HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE UPHOLDS SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
ArmRadio.am
13.06.2007 10:32
The full House Appropriations Committee upheld its subcommittee’s
decision to maintain military aid parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan
in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Foreign Operations Bill. The legislation,
which allocates $3.5 million in military assistance to both countries,
sends a clear message to the Administration, which called for
asymmetrical assistance with a proposed $2 million increase over
Armenia, reports the Armenian Assembly of America.
Specifically, the Committee approved $3 million in Foreign Military
Financing (FMF) and $500,000 in International Military Education and
Training (IMET) in funding for each country. In addition, the Committee
approved $68 million in economic assistance to Armenia, a nearly $35
million jump from the Administration’s request, but less than the
nearly $75 million Congress appropriated in FY 2007. Lawmakers also
slated up to $6 million in humanitarian aid for Nagorno Karabakh and
renewed its strong support for confidence-building measures among the
parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Specifically, the report
language states:
"The Committee continues its strong support for confidence-building
measures among the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The
Committee expects the Department of State to use its authority
under section 498B of the Foreign Assistance Act as necessary to
carry out such programs. The Committee continues to be concerned
about the plight of the victims of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,
and recommends that up to $6,000,000 should be made available to
address ongoing humanitarian needs in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Committee has included renewed authority for the President to
provide humanitarian assistance to the region, notwithstanding the
restrictions of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act. The bill
language is unchanged from previous years."
"This bill provides important funding for Armenia and Karabakh and
maintains parity in military assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan,"
said Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI),
co-chairs of the Armenian Caucus. "We are also pleased that economic
aid to Armenia exceeds the Administration’s request and will continue
working with our colleagues to ensure that it meets last year’s
funding level of nearly $75 million."
The bill also provides $1.8 billion for the Millennium Challenge
Account program (MCA). Armenia, based on its record of performance
in key indicators, is a recipient of MCA with a five-year $235.65
million compact to reduce rural poverty and increase agricultural
productivity. During the mark-up, Congressman Knollenberg offered an
amendment to increase funding for this program, citing its importance
and noting the success of Armenia, including its recently held
parliamentary elections. Knollenberg stated in reference to Armenia’s
performance that it was "extremely favorable and gives Armenia a plus
up for the future."
"We thank the Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-WI)
and his colleagues for supporting provisions passed last week by the
State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee led by Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey
(D-NY) and Ranking Member Frank R. Wolf (R-VA)," said Assembly
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, who attended today’s markup on
Capitol Hill. "We will continue to work with the House and Senate
Appropriations Committee members to strengthen the US-Armenia and
US-Karabakh relationships and to ensure the best possible outcome
for these two young democracies."