S. 2144- FOREIGN AFFAIRS AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

Introduced into the Senate on 3 April 2003 by Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN). S.2144.

Co-sponsors: none.

This bill is to authorize funding to all divisions and offices of the State Department for fiscal year 2005. Citizens for Global Solutions holds particular interest in this bill because of the amount of funding set aside for both the United Nations budget and the United States peacekeeping operations budget. Prior to complete passage of this bill, there will be a conference with the House of Representatives in order to create a final bill out of both the Senate and House versions.

Things to know about S.2144:

• This bill also raises the cap on the U.S. peacekeeping operations budget to 27.4% (up from 25%), which removes one of the largest causes for United States arrears to the U.N.

• There is to be $1,194,210,000 set aside for the FY05 budget for the State department to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the U.S. in the conduct of foreign affairs with international organizations such as the United Nations and $650,000,000 set aside for the FY05 budget for international peacekeeping operations.

• The Secretary of State is to submit a report to Congress detailing the United Nations' progress and the U.S. government's support on the implementation of the Brahimi Report, which makes recommendations on the U.N. creating and maintaining an international civilian police force.

• The United States shall use its voice and vote at the United Nations to work to prevent nations in violation of human rights, or that sponsor terrorism, from obtaining leadership roles within the U.N.

Visit THOMAS to look up the Bill Text, Summary and Status