All Legislation For The Year 2012
S.3646 Afghan Women and Girls Security Promotion Act of 2012
S.3646 Aims to promote the rights and prosperity of women and girls in Afghanistan through education, NATO policing, and the enforcement of UN resolutions regarding the full integration and security of women in Afghanistan.
The bill will require the improvement of:
- the mobility of women and girls
- the participation of women in local government bodies
- the rate of school attendance for girls
- women’s access to government services
- data showing the prevalence of violence against women.
S.3646 will seek to ensure the availability of relevant data and incorporate those indicators into ongoing efforts to assess overall security conditions during the transition period.
S.3646 was introduced by Sen Casey, Robert P., Jr. [PA] on 11/28/2012 with (7 co-sponsors) and was introduced to the Committee on Foreign Relation on 11/28/2012.
HR 6452: To provide limitations on United States assistance, and for other purposes.
HR 6452 is directed to limit US foreign aid to other nations if the following qualifications are met:
(a) Prohibition- No amounts may be obligated or expended to provide any direct United States assistance, loan guarantee, or debt relief to a Government described under subsection (b).
(b) Covered Governments- The Governments referred to in subsection (a) are as follows:
(1) The Government of Libya.
(2) The Government of Egypt.
(3) The Government of Pakistan.
(4) The Government of a host country of a United States diplomatic facility on the list submitted to Congress pursuant to subsection (c).
HR 6452 was introduced by Rep Landry, Jeffrey M. on 9/20/2012
H.R.6581: Hurricane Sandy Recovery and Rebuilding Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2013
H.R.6581 allocates $12 billion of emergency disaster relief funds to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other agencies, to aid in the recovery from Hurricane Sandy.
- $6.7 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund.
- $5 billion for FEMA to provide direct loans to state and local governments to help compensate for tax revenue lost due to the storm.
- $45 million to the Army Corps of Engineers Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies Account.
- $255 million for the Small Business Administration’s disaster loans program.
H.R.6581 was introduced on 11/2/2012 by Rep Fattah, Chaka [PA-2] with (0-cosponsors) and was referred to the House Committee on Appropriations, and the House Committee on the Budget on 11/2/2012.
H.R.6485: Accountability of Taxpayer Funding for Afghanistan Fuels Act of 2012
H.R.6485 prohibits a covered product from being provided directly or indirectly to the government of Afghanistan unless the Secretary of Defense (DOD) determines and reports to Congress that: (1) the covered product meets an existing or future need of the government of Afghanistan, (2) related financial documents are fully accounted for and will be maintained by DOD for at least 10 years, and (3) DOD has established related monitoring controls.
Prohibits DOD funds from being provided directly or indirectly to the government of Afghanistan to procure any covered product unless the Secretary determines and reports to Congress that: (1) the government of Afghanistan is capable of providing reliable accounting and reporting to DOD regarding the purchase, delivery, and consumption of a covered product; (2) the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, or upon the date of termination of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, the Inspector General of DOD has certified to the Secretary that such requirements have been met.
Defines “covered product” as petroleum, oil, a lubricant (including diesel fuel, gasoline, jet or aviation fuel, kerosene, or other fuels), or firewood that is to be used for purposes of equipping, training, or sustaining the Afghan National Security Forces.
H.R.6485 was introduced by Rep Chaffetz, Jason [UT-3] on 09/21/2012 with (1 co-sponsor) and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Armed Services on 09/21/2012.
H.R.6460: Strengthening Refugee Resettlement Act
H.R.6460 is drafted for the implementation or modification of provisions of law relating to refugee resettlement. The areas of reform are as follows;
- Security checks.
- English language and work orientation training for approved refugee applicants.
- Lawful permanent resident status of refugees and aliens granted asylum.
- Update of reception and placement grants.
- Coordination of refugee program agencies.
- Case management.
- Increase in cash payments.
- Refugee integration grants.
- Matching grant program expansion.
- Domestic Emergency Refugee Resettlement Fund.
- Supplemental Security Income benefits.
- Making special immigrant juvenile status beneficiaries and unaccompanied children granted ‘U’ visa protection eligible for refugee benefits.
H.R.6460 was introduced by Rep Ellison, Keith [MN-5] on 09/20/2012 with (3 co-sponsors) and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the House Committee on the Judiciary, and the House Committee on Ways and Means on 09/20/2012.
S.J.RES.41: A joint resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the nuclear program of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
S.J.RES.41 reaffirms that the U.S. government and the governments of other responsible countries have a vital interest in working together to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.
Urges economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran until it implements: (1) suspension of uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities and is in compliance with U.N. Security Council resolutions, (2) cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concerning Iran’s nuclear activities, and (3) a permanent agreement that verifiably assures that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful.
S.J.RES.41 was introduced by Sen Graham, Lindsey [SC] on 09/24/2012 with (83 co-sponsors) including Sen Cantwell, Maria [WA] and Sen Murray, Patty [WA].
S.J.RES.41 was passed in the Senate on 09/22/2012 and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on 09/25/2012.
S.RES.582: A resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States and the immense contributions of Latinos to the United States.
S.RES.582 states that the Senate–
(1) recognizes the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15, 2012, through October 15, 2012;
(2) esteems the integral role of Latinos and the manifold heritage of Latinos in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States; and
(3) urges the people of the United States to observe Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and activities that appreciate the cultural contributions of Latinos to American life.
S.RES.582 was introduced by Sen Menendez, Robert [NJ] on 09/22/2012 with (31 co-sponsors).
S.RES.582 was passed in the Senate on 09/22/2012.
H.R.6431: To provide flexibility with respect to United States support for assistance provided by international financial institutions for Burma, and for other purposes.
H.R.6431 states that it is in the national interest of the United States to support assistance for Burma, the Secretary of the Treasury may instruct the United States Executive Director at any international financial institution to vote in favor of the provision of assistance for Burma by the institution, notwithstanding any other provision of law. The President shall provide the appropriate congressional committees with a written notice of any such determination.
H.R.6431 was introduced by Rep Royce, Edward R. [CA-40] on 09/19/2012 with (0 co-sponsors) and was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services on 09/19/2012.
H.R.6431 was passed in the House on 09/19/2012 and was passed by unanimous vote in the Senate on 09/22/2012.
Signed by the President on 10/05/2012.
S.3341: Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review Act of 2012
S.3341 Directs the Secretary of State to conduct a review every four years of U.S. diplomacy and development for the next four-year period (quadrennial diplomacy and development review) which shall include: (1) recommendations regarding the long-term diplomacy and development policy and strategic framework of the United States; (2) U.S. diplomatic priorities; and (3) guidance on the related programs, assets, capabilities, budget, policies, and authorities of the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
S.3341 was introduced by Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] on 06/26/2012 with (3 co-sponsors) and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations on 06/26/2012.
