The Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008

Floor Speech

THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008--Continued -- (House of Representatives - June 21, 2007)

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to congratulate the Appropriations Committee for putting together a bipartisan bill that provides assistance for such important issues as global health, humanitarian assistance in Sudan, the environment and peacekeeping operations around the world.

The 2008 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill reinforces the notion that foreign policy is about more than the use of military force and that foreign assistance and humanitarian aid are important components of foreign policy making.

The bill provides $949 million for Sudan, of which $210 million is for critical humanitarian and peacekeeping programs in Darfur. The remaining funds are for development assistance and to strengthen democratic institutions in southern Sudan.

Global health efforts also receive funding in this bill. The bill provides $5 billion for HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and care programs around the world.

The bill also includes $501 million for clean energy and biodiversity programs worldwide. Educational and cultural exchanges receive more than $500 million to fund participation of over 42,000 individuals in educational, cultural, and professional exchange programs including Fulbright exchanges.

The bill also contains funding for programs in many countries around the world, including Pakistan.

The U.S. appreciates Pakistan's effort in the fight against global terrorism. However, President Musharraf's decision to enter into a non-aggression pact with tribal leaders in the Waziristan region appears to have provided a safe haven for the Taliban and has led to an increase in Taliban and al Qaeda attacks inside Afghanistan. We should encourage the Pakistani Government to reconsider this policy.

As we provide additional support to Pakistan, we must also make it clear that we stand with those calling for free and fair elections. The firing of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Muhammad Chaudhury raises serious questions about President Musharraf's commitment to an independent judiciary and the rule of law. The U.S. must make clear to the people of Pakistan that we support the democratic process and expect President Musharraf to honor his pledge to abandon his dual role as both head of state and head of the armed forces.

The United States has long stood as a beacon for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. That beacon has been dimmed as a result of the Bush administration's blunders and abuses in places like Iraq and Guantanamo Bay. These practices have created a perception that the United States has a double standard when it comes to the rule of law and the promotion of democracy. We must speak with a clear and consistent voice on these issues or we will continue to lose our credibility, erode our ability to influence decisions, and weaken our national security.

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