TWICJUN1909

TheWeekInCongress.com - June 10, 2009 - The House agreed to HR 1886, a bill providing $1.5 billion to aid Pakistan in developing democratic institutions and procedures, promote economic development, and improve the public education system. A Pakistan Democracy and Prosperity Fund for non-military assistance is established in the US Treasury.

The bill looks to developing a regional strategy. Congress expressed its intentions towards that goal, "It is the sense of Congress that the achievement of United States national security goals to eliminate terrorist threats and close safe havens in Pakistan requires the development of a comprehensive plan that utilizes all elements of national power, including in coordination and cooperation with other concerned governments, and that it is critical to Pakistan's long-term prosperity and security to strengthen regional relationships among India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan."

The bill provides approximately $250 million for counterinsurgency and anti-terror training and equipment.

The House passed the bill with a vote of 234 to 185.

HR 1886 bill report and votes.

STATE DEPARTMENT AUTHORIZATION AIMS TO INCREASE FOREIGN OFFICE PERSONNEL

Lessons Learned, the Merida Initiative is Streamlined, and the US Commits to a Missile Shield for Israel

The House approved the bill, HR 2410, authorizing programs and funding levels for the Department of State and related agencies. 1500 entry level foreign service officers will be hired and reserve corps of mid- and senior-level former Foreign Service officers and others will be hired as needed for six month and two year missions abroad.

A Lessons Learned Center will serve as a central organization for collection, analysis, archiving, and dissemination of observations, best practices, and lessons learned by, from, and to Foreign Service officers and support personnel in the Department of State and USAID.

The Merida Initiative was begun in 2008 and is a State Department program that partnerships with governments in Mexico, the nations of Central America, the Dominican Republic and Haiti to confront criminal organizations whose illicit actions undermine public safety, erode the rule of law, and threaten the national security of the United States, the State Department reports.

The program provides equipment and training to support law enforcement and provide technical assistance towards the long-term reform, oversight and professionalism of security agencies south of the US border.

The bill identifies Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama among the Central American countries as well as the Caribbean countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Congress approved an initial $400 million for Mexico and $65 million for Central America, the Dominican Republic and Haiti last year.

The President may appoint a coordinator to oversee the Initiative, coordinate federal entities involved and avoid duplicated efforts. the coordinator will have the status of ambassador and will carry the primary responsibility of reporting to Congress on the effectiveness of the various elements of the program.

To counter the overflow of drug-related violence penalties for willfully exporting to a country in the Western Hemisphere anyone importing a small arm or light weapon without a license shall be fined for each violation not less than $1,000,000 but not more than $3,000,000 and imprisoned for not more than twenty years, or both.

The bill provides such sums as may be necessary to aid Israel in the construction of a missile shield. The provision includes "complete accelerated co-production of Arrow missiles; system development of the Israel Missile Defense Organization program to develop a short-range ballistic missile defense capability, David's Sling weapon system, and integrate the weapon system with the ballistic missile defense system and force protection efforts of the United States; and
research, development, and test and evaluation of the Iron Dome short-range projectile defense system."

The bill also requires a report on "actions taken by representatives of the United States to encourage other countries to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel. The report will included specific responses solicited and received by the Secretary from countries that do not maintain full diplomatic relations with Israel with respect to their attitudes toward and plans for entering into diplomatic relations with Israel and other measures being undertaken, and measures that will be undertaken, by the United States to ensure and promote Israel's full participation in the world diplomatic community."

Congress also weighed in in support of the return of some water color paintings done by a holocaust survivor and the restitution of property confiscated during the holocaust.

The House passed the bill with a 235 to 187 vote.

HR 2410 Bill report, amendments and votes.

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Bills authorizes appointment of IGs in financial entities; offer vouchers for trading in used vehicles for fuel efficient ones; concentrate federal efforts towards STEM education; tie technical education to foreign policy; and tighten movement of methamphetamine ingredients.

Financial Inspector Generals

The President may appoint Inspector Generals at all financial agencies such as the SEC and FED.

HR 885

Trading in Fuel Efficient Vehicles

Vouchers provide up to $4500 to trade in and purchase new vehicles. Old trade ins must be junked.

HR 2751

STEM Education

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs at various federal agencies will be consolidated.

HR 1709

International Education and Foreign Policy

A White House program will coordinate international science and technology cooperation with the aim of strengthening US science and technology enterprise, improve economic security, and supporting US foreign policy goals.

HR 1736

Methamphetamine Control

Providers of ingredients that make methamphetamines must be registered of face penalties.

S 256

The House is adjourned until Monday, June 15th.

The Senate remains in session Thursday and will meet again for legislative business on June 15th with votes schedule for Tuesday.