July 24, 2013

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Proposes Three Amendments to the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2013
Contact: Carrie Adams (202) 225-2661

Washington, D.C.— Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) submitted three amendments to the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (SFOPS) for Fiscal Year 2014. Lee offered amendments ranging from replacing the sequester to restoring funding for the United Nations Population Fund and other related agencies.

First, Congresswoman Lee offered an amendment that would replace the sequester by providing $99 billion in tax savings by ending tax breaks for big oil and gas companies. Congresswoman Lee saidWe need to start taking the impact of the across-the-board cuts of the sequester seriously; these cuts are having real and harmful impacts on the lives of families all over the country, as well as our foreign aid. My amendment will replace the harmful sequester with a targeted and responsible plan to reduce the deficit while safeguarding critical services and programs. This amendment failed in a roll call vote.

Secondly, Congresswoman Lee offered an amendment that would require a report and plan of action for how the US maintains its strong commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS. Congresswoman Lee saidThis year, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) celebrates ten years of success in saving millions of lives. PEPFAR has put nearly 6 million people on treatment and in June, Secretary Kerry announced that one million babies have been born HIV-free due to direct PEPFAR support. But now is not the time to retreat. My amendment would ensure US-funded HIV/AIDS efforts take into consideration the unique challenges and opportunities in each country and in a way that addresses the needs of populations most acutely affected. This amendment passed in a voice vote.

Thirdly, Congresswoman Lee also proposed an amendment that would provide $37 million for the support of the vital activities of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in poor countries where USAID does not provide funding for family planning, and where the economic growth rates are among the slowest in the world. Rep. Lee said“The United Nations Population Fund is a critical international program that is dedicated improving access to family planning services and contraception to the world’s poorest, as well as specialized care for refugees in crisis situations. Investments in UNFPA extend the impact and reach of U.S. bilateral funding to support family planning—and doing so makes the programs we support even more effective.” This amendment failed in a roll call vote.

Lastly, Congresswoman Lee offered report language that was included in a manager’s amendment to the bill that underscores the need for unfettered access to humanitarian aid for South Sunday and the region. Congresswoman Lee said, I am gravely concerned by the recent escalation of the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan’s Jonglei State. As many as 120,000 civilians have fled their homes as a result of recent spikes in the ongoing battle between state and non-state armed actors. Refugees are living without consistent access to food, safe drinking water, shelter, and health care, and we must do all we can to ensure the government is supporting freedom of expression and investigating all violations of human rights.” This amendment passed on a voice vote. 

For text of the bills, please follow the links below:

Amendment to End the Sequester and Balance the Federal Budget: Would help bring the sequester to an end by providing $99 billion in tax savings by ending tax breaks for big oil.

Amendment to Increase Accountability in HIV/AIDS Program Transitions: Would require a report and plan of action for how the US maintains its strong commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS.

Amendment to Guarantee US Funding of the United Nations Population Fund: Would provide $37 million for the support of the vital activities of UNFPA in poor countries where USAID does not provide funding for family planning.

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Follow Barbara Lee on Facebook and Twitter at @RepBarbaraLee. To learn more, visit lee.house.gov.

 

Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, as well as the Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus(CPC), where she serves as the Co-Chair of the CPC Peace and Security Task Force.