PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE

April 15, 2011

WASHINGTON UPDATE

FY2011—DONE!
The fiscal year itself isn’t done, of course (it runs through September 30), but the battle over
funding levels is finally over. Late last Friday night, Congressional negotiators and the White
House struck a final agreement setting spending levels for the current fiscal year. They passed an
additional one-week continuing resolution (CR) to allow time to flesh out the details of the
agreement and write the legislative language (with that one-week CR including an additional $2
billion in cuts, this time to Department of Transportation and Department of Housing and Urban
Development accounts), then passed that final bill Thursday, first the House, then the Senate.
The president was expected to sign the bill sometime Friday afternoon.

Relative to HR1, international development and humanitarian accounts did pretty well. Most of our
accounts (with exception of peacekeeping) are substantially increased from where HR1 had them,
with State, Foreign Operations (SFOps) altogether coming in 7 percent above HR1.

However, relative to the other reality, out in the field, funding for these accounts still falls short in
many cases. Our budget table, linked here, provides all the numbers for our accounts. What
follows is a quick overview.

 SFOps overall took a 15 percent cut relative to FY2010 total enacted and the FY2011
request.
 Global Health (both parts), Development Assistance, International Disaster Assistance and
International Organizations and Programs are back up close to FY2010 enacted or
FY2011 request levels, whichever is lowest.
 Migration and Refugee Assistance is above the request and below FY2010. Ditto for
Peacekeeping Operations.
 MCC, food aid, CIPA, and USAID Operating Expenses (OE) are all under both FY2010
and the request, with MCC cut the most at about 30 percent under request and about 20
percent under FY2010. USAID OE is 3 percent under FY2010, 9 percent under request.
 The Clean Technology and Strategic Climate Funds take significant cuts of 38 percent and
33 percent below FY2010, respectively (but at least they're not where HR1 had them, at
zero).
 ESF takes a 33 percent whack relative to FY2010. FMF and IMET are both close to
FY2010 and request levels.

Technical notes:
As usual, we don't exclude any FY2010 money for purposes of comparison (i.e., supps, including
forward funding, are all included). Those wishing to compare to FY2010 regular can "unhide" that
column in our Excel spreadsheet (linked here), to the left of the FY2010 total enacted column.

Our final FY2011 (HR 1473) numbers reflect the 0.2 percent across-the-board rescission imposed
by Section 1119.

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The Development Assistance number also reflects a $1 million rescission (per Section 2118(c)).
Various other rescissions to accounts on page 2 of the table are included as well (see explanatory
comments in relevant cells, visible if you are looking at the table in Excel (as opposed to printed
out) when you put your cursor over the cell).

Also note that for the Development Assistance account, the bill stipulates that in the FY2010 bill
that is to be used as a guide for distribution within accounts, the word "shall" is to be replaced by
"should," basically giving USAID more freedom. (Section 2120(b)(3)).

Link to our updated budget table here, and to our budget/appropriations tracking page here.

House Passes FY2012 Budget Resolution

Last week we reported on the Budget Resolution proposed by the House Budget Committee
Chair Paul Ryan (R-WI), with a recommended (but nonbinding) 30 percent cut to the International
Affairs account. The full House considered that resolution along with four alternative budgets this
week, and passed the Ryan budget by a vote of 235-193. All the alternative budgets—from
Budget Committee Democrats, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Congressional Black
Caucus, and the Republican Study Committee—were defeated. The Ryan resolution will at some
point be deemed to set the overall discretionary spending limit for the Appropriations Committee
to work with for FY2012, and Appropriations Chair Rogers will then subdivide that overall
allocation into “302(b)” sub-allocations for each of his subcommittees to work with in writing their
FY2012 bills.

House Subcommittee Passes, Moves to Full Committee Resolution on Ivory Coast Crisis
The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights on
Wednesday amended and approved H.Res.85—a resolution drawing attention to the current crisis
in West Africa—moving the measure to the full Committee. Ranking Member Donald Payne (D-
NJ) offered an amendment in the nature of a substitute, which updated the measure to include
recent events. The resolution importantly calls for an immediate end to acts of violence and calls
for accountability for human rights crimes and abuses. It calls on the U.S. government and other
countries to meet ongoing humanitarian needs both in Ivory Coast and neighboring countries and
highlights the need for attention to national reconciliation efforts. Find the full text of the resolution
here, as passed. The resolution was approved at the end of a subcommittee hearing on the crisis;
see a summary of this hearing below.

