Bob Menendez: “I certainly hope and certainly agree with the chairman's comments that we want to see this funding increase in the…”

“I certainly hope and certainly agree with the chairman's comments that we want to see this funding increase in the future, because when we take in the consequences of inflation, the 2004 level is not enough. It is actually a decrease. And it should be a floor, not a ceiling; but we certainly need a floor to start with so we can build upon it. I appreciate the efforts in the report language. I would just close by saying I hope that the chairman and the ranking member who have put some pretty strong report language in here, that the USAID understands that the committee and many Members here are serious, and that it will be followed, and that we will see these monies going for Latin America. Otherwise, next year we intend to pursue vigorously with the Hispanic Caucus and interested Members on both sides of the aisle the funding that is necessary for one of the most important parts of the world in terms of U.S. national interest on a variety of issues.”