Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2007

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007

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Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, one of the hardest jobs Members of Congress face while in office is deciding whether to support or oppose a bill that is half good and half bad. Too often, we are forced to vote in favor of issues we strongly oppose while supporting goals with which we agree because our viewpoint was not the prevailing view. That is exactly what I faced today with H.R. 5522, the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2007.

Mr. Chairman, I am on the recor d today as voting ``aye'' on the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. I voted ``ay e'' because the bill contains many worthwhile and effective provisions. Most importantly, the bill offers financial support to Israel and many other of our partners in democracy. Without backing from the United States, countries that uphold democracy and freedom could suffer, and I, for one, will always support countries that cherish and promote freedom and democratic ideals.

Another important provision that I strongly support in this bill is the withholding of 60 percent of the funds allocated for Russia until its president certifies that they have terminated any arrangements to provide nuclear assistance to Iran.

I am also extremely pleased with the many pro-life provisions maintained in the bill. These pro-life provisions send a clear message to foreign governments that if you engage in population control and abortion practices, you will not receive assistance from the United States.

These measures, along with other provisions designed to keep jobs in America are examples of why I chose to support this piece of legislation.

However, Mr. Chairman, there were numerous provisions within the bill that I have serious reservations about and that did not have enough support to be removed from the bill. I would like to go on record highlighting the portions of the bill I do not support.

Mr. Chairman, I am deeply concerned about the International Export and Investment Agencies funding included in the bill. This provision requires the Federal Government to provide insurance to private companies investing in foreign countries. I cannot for the life of me understand why taxpayer dollars should fund this agency. If private companies wish to insure their investments overseas, they should use private insurance companies to do so, not the Federal Government.

Mr. Chairman, I am also very concerned about the economic aid for Egypt contained in the bill. To be giving such economic assistance to Egypt at a time when it has been cracking down on top political dissidents and opponents within and without its borders is unwise. Many of my constituents who follow international affairs have contacted me abhorring the actions in the Sudan and wondering why Egypt continues to support the government in Khartoum. We need to send a message that we will not tolerate human rights abuses or support for such abuses, especially from one of our important strategic allies.

Mr. Chairman, the bill provides $4.1 billion for the Agency for International Development, USAID, which provides funds for development related projects in developing countries. I am not opposed to helping out those countries in need, but this program has not proven effective enough over the course of its existence to warrant this level of funding.

Additionally, I want to express my opposition to the $522 million for the Trade Capacity Enhancement Fund.

Mr. Chairman, this bill tested my beliefs and forced me to make a very difficult decision. In the end, I believe the good outweighs the bad, but I want my colleagues to know that I will continue working to remove these disturbing provisions. I was voted into this office to reduce Federal spending and bring common sense back to the legislative process. That is exactly what I will do.

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