Thomas Daschle: “on Friday, January 31, the President submitted to the Congress a certification that merits the support of all Members of…”

“on Friday, January 31, the President submitted to the Congress a certification that merits the support of all Members of Congress who wish to see improvements in the quality of life of women and families around the world. The President has certified that the restrictions imposed by Congress in the fiscal year 1997 appropriations legislation are ``having a negative impact on the functioning of the population planning program.'' Congress's approval of that certification would allow fiscal year 1997 family planning funds to be released at a rate of 8 percent per month beginning March 1 rather than July 1. Population programs around the world have not received any U.S. fiscal year 1997 funding even though the fiscal year began October 1, 1996, so approval of this resolution would simply reduce the delay of the funds' release from 9 months to 5. U.S. contributions to family planning programs have immeasurably improved the lives of women in developing countries. The ability to plan the size of one's family is essential if women and children are to live longer and healthier lives and if women are to make the educational and economic gains they and we wish to see.”