PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE

March 4, 2011

WASHINGTON UPDATE

Two-Week Continuing Resolution Enacted, Negotiations Commence

Congress and the White House continued working toward a resolution of the fiscal year 2011
funding struggle this week. To avoid a shutdown of the government today, March 4, Congress
passed a two-week long CR that includes $4 billion in previously proposed cuts (none affect any
international affairs accounts) from President Obama.

As the short-term CR worked its way through Congress, the president called for leadership from
all sides – the White House, House and Senate – to talk directly about the budget. The talks,
which began Thursday, included Vice President Biden, OMB Director Jack Lew, White House
Chief of Staff Bill Daley and congressional leadership from both parties. While no details of the
discussion were shared publicly, reports are that the Senate will to vote early next week on both
the House-passed long-term CR (H.R. 1) and a Senate alternative, introduced today. Neither bill
is expected to get the 60 votes needed to cut off debate and move forward. The hope is that the
votes will set the stage for movement toward a compromise.

Senate Appropriations Committee Releases Year-Long Continuing Resolution

This afternoon, the Senate Appropriations Committee released the text of its Department of
Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011. Our initial (and expedited) review of
the text shows that most of our accounts would be continued at or near fiscal year 2010 levels.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a notable exception, with a 19% cut relative to
FY2010.
Global Health and Child Survival - USAID: would be about $2.5 billion, roughly level with
total FY2010 funding and about $500 million under the FY2011 request.
Development Assistance: $2.5 billion, level with FY2010 and also about $500 million
under the FY2011 request.
International Disaster Assistance: $879 million, about $450 under the FY2010 total
counting supplementals, $34 million over FY2010 regular funding, and $18 million over the
FY2011 request.
OTI, MRA, and ERMA appear not to be changed, so would remain flat at FY2010 levels.
ERMA drawdown authority would be changed from the president to the secretary of state
and the ceiling on the account would be changed from $100 million to $200 million.
IO&P: $369 million, $25 million under FY2010, about $19 million over the FY2011 request.
PEPFAR: $5.4 billion, about level with FY2010, $145 million under the FY2011 request.
MCC: $900 million, $200 million less than FY2010 and $380 million under the request.
Food aid appears not to be changed, so would continue at FY2010 levels.

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 CIPA: $2.1 billion, which is about $100 million under FY0 and about $87 million under the
FY2011 request.
PKO: $305 million, about $26 million below FY2010 and $19 million over the FY2011
request. This is the one account that the Senate would fund at the same level as H.R. 1,
all others would be higher.
USAID OE: $1.4 billion, about level with FY2010 and about $90 million less than the
FY2011 request.

As we get corrections and updates, we will post the updated table on our website at
http://www.interaction.org/demystifying-foreign-assistance.

New Sudan/LRA Legislation

This week, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) introduced the Sudan
Cessation of Support for the Lord’s Resistance Army Certification Act of 2011 (HR 895).
According to a press release from the co-sponsors, ”The legislation requires the Obama
administration to certify to Congress that the Sudanese government is „no longer engaged in
training, harboring, supplying, financing, or supporting in any way the Lord‟s Resistance Army, its
leader Joseph Kony, or his top commanders‟ before Sudan could be removed from the state
sponsor of terrorism list.” Find more information on Rep. Royce‟s Web site by clicking here.

HEARING SUMMARIES

House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing

Assessing U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities and Needs amidst Economic Challenges
March 1, 2011

Witness List:
Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State

Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL, 18) opened the hearing by highlighting failures in U.S.
foreign policy, citing needs that must be met, and challenging the Obama administration to make
responsible decisions in light of the current fiscal environment. She called on U.S. policy to
maintain relations with allies and explicitly identify enemies. Rep. Ros-Lehtinen also criticized the
UNHCR for failing to act in Libya, even electing the country to the Council, and chided the Obama
administration for not passing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Colombia and Panama, and
for having what she called misplaced priorities in development spending, citing examples such as
giving funding to Pakistan despite their holding an American diplomat imprisoned.