Haiti Bill Moves out of Full Committee

Yesterday the House Foreign Affairs Committee approved an amended version of the Assessing
Progress in Haiti Act (HR 1016)—a measure that would direct the president to report to Congress
on recovery efforts in Haiti following the January 12, 2010, earthquake. Chair Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
(R-FL) offered an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Her amendment updated the bill to
reflect recent events and maintained a provision that would require the president to examine
whether Haiti has the capacity to receive its citizens that are deported from the U.S. Find the full
text of the bill here, as passed.

HEARING SUMMARIES

FY2012 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill: Members’
Day and Public Witness Day
House Appropriations Committee—State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
Subcommittee

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 April 13-14, 2011

Witnesses:
 Click here for the list of Member of Congress witnesses
 Click here for the list of public witnesses

Member Testimony:

Chair Kay Granger (R-TX) opened the hearing by commenting on the importance of the State
and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill and welcoming the perspectives of the witnesses.

Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-NY) devoted her opening statement to declaring her eagerness
to hear the critical commentary of her colleagues and the public witnesses. She stated that the
President’s FY2012 request balanced the necessary resource requirements with the proper
amount of austerity needed in today’s fiscal climate.

Non-Committee Member of Congress Testimony:

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) focused her testimony on the need for a robust International Affairs
Budget, which she stated was a reflection of U.S. values and ideals as a country, and absolutely
essential to national and economic security. Lee noted specific items in the international affairs
budget, such as the ongoing reconstruction effort in Haiti, the need for continued funding for
PEPFAR, and family planning and reproductive health programs like UNFPA. She urged her
colleagues to support the president’s FY2012 budget request.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) testified before the subcommittee to request flat-level funding
from FY2010 of $315 million for long-term safe drinking water and sanitation supply projects,
specifically to implement the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005. He stated that
the U.S. should focus on providing greater access to clean water and sanitation, the lack of which
remains the world’s largest health problem.

Rep. James McGovern (D-MA) stood before the subcommittee in support of funding for
America’s global food security, nutrition, and hunger programs for FY2012. He asked the
members to support the president’s request for $1.5 billion for the Feed the Future Program, the
signature program of U.S. strategy that works with small-scale farmers and governments to
increase agricultural production and strengthen local and regional markets. He also requested
support for the International Disaster Assistance account, which provides $300 million for
emergency food security to vulnerable people in humanitarian crises.

Public Witness Testimony:

Dan Glickman and Ambassador Mark Green of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC)
testified before the subcommittee in support of a robust International Affairs Budget, which they
believe to be profoundly in the best interests of the country. Far from charity, they stated that the
accounts within this budget present a cost-effective way to advance U.S. security and prosperity,
and to open hearts and minds to America’s message of liberty, fairness and free markets. On
behalf of USGLC, they urged the subcommittee to ensure a strong and effective International
Affairs Budget and to oppose deep and disproportionate cuts to these investments.

Ambassador Michael Klosson of Save the Children centered his testimony on support for the
child and maternal health, child hunger, and basic education accounts within the International

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Affairs Budget. Vulnerable children around the world are at risk of dying from disease and hunger
without the vital assistance the U.S. provides through agencies like USAID. USAID programs like
the Global Health Initiative and Feed the Future have effectively lowered child mortality, increased
maternal health, empowered women, helped build capacity within countries, and alleviated
preventable illnesses.

Ritu Sharma of Women Thrive Worldwide testified on behalf of more than 60 groups dedicated to
helping women in developing countries lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Women
comprise a majority of the world’s hungry, uneducated and jobless. As such, Sharma asked the
members to insist on supporting gender-based programs as an effective and cost-efficient method
of providing foreign assistance.

