Neil's Notebook Foreign affairs legislation set for vote
June 10, 2009
The House will take up two pieces of legislation today that will repair damaged U.S. international relationships and diplomatic efforts around the world. The Foreign Relations Authorization Act fully funds President Obama’s request for resources to pursue his diplomatic goals. The Pakistan Assistance Act will devote the resources and tools needed to address one of the most important foreign relations issues of our time -- a lasting and cooperative relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan.
Foreign Relations Authorization Act The Foreign Affairs Authorization will increase the State Department’s budget to begin rebuilding U.S diplomatic capacity. For years, the State Department has been chronically under-resourced in the face of critical foreign policy challenges. This bill will address that “diplomacy gap” by authorizing the recruitment of 1500 new Foreign Service Officers.
The legislation will also strengthen opportunities for youth abroad by doubling the number of Peace Corps volunteers and increasing the number of U.S. students studying abroad with the creation of the Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation.
The Pakistan Assistance Act The Pakistan Assistance legislation will help to stabilize Pakistan and enrich the country through targeted investments in:
Economic, Social and Democratic Development -- $1.5 billion each in support for programs that fortify democratic institutions, strengthen the judicial system, develop infrastructure, create jobs creation, expand public education, and aid refugees.
Security Assistance -- $400 million to train the Pakistani military in counterinsurgency techniques and civil-military relations. This money will be dependent upon an annual Presidential determination that Pakistan is cooperating with the U.S. in combating terrorism and boosting non-proliferation efforts.
