On July 24, the House passed a bill making appropriations for the Department of State and U.S. foreign operations for the next year (H.R.7608). The bill requires a notification process through the Committees on Appropriations for funds to be spent in Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, and Yemen, while strictly prohibiting spending that legitimizes the government of Iran or its proxies in any way. Funds are appropriated for counterterrorism activity and financial assistance in Iraq, including to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and no less than $10 million will be set aside for programs promoting accountability for genocide and war crimes in Iraq and Syria. Funding for programs relating to Iran will be determined by accompanying reports on Iran’s nuclear activity and the status and impact of U.S. sanctions on Iran, and funds are appropriated for humanitarian and stabilization aid in Yemen. Lastly, none of the funds for international military education and training can be used as assistance for the government of Saudi Arabia. It was first introduced by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY17) on July 13.H.R.7608 Passes the House
On July 24, the House passed a bill making appropriations for the Department of State and U.S. foreign operations for the next year (H.R.7608). The bill requires a notification process through the Committees on Appropriations for funds to be spent in Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, and Yemen, while strictly prohibiting spending that legitimizes the government of Iran or its proxies in any way. Funds are appropriated for counterterrorism activity and financial assistance in Iraq, including to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and no less than $10 million will be set aside for programs promoting accountability for genocide and war crimes in Iraq and Syria. Funding for programs relating to Iran will be determined by accompanying reports on Iran’s nuclear activity and the status and impact of U.S. sanctions on Iran, and funds are appropriated for humanitarian and stabilization aid in Yemen. Lastly, none of the funds for international military education and training can be used as assistance for the government of Saudi Arabia. It was first introduced by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY17) on July 13.