Congressional Research Service Reports - 785 Matching Results

Search Results

Primer on P.L. 480 -- Program History, Description, and Operations: A Brief Compilation of Explanatory Documents: This report discusses P.L. 480 (the Food for Peace Program), its advantages and disadvantages, and provides historical, descriptive, and operational information on the largest U.S. foreign food aid program.
African Famine: U.S. Response: This report discusses the 1985 African famine situation, especially regarding U.S. emergency assistance at a time of U.S. domestic budgetary restraints, the adequacy of U.S. measures for monitoring and anticipating food emergencies, and the scale and nature of U.S. agricultural development programs intended to prevent future famines.
Ethiopian Food Situation: International Response: The United States has donated the largest share of the world-wide relief effort. Members of Congress nave passed legislation, the African Famine Relief and Recovery Act of 1985 (2.L. 99-8), authorizing emergency relief assistance to Ethiopia and other famine-stricken countries. Some observers favor trying to remove restrictions that prohibit long-term agricultural development assistance and other forms of economic aid to Ethiopia, but many continue to believe that aid to this Marxist-oriented nation should be limited to humanitarian relief. The Ethiopian food situation will probably remain a central issue among U.S. lawmakers and relief officials during the 99th Congress.
Major Trends in U.S. Foreign Assistance to Central America: 1978-1986: "This paper examines changes in the overall amount of U.S. aid [to Central America], in kinds of aid provided, in country shares, and changes in the content of individual aid programs" (p. iii).
Kissinger Commission Implementation: Actions by the Congress Through 1986 on the Recommendations of the National Bipartisan Commission of Central America: "This report summarizes the implementation by the Congress of the policy recommendations made in January 1984 by the National Bipartisan Commission on Central America, the so-called 'Kissinger Commission'" (p. iii).
Costa Rica: U.S. Foreign Assistance Facts: This issue brief provides basic information on the U.S. aid program and on the general situation in Costa Rica. It is one in a series on U.S. assistance to key countries.
Guatemala: U.S. Foreign Assistance Facts: In the past three years, the Administration has moved to substantially increase U.S. aid levels for Guatemala from $18.3 million in FY84 to a proposed $149.7 million in FY88. Budgetary limits on the overall size of the U.S. foreign aid program may cause reductions in the proposed 1988 levels, however, independent of any choices related to the Guatemalan, situation. This issue brief provides basic information on the U.S. aid program and on the general situation in Guatemala. It also outlines major issues that have arisen in the aid debate.
Honduras: U.S. Foreign Assistance Facts: This report provides basic information on the U.S. aid program and on the general situation in Honduras. It also outlines major issues that have arisen in the aid debate.
Foreign Assistance and Commercial Interests: The Aid for Trade Debate: With the end of the Cold War and of a period during which foreign assistance was motivated frequently by East-West security and political considerations, a debate has emerged over setting a new foreign aid rationale. The debate has included calls advocating a much more direct use of America foreign assistance to support U.S. commercial interests, especially for programs administered by the Agency for International Development (AID). Proponents assert that the active promotion of the U.S. trade position should be one of the top U.S. foreign policy interests and, therefore, the foreign aid program should be used on behalf of that purpose. They argue that the United States should increase assistance in the form of capital projects that can provide opportunities for American exporters, reduce cash transfer aid that in some cases is spent on non-U.S. products, and strengthen "Buy America" provisions in foreign aid laws.
The Former Soviet Union and U.S. Foreign Aid: Implementing the Assistance Program, 1992-1994: In fiscal year 1994, the new states of the former Soviet Union became collectively the second largest recipient of U.S. foreign assistance made available from all sources. Whether and how the assistance program is helping to bring about democratic systems and free market economies is increasingly a question of interest to Congress and the public at large.
Conventional Arms Transfers: President Clinton's Policy Directive: President Clinton released details of his Conventional Arms Transfer Policy on February 17, 1995, which are embodied in Presidential Decision Directive 34 (PDD-34). The President's action followed several months of internal debate and discussion by the Clinton Administration, the first detailed examination of conventional arms transfer policy since the Cold War's end.