S.3341 was passed in the Senate on 09/22/2012.
S.3341 was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on 09/25/2012
H.R.6391: To terminate the designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally, and for other purposes.
H.R.6391 states that Effective beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally pursuant to section 517(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321k(a)(1)) or any other provision of law is hereby terminated.
H. R. 6391 was introduced by Rep Poe, Ted [TX-2] on 09/13/2012 with (0 co-sponsors) and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on 09/13/2012.
H.RES.786: Honoring the four United States public servants who died in Libya and condemning the attacks on United States diplomatic facilities in Libya, Egypt, and Yemen.
H.RES.786 recognizes the selfless commitment to U.S. national security and to Libya’s transitional democracy by the brave U.S. citizens who lost their lives in the unjustified attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
Expresses deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those U.S. public servants killed in Benghazi, Libya.
Condemns the terrorists who planned and conducted the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, and those who vandalized the U.S. embassies in Cairo, Egypt, and Sana’a, Yemen.
Expresses concern about the security situation in Libya, Egypt, and Yemen, and with the threat posed to the region and U.S. interests by extremists and terrorists.
Appreciates the actions of those who sought to protect the U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities.
Calls upon all governments to continue to work closely with the Department of State to: (1) ensure security of diplomatic facilities, (2) secure their borders, and (3) combat terrorists and extremists who operate within their sovereign territory.
Calls upon the governments of Libya, Egypt, and Yemen, in full cooperation with the U.S. government, to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice.
Reiterates the commitment of the United States to promoting its core values, including support for democracy, human rights, individual and religious freedom, and respect for human dignity.
H.RES.786 was introduced by Rep Boehner, John A. [OH-8] on 09/18/2012 with (3 co-sponsors) and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on 09/19/2012.
H.RES.786 was passed in the Senate on 09/19/2012.
S.RES.556: Expressing the sense of the Senate that foreign assistance funding to the Governments of Libya and Egypt should be suspended until the President certifies to Congress that both governments are providing proper security at United States embassies and consulates pursuant to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
S.RES.556 expresses the sense of the Senate that foreign assistance funding to the governments of Libya and Egypt should be suspended until the President certifies to Congress that both governments are providing, and will provide in the future, security necessary to protect U.S. personnel in and around the U.S. embassies and consulates in these two countries, pursuant to the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
S.RES.556 was introduced by Sen Inhofe, James M. [OK] with (1 co-sponsor) and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations on 09/13/2012.
S.3551: To require investigations into and a report on the September 11-13, 2012, attacks on the United States missions in Libya, Egypt, and Yemen, and for other purposes.
S.3551 States that: (1) Congress condemns the attacks on the U.S. diplomatic missions in Libya, Egypt, and Yemen; and (2) the American people mourn the loss of our public servants and offer our condolences to the families of those killed in Benghazi, Libya.
Directs the President to submit to Congress a report on: (1) the September 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya; (2) the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, that began on September 11, 2012; (3) the September 13, 2012, attack on the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen; (4) and the state of security at U.S. diplomatic missions globally.
S.3551 was introduced by Sen DeMint, Jim [SC] on 09/13/2012 with (1 co-sponsor) and was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations on 9/13/2012.
S.RES.557: Honoring the contributions of Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari as Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and in promoting the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Tibetan people.
S.RES.557 honors Lodi Gyari who, as a young man in India, began a career-long commitment to the Tibetan struggle against Chinese oppression in Tibet, becoming editor for the Tibetan Freedom Press, founder of the Tibetan Review, the first English language journal published by Tibetans in exile, and a founding member of the Tibetan Youth Congress.
S.RES.557 was introduced 09/13/2012 by Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] with (8 co-sponsors) and was referred to the Senate Foreign Relations on 09/13/2012.
S.RES.557 was passed in the Senate on 09/19/2012.
S.RES.554: Calling on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to facilitate the immediate and unconditional release of Gao Zhisheng, and for other purposes
S.RES.554 calls on the government of China to: (1) facilitate access to Gao Zhisheng by his family and lawyers; (2) facilitate the release of Gao Zhisheng, including allowing him to come to the United States to be reunited with his family should he wish to do so; and (3) release all persons in China who have been arbitrarily detained.
S.RES.554 was introduced 09/13/2012 by Sen Boxer, Barbara[CA] with (1 co-sponsor) and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations on 09/13/2012.
S.RES.551: A resolution commending the 4 American public servants who died in Benghazi, Libya, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, for their tireless efforts on behalf of the American people and condemning the violent attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi.
S.RES.551 is a resolution commending the 4 American public servants who died in Benghazi, Libya, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, for their tireless efforts on behalf of the American people and condemning the violent attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi.
S.RES.551 was introduced 09/12/2012 by Sen. Richard Lugar [R-IN]with (99 co-sponsors) including Maria Cantwell [D-WA] and Patty Murray [D-WA]
S.RES.551 was passed in House by simple solution 09/12/2012
H.R. 6422: To establish a program to provide grants to nonprofit organizations to enable such organizations to assign and support volunteers to assist foreign countries in the administration of their natural resources in an environmentally sustainable manner
H.R. 6422 was introduced to establish a program that assists nonprofits in receiving grants which further allows them to assign and support voluntees to foreign countires where they will help to administer natural resources in a sustainable manner.
H.R. 6422 was introduced 09/14/2012 by Rep. Moran, James P. [VA-8] with (1 co-sponsor) and was reffered to the House Committee of Foreing Affairs 09/14/2012
H.Con.Res. 131: Expressing support for continued international cooperation to combat HIV/AIDS
H.Con.Res. 131 expresses support for U.S. and international efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. It specifically recognizes PEPFAR, the importance of engaging civil society, and the opportunities that the XIX International AIDS Conference presents to expand treatment and prevention program. It endorses the target to end new global pediatric infections by 2015 and calls upon nations to develop comprehensive AIDS strategies that respect the human rights of those with HIV/AIDS.
H.Con.Res. 131 was introduced on July 13, 2012 by Rep. Barbara Lee [D-CA9] with 8 cosponsors, including Rep. Jim McDermott [D-WA7], and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.R. 6087: International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2012
H.R.6087 recognizes that child marriage deprives girls of dignity and human rights, and moves develops a multi-year plan for the prevention of child marriage. This strategy targets the unique vulnerabilities associated with girls under 18 in developing countries (especially in countries in which 40 or more percent of girls under 18 are married), with diplomatic and programmatic initiatives. These include, among some listed initiatives: support for primary and secondary education, efforts to ensure safety and well-being in school (access to water, feminine hygiene, safe travel, etc), assistance to families for financial literacy and economic opportunity, and other community-based programs to address the need to change child marriage practices.
