[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 297 Reported in Senate (RS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 367
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 297
Commending the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on the occasion of its
50th anniversary for its significant accomplishments and contributions
to the economic and social development of the Americas.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 31, 2019
Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Rubio, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Kaine,
Mr. Coons, and Mr. Leahy) submitted the following resolution; which was
referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
December 17, 2019
Reported by Mr. Risch, without amendment
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Commending the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on the occasion of its
50th anniversary for its significant accomplishments and contributions
to the economic and social development of the Americas.
Whereas December 30, 2019, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of
the Inter-American Foundation (referred to in this preamble as the
``IAF''), an independent Federal agency in the United States that
prioritizes sustainable, community-led development across Latin America
and the Caribbean;
Whereas the IAF was created under section 401 of the Foreign Assistance Act of
1969 (22 U.S.C. 290f) ``to achieve conditions in the Western Hemisphere
under which the dignity and the worth of each human person will be
respected and under which all men will be afforded the opportunity to
develop their potential, to seek through gainful and productive work the
fulfillment of their aspirations for a better life, and to live in
justice and peace'';
Whereas the IAF invests in effective grassroots solutions that promote
prosperity and peace, and advance the growth of democratic institutions;
Whereas the unique development model of the IAF, applied through more than 5,000
community-led grants, has empowered millions of marginalized and
underserved people in the Americas to achieve dignified livelihoods,
effective civil engagement, and safer, more peaceful, and more just
communities;
Whereas the IAF's model--
(1) has demonstrated that making direct grants to grassroots groups and
civil society organizations in underserved and vulnerable communities is
cost-effective;
(2) fosters self-reliance by requiring grantees to mobilize local
resources for their own projects and by connecting them to networks of new
partners;
(3) leverages additional resources from private and community partners;
and
(4) incentivizes broad civic engagement and local ownership of
community development;
Whereas the IAF--by investing in grassroots approaches that create businesses,
jobs, and leadership opportunities in communities--reinforces the
commitment of individuals to strengthening their own communities;
Whereas investments made by the IAF have created an extensive network of
grassroots innovators and changemakers who--
(1) are positively disposed to the United States;
(2) are better positioned to partner with other United States
Government agencies and other public and private funders; and
(3) have gone on to leadership roles at the local and national levels;
Whereas investments made by the IAF have improved the quality of life and
democracy in the Americas by strengthening the capacity of individuals
to participate in civic life, engage constructively with their local
officials, and hold their governments accountable;
Whereas, by listening and responding to the priorities of communities and
investing in projects that utilize and validate local knowledge and
expertise, the IAF has fostered trust and goodwill with the people of
Latin America and the Caribbean; and
Whereas the IAF's support of community-led efforts designed to increase
opportunities for development and the strengthening of civil society and
democratic governance has advanced the national interests of the United
States and promoted democratic values across the Western Hemisphere:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) commends the Inter-American Foundation on the occasion
of the 50th anniversary of its establishment for its
significant contributions to strengthening democracy, peace,
and economic and social development in Latin America and the
Caribbean;
(2) recognizes that the bottom-up approach of the Inter-
American Foundation empowers individuals in marginalized and
underserved communities to be leaders, entrepreneurs,
innovators, and changemakers in development processes;
(3) recognizes that the Inter-American Foundation advances
the foreign policy of the United States Government and
contributes directly to the national interests of the United
States; and
(4) commits to continue to support the vital work of the
Inter-American Foundation as an independent agency.
Calendar No. 367
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 297
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Commending the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on the occasion of its
50th anniversary for its significant accomplishments and contributions
to the economic and social development of the Americas.
_______________________________________________________________________
December 17, 2019
Reported without amendment