Dianne Feinstein: “as the United States fights this war against terrorism--and puts in place the programs called for in this emergency…”

“as the United States fights this war against terrorism--and puts in place the programs called for in this emergency supplemental for homeland defense and on-going military operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere--we can't overlook the fact that global poverty is a contributing factor and a breeding ground for terrorism, and that if we are to be successful in this war the United States must significantly increase its foreign assistance spending commitments. Several of my colleagues and I had hoped to be able to do so on this emergency supplemental. Unfortunately, this does not appear to be possible. But we want to be clear that we remain committed to this goal, and intend to work through the normal appropriations process to see this happen. It is in our country's national interest to bring aid and functioning, free-market democratic institutions to countries and regions that might otherwise wallow in poverty, be preyed on by fanatics, or provide safe havens for terrorists.”