H.R.6087 was introduced on July 9, 2012 by Rep. Betty McCollum [D-MN4] with 18 cosponsors, including Rep. Jim McDermott [D-WA7], and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.Res. 734: Recognizing the importance of frontline health workers toward accelerating progress on global health
H.Res. 734 recognizes the critical role of frontline health workers in developing countries in saving lives and contributing to a just and safe society, while calling for USAID, the Department of State and the Center for Disease Control to develop a healthcare workforce strategy for increasing the number of frontline health workers around the world.
H. Res. 734 was introduced on July 18, 2012 by Rep. Nita Lowey [D-NY18] with 13 cosponsors including Rep. Adam Smith [D-WA9], and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.R.6178: Economic Growth and Development Act
H.R.6178 creates an interagency mechanism to further to coordinate United States development policy and private sector investments, and aims to further integrate private sector consultation in program planning and resource allocation. It also ensures that constraints of economic growth, including infrastructure, tax codes and regulation, are analyzed on a country, regional and global scale for policy planning.
H.R.6178 was introduced on July 24, 2012 by Rep. Steve Chabot [R-OH] with 7 cosponsors, including Rep. Adam Smith [D-WA9] and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
S. 3326 and H.R. 5986 To amend the African Growth and Opportunity Act to extend the third-country fabric program and to add South Sudan to the list of countries eligible for designation under that Act, to make technical corrections to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule
S. 3326 and H.R. 5986 (identical) extend the “Third-Country Fabric Provision”, which allows African countries to import fabric and make garments in Africa and then export them duty-free to the United States, along with other amendments to the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
S. 3326 was introduced on June 21, 2012 by Sen. Max Baucus [D-MT] and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance (12 cosponsors). H.R. 5986 passed in the house August 10, 2012 by unanimous consent (22 cosponsors.)
S. 3356 and H.R. 6038: Global Conservation Act of 2012
S. 3356 and H.R. 6038 improve U.S. leadership on global environmental issues (specifically resource consumption) to foster economic development and to ensure security and U.S. interests abroad. These bills require an assessment of the effectiveness of current conservation policy and the development of an integrated International Conservation Strategy. This plan will establish goals and time tables to address a variety of environmental issues- including ecosystem protection, regulating fisheries, safeguarding fresh water, stabilizing resource scarcity in areas prone to conflict or mass migration, and reducing desertification. The President is urged to work with world leaders to find multilateral mechanisms to coordinate aid and resources to achieve the goals of the International Conservation Strategy.
S. 3356 was introduced on June 28, 2012 by Sen. Robert Portman [R-OH] (3 cosponsors) and has not been referred to committee. H.R. 6038 was introduced on June 27, 2012 by Rep. Jeffrey Fortenberry [R-NE1] (32 cosponsors including Rep. Norman “Norm” Dicks [D-WA6] and Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA8]) and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
S. 3310: Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2012
S. 3310 (linked to H.R. 3159, introduced 10/2011) establishes additional guidelines to improve transparency and accountability in all foreign assistance programs funded by the Federal government. The bill directs the President to draft these guidelines, which would include monitoring of resources, evaluation of projects, evaluating the impact of these projects and analysis that determines findings. Guidelines on monitoring and evaluation would be disseminated to all program staff worldwide, and evaluations would be released online no later than 90 days after completion. It also establishes a website where all information relating to foreign assistance programs, including “country assistance strategies, annual budget documents, congressional budget justifications, actual expenditures, and reports and evaluations for such programs and projects under such programs” would be publicly accessible and easily searchable.
S. 3310 was introduced by Sen. Richard Luger [R-IN] with no cosponsors on June 19 and has not been referred to committee.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations- The committees assigned to this bill sent it to the House or Senate as a whole for consideration on September 19, 2012.
11/13/2012 – Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 538
S. 3269 and H.R. 5924: A bill to provide that no United States assistance may be provided to Pakistan until Dr. Shakil Afridi is freed.
S. 3269 and H.R. 5924 place limitations on foreign aid to Pakistan, with aid only resumed if the President certifies that: 1. Dr. Shakil Afridi has been freed from prison; 2. All charges have been dropped against Dr. Shakil Afridi; and 3. Dr. Shakil Afridi is allowed to leave Pakistan if necessary to ensure freedom.
S. 3269 was introduced by Sen. Rand Paul [R-KY] (7 cosponsors) and was referred to committee on June 7. H.R. 5924 was introduced by Rep. Connie Mack [R-FL14] (3 cosponsors) and referred to House Committee on Foreign Affairs on June 7.
S. 641: Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2011
S. 641 calls for increased action to bring water and sanitation to the world’s poor and provides 100,000,000 people with first-time access to drinking water and sanitation within six years by improving the capacity of the United States Government to fully implement the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005. The act (1) amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 by creating a senior advisor to the Administrator of USAID to fully implement the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005, coordinate the implementation of country-specific water policies in high-priority countries, and enable the goal of providing 100,000,000 additional people with clean water and sanitation services within six years of the enactment of the bill. 25% of funding shall come from non-federal sources, including foreign governments, foundations and civil society organizations. (2) the Secretary of State shall establish a Special Coordinator for International Water to oversee diplomatic water policy. (3) Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID develop capacity of water and sanitation institutions in high-risk countries- including providing access to clean water and sanitation, educating populations about the danger of unclean water and poor sanitation, and encouraging behavioral change to reduce risk of disease.
Introduced March 17, 2011, reported by Committee back to Senate June 19, 2012 (27 cosponsors), including Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA))
S.Res. 429: A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of World Malaria Day.
S.Res. 429 supports the ideals of World Malaria Day, including the target of ending malaria deaths by 2015, commends recent progress on preventing malaria deaths, especially through the efforts of the President’s Malaria Initiative and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, supports research and public-private partnerships and encourages members of the international community to scale up efforts to eradicate malaria.
Introduced April 19, 2012, reported by committee back to Senate June 19, 2012 (12 cosponsors, including Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)).
UPDATE: Passed (Simple Resolution) on July 10, 2012
S.Res. 402: A resolution condemning Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army for committing crimes against humanity and mass atrocities, … …and supporting ongoing efforts by the United States Government and governments in central Africa to remove Joseph Kony
S.Res. 402 condemns Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army for crimes against humanity, commends efforts by the governments of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of South Sudan, the Central African Republic and the African Union for their efforts to end these atrocities, and urges continued cooperation and support from the United States to protect citizens and strengthen regional security
Introduced March 21, 2012, reported by Committee back to Senate June 19, 2012 (46 cosponsors, including Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)).
UPDATE: Passed (Simple Resolution) August 2, 2012
S. 3199: Jobs Originated through Launching Travel Act of 2012
S. 3199 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to stimulate international tourism to the United States.
Introduced 5/17/2012 by Sen. Chuck Schumer [D-NY] (20 cosponsors)
H.R. 5748: United States Leadership to Eradicate Obstetric Fistula Act of 2012
H.R. 5748 provides assistance to Sub-Sarahan Africa to combat obstetric fistula. The bill establishes a 10 year comprehensive plan to combat obstetric fistula, including the creation of an “International Obstetric Fistula Institute for Sub-Saharan Africa” to develop programs and protocols for prevention, education, and emergency medical access, and no less than eight “Centers of Clinical Excellence” in Sub-Saharan Africa to provide medical care and training for the treatment of obstetric fistula.