Pakistan Aid Cutoff: U.S. Nonproliferation and Foreign Policy Considerations: U.S. aid and arms sales to Pakistan generally had been prohibited since October 1990 because the President could not make a required annual certification to Congress under Section 620E(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act, the so-called "Pressler Amendment," that Pakistan did not possess a nuclear explosive device. However, on February 12, 1996, the President signed into law the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for FY1996, which includes provisions that significantly relax previous restrictions on U.S. aid to Pakistan.
Global Climate Change: The Role of U.S. Foreign Assistance: This report discusses the role of U.S. foreign assistance to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases that most experts believe cause global warming
Kosovo: Refugee Assistance and Temporary Resettlement: No Description Available.
East Timor: Humanitarian Emergency and International Assistance: No Description Available.
IMF and World Bank: U.S. Contributions and Agency Budgets: This paper shows how much the United States has contributed to these international agencies in recent years. It also shows how much the international agencies budget (and the source of those funds) for their administrative expenses and their operational budgets. This report will be updated periodically.
Russia's Paris Club Debt: U.S. Interests: Russia is seeking substantial debt forgiveness from its Paris Club debt of some $42 billion. Germany holds about half this official debt; the United States share is 6%. The United States may adopt a policy of no debt relief, of rescheduling payments of principal and interest, or of debt forgiveness. The official position of creditor countries in the Paris Club is for no debt forgiveness. Many in Congress support linkage of any debt relief to an end of the Chechnya conflict and of aid to Serbia, and other foreign and security issues. H.R. 4118, "Russian-American Trust and Cooperation Act of 2000," dealing with a Russian intelligence facility in Cuba, was reported out of the U.S. House of Representatives to be debated starting Wednesday, July 19, 2000. Paris Club negotiations will be discussed at the Okinawa G-8 meeting, July 21-22, 2000. This report will not be updated.
The Horn of Africa: War and Humanitarian Crisis: An estimated 16-18 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in the Horn of Africa region. Ethiopia is by far the most affected country with an estimated 10 million people at risk. More than one million people have been displaced due to the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Relief and United Nations officials have not yet called the situation in Ethiopia a famine. Moreover, an estimated 3.3 million people in Kenya, 1.2 million people in Somalia, 1.3 million in Eritrea, and 150,000 in Djibouti are in need of emergency food assistance. In Sudan, an estimated 1.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Foreign Aid Authorization: The Technical Assistance, Trade Promotion, and Anti-Corruption Act of 2000: This report covers the Foreign Aid Authorization: The Technical Assistance, Trade Promotion, and Anti-Corruption Act of 2000, which selectively authorizes a range of foreign aid activities, updates permanent foreign assistance laws, expands several aid initiatives, such as those to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, launches new initiatives, and repeals obsolete legislation.
Refugee Assistance in the Foreign Aid Bill: Problems and Prospects: The United States is the largest national contributor to international humanitarian assistance programs for refugees. Traditionally, we contribute to refugee appeals both because of our wish to alleviate the suffering of innocent victims and out of concern that refugee flows can lead to instability in countries or regions important to U.S. foreign policy interests.
The Former Soviet Union and U.S. Foreign Assistance: Seeking to encourage a transition to democracy and free-market economics in the states of the former Soviet Union (FSU), the United States, since December 1991, has offered roughly $7.3 billion in grants for economic and technical assistance to the region. Most of the grant assistance has been provided throughthe AgencyforInternationalDevelopment (USAID). In addition, $4.3 billion has been provided in food aid through the Department of Agriculture, and $2.3 billion by the Department of Defense for nonproliferation purposes. The United States has also subsidized guarantees for more than $12 billion in credits from the Export-Import Bank, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the Department of Agriculture.
Kosovo: Reconstruction and Development Assistance: No Description Available.
Health in Developing Countries: The U.S. Response: No Description Available.
Foreign Aid: An Introductory Overview of U.S. Programs and Policy: This report addresses a number of the more frequently asked queries regarding the U.S. foreign aid program, its objectives, costs, organization, the role of Congress, and how it compares to those of other aid donors.
Foreign Aid: An Introductory Overview of U.S. Programs and Policy: Foreign assistance is a fundamental component of the international affairs budget and is viewed by many as an essential instrument of U.S foreign policy. This report provides an overview of the U.S. foreign aid program, by addressing a number of the more frequently asked questions regarding the subject.
International Disasters: How the United States Responds: The President can provide and fund emergency humanitarian assistance through several sources authorized and appropriated by Congress. These are: funds appropriated to the Office of Foreign Disaster Administration (OFDA) in the Agency for international Development (FY2001 appropriations of$299 million), U.S. Department ofAgriculture food aid programs under P.L. 480 Food for Peace (FY2001 appropriations of $837 million) and section 416 (b) of the Agriculture Act of 1949, the State Department Emergency Refugee and Migration Account, a contingency account which can contain as much as $100 million for assistance to refugees fleeing persecution, and funds appropriated to the Department of Defense, Office of humanitarian and Refugee Affairs (FY2001 appropriation of $55.9 million).
Refugee Assistance in the Foreign Aid Bill: Problems and Prospects: No Description Available.
Terrorism and the Military's Role in Domestic Crisis Management: Background and Issues for Congress: No Description Available.
Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues: This report discusses the issue of U.S. economic assistance to sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the importance of continued assistance in light of U.S. national security and also various U.S.-led efforts to promote reform amongst African citizens themselves. U.S. assistance finds its way to Africa through a variety of channels, including the USAID-administered DA program, food aid programs, and indirect aid provided through international financial institutions and the United Nations.
Colombia: U.S. Assistance and Current Legislation: This report provides an overview of U.S. assistance before the Plan Colombia proposal, describes the Clinton Administration Plan Colombia proposal, and tracks Congressional action on it. It also covers the Bush Administration’s Andean Regional Initiative (ARI), which incorporated the Bush Administration’s Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI). Table 2 provides a breakdown of the ARI by country, purpose, and account. Table 1 provides an overview of U.S. assistance from FY1999-FY2001, Tables 3 and 4 compare the Clinton Administration’s Plan Colombia proposal with House, Senate, and conference action on it, and Table 5 charts U.S. assistance from FY1989-FY1998. Discussion of conference action includes a list of certification and reporting requirements, and Clinton Administration responses.
Kosovo: Reconstruction and Development Assistance: No Description Available.
Colombia: Plan Colombia Legislation and Assistance (FY2000-FY2001): This report provides an overview of U.S. assistance before the Plan Colombia proposal, describes the Clinton Administration Plan Colombia proposal, and tracks Congressional action on it. It also covers the Bush Administration’s Andean Regional Initiative (ARI), which incorporated the Bush Administration’s Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI). Table 3 provides a breakdown of the ARI by country, purpose, and account. Table 1 provides an overview of U.S. assistance from FY1999-FY2001, and Table 2 provides an overview of Plan Colombia funding for Colombia and the Status of the commitment of funds provided in the State Department sections of P.L. 106-246, as of the spring of 2001. Tables 4 and 5 compare in detail the Clinton Administration’s Plan Colombia proposal with House, Senate, and conference action on it, and Table 6 charts U.S. assistance from FY1989-FY1998.
East Timor Situation Report: A United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor (UNTAET) was established in October 1999 following the entrance of U.N.-sponsored international peacekeepers into East Timor. These measures came in response to Indonesian instigated violence against East Timorese who had voted overwhelmingly for independence from Indonesia in a referendum of August 30, 1999. UNTAET’s mandate is broad. It is to help East Timor recover from the violence through humanitarian aid and reconstruction of facilities that were damaged or destroyed. It is to help East Timor establish a functioning government, which will take over from the United Nations when East Timor formally becomes independent.
Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors: This report discusses the Andean Regional Initiative (ARI), implemented by the Bush Administration in 2001 to provide economic and counter-narcotics assistance for Colombia and regional neighbors. The report discusses the goals of the ARI, as well as related appropriations.
The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia: U.S. Economic Assistance: This article mentions how the U.S. economic assistance to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) seeks to foster democratic institutions and economic reform.
Pakistan-U.S. Relations: This report includes information regarding Pakistan. Information including historical background, Pakistan and U.S. relations, and U.S. aid to Pakistan is detailed in this report.
Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues: This report discusses the issue of U.S. economic assistance to sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the importance of continued assistance in light of U.S. national security and also various U.S.-led efforts to promote reform amongst African citizens themselves. U.S. assistance finds its way to Africa through a variety of channels, including the USAID-administered DA program, food aid programs, and indirect aid provided through international financial institutions and the United Nations.
Operation Enduring Freedom: Foreign Pledges of Military and Intelligence Support: No Description Available.
Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors: This report discusses the Andean Regional Initiative (ARI), implemented by the Bush Administration in 2001 to provide economic and counter-narcotics assistance for Colombia and regional neighbors. The report discusses the goals of the ARI, as well as related appropriations.
Agriculture in Afghanistan and Neighboring Asian Countries: Agriculture (as measured by share of gross domestic product and employment) is a significant economic sector in seven Central and South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. All of these countries are net food importers. Some have experienced successive years of drought, which has contributed to noticeable declines in agricultural output and the need to increase commodity imports. The United Nations’ World Food Program reports that both Afghanistan and Tajikistan are currently in need of emergency food assistance to cover sizable food deficits. The food outlook in Afghanistan is made uncertain by ongoing military conflict.
Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests: The United States recognized the independence of all the former Soviet republics by the end of 1991, including the South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The United States has fostered these states' ties with the West in part to end the dependence of these states on Russia for trade, security, and other relations. The FREEDOM Support Act of 1992 provides authorization for assistance to the Eurasian states for humanitarian needs, democratization, and other purposes. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the Administration appealed for a national security waiver of the prohibition on aid to Azerbaijan, in consideration of Azerbaijan's assistance to the international coalition to combat terrorism. Azerbaijani and Georgian troops participate in stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Armenian personnel serve in Iraq.
Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors: This report discusses the Andean Regional Initiative (ARI), implemented by the Bush Administration in 2001 to provide economic and counter-narcotics assistance for Colombia and regional neighbors. The report discusses the goals of the ARI, as well as related appropriations.
Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors: This report discusses the Andean Regional Initiative (ARI), implemented by the Bush Administration in 2001 to provide economic and counter-narcotics assistance for Colombia and regional neighbors. The report discusses the goals of the ARI, as well as related appropriations.
Israel: U.S. Foreign Assistance: No Description Available.
Appropriations for FY2002: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs: Appropriations are one part of a complex federal budget process that includes budget resolutions, appropriations (regular, supplemental, and continuing) bills, rescissions, and budget reconciliation bills. This report is a guide to one of the 13 regular appropriations bills that Congress passes each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittees.
Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests: The United States recognized the independence of all the former Soviet republics by the end of 1991, including the South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The United States has fostered these states' ties with the West in part to end the dependence of these states on Russia for trade, security, and other relations. The FREEDOM Support Act of 1992 provides authorization for assistance to the Eurasian states for humanitarian needs, democratization, and other purposes. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the Administration appealed for a national security waiver of the prohibition on aid to Azerbaijan, in consideration of Azerbaijan's assistance to the international coalition to combat terrorism. Azerbaijani and Georgian troops participate in stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Armenian personnel serve in Iraq.
The Former Soviet Union and U.S. Foreign Assistance: This report outlines the approximately $8.3 billion in grants for economic and technical assistance to the States of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) by the United States in an effort to encourage a transition to democracy and free market economics. The report also covers the various departments and agencies providing grant assistance.
The Former Soviet Union and U.S. Foreign Assistance: This report discusses The Former Soviet Union and U.S. Foreign Assistance. Seeking to encourage a transition to democracy and free-market economics in the states of the former Soviet Union (FSU) – Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan – the United States, since December 1991, has offered roughly $8.2 billion in grants for economic and technical assistance to the region. Most of the grant assistance has been provided through the Agency for International Development (USAID).
Israel: U.S. Foreign Assistance: No Description Available.
Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues: This report discusses the issue of U.S. economic assistance to sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the importance of continued assistance in light of U.S. national security and also various U.S.-led efforts to promote reform amongst African citizens themselves. U.S. assistance finds its way to Africa through a variety of channels, including the USAID-administered DA program, food aid programs, and indirect aid provided through international financial institutions and the United Nations.

Congressional Research Service Reports - 785 Matching Results

Search Results

Add Filters

Applied Filters