| This
Statement of Administration Policy provides the Administration's views
on the Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs Appropriations
Bill, FY 2002, as approved by the House Committee.
The
Administration applauds the Committee's efforts to fund the agencies
and programs contained in this bill at the President's request and
within the levels agreed to under the budget resolution. The vast
majority of the funding in the bill reflects the President's request
and his priorities. The Administration is particularly pleased that
the Committee provided $100 million for the multilateral Global
Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis, which is the
centerpiece of the President's commitment to the global battle against
infectious diseases. The Administration also commends the Committee
for its continuing effort to limit earmarks and directives, and
to provide the Administration with the flexibility it needs to pursue
the President's foreign policy agenda.
While
the Administration appreciates the Committee's considerable efforts
to fund the President's priorities, the bill provides less than
the full funding request in a number of areas. The Administration
would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the ramifications of
these reductions with the Congress. The Administration supports
the Committee's action to provide relief and reconstruction assistance
to El Salvador.
With
respect to the Andean Regional Initiative, any reductions below
the President's request would undermine the effort to develop healthy,
licit economies and strong, democratic governments in the Andes.
The Andes are the hemisphere's source zone for illegal drug production
and the region of the most intensive terrorist activity. The requested
levels of support reflect a necessary 50/50 balance between "carrots"
of social and economic development and "sticks" of eradication,
interdiction, and law enforcement programs. The Administration believes
the continued aerial eradication of coca in Columbia is critical,
combined with activities in support of alternative development,
judicial reform, and promotion of human rights. The Administration
would oppose any restrictions on this approach.
The
Administration also supports the current version of this bill as
it affects family planning. However, the President would veto any
legislation that would infringe upon his ability to enforce current
Administration policy regarding international family planning assistance.
|