March 24, 1994

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103d CONGRESS, 2nd Session

H. R. 4142

To prohibit United States foreign assistance to countries that restrict the transport or delivery of United States humanitarian assistance to other countries.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 24, 1994

Mr. Lehman (for himself, Mr. Berman, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, Mr. Moorhead, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Bilbray, Mr. Torres, Mr. Andrews of New Jersey, Mr. Bonior, Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Roukema, Mr. Klein, and Mr. Menendez) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

A BILL

To prohibit United States foreign assistance to countries that restrict the transport or delivery of United States humanitarian assistance to other countries.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

• The Congress finds the following:
• The United States is entering a new era in foreign assistance wherein the Federal budget deficit and spending constraints require the maximum usage of each foreign aid dollar.
• The delivery of humanitarian assistance to people in need is consistent with the fundamental values of our Nation and its people and is a vital component of United States foreign policy.
• As a matter of principle and in furtherance of fiscal prudence, the United States must seek to promote the delivery of humanitarian assistance to people in need in a manner that is both timely and cost effective.
• As a matter of United States policy in the allocation of United States foreign assistance or other benefits, countries that are themselves the recipients of such foreign assistance should be expected to act in a manner that neither hinders nor delays the efficient transport or delivery of United States humanitarian assistance to other countries.

SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON FOREIGN ASSISTANCE TO COUNTRIES THAT RESTRICT THE TRANSPORT OR DELIVERY OF UNITED STATES HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO OTHER COUNTRIES.

(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, funds appropriated or otherwise made available for foreign assistance programs for a fiscal year may not be used to provide assistance or other benefits to any country for that portion of such fiscal year during which the government of such country prohibits or otherwise restricts the transport or delivery of United States humanitarian assistance to any other country.

(b) Exceptions.--

1. The prohibition on assistance contained in subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to a country for a fiscal year if the President determines that providing such assistance--
1. is in the national interest of the United States; or
2. will, subject to paragraph (2), benefit directly non-military personnel, including refugees, who are in immediate risk of danger resulting from a natural or man-made disaster.
2. Assistance provided under paragraph (1)(B)--
1. shall be in the form of humanitarian assistance; and
2. shall be distributed directly to non-military personnel or distributed to such personnel through international relief organizations.

(c) Notification of Congress.--The President shall notify the Congress of any determination made under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (b)(1) to provide assistance to a country 15 days before providing such assistance to such country.

For more information: www.congress.gov/bill/103rd-congress/house-bill/4142/all-actions?s=1&r=45