Foreign Affairs Authorization Act, fiscal years 2006 and 2007: report (to accompany S. 600)

LC Number: KF31 .F6 2005 OCLC Number: (OCoLC)58599139 Excerpt: ...derstands that the United States reduced military spending in the 1990s following the fall of the Soviet Union. Few are aware, however, that reductions were applied even more unsparingly to foreign affairs programs. In constant dollars, the foreign affairs budget was cut in six consecutive years from 1992 to 1998. This slide occurred even as the United States sustained the added costs of establishing new missions in the fifteen states that were part of the former Soviet Union. In constant dollars, the cumulative effect was a 26 percent decrease in our foreign affairs programs. As a percentage of GDP, this six-year slide represented a 38 percent cut in foreign affairs programs. This bill contains numerous legislative branch initiatives, most notably the Stabilization and Reconstruction Civilian Management Act, which was developed in this committee and was reported out last year. Its purpose is to build Department of State capacity to organize and lead the civilian component of stabilization and reconstruction missions overseas. Uncontrolled territory, chaotic post-conflict situations, and criminalized governments can provide terrorists with sanctuaries where they regroup, train, and plan without fear of arrest. The bill establishes in law the office that will anticipate and plan for the difficulties of rebuilding stable societies in post-conflict situations. The bill authorizes appropriations for personnel, training, and resources for this enormous new undertaking. Three other legislative branch initiatives included in the bill call for U.S. leadership on several fronts. The Protection of Vulnerable Populations during Humanitarian Emergencies Act of 2005 includes provisions designed to improve protections for women, children, and other vulnerable populations in the context of war or disaster. The Safe Water: Currency for Peace Act of 2005 recognizes that safe ...