WASHINGTON, DC – An amendment restoring funds to a State Department democracy program, will be introduced by Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA), and is expected to be accepted by Chairman Kolbe today.
In the current fiscal year the State Department’s Human Rights and Democracy Fund (HRDF) is funded at $36 million, but the FY06 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill only allocated $27 million-- a 25% reduction. The Schiff amendment increases the funding to $36 million.
“This amendment is a modest but important signal to the world that our commitment to democracy around the world remains a central pillar of America’s national security strategy,” said Schiff.
HRDF funds are an important tool used by the State Department to advance human rights, democracy, and civil liberties abroad. The programs that receive funding promote democratic reforms, an independent media, and an independent judiciary.
“Shortchanging these programs is both shortsighted and dangerous. Our efforts to promote democracy will reduce breeding grounds for terrorism and improve human rights around the world,” said Schiff.
Congressman Schiff was appointed to the House Democracy Assistance Commission, is a co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.
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