Rachel Wilson of PATH requested that the subcommittee support the president’s request for the
FY2012 budget, and in particular ensure that the U.S. keep its commitments to maternal health
and child survival, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) alliance, and the
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. She also asked the subcommittee to
continue to affirm its support for the role USAID plays in American diplomacy and foreign policy.

Samuel Worthington of InterAction asked the subcommittee to recognize the importance and
dollar-for-dollar value of the poverty-focused development and humanitarian accounts
administered by USAID and the State Department. Representing InterAction’s more than 190
members, he stated that the private voluntary organizations and the U.S. government must work
as partners to help ensure America’s future by creating a more stable and prosperous world. He
also stressed the importance of funding USAID Operating Expenses in order to ensure USAID’s
progress toward improving its programs is not lost.

Bill Millan of the Nature Conservancy urged the subcommittee to avoid disproportionate cuts to
programs targeting conservation and the protections of lands, water, wildlife and clean air. He
requested that adequate funding be appropriated to the Development Assistance account, tropical
forest conservation, climate programs, disaster preparedness programs, clean energy and the
Global Environment Facility.

Wendy Lee of Helen Keller International testified in support of U.S. programs addressing vitamin
A deficiency, neglected tropical diseases such as river blindness and hookworm, food security
and nutrition, and child survival and maternal health. Over the years, Helen Keller International
has partnered with USAID to save the sight and lives of millions worldwide. Lee urged the
members to continue their support for these programs.

Crisis in Cote d’Ivoire: Implications for the Country and Region

House Foreign Affairs Committee—Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights
April 13, 2011
Witnesses
 William Fitzgerald, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of African Affairs

Chair Christopher Smith (R-NJ) opened the hearing by stating that despite Laurent Gbagbo’s
arrest, there are still roadblocks to peace in Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast is a large U.S. trading
partner but faces 1 million displaced people, with thousands of refugees in Liberia and Ghana
despite the borders being closed. Ivory Coast has faced a lack of stability for at least a decade
and there was hope that the 2010 election would solve human rights issues. However, Gbagbo
has a horrible human rights record and uses nationalist and xenophobic rhetoric to incite violence.

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Alassane Ouattara being banned from previous presidential elections has only exacerbated the
north/south divide. Diplomacy should be America’s preferred course of action since economic ties
demand that we act.

Ranking Member Donald M. Payne (D-NJ) began by stating that Ivory Coast has been a leader
in Africa and there needs to be a continued focus on democracy and elections throughout Africa.
The U.S. must support democracy. The political crisis in Ivory Coast has turned into civil war and
caused a humanitarian crisis. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) estimates there are 150,000
refugees across 12 countries due to the violence. Violence has been carried out on both sides,
despite a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire and for Gbagbo to step down. Ouattara has
pledged to investigate the killings and has called for an international commission to be formed.
There will be long-term consequences from the conflict and there should be a reconciliation
process, a focus on justice, and an effort to rebuild infrastructure. There also must be an effort to
ensure security to facilitate the return of refugees and IDPs.

William Fitzgerald, deputy assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of African Affairs began by
noting the importance of Ivory Coast to the U.S. There has been a UN presence since 2007
based on international support, and the 2010 elections were largely unanimously supported by the
international community. The U.S. has worked with ECOWAS and the UN to find a peaceful
solution to the conflict despite human rights violations on both sides. Now that Gbagbo has been
arrested the real work begins, with a focus on reconciliation, accountability for all human rights
violations, a return of refugees and IDPs, and the need for peace and stability. The U.S. has
formed a commission in Geneva to investigate human rights abuses and has given $31.7 million
in humanitarian assistance.

Questioning:

Chair Smith began questioning by asking if the ICC is a good option for Gbagbo, to which
Fitzgerald answered that Ouattara is investigating the allegations and whether he could be tried
in Ivory Coast. The ICC has formed an exploratory committee, but it will come down to who can
try him the fastest. However, a trial in Ivory Coast could be divisive. Smith questioned whether
Ouattara would investigate his own rebels, and Fitzgerald stated that he had called for an
international investigation. Fitzgerald went on to say that Ouattara is committed to reconciliation
and that there are likely atrocities on both sides.