Referred to House Committee on Foreign Affairs 5/15/2012 (8 cosponsors)
S. 3192: SMART Jobs Act
S. 3192 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act by establishing an F4 nonimmigrant visa for aliens pursuing an advanced degree in mathematics, engineering, technology, or the physical sciences in the United States and to authorize aliens to become permanent residencts if they obtain employment related to their field of study.
Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary 5/16/2012 (4 cosponsors)
H.R. 5905: To combat international violence against women and girls.
H.R. 5905 establishes an Office for Global Women’s Issues within the Office of the Secretary of the Department of State, headed by an Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues. The ambassador-at-large would coordinate funding and programs relating to the integration and empowerment of women internationally. H.R. 5905 also establishes the framework for a 5 year comprehensive plan to prevent and respond to violence against women.
Introduced and referred to House Committee on Foreign Affairs 6/7/2012 (53 cosponsors, including Rep. Rick Larsen [WA-02])
H.R. 915: Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force Act
H.R. 915 was introduced to establish a Border Enforcement Security Task Force program to enhance border security by fostering coordinated efforts among Federal, State, and local border and law enforcement officials to protect United States border cities and communities from trans-national crime, including violence associated with drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal alien trafficking and smuggling, violence, and kidnapping along and across the international borders of the United States, and for other purposes.
Passed/agreed to in House 5/30/12. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 391 – 2 (Roll no. 296). (3 co-sponsors).
H.R. 1299: Secure Border Act of 2011
H.R 1299 was introduced to achieve operational control of and improve security at the international land borders of the United States, and for other purposes. (32 cosponsors including Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers[R-WA5])
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection 5/30/12.
S. 3241: Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2013
S. 3241 sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for specified activities for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 417. 5/24/12. No co-sponsors.
H.R. 3992: To allow otherwise eligible Israeli nationals to receive E-2 nonimmigrant visas if similarly situated United States nationals are eligible for similar nonimmigrant status in Israel.
H.R. 3992 makes Israeli nationals eligible to enter the United States as E-2 visa nonimmigrant investors as provided for under the Immigration and Nationality Act if Israel provides reciprocal nonimmigrant treatment to U.S. nationals.
Signed into law June 8, 2012 as Public Law 111-13 (11 co-sponsors).
S. 414: International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2011
S. 414 expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) child marriage is a violation of human rights and its prevention and elimination should be a U.S. foreign policy goal; and (2) expanding educational opportunities for girls, economic opportunities for women, and reducing maternal and child mortality are critical to achieving the Millennium Development Goals and U.S. global health and development objectives, including efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs 5/29/12 (35 co-sponsors).
H.R. 1905: Iran Threat Reduction Act of 2011
H.R. 1905 was introduced to strengthen Iran sanctions laws for the purpose of compelling Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons and other threatening activities, and for other purposes.
Passed in the House 08/10/2012 by unanimous consent (364 co-sponsors).
H.R. 4381: Planning for American Energy Act of 2012
H.R. 4381 was introduced to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish goals for an all-of-the-above energy production plan strategy on a 4-year basis on all onshore Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service.
5/16/2012 House committee/subcommittee actions. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 – 14. No co-sponsors.
H.R. 4970: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012
H.R. 4970 was introduced to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act of 1994.
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders 5/21/12 (40 co-sponsors).
H.Res. 568: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of preventing the Government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.
H.Res. 568 urges increasing economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran to secure an agreement that includes: (1) suspension of all uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, (2) complete cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding Iran’s nuclear activities, and (3) a permanent agreement that verifiably assures that Iran’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful.
Supports: (1) the universal rights and democratic aspirations of the Iranian people, and (2) U.S. policy to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability.
Rejects any U.S. policy that would rely on efforts to contain a nuclear weapons-capable Iran.
Urges the President to reaffirm the unacceptability of an Iran with nuclear-weapons capability and oppose any policy that would rely on containment as an option in response to the Iranian nuclear threat.
5/17/2012 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 401 – 11, 9 Present (Roll no. 261). 331 co-sponsors.
H.R. 4240: Ambassador James R. Lilley and Congressman Stephen J. Solarz North Korea Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2012
H.R. 4240 expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) continue to seek cooperation from foreign governments to allow the United States to process North Korean refugees overseas for U.S. resettlement, and (2) urge China to halt its forcible repatriation of North Koreans.
Amends the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to authorize appropriations: (1) for grants that promote democracy and a market economy in North Korea, (2) to increase the availability of non-government controlled information inside North Korea, and (3) for organizations or persons that provide humanitarian assistance to North Koreans who are outside of North Korea.
Directs the Broadcasting Board of Governors to report to Congress regarding U.S. broadcasting to North Korea.
Extends specified annual reporting requirements for: (1) the Special Envoy for North Korean human rights issues, and (2) the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS).
Passed in House 08/16/2012 by unanimous consent (28 co-sponsors).
H.Con.Res. 123: Recognizing the potential for the virtual elimination of pediatric HIV and AIDS and keeping HIV positive mothers alive.
H.Con.Res 123 recognizes that: (1) the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV is critical to stopping the spread of HIV worldwide, and (2) U.S. leadership in the fight to eliminate pediatric HIV should continue.
Expresses support for: (1) providing women with HIV counseling and testing services and scaling up access to services that prevent mother-to-child transmission; and (2) U.S. and international efforts to create a generation free of HIV, to eliminate new pediatric HIV infections worldwide, and to keep the mothers of that generation alive.
Calls for greater access to more efficacious antiretroviral drug regimens for the health of women and children living with HIV and as a prophylaxis to stop mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, delivery, and breast feeding.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs 5/10/12 (17 co-sponsors).
S.Res. 449: A resolution calling on all governments to assist in the safe return of children abducted from or wrongfully retained outside the country of their habitual residence.
S.Res. 449 asks that the Senate calls on officials of all governments and the competent courts to assist in the safe return of all abducted and wrongfully retained children to the state of their habitual residence, including the return of Noor and Ramsay Bower to the United States.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations 5/9/12. (1 cosponsor).
H.Con.Res.122: Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should resume normal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and for other purposes.
H.Con.Res 122 was introduced so the President can begin the process of resuming normal diplomatic relations with Taiwan and can support Taiwan’s full participation in the United Nations and any other international organization of which the United States is a member, and for which statehood is a requirement for membership.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs 5/7/12 (14 co-sponsors).