Ranking Member Howard Berman (D-CA, 28) said it was critical that in this economic
environment we get the most out of taxpayer dollars. He called foreign aid funding the most
critical aspect to our national security, and applauded recent efforts toward increased efficiency
and transparency such as the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR). Rep.
Berman also criticized what he called “the Republican party‟s slash and burn tactics,” which he
claimed undermine efforts to help those most in need. He said to be truly cost effective
development and diplomacy must be supported, as civilian efforts are much more cost effective
than military initiatives.

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In her opening remarks, Secretary Clinton said that the key now is to make sure that ideas
translate to results and cited the QDDR as an effort toward this end. She spoke of smart power:
diplomacy, development, and defense. Secretary Clinton agreed that cuts are needed, but
maintained that a responsible investment in the future is vital. She called for tougher sanctions on
Iran, support for U.S. re-engagement in the Pacific, and said now is the wrong time for major cuts.
She called the recent cuts in House-passed Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
devastating to national security and to our efforts overseas, quoting military commanders who told
her they “can‟t succeed without diplomatic and civilian partnerships.” She warned against the U.S.
shrinking from global leadership, saying the cost of that is high, as we learned on 9/11 after
having shrunk back from leading in Afghanistan after the Cold War.

Questioning:

Chairwoman Ros-Lehtinen opened the questioning by inquiring about U.S. plans to prosecute
Moammar Gadhafi, a stronger U.S. response to the crisis in Libya and sanctions on Iran.
Secretary Clinton responded that the U.S. has been leading in implementing sanctions against
Libya and that intervention was not likely, as leaders of the currently developing opposition
leadership have expressed a desire for non-intervention. On Iran she cited the difficulty of
sanctions because they require international consensus, but pledge to continue pressuring the
regime.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA, 46) began what would be a long line of Republican committee
members criticizing foreign aid spending. He said it made no sense to borrow money just to give it
away, especially when we borrow from China and then provide them with development aid, and
give money to Pakistan who puts our security at risk. Secretary Clinton defended aid to China
citing contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS, which the Chinese government refuses to
address. Rep. Edward Royce (R-CA, 40) called for the U.S. to stop food aid to North Korea,
citing a French NGO that had testified that all food aid given was sold by the government and thus
turned directly into funding for the government. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX, 14) continued the
offensive, calling for drastic cuts to foreign aid and specifically advocating for the immediate
cessation of all aid to dictators. Secretary Clinton defended aid to Egypt, despite being ruled by
a dictator, as having helped U.S. and Israeli interests, saying Israel prefers stability and
predictability, and aid to Egypt provided that. Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN, 6) criticized Clinton for
saying that cuts to foreign aid would be a threat to national security, while having previously said
that current debt levels are a threat to foreign aid. Secretary Clinton agreed that both were true
and said that cuts are needed, but they must be the right cuts. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA, 3)
criticized the State Department for not recognizing bad investments such as aid to Pakistan,
which he said should be cut off. He also argued against continued aid to Palestine despite what
he called efforts to disrupt the peace process. Secretary Clinton claimed that support to
Palestine was going to support the Palestinian people as well as the government, which while it
can be tough to work with, is working toward legitimate government and in opposition of Hamas‟
influence.

Numerous representatives also criticized the U.S. response to recent events in Libya. Rep. Steve
Chabot (R-OH, 1) called the U.S response tepid and criticized the administration for not
considering the threat of force. Secretary Clinton reminded The Representative that all
Americans were safely evacuated without the use of military force; Libyans had so far requested
that the international community not intervene and military forces are currently being repositioned
to provide security for refugees and ensure secure aid delivery. Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY,

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25) said the U.S. must take a stronger position against Gadhafi, including preparing evidence to
bring him to justice for the 1988 PanAm flight bombing which he is accused of having ordered
personally.

Other representatives, mostly Democrats, gave strong support for foreign aid programs, touting its
importance for U.S. interests around the world. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY, 5) reminded the
committee that the Middle East and the world are looking to the West for help, and that the U.S.
needs a plan to build partnerships in the Middle East.

Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa) slammed what he called “machete and
sledgehammer” tactics by Republicans, asked whether the State Department could function under
proposed budget cuts and how the cuts would affect USAID‟s proposed expansion to the Pacific,
which he called critical. Secretary Clinton said these cuts would be detrimental to the mission of
the State Department and devastating to our national security, while hurting our interests in the
Pacific as we compete for influence with China. Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ, 10) asked if the U.S.
would be stepping up efforts for African initiatives, particularly in supporting the South Sudanese
secession process. Secretary Clinton said that the U.S. must do this and address a growing
competition for influence in Africa by investing heavily in Africa‟s future. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-
NY, 6) echoed these sentiments; calling cutting aid while reputation of the U.S. is on the line is
dangerous and foolish. Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO, 3) questioned the witness on the effects of
cuts to the foreign aid budget, to which Secretary Clinton replied with a litany of human impact
costs including:

400,000 people denied treatment through PEPFAR

16 million people not receiving treatment for tropical diseases
40,000 less TB vaccinations
18.8 million less polio vaccinations
26.3 million less measles vaccinations
5 million people not able to receive malaria treatments
3500 mothers along with 5 million children unable to receive aid under maternal and child
health programs

Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Hearing

National Security & Foreign Policy Priorities in the FY2012 Foreign Affairs Budget
March 2, 2011

Witness List:
Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State

Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) opened the hearing with comments on the current global situation.
He called for support of Libyan protestors in the form of a no-fly zone, saying the American
commitment in these situations would be remembered for a long time, so we must get it right.
Senator Kerry praised the peaceful protests across the Middle East as a repudiation of al-Qaeda,
saying the U.S. must support these movements, paying now in dollars to avoid a much higher
cost later. He said now was the time to step up in the world, not shrink back, and called the
proposed Republican budget cuts draconian, referencing 50% cuts to humanitarian aid, 66% cuts
from clean energy research, $1 billion cut in global health funding and 50% cuts in food aid. The
senator added that the cuts do violence to the Judeo-Christian ethic on which this nation was
founded and provide little benefit to the budget while having great costs to lives and reputation.

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Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-IN) mentioned the growing number of crises abroad and
concern about unpredictability in the Middle East. However, he maintained a positive view on long
term prospects for the Middle East. Senator Lugar called on the State Department to prioritize its
efforts to protect the economy and security, while also addressing energy security, global food
shortages and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton opened the hearing touting the need for smart
power, with an emphasis on the links among defense, diplomacy and development. She added
praise for the UN Human Rights Council for suspending Libya. She also added that USAID was
providing support for refugees fleeing the country. Referencing budget cuts, she said cuts must be
made responsibly.

Questioning:
The Senate hearing had a much more amicable feel to it than the previous day‟s House Foreign
Affairs hearing at which Secretary Clinton also testified. Senate Democrats again called for
responsible use of foreign aid funds, citing their contributions to national security and
humanitarian interests around the world. Senate Republicans were much less hostile toward
foreign aid, calling for responsible use of funds and citing a need for cuts where necessary, but
stopping short of calling for major cuts to the foreign aid budget. Senator Kerry opened the
questioning by asking about the effect of budget cuts on foreign aid. Secretary Clinton repeated
various points from the previous day, including:

400,000 people denied treatment through PEPFAR

16 million people not receiving treatment for tropical diseases
40,000 less TB vaccinations
18.8 million less polio vaccinations
26.3 million less measles vaccinations
5 million people not able to receive malaria treatments
3500 mothers along with 5 million children unable to receive aid under maternal and child
health programs

She also pointed out that the U.S. is in a competition for influence with China and cuts to foreign
aid will cause us to fall behind in that race.

Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) called the budget crisis morally reprehensible, but admitted that
taking entitlements off the cutting table puts extreme pressure on discretionary programs. He
criticized Congress and the Obama administration for not having the knowledge or courage to
take on entitlements and create a long term solution. Secretary Clinton agreed, adding that
including only defense in the national security account, when diplomacy and development are
also essential, created further problems. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) inquired about the effect
of the debt on U.S. foreign policy, and about U.S. efforts to re-engage in the Western
Hemisphere. On the debt, Secretary Clinton said that we must reign in the debt (which she
blamed on decisions under the Bush administration) and address it without hurting foreign policy.
On the Western Hemisphere, she said we must fight to maintain influence and approve the
Colombian and Panamanian Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). She also noted recent economic
success in Brazil due, she said, in large part to the fact that their upper classes pay higher taxes
to ensure full federal funding. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) said that it makes no sense to

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deal with the debt by cutting only from the non-defense discretionary spending, as it makes up
only 12% of the budget.

