Donald M. Payne: “Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Congressional Black Caucus budget and urge my colleagues to support this…”

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Congressional Black Caucus budget and urge my colleagues to support this sound economic alternative. As a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, I recommended changes in our international funding priorities, which are reflected in this budget alternative. In view of the shifting political landscape around the globe, it makes good economic sense to reassess the allocation of our foreign aid dollars to be sure we are using our resources as effectively as possible. Newly emerging democracies should be encouraged as we move toward the establishment of formal bilateral relationships. The United States has been generous in our support of the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union. Unfortunately, funds for this purpose have been diverted from developing country accounts. I want to point out that the cold war took its costliest toll on the continent of Africa when the United States supported former dictatorships at the expense of the African people. I believe that restitution is necessary to begin to bring an end to the suffering now caused by civil wars and resulting ethnic tensions. As Americans and advocates of freedom, let us support the emerging democracies on the continent of Africa with the same enthusiasm and commitment of resources with which we have endowed the new European democracies.”