar
to the prior year directing that costs shall be defined as in
section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and capping
total loan principle.
Under Contributions to International Organizations,
language similar to the prior year requiring submission to the
Committees on Appropriations of the United Nations biennial
budget, 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 providing a
limitation on the amount available for 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 (BBG) make funds available to
expand unrestricted access to information on the Internet,
extending certain personnel authorities, requiring a review 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 National Endowment for Democracy, language similar to
prior years designating funds for certain purposes.
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 2017 and requiring notification.
Under United States Commission on International Religious
Freedom, language carried in the prior year placing a
limitation on representation expenses.
Under Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe,
Salaries and Expenses, language carried in the prior year
limiting representation expenses.
Under Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's
Republic of China and United States-China Economic and Security
Review Commission, language carried in the prior year placing a
limitation on representation expenses.
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 the Department of
State, Foreign Operations, and Related Appropriations Act,
2009.
Title II
Under Operating Expenses, language carried in the prior
year limiting financing construction or entering into leases,
allowing transfers of funds, 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 similar to 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 similar to the prior
year designating the use of funds, requiring a report prior to
the initiation of a country program, requiring prior
consultations, 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 similar to the
prior year authorizing transfers, setting funding and financing
limitations, and requiring notification.
Under Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia,
language modified from the prior year providing notwithstanding
authority and related notification requirements, designating
coordination responsibilities, and designating certain funds
for purposes of administrative authorities.
Under Migration and Refugee Assistance, language similar to
the prior year designating amounts for small-scale emergency
humanitarian requirements, for refugees resettling in Israel,
and for the United States Refugee Admissions Program.
Under Peace Corps, language similar to the prior year
limiting representation expenses, requiring consultations,
allowing the Director to transfer funds to help mitigate
exchange rate losses, and placing limitations on certain
activities.
Under Millennium Challenge Corporation, language similar to
the prior year placing a cap on administrative expenses,
establishing certain funding conditions and notification
requirements, limiting and restricting entertainment and
representation allowances.
Under Inter-American Foundation, language carried in the
prior year limiting representation expenses.
Under United States African Development Foundation,
language similar to the prior year allowing for the investment
of project funding by grantees, limiting the use of interest
earned, allowing certain building leases, and requiring a
report.
Under International Affairs Technical Assistance, language
similar to the prior year providing funds notwithstanding the
location of the performance of a personal service contract.
Title IV
Under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement,
language carried in the prior year giving the Department of
State the authority to provide excess property to a foreign
country, subject to notification, waiving a section of the
Foreign Assistance Act, subject to notification, and requiring
notification for certain transfers.
Under Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and
Related Programs, language modified from the prior year
designating the use of funds, providing authorities for funds,
and establishing certain funding conditions and notification
requirements.
Under Peacekeeping Operations, language modified from 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 from the prior year allowing certain civilian
personnel to receive training and limiting entertainment
allowances.
Under Foreign Military Financing Program, language similar
to the prior year designating the use of funds, requiring
consultations and notifications, establishing requirements for
the disbursement and transfer of certain funds, establishing
limitations and conditions on funds, and limiting
representation and entertainment expenses.
Title V
Under Global Environment Facility, new language is included
to require reports and notifications from the Secretary of the
Treasury.
Under Contributions to the International Fund for
Agricultural Development, new language is included to require
reports from the Secretary of the Treasury.
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 similar to 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 similar to 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 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 carried in the prior year
directing funds for certain purposes, setting limitations for
the Working Capital Fund, requiring a certification, and
requiring a report.
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 modified from the prior year
setting limitations and conditions on transfers between
appropriations accounts, requiring audits of certain transfers
and reporting requirements.
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 appropriated by this Act
and language placing a limitation on such authority until the
Secretary of State submits a report.
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 in which the assistance is
subject to taxation, unless the Secretary of State makes
certain determinations, and includes 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 modified from the prior year
concerning public posting of reports and documents, records
management, and cybersecurity.
