Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3969, the Freedom Promotion Act of 2002. I would like to thank Chairman Hdye and Ranking Member Lantos of the House International Relations Committee for their leadership on this very important issue.
Mr. Speaker, American leadership and generosity have made the United States the leading international donor. Each year, the United States provides billions of dollars in foreign aid. Unfortunately, despite our efforts to improve the daily lives of people around the world, anti-American sentiment exists and is--quite alarmingly--on the rise. Often, the recipients of our aid do not know that it comes from the United States.
I was pleased to offer an amendment to H.R. 3969 during the International Relations Committee markup ensuring that the positive work and support the United States provides to troubled regions around the world be properly identified. U.S. assistance funded by the American taxpayer should be clearly identified, and the extent of American generosity for purposes of poverty reduction and development should be well known.
Foreign aid is a potentially powerful tool in our public diplomacy campaign. Broadcasting this fact abroad can help in building support for U.S. foreign policy and generate good will. Directing the Secretary of State to take advantage of this untapped resource, and requiring him to report to Congress on his efforts to do so, ensures that U.S. foreign assistance becomes an integral component of public diplomacy.
My amendment to H.R. 3969 was only the first step in the effort to effectively promote U.S. assistance abroad. Now more than ever, this bill is vital to shaping an effective foreign policy that ensures America's security interests in the aftermath of September 11, and advances America's enduring principles of justice, democracy and human rights.
Thank you and I urge an 'aye' vote.