Pelosi Statement on Passage of State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Act

June 22, 2007

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement this morning on H.R. 2764, the fiscal 2008 State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, which passed in the House early this morning by a vote of 241 to 178.

'The bipartisan State-Foreign Operations Appropriations bill provides a new direction for our foreign assistance initiatives that will help defend our country, preserve our planet, and express the compassion of the American people for those that suffer from hunger, disease and extreme poverty.

'At this critical juncture in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic - 2.9 million people around the world died of AIDS last year - this legislation provides $5.1 billion for HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and care. These investments are almost $600 million more than the President's request and represent the highest amount ever appropriated by the United States to fight this deadly disease.

'The genocide in Darfur continues to challenge the conscience of the world. It is long past time for all countries to do more to end the suffering. That is why this legislation provides $950 million in critical humanitarian, development and peacekeeping assistance for the people of Darfur and Sudan.

'The empowerment of women around the globe is central to the effectiveness of our health and development investments. When women have the power to make choices about family planning and have access to education they can make a tremendous difference in the lives of their families and their communities. This legislation includes $441 million for international family planning services, $750 million for basic education and a provision allowing international organizations to receive contraceptives to reduce to number of unwanted pregnancies, abortions and the transmission of infectious diseases.

'On the issue of Colombia, the bill includes long-overdue changes to make our support more effective. The new assistance package reflects a more balanced approach with a greater emphasis on economic assistance, drug interdiction and strengthening the justice sector.

'Taken together, these measures will enhance our national security, while reducing poverty in the developing world.'