Senator Lugar asked how funds given to Egypt, Pakistan and others could be supervised in
order to increase confidence levels in foreign aid. Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) added
questions on how accountability could be ensured in the development process. Secretary
Clinton responded that in Egypt the U.S. is promoting democratic and economic efforts, but that
Pakistan is a tough situation currently because recent floods have destabilized things. However,
she said that the recently completed Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR)
addressed accountability with various recommendations. Additionally, USAID is cutting back on
the use contractors and taking on more of the work itself.

Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) asked about a timeframe for prosecuting Libyan leader
Moammar Gadhafi, and whether those involved in the 1988 PanAm bombing, such as recently
released Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, would be brought to justice. The Secretary said that the FBI and
Justice Department are both looking into the situations, with several investigations ongoing.

Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) stressed the need to be involved in Asia, asking what the U.S. is
currently doing there. Secretary Clinton said that the Korean FTA is nearing completion and
must be approved for strategic and economic interests. She highlighted a competition for
influence against China, specifically referring to energy resources in Papua New Guinea, which
would help diversify energy sources. She said funding cuts to USAID would prevent expansion of
USAID programs in the Pacific, crippling U.S. diplomatic activity in the region.

FY 2012 State Department Budget

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
March 2, 2011

Witness:
Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State

Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) opened the hearing by acknowledging the large cuts the House
of Representatives to the Department of State‟s 2012 International Affairs Account. These cuts
could not only affect the national security of the U.S. but also the country‟s influence in
international organizations, the development of foreign markets, and the safety of American
citizens living abroad. The new budget request for the Department of State must be sure to
promote a responsible approach to national security and adequately address concerns with
China, human rights, the global food crisis, and most importantly the evolving events in the Middle
East.

Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-SC) began his opening statement by repeating a claim
that most of the world does not believe that the U.S.‟s budget problems preclude it from solving all
of the world‟s problems. The Senator believes the U.S. must do a better job of educating its allies
and recipients of foreign aid that the fiscal crisis is serious. Everyone must learn to do more with
less. At the same time, Congress must do a better job informing citizens that spending money
abroad, even during times of economic hardship, is helpful. If the U.S. does not help Libya and
Tunisia then someone else like Iran may oblige. He concluded that the International Affairs
Account is an essential national security tool and that the work of civilian missions in regions like
Iraq and Afghanistan equal the output of their military counterparts.

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Secretary Clinton began her testimony by stating that there is much to be done. Aside from the
diplomatic surges in Iraq and Afghanistan there exists the volatile situation in the Middle East.
USAID is currently dispersing food and medical supplies to Tunisia and regions of Libya that are
safe from fighting. She believes the situation in the North African region could vary from
democratic emergence to an all-out civil war. The most effective way for the U.S. to respond is
through a combination of diplomacy, development aid, and defense. The goal for FY 2012 is to be
lean but efficient. The QDDR helps the Department of State and USAID streamline their work by
reducing aid to regions without great need such as Eastern Europe. The Core Budget for the
State Department remains flat from 2010 levels at $47 billion. Additionally, the Overseas
Contingency Operations Account (OCOA) is only a modest $8.7 billion. Not only will the civilian
surge in Afghanistan and Iraq be fully funded but it will also save the U.S. more than $40 billion.
She concluded her opening testimony by stating that the House‟s desire to cut State and USAID
funding by 16% would be devastating. The civilian and military missions in war theatres are too
integrated. Furthermore, global health and food security programs that provide the cornerstones
of stability in many regions of the world would be in grave danger of being underfunded. The U.S
cannot afford to shrink from global leadership at this time.

Questioning:

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) asked the Secretary to detail the effects of proposed cuts to
programs dealing with infectious diseases in the developing world like the Global Fund. He also
asked for her opinions on cuts to family planning assistance to the region as well. Secretary
Clinton responded that the U.S. maintains a $4 billion pledge to the Global Fund. The FY 2012
proposal from the House would cut millions of dollars to programs that provide malaria treatments,
polio and measles vaccines, treatments for tropical diseases, and other childhood survival
initiatives. Cuts to family planning assistance will leads to higher maternal mortality rates and
dangerous abortions.

Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) wondered if cuts to funding would affect the morale of Foreign
Service officers. Mrs. Clinton responded that the Department has a sense of their mission that
keeps them going despite any adversity. However, it is disheartening to see the Department of
Defense receive unwavering support while the diplomatic corps must scrap for any and all
resources.

Senator Dan Coats (R-IN) asked if it would be possible, with the previously mentioned limited
resources, to promote democracy in the Middle East by taking funds from other accounts such as
MCC and the USAID Development Fund. Secretary Clinton responded that a drawdown of aid to
certain regions of the world was already in progress. The State Department must decide which
programs it wants to prioritize in the wake of the events in the Middle East.

Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) referred to the House‟s desire to reinstate the Mexico City
Policy or Global Gag Rule, the government policy requiring any NGO that receives federal funding
to refrain from performing abortions as a method of birth control and requested Mrs. Clinton‟s
opinion on it. She felt the reinstating the policy would be damaging. The federal government
support family planning but not abortion through any aid programs. Reproductive health programs
give woman a voice in their own communities.

Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) asked the Secretary to compare the State Department‟s Core Budget
from 2010 to that of 2008. He also wanted a comparison between the 2008 Core Budget and the
funding appropriations given to the Department of State by the House of Representatives‟ H.R. 1
proposal. Secretary Clinton stated that the 2010 Core Budget level was 36% higher than it was in

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2008. While the House proposition is 16% higher than the 2008 Core budget the House proposal
includes OCOA and many very specific prohibitions. The Senator retorted that the level of funding
proposed by the House is still significantly higher than 2008 levels and that times of fiscal
austerity call for sacrifices from everyone.

Chairman Leahy concluded the hearing by stating that it becomes extremely difficult to perform a
job adequately if resources are cut-off. The plight of refugees will increase dramatically with a
40% cut to funding of UNHCR. Dramatic cuts to the International Affairs Account will endanger
national security and weaken the country‟s influence abroad. The government must turn away
from rhetoric and return to reality.

Reforming the United Nations: Lessons Learned

House Committee on Foreign Affairs
March 3, 2011

Witnesses:
Mark D. Wallace, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Against Nuclear Iran.
Terry Miller, Director for the Center for International Trade and Economics, The Heritage
Foundation.
Ted Piccone, Brookings Institution, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director for Foreign Policy.

Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18) opened the proceedings by introducing the hearing as
a consideration of lessons learned from past attempts at UN reform. She outlined four primary
lessons and how they should impact future policy toward the international organization. Lesson
One: Money talks. Most member nations pay very little in assessed contributions but still get a
sizeable amount of decision-making power. The U.S. pays 22% of the U.N‟s budget. Withholding
some of this funding will give the agency some incentive to reform. Lesson Two: Principled and
consistent U.S. leadership matters. The U.S. should not be afraid to block consensus in order to
defend its values. She continued with Lesson Three: Real reforms are required and not just
cosmetic changes. She cited the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as a prime example.
Finally, the Chairman summarized Lesson Four: “Don‟t compare apples to oranges”, essentially
stating that the existence of good UN activities does not justify funding the bad ones.

Ranking Member Howard L. Berman (D-CA-28) began his opening statement by

acknowledging serious problems with the UN. However, he strongly believes that an honest
assessment of the organization would show that the UN plays a strong role in augmenting and
assisting U.S. foreign policy. The UN provides a huge multiplier effect in its work with
humanitarian relief, disaster response, refugee crises and dealings with rogue states like Iran.
Withholding dues in the past has not resulted in substantial reform. Cessation of voluntary funding
would not only be a violation of international treaties but also a guise for eventual withdrawal. In
fact, constructive cooperation over the last six years has led to very promising developments in
terms of reform. He thinks it is clear that for substantial reform to take place, the U.S. should
continue to involve itself in the UN.

Ambassador Mark D. Wallace started his testimony off by stating that while the UN has and
continues to perform vital work in a number of areas, it is an institution is in need of critical
reforms after 60 years. He firmly believes that a more efficient and effective UN will be more
responsive to the interests of the U.S. and will better serve the important needs of the
international community. As a former U.S. representative to the international organization, he

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feels that it lacks not only basic modern management tools but is also fueled by an opaque
culture. The U.S. should consider voluntarily defunding the UN to encourage reform, transparency
and accountability.