H.R. 4133: United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012
H.R. 4133 states that it is U.S. policy to: (1) reaffirm the commitment to Israel’s security as a Jewish state, (2) provide Israel with the military capabilities to defend itself and help preserve its qualitative military edge, (3) expand military and civilian cooperation, (4) assist in a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that results in two states living side by side in peace and security, and (5) encourage Israel’s neighbors to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations 5/10/12 (304 co-sponsors).
H.R. 4965: To preserve existing rights and responsibilities with respect to waters of the United States, and for other purposes.
H.R. 4965 intends for the Secretary of the Army and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency are prohibited from finalizing, adopting, implementing, administering, or enforcing the proposed guidance described in the notice of availability and request for comments entitled `EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Guidance Regarding Identification of Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act.
Reported by Committee 6/07/12 (37 co-sponsors) including Doc Hastings [R-WA4]
H.Res 639: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the formor Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia should work within the framework of the United Nations process with Greece to achieve longstanding United States and United Nations policy goals of finding a mutually acceptable composite name, with a geographical qualifier and for all uses for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
H.Res 639 urges the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to: (1) work within the framework of the U.N. process with Greece to achieve long-standing U.S. and U.N. policy goals by finding a mutually acceptable official name, for all uses, for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; and (2) abstain from hostile activities and stop violating provisions of the U.N.-brokered Interim Agreement between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece regarding hostile activities or propaganda. Urges the U.S. government to work in partnership with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies to extend an invitation to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as soon as a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue has been reached within the U.N. framework.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs 4/27/12 (8 co-sponsors).
S. 2465: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013
S. 2465 is an original bill making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders 4/26/12. No co-sponsors.
S. 2224: A bill to require the President to report to Congress on issues related to Syria.
S. 2224 directs the President to submit a report to Congress describing all known Syrian opposition groups and requires the report to include: (1) assessments of their composition and military, financial, and political capacities; and (2) an assessment of the relationship between each opposition group and the Muslim Brotherhood, al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups that have promoted an agenda that would negatively impact U.S. national interests. Directs the President to submit to Congress an assessment of the size and security of conventional and non-conventional weapons stockpiles in Syria which shall describe: (1) who has or may have access to such stockpiles, and (2) the sources and types of weapons flowing from outside Syria to both government and opposition forces.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs 5/10/12 (2 co-sponsors).
S.Res. 401: A resolution expressing appreciation for Foreign Service and Civil Service professionals who represent the United States around the globe.
S.Res 401 recognizes and expresses appreciation to the Foreign Service and Civil Service personnel of the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and other federal agencies that promote and protect national priorities abroad.
Passed in House 09/13/2012 by unanimous consent (10 co-sponsors).
H.Res. 632: Commending the Government of Turkey for its efforts to facilitate, host, and care for refugees fleeing the Al-Assad regime’s escalating violence in Syria.
H.Res. 632 wishes to praise the Government of Turkey for helping the refugees that escaped from Al-Assad’s regime in Syria.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia 4/25/12 (4 co-sponsors).
S.Res. 435: A resolution calling for democratic change in Syria, and for other purposes.
S.Res. 435 condemns Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s ongoing slaughter of his own people and reaffirms U.S. policy that Bashar al-Assad must relinquish power and step aside. It also calls upon the President to support organizations in Syria that: (1) are representative of the Syrian people, (2) protect human rights and religious freedom, (3) cooperate with international counterterrorism and nonproliferation efforts, and (4) abstain from destabilizing neighboring countries.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders 5/7/12 (11 co-sponsor).
H.R. 4622: Solar Energy Deployment Act of 2012
H.R. 4622 desires to provide for the establishment of a grant program to assist State and local governments to install solar energy systems.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce 4/25/12. No co-sponsors.
H.Res. 360: Expressing support for Israel and its right to self-defense against the illegal nuclear program by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
H.Res. 360 was introduced to congress so that the House of Representatives fully supports Israel’s lawful exercise of self-defense up to and including action to stop Iranian aggression, including a strike against Iran’s illegal nuclear program.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia 5/24/12. (3 co-sponsors).
S. 2327: A bill to prohibit direct foreign assistance to the Government of Egypt until the President makes certain certifications related to treatment of nongovernmental organization workers, and for other purposes.
S. 2327 was introduced so the United States does not aid the Government of Egypt unless the President certifies to Congress that the Government of Egypt is not holding any person working for a nongovernmental organization.
Reported by Committee 4/23/12. No co-sponsors.
S. 2152: Syria Democracy Transition Act of 2012
S. 2152 promotes United States policy objectives in Syria, including the departure from power of President Bashar Assad and his family, the effective transition to a democratic, free, and secure country, and the promotion of a prosperous future in Syria.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations on 3/7/12. No co-sponsors.
H.Res. 545: Congratulating the World Affairs Council of Seattle on the occasion of its 61st anniversary and recognizing its contributions to the greater Seattle region and Washington State.
H.Res. 545 congratulates the World Affairs Council of Seattle on its 61st anniversary and salutes its legacy of elevating understanding and engagement in critical global issues.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on 2/14/12. No co-sponsors.
S. 2274: A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a nonprofit corporation to be known as the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research.
S. 2274 was introduced to advance the research mission of the Department by supporting agricultural research activities focused on addressing key problems of national and international significance and to foster collaboration with agricultural researchers from the Federal Government, institutions of higher education, industry, and nonprofit organizations.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on 3/29/12 (2 co-sponsors).
H.R. 3976: Enhancing Exports Through Entrepreneurship Act of 2012
H.R. 3976 provides U.S. small businesses with an export expansion credit of 25% of export expansion expenses. It directs the Office of International Trade to advertise U.S. small businesses abroad and to write an annual document with the tariff schedules of all foreign countries and information about the demand for goods and services in the top 50 countries in terms of the value of the U.S. goods and services exported to them. It also directs the Export-Import Bank and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to raise the percentage of their investments in U.S. small businesses.
Introduced and referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Small Business, Financial Services, and Foreign Affairs on February 8, 2012. Referred to the House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade on February 23, 2012. No co-sponsors.
H.R. 4141: International Food Assistance Improvement Act of 2012
H.R. 4141 directs the Administrator of USAID to take appropriate actions to improve the nutritional quality, quality control, and cost effectiveness of United States food assistance, and for other purposes
Introduced and referred to the House Foreign Affairs and Agriculture Committees on March 5, 2012. Ordered to be reported (a.k.a. amended) by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 27, 2012. 15 co-sponsors.
S. 2215 and H.R. 4221: Increasing American Jobs Through Greater Exports to Africa Act of 2012
S. 2215 and H.R. 4221 were introduced to create jobs in the United States by increasing United States exports to Africa by at least 200 percent in real dollar value within 10 years.
