Benjamin Gilman: “Today our committee brings before the House a conference report on the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of…”

“Today our committee brings before the House a conference report on the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998. This measure has three major components. It provides for the consolidation of international affairs agencies. It provides funding in other authorities to support the State Department and related agencies, and it provides a U.N. reform and arrearage package. Through this bill, support is provided for our government's activities abroad to include U.S. embassies, American citizens' services, passport and visa issuance, and international broadcasting programs, such as Radio Free Asia and broadcasting to Cuba. In addition, it funds U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada commissions that have been tasked with matters related to fisheries, sewage disposal, and other border issues. The bill authorizes $6.1 billion for fiscal year 1998 and $6.7 billion for fiscal year 1999. The authorized level for fiscal year 1999 is $125 million below the President's request. Funding for a strong U.S. presence abroad is in our vital national interest and provides a platform for a myriad of U.S. overseas interests. Specifically, we need to have a healthy diplomatic presence abroad to develop markets to maintain stability, to protect our friends in this still dangerous world, and to meet humanitarian needs. This bill incorporates the President's decision to consolidate the U.S. Information Agency and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency into the State Department.”