Sec. 7017 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting the use of funds for programs in contravention of
this Act.
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 similar to 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, 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
relating 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, extending, or otherwise modifying certain special
authorities relating to funds made available in, and operations
supported by, 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. 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 directives and conditions concerning assistance for
countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Sec. 7042 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding directives and conditions concerning assistance for
countries in Africa.
Sec. 7043 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding directives and conditions concerning assistance for
countries in East Asia and the Pacific.
Sec. 7044 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding directives and conditions concerning assistance for
countries in South and Central Asia.
Sec. 7045 includes language modified from the prior year
regarding directives and conditions concerning assistance for
countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Sec. 7046 includes language similar to the prior year
regarding directives and conditions concerning assistance for
countries in Europe and Eurasia.
Sec. 7047 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding countering Russian influence and aggression.
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 similar to the prior year
related to assistance, authorities, limitations, and
notifications regarding law enforcement and other security
matters.
Sec. 7050 includes language carried in the prior year
prohibiting the use of funds to implement the Arms Trade
Treaty.
Sec. 7051 includes language carried in the prior year
limiting the use of funds made available by the Act to support
attendance at international conferences.
Sec. 7052 includes language carried in 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 similar to the prior year
regarding the International Monetary Fund.
Sec. 7055 includes language carried in the prior year
limiting funding for publicity or propaganda purposes within
the United States.
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 funding and
authorities to better prepare for, and respond to, emerging
health threats.
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, development programs, food
security and agriculture development, microenterprise,
trafficking in persons, and water and sanitation.
Sec. 7061 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing restrictions on enterprise funds.
Sec. 7062 includes language carried in the prior year
establishing certain limitations on assistance that may impact
jobs in the United States.
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 modified from the prior year
regarding global Internet freedom programs.
Sec. 7065 includes language carried in the prior year
regarding multi-year pledges.
Sec. 7066 includes language carried in 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 similar to the prior year
regarding authority for the President to draw down certain
funds to support UN war crimes tribunals or commissions.
Sec. 7069 includes language similar to the prior year
concerning consultation, notification, and reporting
requirements involving any agency reorganization, redesign, or
transformation.
Sec. 7070 includes language modified from the prior year
requiring operating and spend plans for funds provided in this
Act.
Sec. 7071 includes new language related to Member access to
facilities in the United States used for purposes of detaining
foreign national minors.
Title VIII
Under Diplomatic 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 Migration and Refugee Assistance, language carried in
the prior year limiting the purposes for which funds may be
used.
Sec. 8001 includes language carried in the prior year
stating that funds appropriated in title VIII are in addition
to amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2018.
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 otherwise directed in the
Act.
Sec. 8003 includes language carried in the prior year
providing certain conditions on amounts designated as Overseas
Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism.
Title IX
Sec. 9001 includes a new provision establishing a spending
reduction account.
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.... $12,084,968,000
Administration of Foreign
Affairs
Department of State/ 2003.............. $1,529,702,000.... $1,672,000,000.... $2,953,911,000
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...... $807,686,000
Department of State/Related 2003.............. $72,000,000....... $69,986,000....... $187,443,000
Programs
United States Institute of Peace 2014.............. Such sums as may $37,000,000....... $37,884,000
be necessary.
USAID/Operating Expenses 1987.............. $387,000,000...... $340,600,000...... $1,347,676,000
USAID/Capital Investment Fund None.............. NA................ NA................ $200,000,000
USAID/Inspector General 1987.............. $21,750,000....... $21,000,000....... $76,000,000
Global Health Programs (see note Population (1987); Population Population $2,690,000,000
below) Health and ($290,000,000); ($234,625,000); (includes up to
Disease Health and Health and $461,000,000 for
Prevention Disease Disease Population)
(1987); Child Prevention Prevention
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 $3,000,000,000
below) (1987) Education ($760,000,000); ($693,613,000); (program levels
(1987); Energy Education Education to 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).