H.R 4221 was introduced and referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Small Business, Financial Services, and Foreign Affairs on March 20, 2012 (2 co-sponsors, including Rep. Jim McDermott [WA-07]). S. 2215 was introduced and referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on March 23, 2012 (3 co-sponsors).
H.R. 583: Expressing support for robust efforts by the United States to see Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, and his top commanders brought to justice and the group’s atrocities permanently ended.
H.R. 583 was introduced and referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Armed Services Committee on March 13, 2012. 48 co-sponsors.
H.R. 2055, Sec. 7062 (i): Women’s Leadership Capacity
FY 2012: Appropriates $20 million for programs to improve women’s leadership capacity in recipient countries.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
…
FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 that appropriates $20 million (the same as FY 2012) for programs to improve women’s leadership capacity [PDF].
H.R. 2055, Sec. 7062 (h): Water
FY 2012: Appropriates $315 million for water and sanitation supply projects pursuant to the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-121).
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 that appropriates $315 million (the same as FY 2012) for programs for water and sanitation supply projects pursuant to the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 [PDF].
H.R. 2055, Sec. 7062 (g): Trafficking in Persons
FY 2012: Appropriates $36 million for activities to combat international human trafficking.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 that appropriates $38 million (a 5.5% increase over FY 2012 levels) for programs to combat international human trafficking [PDF].
H.R. 2055, Sec. 7062 (f): Reconciliation Programs
FY 2012: Appropriates $26 million to support people-to-people reconciliation programs between people of different ethnic, religious, and political backgrounds from areas of civil strife and war, $10 million of which must support such programs in the Middle East.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 that appropriates $26 million (the same as FY 2012) to support people-to-people reconciliation programs between people of different ethnic, religious, and political backgrounds from areas of civil strife and war [PDF].
H.R. 2055, Sec. 7062 (e): Microenterprise and Microfinance
FY 2012: Appropriates $265 million for microfinance and microenterprise development programs for the poor, especially poor women.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 that appropriates $265 million (the same as FY 2012) for microfinance and microenterprise development programs for the poor, especially poor women [PDF].
H.R. 2055, Sec. 7062 (d): Food Security and Agriculture Development
FY 2012: Appropriates $1.17 billion for food security and agricultural development programs ($31.5 million of which must fund Collaborative Research Support Programs). These funds “may be made available notwithstanding any other provisions law to address food shortages” and may also be used to fund a United States contribution to the endowment of the Global Crop Diversity Trust.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: The funds for these programs for FY 2013 will be appropriated by the House Agriculture Committee, which has not released its budget yet as of May 17, 2012.
H.R. 2055, Sec. 7062 (c): Environmental Programs
FY 2012: Appropriates $1.25 billion for international environmental protection programs. These programs may support clean energy, tropical forests programs, accountability and transparency in natural resource extraction, and to the Least Developed Countries Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund to support adaptation programs.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 makes no mention of any of the above environmental programs [PDF].
H.R. 2055, Sec. 7062 (b): Development Grants Program
FY 2012: Allocates $45 million of the funds appropriated by Title III of H.R. 2055 to support grants of not more than $2 million to small NGOs (primarily for unsolicited proposals).
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 that makes no mention whatsoever of the Development Grants Program [PDF].
H.R. 2055, Sec. 7062 (a): Basic and Higher Education
FY 2012: Allocates $800 million of the funds appropriated by Title III of H.R. 2055 for basic international education assistance and a further $200 million for international higher education assistance ($25 million of which must support programs in Africa).
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 that appropriates $800 million (the same as FY 2012) - and $260 million of it must be placed under the heading “Development Assistance” – for basic international education assistance. However, it has no provision for international higher education funding like there was in FY 2012, when there was an additional $200 million for it [PDF].
H.R. 2055, Sec. 7061: Gender-based Violence
FY 2012: Authorizes the use of funds appropriated under other headings (e.g. “Development Assistance” and “International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement”) for prevention and response efforts for gender-based violence and human trafficking.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: The House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations reauthorized this provision in the budget it approved on May 8, 2012.
H.R. 2055, Sec. 7060: Programs to Promote Gender Equality
Expresses the Congress’s desire that U.S. agencies support programs to improve the status, opportunities, property rights, access to capital, and economic decision-making power of women in countries receiving bilateral U.S. economic assistance. It also recommends including gender considerations in the planning, assessment, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of such programs.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
H.R. 2055, Title V: Multilateral Assistance – International Organizations and Programs
FY 2012: Appropriates $2.622 billion for multilateral assistance to international financial institutions (IFIs) for FY 2012 – a major increase from the $1.948 billion figure from FY 2011.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
…
FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 (see below for details) [PDF].
Total IFI Assistance: FY 2011: $1.948 billion | FY 2012: $2.622 billion | FY 2013 (request): $2.625 billion [small increase] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $1.961 billion [25% less that both FY 2012 levels and the administration's FY 2013 request]
Global Environment Facility (GEF): FY 2011: $ 89.8 million | FY 2012: $89.8 million | FY 2013 (request) $129.4 million [substantial increase] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $64.7 million [only 1/2 of what the administration requested]
Clean Technology Fund: FY 2011: $ 184.6 million | FY 2012: $184.6 million | FY 2013 (request): $185 million [negligible increase] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $0 [complete elimination of the program]
Strategic Climate Fund: FY 2011: $49.9 million | FY 2012: $49.9 million | FY 2013 (request): $50 million [substantial increase] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $0 [complete elimination of the program]
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development: FY 2011: $117.36 million | FY 2012: $117.36 million | FY 2013 (request): $186.96 [substantial increase] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $58.7 million [less than 1/3 of the administration's request]
International Development Association: FY 2011: $1.233 billion | FY 2012: $1.325 billion | FY 2013 (request): $1.359 billion [substantial increase] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $1.325 billion [the same as the administration's request]
Inter-American Development Bank: FY 2011: $75 million | FY 2012: $75 million | FY 2013 (request): $102 million [substantial increase] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $51.0 million [only 1/2 of the administration's request]
Inter-American Investment Corporation: FY 2011: $20.96 million | FY 2012: $4.67 million | FY 2013 (request): $0.00 (nothing) [complete elimination of the program] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $0 [complete elimination of the program - just as the administration requested]
Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund: FY 2011: $24.95 million | FY 2012: $25 million | FY 2013 (request): $0.00 (nothing) [complete elimination of the program] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $0 [complete elimination of the program - just as the administration requested]
Asian Development Fund: FY 2011: $0.00 (nothing) | FY 2012: $100 million | FY 2013 (request): $115.25 million [substantial increase] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $100.0 million [same as FY 2012, 13% less than administration's request]
Asian Development Bank: FY 2011: $106.37 | FY 2012: $106.59 million | FY 2013 (request): $106.80 million [negligible increase] FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $53.29 million [less than 1/2 of what the administration requested]
African Development Bank: FY 2011: $32.42 million | FY 2012: $32.42 million | FY 2013 (request): $32.42 million [no change] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $16.2 million [only 1/2 of what the administration requested]
African Development Fund: FY 2011: $109.78 million | FY 2012: $172.5 million | FY 2013 (request): $195 million [substantial increase] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $172.5 million [same as FY 2012, 12% less than what the administration requested]
Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative: FY 2011: $0.00 (nothing) | FY 2012: $174.5 million | FY 2013 (request): $0.00 (nothing) [complete elimination of the $174.5 million program] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $0 [complete elimination of the program - as the administration requested]
European Bank of Reconstruction and Development: FY 2011: $0.00 (nothing) | FY 2012: $0.00 (nothing) | FY 2013 (request): $0.00 (nothing) [no change] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $0 [still defunct]
International Fund for Agricultural Development: FY 2011: $29.44 million | FY 2012: $30 million | FY 2013 (request): $30 million [no change] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $19.85 million [1/3 less than what the administration requested]
Global Agriculture and Food Security Program: FY 2011: $99.8 million | FY 2012: $135 million | FY 2013 (request): $134 million [slight cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $99.8 million [1/3 less than what the administration requested]
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – International Affairs Technical Assistance and Debt Restructuring: Treasury Department
FY 2012: Appropriates $27 million (to remain available until September 30, 2014) to the Treasury Department for international affairs technical assistance.