Smith questioned the severity of the north/south and Muslim/Christian divide in Ivory Coast.
Fitzgerald stated that Gbagbo exploited the divide, but that Ouattara has stated that political
reconciliation is a key priority. Ouattara has said he will place a couple of Gbagbo’s supporters as
ministers and be inclusive in order to move forward.

Smith pointed out that since 1999 there has been a ban on bilateral aid and questioned whether
this needed to be reviewed. Fitzgerald answered that there is a need for review but that efforts
such as PEPFAR and the work of NGOs are essential to breaking down divisions. Smith
questioned the practice of allocating money for global health through religious organizations, to
which Fitzgerald stated that PEPFAR relies on religious organizations and that has been a key to
success. Now that the banks have reopened, more programs will restart immediately for aid and
assistance.

Smith stated there is a need for the U.S. to pressure other countries to contribute to UNHCR.
Smith also asked about the UN mandate in the country. Fitzgerald explained that the UN

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mandate, which began in 2004, will continue through until Ivory Coast’s legislative elections are
completed, which could be relatively soon.

Ranking Member Payne (D-NJ) began by questioning whether Ouattara has control of all the
rebels, to which Fitzgerald responded that there are still rebels outside Ouattara’s control. There
is a focus on security sector reform and the need to create jobs and training programs to help the
reconciliation process. Payne questioned whether the vast resources are being utilized for jobs
and an economic boost. Fitzgerald responded that the U.S. is working with cocoa companies to
help train more workers and communicate the message of reconciliation.

Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO) questioned the influence of UNHCR on the actions in Ivory Coast,
the impacts on regional stability and the impacts of international action on democracy in the
region. Fitzgerald stated that UNHCR had little to no effect on Gbagbo’s actions. Liberia has been
deeply affected by the flows of refugees, but UNHCR was able to put up camps quickly and help
meet their needs.

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) questioned the religious component of the conflict, how to placate
these ethnic differences and when the UN would pull out of Ivory Coast. Fitzgerald responded that
the conflict is not religious but political and due to xenophobic and nationalist rhetoric from
Gbagbo. Civil unrest can be placated by a process of political reconciliation to reunify the north
and south. Jobs and economic growth will also be key to moving forward. The UN should start a
disarmament campaign and will probably begin to drawdown after legislative elections.

Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) questioned the effectiveness of the $31.7 million in aid and the U.S.
level of comfort with Ouattara in terms of corruption. Fitzgerald responded by stating that most of
the aid money has gone through the State Department’s Bureau for Population, Refugees and
Migration (PRM) to UNHCR and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) after
assessments made by PRM. There has also been money from USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign
Disaster Assistance (OFDA) that has gone to ICRC for Ivory Coast and Liberia. There will be
robust monitoring of the funds allocated. The U.S. is very comfortable with Ouattara as he has
been responsive to U.S. concerns and has spoken with President Obama.

Budget for the U.S. Agency for International Development

Senate Appropriations Committee—State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
Subcommittee
April 12, 2011

Witness:
 Rajiv Shah, Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development

Chair Patrick Leahy (D-VT) began the hearing by outlining some of the past criticisms levied
against USAID. The agency was accused, among other things, of being detached from the
realities of impoverished countries. Too often it would burden itself with bad projects and
expensive contracts that delivered no results except for profits to various contractors. In order to
become the world’s leading development agency again, USAID must become more flexible and
less risk averse. The chair commended the USAID administrator for making steady and significant
progress to bringing USAID closer to this goal. The U.S. has interests everywhere, and USAID
plays a central role to promoting its interests and ensuring its security. Efficiency will be needed in
the face of impending budget cuts, even in the face of recent global events and the urgent need
for stable democracy building.

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Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) focused his opening statement on the question of the sustainability of
some of USAID’s recent efforts. While he stated he was very proud of the efforts of members of
USAID’s Foreign Service in places like Benghazi and Afghanistan, he fears these labors will go to
waste, as USAID has displayed a tendency to back out when the security situation worsens. Kirk
also expressed grave concern over USAID’s apparent abandonment of its partner vetting system
in the West Bank, a system meant to ensure that U.S. funding does not fall into the hands of
terrorist groups.

USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah opened his testimony by recalling various lessons he learned
in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, as well as the QDDR and Presidential Study
Directive. Among these lessons were the need for an increased willingness to embrace creativity
and ingenuity, accept greater levels of risk, and to develop a plan to move beyond emergency
relief and into sustainable growth and good governance. The USAID Forward program has done
much to bring new strategic directives and operating procedures to the agency. Shah highlighted
a renewed focus on results with programs like Feed the Future and the Global Health Initiative.
Furthermore, USAID’s work in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Haiti has shown the tremendous
positive impact from new gender policies. Shah wants to increase and strengthen partnerships
with the U.S. military and national governments to improve agency’s work even further.

Questioning:

Chair Leahy opened the questioning by remarking on the common misconceptions amongst the
public in general regarding the amount and composition of U.S. foreign aid. While he regrets
these mistaken beliefs, cutbacks in foreign aid will most likely proceed. He asked Shah why the
U.S. should support foreign aid and what impacts will budget cuts have on USAID’s work. Shah
answered that U.S. foreign assistance not only projects American influence and values abroad but
it also creates American jobs, creates new markets for business, and benefits national security.
USAID has been essential in assisting the military mission in Afghanistan, development in
Pakistan and Iraq, facilitating the diplomatic effort in South Sudan, and rebuilding Haiti. The
agency has pursued budget reallocations in anticipation of future reductions, creating the need to
make tough decisions. Currently, the expansion of effective programs like Feed the Future and
malaria prevention programs will not be able to proceed.

Sen. Kirk continued the remarks from his opening statement regarding USAID’s mismanagement
of its partner vetting system, asking Shah to explain the almost yearlong delay in its
implementation. Shah stated that the official program in the West Bank has been put on hold due
to a desire to incorporate the Department of State. However, the pilot program is currently
complete and the only impediment to its implementation is a required consultation with Congress.
Shah made a point to state that USAID currently has aggressive vetting procedures in high
security risk areas like the West Bank and Afghanistan, which not only follows U.S. law but has
the support of the USAID Inspector General.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) focused her questioning on the impact of cuts to foreign aid on
existing projects. She used as an example a cooperative project with Catholic Relief Services to
empower women in Nicaragua by growing coffee. Shah answered that currently no program is
absolutely protected. He believes that the programs implemented in the last three to five years are
at the most risk. This situation is troublesome because these programs typically tend to be the
most efficient ones with an exit strategy, like Feed the Future.

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Leahy also commented on what he felt was the impossible task being given to USAID in
Afghanistan. He noted the lack of essential ingredients to long-term sustainability, most
importantly a reliable central government. He asked the administrator what USAID’s long-term
goals were in Afghanistan. He also inquired as to any approaches USAID was taking in regards to
the shortage of reliable drinking water globally.

Shah answered that the keys in Afghanistan are promoting sustainability, accountability, and
better delivery. He believes that serious progress has been made in the field of agriculture,
especially in promoting vegetable growth for local consumption and export. USAID is also
introducing new water purification strategies and technologies to reduce labor needs and increase
economic development in recipient countries.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) stated his belief that the U.S. should receive full credit for the sacrifice
it makes in giving foreign assistance. He asked about what efforts USAID has undertaken to
ensure maximum credit is received. Shah answered that branding and clear visibility of projects
greatly helps with receiving credit. USAID also engages in large projects like Pakistani flood relief,
situation where a lot of attention is generated. In addition to taking on big projects, USAID
attempts to leave lasting impacts.

Leahy concluded the hearing by adding that small scale, locally-led projects were also important
due to their cumulative impact. He also stated that as the richest country in the world, the U.S.
should engage in foreign assistance out of a sense of altruism as well as self-interest and that the
American people must not forget their moral responsibility to their fellow man.

