Congressman Mike Honda (D-Silicon Valley) has obtained key funding for several initiatives that will help ensure that the United States maintains a role fighting for international peace and prosperity. The State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs committee passed proposals that include funding advocated for by Honda.
During the process, Honda specifically thanked Chairwoman Kay Granger (R-TX) and Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) for including strong support to "combat the scourge that is human trafficking."
"This modern day slavery has absolutely no place in our society," Rep. Honda said. "I am also grateful that they included support for human rights for Afro-Colombians and indigenous communities in Colombia, and especially for women's greater participation in Colombia's historic peace process and implementation. Integrating women into the peace process will only strengthen an enduring peace."
"In times of conflict, the most violent battles are fought on the bodies of women and girls," Rep. Honda said. "From Boko Haram to ISIL, the relationship between terrorism and violence against women has never been more pervasive. A better understanding of gender-based violence and its trauma and consequences, can improve interventions for countering violent extremism."
However, Rep. Honda expressed disappointment that the committee decided to eliminate any funding for the United Nations Population Fund.
"UNFPA is a leader in addressing the reproductive and maternal health needs of women in Zika affected countries," Honda said. "We need the swiftest of actions to break-down the barriers of misinformation, lack of education, and effective contraceptives. In a time when we are facing this global public health emergency, we need increased funding for UNFPA and international family planning programs."
The proposed budget includes:
- $19.5 million to clear unexploded ordinance in Laos;
- $410 million for the Peace Corps;
- $12.5 million for the Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons;
- $800 million to International Basic Education;
- $5 million for people-to-people reconciliation programs in the Middle East;
- Provision to ensure lifesaving humanitarian assistance and development for the devastating impact of the drought in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Ethiopia;
- Provision to examine impact and effectiveness of U.S. policies on gender-based violence, women's economic and political participation and empowerment, and women in peace and security;
- Provision to support greater women's participation in Colombia's historic Peace Accord and implementation, and support for human rights for Afro-Colombians and indigenous communities in Colombia;
- Support for human rights for Afro-Colombians and indigenous communities in Colombia;
- Provision to strengthen USAID's program to combat human trafficking, and to train all USAID personnel and partners in the countering trafficking strategies; and
- Provision that urges the Department of State and USAID to prioritize children who have been impacted and traumatized from the conflict in Syria.