International Disaster 2018.............. $2,794,184,000.... $2,696,534,000.... $4,285,312,000
Assistance
Transition Initiatives.......... None.............. NA................ NA................ $96,145,000
Development Credit Authority.... None.............. NA................ NA................ (by transfer)
$40,000,000
Development Credit Authority-- None.............. NA................ NA................ $9,120,000
administrative expenses
Economic Support Fund........... 1987.............. $3,800,000,000.... $3,555,000,000.... $3,696,904,000
Democracy Fund.................. None.............. NA................ NA................ $225,000,000
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia 1993.............. $410,000,000...... N/A............... 750,334,000
and Central Asia
Migration and Refugee Assistance 2003.............. $820,000,000...... $781,884,000...... $3,360,000,000
Peace Corps..................... 2003.............. $365,000,000...... $295,069,000...... $410,500,000
Millennium Challenge Corporation 2005.............. Such sums as may $1,488,000,000.... $905,000,000
be necessary.
Inter-American Foundation....... 1993.............. $31,000,000....... $30,960,000....... $22,500,000
United States African 1987.............. $3,872,000........ $6,500,000........ $30,000,000
Development Foundation.
Department of the Treasury, 1999.............. $5,000,000........ $1,500,000........ $30,000,000
International Affairs Technical
Assistance
International Narcotics Control 1994.............. $171,500,000...... $100,000,000...... $1,435,151,000
and Law Enforcement
Nonproliferation, Anti- 2003.............. $226,200,000...... NA................ $876,050,000
terrorism, Demining and Related
Programs (see note below)
Peacekeeping Operations......... 1999.............. $83,000,000....... $76,500,000....... $490,400,000
International Military Education 2003.............. $85,000,000....... $79,480,000....... $110,875,000
and Training
Foreign Military Financing...... 2003.............. $4,107,000,000.... $6,104,632,000.... $6,361,342,000
Overseas Private Investment 2016.............. Such sums as may $70,000,000....... $79,200,000
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, Operating Expenses, International Disaster Assistance,
Economic Support Fund, and Migration and Refugee Assistance, 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: 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mandatory\1\.................... 159............... 159............... 159............... 159
Discretionary\1\................ 46,000............ 46,000............ 48,984............ 47,365
Security....................
Nonsecurity\l\.............. 46,000............ 46,000............ NA................ NA
Overseas Contingency Operations/ .................. 8,018............. .................. 2,915
Global War on Terrorism\2\.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\Consistent with the funding recommended in the bill for overseas contingency operations and in accordance
with subparagraph (A)(ii) of section 251(b)(2) of the Balanced Budget Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985,
the Committee anticipates that the Budget Committee will provide, at the appropriate time, a 302(a) allocation
for the Committee on Appropriations reflecting an upward adjustment of $8,018,000,000 in budget authority plus
associated outlays.
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]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019................................................. \1\18,615
2020................................................. 11,980
2021................................................. 9,868
2022................................................. 5,556
2023 and future years................................ 7,359
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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 0 0
local governments................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 2018 enacted amounts and budget estimates
presented for fiscal year 2019:
ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF REPRESENTATIVE NITA M. LOWEY
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. I am disappointed that the
committee included a number of short-sighted poison pills in
the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 bill, from denying climate change to
renewed attacks on women's health. Also problematic is the
allocation for this bill and others and the process for
considering bills.
The Bipartisan Budget Act enacted early this year provided
relief from unworkable discretionary spending caps. The
agreement was supposed to provide the country with stability
following a year of shutdowns, last-minute veto threats, and
general uncertainty in government. That stability lasted long
enough for Congress to pass a bipartisan Omnibus appropriations
bill for FY 2018, and then Republican chaos reigned again. The
President threatened to veto the bill, unhappy with Congress'
large investments in programs to help low- and middle-income
Americans and rejection of his campaign-promised border wall.