Assessing U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities and Needs Amidst Economic Challenges in South
Asia
House Committee on Foreign Affairs—Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia
April 5, 2011
Witnesses:
 Robert O. Blake, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs,
U.S. Department of State
 Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Administrator for Asia, USAID
 Daniel Feldman, Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan,
U.S. Department of State
 Donald Sampler, Deputy Director, Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs,
USAID

Chair Steve Chabot (R-OH) opened the hearing by stating that while South Asia is home to
many threats to U.S. national security, the war in Afghanistan is the most pressing issue. The
2014 pullout requires increased capacity, gains in the army, and strengthened police. It would be
tragic for the U.S. to pull out before hard-won gains were solidified. Reconciliation with the Taliban
is vital to progress. In Pakistan, there have been years of distrust of the U.S. despite efforts like
the Kerry-Lugar-Berman Act and huge sums of aid. The U.S. wants partnership yet there has
been no security progress.

Ranking Member Gary L. Ackerman (D-NY) stated the need for a focus on the Afghanistan-
Pakistan border despite the ISI (the Pakistani intelligence agency) cooperating with both the U.S.
and with terrorists groups. There has been a lack of progress despite lots of money and lives
being lost. India remains on the path of economic and democratic growth. The region is home to

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lots of transitional democracies and aid to these nations serves are national interests at a
relatively low cost.

Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA) stated that the Commanders’ Emergency Response Program
(CERP) has grown enormously, and that the lack of oversight allows these large amounts of
money to fall through the cracks.

Robert O. Blake, assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, said that
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal are strategic democratic allies.

Nisha Desai Biswal, assistant USAID administrator for Asia, stated that USAID programs in
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and Nepal are addressing critical needs. South Asia is a region with
high poverty, but also economic growth and progress. USAID is undertaking reforms to increase
efficiency and carry out innovative projects. The primary focus is on health projects, followed by
food security and disaster risk reduction and governance programs.

Daniel Feldman, the State Department’s deputy special representative for Afghanistan and
Pakistan, began by stating that the FY2012 budget aims to build on hard-fought gains. In
Afghanistan, there are efforts to bolster governance and increase agricultural sustainability. The
International Contact Group, a coalition of over 40 countries concerned with Afghanistan, is
preparing to turnover control of 25 percent of the population over to Afghan control and troop
reductions will begin in July. Afghans must drive their future with U.S. efforts supporting Afghans.
The civilian stabilization mission is critical and the development of institutional capacity is a focus.
If there is not adequate funding for civilian effort then gains won by the troops could be lost. In
Pakistan, there is increased partnership and a focus on political and economic challenges. The
enhanced strategic dialogue has focused assistance on energy, economic needs and combating
terrorism. The U.S. must continue civil-military operations despite distrust, because it is critical
that the U.S. and Pakistan stay engaged.

Donald Sampler, USAID’s deputy director of the Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs,
stated that in Afghanistan and Pakistan, U.S. foreign aid is an inseparable part of the whole-of-
government approach to national security. There is a need for full funding of State and USAID
because they play a critical role in stabilization, building capacity to govern; they work side-by-
side with the military to achieve gains. Central to all funding and efforts is oversight, which is a key
reform item and a priority. USAID has a unique ability to merge fast access and long-term
development. USAID’s focus is on stabilization—employment, resolving disputes, engaging
citizens in the government, providing basic services—and sustainability—foundational
investments, energy, health, gender, institutions. In Pakistan, aid is critical to the strategic
partnership with a focus on energy, education, agriculture and health.

Questioning:

Chair Chabot began questioning by citing a lack of progress in Pakistan despite the U.S.
spending $6 billion for civilian aid. There has been a focus on visible infrastructure projects over
less visible projects for democracy and governance. Despite all the money and aid, the people
seem to still harbor anti-American sentiments. Feldman responded by stating that the U.S.
relationship with Pakistan is very complex and there have been huge strides in cooperation. Many
projects have a long lead time but are starting now and there has been a focus on energy, jobs,
education and health projects.

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Ranking Member Ackerman stated that since 2001, assistance to Pakistan has been around
$20 billion and yet anti-American sentiment remains high. Feldman stated that emergency aid,
such as after flooding and earthquakes, causes gains and that the U.S. now has a new strategy of
branding aid as being “from the American people.” However, the goal of U.S. foreign assistance is
not to gain popularity, but is about partnership.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) stated unequivocally that the U.S. strategy of forging friendships
and stability in South Asia has been an utter failure, citing that the situation is even worse now.
When people are the most desperate, such as in emergencies, they are appreciative and this
emergency aid is vital. However, nation-building is a waste and the U.S. should change their
approach to only using crisis and emergency aid. Rohrabacher stated that Feldman’s optimism
about Afghanistan is unrealistic.