FY 2013: Appropriates $12 million (to remain available until September 30, 2013) to the Treasury Department for debt restructuring and modifying loans and loan guarantees.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
…
On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 whose appropriations of $25.4 million to the Treasury Department for International Affairs Technical Assistance exactly match the Obama Administration’s requests [PDF]. However, the subcommittee’s bill makes no mention of the requested $250 million for the Treasury Department for debt restructuring and loan modifications.
Technical Assistance: FY 2011: $ 25.4 million | FY 2012: $27 million | FY 2013 (request) $25.4 million [small cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): 25.4 million [same as administration's request]
Debt Restructuring: FY 2011: $49.9 million | FY 2012: $12 million | FY 2013 (request) $250 million [substantial cut for FY 2012, substantial increase requested for FY 2013] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $0 [no mention of debt restructuring whatsoever in the text]
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – Inter-American and African Development Foundations
FY 2012: Appropriates $22.5 million for the Inter-American Foundation and $30 million (to remain available until September 30, 2013) for the African Development Foundation.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
…
FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 whose appropriations of $18.1 million for the Inter-American Foundation and $24 million for the African Development Foundation exactly match the Obama Administration’s requests [PDF].
Inter-American Development Foundation: FY 2011: $ 22.5 million | FY 2012: $22.5 million | FY 2013 (request) $18.1 million [substantial cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $18.1 million [same as administration's request]
African Development Foundation: FY 2011: $ 29.4 million | FY 2012: $30 million | FY 2013 (request) $24 million [substantial cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $24 million [same as administration's request]
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – Millennium Challenge Corporation
FY 2012: Appropriates $898.2 million (to remain available until expended) to carry out the provisions of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 ($105 million of which may fund the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s administrative expenses).
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
…
FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 that appropriates $898.2 million (the same as FY 2012) for the Millennium Challenge Corporation [PDF].
Millennium Challenge Corporation: FY 2011: $898.2 million | FY 2012: $898.2 million | FY 2013 (request): $898.2 million [no change]
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – Migration and Refugee Assistance
FY 2012: Appropriates $1.875 billion ($1.646 billion in plus another $229 million in war-related OCO funds) for FY 2012 – and to remain available until expended – to the State Department for Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA).
Appropriates a further $27.2 million for the State Department for U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance (ERMA).
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: The Obama Administration is requesting $1.625 billion for Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA) for FY 2013. On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee for State and Foreign Operations approved a budget that appropriates $1.454 billion plus $229 million in war-related OCO funds for MRA programs.
The Obama Administration is requesting $50 million for Emergency Migration and Refugee Assistance (EMRA) for FY 2013. On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee for State and Foreign Operations approved a budget that appropriates $47 million for EMRA.
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia
FY 2012: Appropriates $626.7 million (to remain available until September 30, 2013) for supporting democratic institutions in Eastern European and former Soviet countries (Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia, or AEECA).
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: the program will be eliminated to make way for the new MENA Incentive Fund.
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – Democracy Fund
FY 2012: Appropriates $68 million for the State Department’s Human Rights and Democracy Fund and a further $46.8 million for USAID’s Office of Democracy and Governance (both appropriations are to remain available until September 30, 2013).
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: Despite the Obama Administration’s desire to eliminate the Democracy Fund program, on May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 that appropriates $119.8 million (a 4.5% increase over FY 2012 levels) to the State Department’s Human Rights and Democracy Fund and a further $46.8 million for USAID’s Office of Democracy and Governance [PDF].
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – Economic Support Fund
FY 2012: Appropriates $3.0 billion (to remain available until September 30, 2013) plus a further $2.8 billion in war-related Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding for bilateral economic support ($250 million of which must be assistance to Egypt, $360 million for Jordan, $179 million for Colombia, and $12 million for Lebanon).
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011
…
FY 2013: The Obama Administration is requesting $5.886 billion in for the Economic Support Fund.
On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 that appropriates $5.2 billion ($2.917 billion in regular funds and $2.293 billion more in war-related Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funds) for the Economic Support Fund – 10% less than FY 2012 and 12% less than the administration’s request [PDF].
Bilateral Economic Assistance: FY 2011: $5.932 billion | FY 2012: $5.796 billion | FY 2013 (request): $5.886 billion [substantial increase] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $5.200 billion [a 10% cut from FY 2012 levels and 12% less than the administration's request]
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – Development Credit Authority
FY 2012: Appropriates $40 million for USAID for direct loans and loan guarantees for microenterprise programs and a further $8.3 million for the administrative expenses of the Development Credit Authority (DCA).
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011
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FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 that appropriates $48.2 million (about same as FY 2012) for the Development Credit Authority (DCA) [PDF].
DCA Administrative Expenses: FY 2011: $8.28 million | FY 2012: $8.30 million | FY 2013 (request): $8.20 million [small cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $8.20 million [same as administration request]
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – Complex Crises Fund
FY 2012: Appropriates $10 million plus a further $30 million in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funds for USAID for the Complex Crises Fund (CCF), which support programs and activities to prevent or respond to emerging or unforeseen complex crises overseas.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011
…
FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 that appropriates no funds for the Complex Crises Fund [PDF].
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – Transition Initiatives
FY 2012: Appropriates $50.1 million plus another $6.6 million in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funds for USAID’s Transitions Initiative (TI) to support long-term development and transitions to democracy in countries in crisis.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011
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FY 2013: The Obama Administration requested $57.6 million for USAID’s Transitions Initiative (TI) for FY 2013. On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget that appropriates $56.7 (the same as FY 2012 and 1.5% less than the Administration’s request).
