November 5, 1975
Page 35172
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, H.R. 9005, the International Development and Food Assistance Act, authorizes $1.5 billion for foreign aid and development programs. In many ways, H.R. 9005 is sound legislation. It focuses on our humanitarian efforts to help needy people. It emphasizes the basic human needs of food, nutrition, and health care. And I intend to vote for it.
But, Mr. President, as chairman of the Budget Committee, I must point out that if fully funded this bill will most certainly cause the functional budget targets for this category to be breached. Taken in connection with the requirements which the Senate is now considering for the Middle East agreement, this authorization adds to the already great stress which is placed on budget function 150.
Since this is an authorization which is fully subject to the appropriations process, the Senate will have a further opportunity to consider the spending which this bill authorizes. Historical precedent suggests that the Appropriations Committee will examine this legislation thoroughly, and report on where cuts can be made in funding while preserving the essential priorities which the legislation establishes. I hope that will be the case because I must say that I have some doubts about the amount of this authorization.
Let me also say, Mr. President, that I am glad to note that the issue of "reflows" has been substantially resolved by discussions among my colleagues in connection with this bill. The congressional control of our Federal spending priorities requires that reflows and other such spending gimmicks which do not allow for the closest scrutiny of our actual spending be brought under control.