Rep. Connolly stated concerns about CERP. He said that huge sums of money have been
allocated but there is a lack of transparency and accountability. CERP is a huge development
program but lacks a maintenance component for the sustainability of projects. Sampler stated
that CERP is valuable and allows for speed before USAID is able to move into a new area. CERP
also encourages USAID and PRT engagement. Connolly stated that members of the military are
not development experts, and yet they are running a large-scale development program. Perhaps
CERP had good intentions but it lacks oversight and sustainability.

Rep. Donald A. Manzullo (R-IL) stated that there is a general lack of interagency coordination
and that USAID should not expand programs and innovate but should focus on feeding the needy.

Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL) questioned the investment the U.S. is making in Afghanistan and
whether the Afghan state has the capacity to be self-sufficient. Sampler stated that the U.S.
investment help to build the capacity to be self-sufficient in the future. Feldman stated that
agriculture is critical to development and economy.

Connolly raised concerns about corruption and how aid bypasses this corruption. While corruption
can bypass the bureaucracy and speed-up projects, in this case it is a huge detriment. Biswal
stated that aid is safeguarded because most of it goes through NGOs and is not going to the
government. There is near constant oversight through monitoring and periodic audits. USAID also
audits governments before any aid funds are given to them. Feldman added that the civilian surge
helps to address corruption and adds oversight to development projects.

Rohrabacher stated that there is undue optimism for the region. Pakistan is not committed to
democracy, but rather is committed to becoming an Islamic republic. He continued that U.S. aid to
Afghanistan and Pakistan is counterproductive, that the U.S. should let them be radical if they
want to be, and that the U.S. should focus on India and not Pakistan.

ARTICLES AND REPORTS

Reuters
4/11: Ivory Coast’s Abidjan Risks Health Disaster: MSF
Widespread cuts in the water supply are coinciding with medicines are running out. Violent militias
dissuade many from venturing out into the streets to seek food, whose price has skyrocketed. A
cholera outbreak occurred between December and February, and while there is no evidence so
far of a second outbreak, the outlook remains worrying.

New York Times

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4/14: Libyan Port City is Filled with Migrants Desperate to Exit
As the conflict in Libya continues, the rebel-held city of Misrata serves as a holding area for
thousands of stranded foreign migrant workers. Despite several ships arriving, the heavy violence
and number of evacuees still leaves a vast need. The hospital is stretched thin and there are food
shortages in the city.

BBC
4/14: Cuba Faces its Worst Drought for 50 Years
As Cuba faces a drought, tens of thousands of people are almost entirely reliant on water trucks
for essential supplies. After nearly two years of drought, the water reservoirs are down to one-fifth
of their normal levels. Even above average rains could not bring the reservoirs up to normal
levels.

BBC
4/14: Report Says 7,000 Babies Stillborn Every Day Worldwide
A recent paper published by The Lancet reports that 7,000 stillbirths occur daily. While the
poorest nations are affected the most, 98 percent of the 2.6 million stillbirths each year strike
middle and low income countries. Better clinical care and monitoring could halve stillbirths in
poorer countries by 2020.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Call for Nominations: 2011 IFES Democracy Awards

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is accepting nominations for the
international recipient of the Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award. The awards pay tribute to
outstanding men and women that share a common commitment to freedom and democracy,
much like Ambassador Manatt, who served as Chairman of the IFES Board of Directors from
1993—1999. IFES awards three individuals each year with the Charles T. Manatt Democracy
Award, including: one Republican, one Democrat and a member of the international community.
The awards will be presented at IFES’ annual Democracy Awards Dinner, held on International
Democracy Day, September 15.

Nominations will be accepted from the public online until May 11, 2011. For more information
about the award and to submit a nomination, go to: http://www.ifes.org/Content/IFES-2011-
Democracy-Awards.aspx.

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