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USCBL Calls
on Congressional Appropriators to Support Increased Funding
for Demining, Fulfill President's Demining Commitment May 09, 2006 Chairman Jim Kolbe Re: Humanitarian Demining Dear Chairman Kolbe, We urge you to show Congress’ support for humanitarian demining and fund the State Department (NADR) portion of the demining budget at $70 million. When the Bush administration announced a new United States policy on landmines in February 2004, it pledged to increase the funds available to support the State Department’s portion of the US Humanitarian Mine Action Program by an additional 50% over FY03 baseline levels. The administration’s International Affairs (Function 150) Budget Request, however, does not meet this commitment made in 2004. At $64.3 million, the administration’s request falls short. Meeting the increase of 50% would raise the level to about $70 million per a year. When the president fails to live up to his pledge, the Congress should step in and act. Humanitarian demining is a critical first step for reconstruction of post-conflict countries. The U.S. government’s humanitarian mine action program assists countries in relieving human suffering and in developing an indigenous mine action capability. Several countries crafted strategic demining plans years ago as part of their reconstruction and development efforts. Many, however, are at risk of not meeting these strategic demining commitments. By helping to remove lingering remnants of war, US assistance allows refugees to return home, land to be used for farming, and critical infrastructure to be rebuilt. The U.S. has consistently been the world’s strongest supporter of humanitarian mine action. Providing more than $1 billion in mine-related foreign assistance since 1993, its efforts to help countries clear landmines and provide aid to survivors is commendable. We urge Congress to maintain U.S. leadership in this area and show support for strategic demining plans by fulfilling the administration’s pledge and providing $70 million to this vital life-saving program. Sincerely, cc: members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations |
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