Ambassador Terry Miller testified that attempts to reform the UN are almost as old as the
organization itself. Bureaucratic overlap, politicization, duplication of work, and overcompensation
of staff have been issues for nearly sixty years. Systematic flaws exist in its one country one vote
form of governance and budgeting assessments. Massive and prolonged efforts will be needed to
institute reform. He believes the U.S. should consider using its budgeting leverage to exercise its
influence, such as it did in 1984 by withdrawing from UNESCO.

Theodore J. Piccone focused his testimony on the variable benefits constructive participation in
the UN by the U.S. government can have on issues such as human rights, disaster relief, and
international cooperation against rogue states. While reforming the UNHRC has been a failure,
much of that has to do with U.S. withdrawal in its formative years. Reform has been slow due to a
lack of political will on the part of the U.S. and its democratic allies. The U.S. should lean on its
allies to help with the slow process of reform.

Questioning:

Rep. Renee Elmers (R-NC-2) asked the panel what would be the most effective way to
encourage reform in the UN Amb. Wallace said that any organization receiving American funds
should be subject to modern levels of accountability. Amb. Miller responded that corruption is
common in many of the UN‟s member countries and that country scrutiny should be increased.
Both believe that the withholding of funding should be on the table. Mr. Piccone believes that
working within the organization has already proved quite promising.

Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ-4) stated that the UN clearly favors ideological NGOs,
particularly one‟s that encourage family planning and abortion. He asked the panel how to grant
greater access to marginalized NGOs. Amb. Wallace believes that most UN organizations and
NGO partners could stand to be much more transparent. Amb. Miller feels that a lack of
democratic accountability among member states allows special interests to influence the process.

Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO-3) asked Mr. Piccone about the benefits of engagement in the UN
Mr. Piccone responded that a combative approach only serves to isolate the U.S. and weaken its
influence. Engagement allows for burden sharing in a series of fields such as the earthquake
response in Haiti, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid.

Rep. Gerald E. Connelly (D-VA-11) facetiously stated that the UN is a complete failure when it
comes to U.S. policy and interests. He asked Mr. Piccone to respond to this comment. Mr.
Piccone stated that the U.N is in fact an input multiplier in many areas of U.S. policy such as Iraq,
Afghanistan, Haiti, and areas with refugee crises.

Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA-3) stated that introducing competitive measures into the World Food
Program made it more efficient. He asked the witnesses what other programs this could be
applied to. Ambs. Wallace and Miller agreed that competition for funding would be good for all
agencies as it would require them to accountable for results and transparent.

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 UPCOMING HEARINGS

Hearing: President‟s FY 2012 Budget Request

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee
Witnesses: Office of Management and Budget Director Jacob Lew
When: Tuesday March 8, 2011 10:30 a.m.
Where: 216 Hart Senate Office Building
Contact: 202-224-7363 http://appropirations.senate.gov

Hearing: The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Securing Peace in the Midst of Tragedy
Committee: House Foreign Affairs Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights Subcommittee
Witnesses: Ben Affleck, actor, writer, director, and advocate; Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary of State for African Affairs Donald Yamamoto; Deputy Assistant USAID Administrator
for Africa Rajakumari Jandhyala; Francisca Vigaud-Walsh, sexual and gender-based violence
adviser at Catholic Relief Services; and John Prendergast, co-founder of The Enough Project
When: Tuesday March 8, 2011 10:30 a.m.
Where: 2172 Rayburn House Office Building
Contact: 202-225-5021 http://foreignaffairs.house.gov

Hearing: International Programs Budget at the Treasury Department

Committee: House Appropriations State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs
Subcommittee
Witnesses: Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner
When: Wednesday March 9, 2011 1:30 pm
Where: 2359 Rayburn House Office Building
Contact: 202-225-2771 http://appropriations.house.gov

Hearing: Budget of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Committee: House Appropriations State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs
Subcommittee
Witnesses: USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah
When: Thursday March 10, 2011 10:00 a.m.
Where: 2359 Rayburn House Office Building
Contact: 202-225-2771 http://appropriations.house.gov

Hearing: Overview of U.S. Relations with Europe and Eurasia

Committee: House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia
Witnesses: Mr. Robert O. Blake, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Central and South Asian Affairs,
U.S. Department of State; Mr. Philip H. Gordon, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and,
Eurasian Affairs, U.S. Department of State
When: Thursday March 10, 2011 2:30 pm
Where: 2220 Rayburn House Office Building
Contact: 202-225-5021 http://foreignaffairs.house.gov

Hearing: Assessing U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities and Needs Amidst Economic Challenges in the
Middle East
Committee: House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia
Witnesses: Mr. Jeffrey D. Feltman, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, U.S.
Department of State; and Mr. George A. Laudato, Administrator's Special Assistant for the Middle
East, U.S. Agency for International Development
When: Thursday March 10, 2011 at 2:00 pm

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Where: 2172 Rayburn House Office Building
Contact: 202-225-5021 http://foreignaffairs.house.gov

Hearing: The President's FY2012 Defense and International Affairs Budget

Committee: Senate Budget Committee
Witnesses: Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn III; and Deputy Secretary of State for
Management and Resources Thomas Nides
When: Thursday March 10, 2011 10:30 a.m.
Where: 608 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Contact: 202-224-0642 http://budget.senate.gov

ARTICLES AND REPORTS

Disclaimer: Articles linked in the Update are intended to provide a dashboard view of newsworthy
and topical issues from popular news outlets that will be of interest to readers of the Update. The
articles are an information sharing vehicle rather than an advocacy tool. They are in no way
representative of the views of InterAction or the U.S. NGO community as a whole.

BBC News
Mar. 1: Aid Crisis Grows on Tunisia Border
Melissa Fleming, a spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner on Refugees, said that
approximately 140,000 people have fled Libya across the Egyptian and Tunisian borders. She
believes the situation on the Tunisian border is reaching a crisis point. Food is being distributed
but at rates that lag far behind the needs of the situation. Many people are sleeping on roads and
in car parks while sanitation is beginning to reach disastrous proportions.

BBC News
Mar. 1: UK Overseas Aid Changes Compassionate, Says Minister
DFID has announced plans to stop development aid to sixteen countries and “tightly focus” it on
those countries most in need. International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell says that the
changes will show compassion to the poorest countries, and that the Department for International
Development‟s overall £7.8 billion budget has been unaffected by the government‟s recent debt
reduction measures. The five countries being focused on are Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, the
Democratic Republic of Congo and Pakistan.

The New York Times

Mar. 1: Clinton Says Libya Crisis Shows Need to Fund Diplomacy
Testifying before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Secretary Hillary Clinton defended the
administration‟s $47 billion budget request for the U.S. State Department stating that a strong
American response will be needed to the changes taking place in the Middle East. While concern
for the ballooning national debt is justifiable, future investments such as diplomacy and
international aid will be essential to promoting American prosperity.

CNN.com
Mar. 4: Tunisia Steps Up Evacuations of People Fleeing Libya
Thousands of refugees are continuing to cross the Libyan border into neighboring Tunisia to
escape civil unrest. So far 50,000 refugees have taken up shelter at the Djerba Airport where their
conditions are dirty and cramped. The International Organization for Migration, the UN‟s agency
on mass evacuations, states that almost 200,000 have fled the escalating violence in Libya.

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New York Times
Mar. 4: Bangladesh Nobel Winner Begins Legal Fight Over Removal
Muhammed Yunus began his legal battle today against his removal from the top post of the
Grameen Bank, a leading microfinancing institution, a removal seen as a power move by the
prime minister. International analysts believe this move could damage the international reputation
of Bangladesh and hurt microfinancing efforts in the country.

Yahoo! News
Mar. 4: Tens of Thousands „FleeUnrest in Sudan‟s Abeyei‟
Thousands have fled violent clashes in this oil-rich region of Sudan since the end of February.
Seventy people were killed and many wounded in clashes between supporters of the Northern
government in Khartoum and those of the newly independent South. On Thursday, the United
Nations dispatched extra peacekeepers to the region.

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