Mike Levin: “we have before us, the foreign operations, export financing, and related programs bill, H.R. 2506, for fiscal year 2002.…”

“we have before us, the foreign operations, export financing, and related programs bill, H.R. 2506, for fiscal year 2002. This bill is the primary legislative means by which this body can review the U.S. foreign aid budget. That has always been an important task, but the events of September 11th have only enhanced the importance of examining our priorities and international commitments as we seek to stop international terrorism while continuing to promote democracy, the rule of law and free markets throughout the world. The events of September 11th have caused the United States to re-examine its relations with many nations including Armenia and Azerbaijan. For nearly a decade, our relations with these two nations has been shaped by section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, 102-511. Section 907 has restricted aid to Azerbaijan until it ceases the blockade and use of force against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh. Section 907 has been seen as a vital tool in the efforts to encourage Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve the dispute over Nagorno-Karabagh in a peaceful manner. In spite of the vital role section 907 has played in trying to end the blockade of Nagorno-Karabagh, H.R. 2506 will allow the President to waive section 907 only with respect to our immediate crisis, the international was against terrorism.”