SENATE PASSES GREGG-LEAHY PROVISION IN SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL REQUIRING IRAQ TO MATCH U.S. FOREIGN ASSISTANCE FOR IRAQ

For Immediate Release:

June 27, 2008

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Andrea Wuebker/Laena Fallon

SENATE PASSES GREGG-LEAHY PROVISION IN SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL REQUIRING IRAQ TO MATCH U.S. FOREIGN ASSISTANCE FOR IRAQ ON A DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR BASIS

Provision will ensure equal buy-in by Government of Iraq in rebuilding efforts; provide stronger accountability for investment by U.S. taxpayers

WASHINGTON — Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs (S/FOPs) Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Ranking Member of the S/FOPs Subcommittee Judd Gregg (R-NH) today announced the Senate passed fiscal years 2008 and 2009 Supplemental Appropriations bill that includes their provision requiring the Government of Iraq (GoI) to match U.S. foreign assistance on a dollar-for-dollar basis.   The provision excludes the matching requirement for programs to promote democracy, human rights, humanitarian demining, and assistance to civil society organizations, refugees, internally displaced persons and civilian victims of military conflict. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 92 to 6 late last night.

 Chairman Leahy said, “For the first time, Congress requires the Iraqi Government to match U.S. taxpayer dollars for reconstruction programs.  We want to continue to help Iraq, but when Iraq is earning record profits from the skyrocketing price of oil, it is only right that they share the cost.  Our law also requires a strategy to root out corruption within the Iraqi Government.  I was pleased to join with Senator Gregg in this initiative.”    

Ranking Member Gregg stated, “There is no reason why the Government of Iraq should not assume greater costs — and ultimately all costs — of rebuilding their nation.  Requiring the GoI to equally contribute funding is a positive step forward in Iraq’s progress toward becoming a viable and prosperous nation.  The people of Iraq -- not the American taxpayer -- should shoulder the costs of reconstruction in the current fiscal environment, and I am pleased that Senator Leahy and I were able to include this provision in the supplemental.”