Doug Bereuter: “Madam Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of H.R. 2121, the Russian Democracy Act of 2001. As a co-sponsor of…”

“Madam Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of H.R. 2121, the Russian Democracy Act of 2001. As a co-sponsor of this measure this Member would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for an outstanding effort in crafting this legislation. In addition, I would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the chairman of the Committee on International Relations for his crucial attendance in bringing this legislation to the floor. Madam Speaker, the key to building Democratic institutions that include an independent media, a fair judicial system, and an active civil society is to establish community, a community, a body politic which demands those institutions. Building that demand for democracy begins with laying a foundation at the local and regional level. Unfortunately, the United States has, I think, for too long, focussed disproportionately its reform assistance for Russia on funding for democracy building efforts at the national level. However, this legislation correctly seeks to direct a much greater share of U.S. assistance toward the local and regional levels. At those critical grassroots levels, the U.S. can be most effective, I think, for the longer-term growth of democracy and reform in Russia. This bill ensures that American assistance will continue to be available to help strengthen democracy in the Russian federation.”