Nita Lowey: “I understand the intent of this amendment, and we have worked to craft an amendment we both can accept. As you know, I…”

“I understand the intent of this amendment, and we have worked to craft an amendment we both can accept. As you know, I believe that the United Nations Development Program is a key partner in our efforts to address global poverty. Their programs work to spread democracy, to address global HIV/AIDS, to improve the environment, and to respond to natural disasters and crises. All of these programs are critically important and they are working. Because of their broad mandate, they often work under very difficult circumstances, and it is their work in North Korea that has led to the recent allegations of inadequate controls on funds to North Korea. These are serious concerns and need to be addressed. However, I want to point out to my colleagues that UNDP has reacted swiftly to these concerns by suspending its program and closing the office in North Korea. In addition, UNDP is working with its executive board to put new accountability and transparency measures in place. In light of congressional concerns that have been raised on both sides of the aisle, I worked with the gentlelady to negotiate this agreement which reduces UNDP resources in order to provide support to the U.N. Democracy Fund and the U.N. Entrepreneurship Fund. I appreciate the gentlewoman's interest in this issue and accept her amendment.”