Even after the President signed the bill, the
Administration and Republican leadership in Congress who voted
for the Bipartisan Budget Act and the Omnibus bill have
continued to attempt to undo those bipartisan agreements. The
majority passed H.R. 3, a rescission bill to undo funding and
mollify an angry President. OMB Director Mick Mulvaney has said
that this was the first of many rescission packages meant to
bring spending in line with the President's priorities,
ignoring Congressional action that dismissed the President's
draconian FY 2018 budget request. The Senate was right to
dismiss the rescissions package and uphold congressional
prerogative.
In addition to the unacceptable rescissions proposals, the
majority's lack of transparency in allocating the FY 2019
discretionary budget also endangers future bipartisan
compromise. The majority abandoned longstanding committee
practice of providing Members and the public with a budget
blueprint for non-defense spending, known as 302(b)
allocations. Members were asked to vote on bills without having
the full picture on what impact each allocation would have on
the other bills, especially those towards the end of the
process such as this bill and the Labor, Health, and Human
Services bill.
With an $18 billion increase in discretionary spending for
FY 2019, we could, and should, invest more than 1% of the
budget in our overseas efforts. Unparalleled refugee crises,
numerous countries on the brink of famine, and ongoing threats
to national security demand a more robust response. The United
States would be more secure and garner more goodwill if,
instead of the Republican plan to waste billions of dollars on
a border wall and a deportation force, we increased our
investments in the diplomacy, development, and security
assistance that is in this bill.
With the inclusion of these controversial riders and the
wrong-headed prioritization of funding across the government,
Democrats were regrettably forced to oppose the bill at this
stage.
The activities funded in this bill support vital
development programs that save lives and address the root
causes of suffering, poor health, forced migration, and
conflict. Disease, disaster, terrorism, and economic strife
around the world continue to threaten the security, safety, and
well-being of Americans at home and abroad. Last year, the
world witnessed a rise in global hunger for the first time in
more than a decade. There are currently more than 815 million
chronically hungry people in nations all around the world--11%
of the global population. In Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen, and
northeastern Nigeria alone, more than 30 million people are on
the brink of starvation due to famine-like conditions and
violent conflict, making it impossible to access food and safe
drinking water. Failure to maintain our international
commitments reduces American influence around the world,
confronting our allies and partners with dangerous instability
and putting American interests at risk.
A strong and capable State Department and USAID with well-
staffed embassies and missions effectively represents our
interests by overseeing assistance programs and building
bridges with host governments, civil societies, and the private
sector that are at the core of 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.
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. The bill also includes
the International Organizations and Programs Account,
recognizing that U.S. support for multilateral institutions
gives taxpayers the best return on investment.
However, I was disappointed that amendments to strike the
harmful riders affecting women's health offered by,
Representative Barbara Lee, Representative Katherine Clark,
Representative Tim Ryan, and myself were all rejected on party
line votes. I also commend Representative Matt Cartwright for
proposing an amendment to strike the prohibition of funding on
the Green Climate Fund.
In another amendment rejected by a party line vote,
Representative David Price offered an amendment that would have
required the Department of State to share with Congress the
diplomatic strategy, as well as an assessment of the impact, of
the United States withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan
of Action. This information would help Congress understand the
Administration's Iran strategy and how relations with allies
and partners could be repaired.
During the time I have had the privilege to work on this
bill, I have always tried to avoid inserting contentious
issues. In the FY 2018 Omnibus, Congress rejected the dangerous
riders and funding levels proposed and agreed to a final bill
that supported United States diplomacy and development efforts
around the world.
As this bill moves through the House floor and a conference
agreement is reached with the Senate, it is important for the
voices of all Members to be heard through an open amendment
process without a pejorative rule that blocks debate, but in an
open and transparent manner.
I look forward to working with Chairman Rogers and my
colleagues in the House to improve the bill and hope my
Republican colleagues will reconsider policy riders that would
make it more difficult to achieve U.S. priorities.
Nita M. Lowey.