Transitions Initiative: FY 2011: $54.9 million | FY 2012: $56.7 million | FY 2013 (request): $57.6 million [small increase]
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – International Disaster Assistance
FY 2012: Appropriates $825 million plus another $150 million in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funds for international disaster relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction assistance.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011
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FY 2013: The Obama Administration requested $960 million (with no war-related OCO funding) in International Disaster Assistance (IDA) for FY 2013. On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget that appropriates $922.6 million ($772.6 million for regular IDA funding and a further $150 million for war-related programs) – a 5% cut from FY 2012 levels.
International Disaster Assistance (IDA): FY 2011: $863.3 million | FY 2012: $975 million | FY 2013 (request): $960 million [small cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $922.6 million [5% cut from FY 2012 levels]
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – Development Assistance
FY 2012: Appropriates $2.52 billion (to remain available until September 30, 2013) for cross-cutting development programs coordinated by USAID.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011
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FY 2013: The Obama Administration requested $2.525 billion for bilateral economic development assistance for FY 2013. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget with that exact appropriation on May 8, 2012.
Development Assistance (DA): FY 2011: $2.520 billion | FY 2012: $2.520 billion | FY 2013 (request): $2.525 billion [small increase] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $2.525 billion [exactly the same as the Administration's request]
H.R. 2055, Title III: Bilateral Economic Assistance – Global Health Programs
FY 2012: Appropriates $2.625 billion (to remain available until September 30, 2013) for direct allocation to USAID for global health activities in addition to funds otherwise available for such purposes. Priorities include (1) child survival and maternal health programs; (2) immunization and oral rehydration programs; (3) other health, nutrition, water and sanitation programs; (4) assistance for displaced and orphaned children (5) programs for preventing, treating, controlling, and researching HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, polio, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases; and (6) family planning and reproductive health.
Appropriates a further $5.54 billion (to remain available until September 30, 2016) for direct allocation to the U.S. State Department for the prevention, treatment, and control of HIV/AIDS.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011
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FY 2013: The Obama Administration is requesting a 5% cut (to $2.504 billion) in USAID global health programs’ funding for FY 2013, while the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Relations approved a 6% cut (to $2.474 billion) on May 8, 2012.
The Obama Administration is requesting a 3.5% cut (to $5.530 billion) in funding for the State Department’s global health programs for FY 2013, while the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Relations approved an appropriation of $5.543 billion (exactly the same as FY 2012′s) on May 8, 2012.
H.R. 2055, Title II: United States Agency for International Development
FY 2012: Appropriates $1.347 billion (including $255 million in war-related (OCO) funds) to remain available until September 30, 2013 for the operating expenses of USAID (including $25 million for procurement reform).
The bill also appropriates $130 million more for a capital investment fund and a further $51 million for the office of the USAID Inspector General.
In its May 17, 2012 report, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations said that it “remains cautious about USAID’s rapid implementation of its procurement reform efforts’ and that the USAID Administrator is required to consult with the Committee before issuing guidance that changes current regulations on acquisition and assistance.”
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011
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FY 2013: For FY 2013, the Obama Administration is requesting an appropriation of $1.347 billion ($1.263 billion in regular expenses plus $84 million in war-related OCO funds) for the operating expenses of USAID. On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget that allocates $1.274 billion for USAID operations (including $1.016 billion plus $258.4 million in war-related OCO funds), which represents a 5% cut from overall FY 2012 levels and a 20% cut in normal, non-war-related USAID funding.
The Obama administration is also requesting $134.9 million more for the capital investment fund and a further $50.5 million for the office of the USAID Inspector General (no word on what the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations has proposed for these two programs as of May 17, 2012)
USAID Operating Expenses (including OCO funds): FY 2011: $1.347 billion | FY 2012: $1.347 billion | FY 2013 (request) $1.347 billion | FY 2013 (House subcommittee) $1.274 billion [a 5% cut from overall FY 2012 levels and a 20% cut in non-war-related funding]
H.R. 2055, Title I: Department of State and Related Agency – Related Programs
FY 2012: Appropriates funds for the Asia Foundation, Hawaii’s East-West Center, the U.S. Institute of Peace, the National Endowment for Democracy, the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue, the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program, and the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program.
President Obama signed H.R. 2055 into law on December 23, 2011.
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FY 2013: On May 8, 2012, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations approved a budget for FY 2013 (see below for details) [PDF].
Asia Foundation: FY 2011: $17.9million | FY 2012: $17 million | FY 2013 (request): $15.4 million [small cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $15.4 million [the same as the administration's request]
Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue: FY 2011: $1.3 million | FY 2012: $840,000 | FY 2013 (request): $798,000 [small cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $15.4 million [the same as the administration's request]
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program: FY 2011: $304,000 | FY 2012: $500,000 | FY 2013 (request): $449,000 [small cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): [Nothing? $0? No amount mentioned...]
Israeli Arab Scholarship Program: FY 2011: $418,000 | FY 2012: $375,000 | FY 2013 (request): $374,000 [negligible cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): [Nothing? $0? No amount mentioned...]
East-West Center: FY 2011: $21 million | FY 2012: $16.7 million | FY 2013 (request): $ 10.8 million [substantial cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): [complete elimination of the program]
National Endowment for Democracy: FY 2011: $117.8million | FY 2012: $117.8 million | FY 2013 (request): $104 million [substantial cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $122.7 million [higher than as the administration's request]
United States Institute of Peace: FY 2011: $39.4 million | FY 2012: $39 million | FY 2013 (request) $37.4 million [small cut] | FY 2013 (House Subcommittee): $37.4 million [the same as the administration's request]
View the State Department’s 2011-2013 Foreign Assistance Budget spreadsheet.
H.R. 3658 – Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2012
H.R. 3658 (1) Directs the Administrator of USAID to designate a Global Water Coordinator to coordinate and oversee water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance. (2) Directs the Secretary of State to designate a Special Advisor for Water Resources to coordinate and oversee policy relating to water and sanitation assistance. It requires (1) the transfer of primary authority from the Secretary to USAID, (2) the inclusion of hygiene, and (3) the designation of high priority countries. Directs the Administrator to maintain a webpage for information on U.S. water, sanitation, and hygiene foreign assistance programs.
Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on December 14, 2011. 17 co-sponsors.
H.R. 3771: Haiti Empowerment, Assistance, and Rebuilding Act of 2012
H.R. 3771 states that it is U.S. policy, in partnership with the government of Haiti and in coordination with the international community, to support the sustainable recovery and rebuilding of Haiti. Directs USAID to submit to Congress a multi-year strategy to provide assistance in support of Haiti’s reconstruction.
Introduced by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on January 13, 2012. 15 co-sponsors (all Democrats).
