James T. Callahan: “We are considering H.R. 2159, the appropriation bill for foreign operations in 1998. After adjusting for funds that are…”

“We are considering H.R. 2159, the appropriation bill for foreign operations in 1998. After adjusting for funds that are not scored against the subcommittee due to the budget resolution, the total in discretionary budget authority is $12.787 billion, which is $13 million below our allocation of $12.8 billion. With regard to funding for population planning assistance, the House and Senate leadership made valiant efforts to reach a compromise with the White House on the Mexico City policy language. Since a compromise was not forthcoming, at their direction we have frozen funding for population programs at $385 million and apportioned funds on a monthly basis. That is a cut of $58 million from the President's request and $50 million from the Senate level. That means that if the Mexico City provisions can be enacted into law later this session or early next session, Mexico City policy will apply to most all of the funds made available for international family planning. The conference agreement also includes a general provision which for the first time sets a cap on the amount of money in our bill for the Middle East.”