Sam Farr: “I am very pleased that the Fiscal Year 2006 Foreign Operations Conference Report includes over $131 million for…”

“I am very pleased that the Fiscal Year 2006 Foreign Operations Conference Report includes over $131 million for alternative development and institution building in Colombia. These funds will help foster both economic and social development and create more stability in Colombia. A key element to fostering a secure Colombia is creating growth and stability in the neglected rural areas. The government of Colombia must develop and implement a comprehensive rural development policy. I would like to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for the language in the House report that calls on USAID to report to Congress about the concrete steps the Colombian government is taking to develop a rural development strategy. This report will provide a blueprint for what the Colombian government must promote development in rural areas--and how future U.S. assistance should complement those goals.”