Hastings' Amendment to Enhance U.S. Diplomatic Capabilities Included in Passage of State Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill
Last night, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3081, the State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 by a vote of 318 to 106. H.R. 3081 provides funding to strengthen our nation's diplomatic capabilities and to provide for development programs that are critical to help stabilize key regions, fight the spread of disease, protect our environment, and combat the international drug trade.
Included within H.R.3081 was an amendment introduced by Congressman Alcee L. Hastings that provides additional funding for increased staff support for the U.S.-Brazil Joint Action Plan to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Promote Equality (JAPER). (Please find attached copies of the amendment)
"The goal of JAPER is to work collaboratively with other countries towards eliminating racial and ethnic discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity for all people," noted Hastings. "Since the program's launch in 2008 its efforts have focused on education, minority political participation, entrepreneurship and the private sector, data collection on disparities, and youth."
"My amendment ensures that JAPER is staffed with up to four foreign and career service officers who have an expertise in eliminating racism and discrimination, in order to ensure the successful administration and implementation of its projects."
"It is an unfortunate reality that the JAPER initiative is currently understaffed. Thankfully Congress has recognized the importance of this program. This additional funding will allow JAPER to grow its international base of participants and enable it to undertake additional programs to fight racism and discrimination on a global scale."
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings is Vice Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a senior member of the House Rules Committee, and Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission.