U.S. Congress earmarks $4 mln for political parties in Russia

RIA Novosti ^ | 05/ 11/ 2005 | Arkady Orlov

[jb6]

WASHINGTON, November 5 (RIA Novosti, Arkady Orlov) - The U.S. House of Representatives approved November 4 a budget bill providing in particular $4 million for the development of political parties in Russia. Earlier this year, President Vladimir Putin spoke out against foreign funding for political organizations, which, according to him, raised concern about outside political interference.

"We are against the outside financing of political activity in Russia. I am vehemently opposed to it," Putin said in July 2005, addressing the Council for Assisting the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights Institutions. "No self-respecting state tolerates that and neither will we."

In its annual ratings of political rights and civil liberties, Freedom House downgraded Russia in December 2004 from "partly free" to "not free."

[Treader]

I appreciate your twist of analogy. Regardless, Billy couldn't have used that excuse, as a means to re-confirm another term as a US President. Then again, Vlad doesn't have a Hillary to eat him alive- does he? By the by, the foreign funds accepted are never for political influence- just social pograms.

[rawhide]

This cannot be? Would we want foreign governments to invest in our political parties?

[TheBattman]

Heck - giving them at least one political party should cost us nothing - just send the DemocRATs over there. They already are in love with the former Soviet's political leanings. They should feel right at home....

[dr_who_2]

Fair enough. Even putting that aside, this is a stupid waste of taxpayer money.

[jb6]

Actually the Democraps hate Putin...he cuts taxes, impliments flat income taxes, is very pro business, got the Duma to ban abortions after 12 weeks (huge no no), implimented Christian education in schools and the military...(gigantic no no) and has cut down on the size of government while pushing through land ownership and trial by juries....and you think the Democraps would like this guy?

[operation clinton cleanup]

Hmmm, what's our stance when other nations involve themselves directly and monetarly in our elections?

When it comes to Democrats, apparently it is "bring it on"!

[TheBattman]

Actually, my post indicated that the DemocRATs would love the tradition (read that the historic Communist period) over there.

[Sen Jack S. Fogbound]

To all Congresspersons, and staff:

Please reject this idiotic idea. We are not supported to get involved in other countries' election effort.

Let's attend to our business!

The natives here are pissed! Savvy?

[Annie Gram]

What the heck did they file this pig roast under? Worldwide special needs programs?

[Let's Roll]

This interference is way out of line - we don't like it when Soros does it. Wonder who sponsored this piece of insanity?

[endthematrix]

House approves spending $20.9 billion on foreign aid
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20051105/1045468.asp

[endthematrix]

H.R.3057
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:h.r.03057:

Sponsor: Rep Kolbe, Jim [AZ-8]
I don't know the particular amendment that funds the Russians.

[RusIvan]

The waste of taxpayer money. But "there no bad without some good" the russian proverb.

Means any organization which will accpet those money will be considered the foreign influence hence will be in great loss in eye of russian voters.

[GeronL]

well, there really is nothing they won't spend tax money on is there??

[Freelance Warrior]

US Democrats fund Russian Leaberasts. No wonder, they have so much in common. But take a note, this money will be wasted anyway.

Why don't the US Congress spend the money on fortifying US-Mexican border?

[BlackbirdSST]

Hmmm, what's our stance when other nations involve themselves directly and monetarly in our elections?

Man, I'm so glad the Adults are finally in charge. Blackbird.

[Cboldt]

Check this out...I thought you might be interested.

Thanks.

I searched the Conference Report for the words "russia," "party," and "parties." Selected excerpts below. I don't pretend to be able to explain the overaching meaning and purpose of H.R. 3057, except to say that is is LOADED with funding for foreign meddling and "politically correct" objectives. There are plenty of items in here that are more newsworthy than providing the State Department with ninety-five million dollars in "Democracy Fund" monies.

In order to probe this particular meddling in Russia further, the relevant catchphrase is "political party development." I don't know what that phrase means.

I did find this tidbit, which is related to our activities in Iraq, and figure it is worthy of a comment or two <grin>.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS
APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006
The Senate will now resume consideration of H.R. 3057 ...

Amendment No. 1299

(Purpose: To make available, out of funds appropriated for Economic Support Fund assistance, $28,000,000 to the International Republican Institute and $28,000,000 to the National Democratic Institute for fiscal year 2006 to support democracy building programs in Iraq)

On page 326, between lines 10 and 11, insert the following:

DEMOCRACY PROGRAMS IN IRAQ

Sec. . Of the amount appropriated under the heading ``economic support fund''--

(1) $28,000,000 should be made available for fiscal year 2006 to the International Republican Institute to support, in consultation with the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the Department of State, democracy building programs in Iraq in the areas of governance, elections, political parties, civil society, and women's rights; and
(2) $28,000,000 should be made available for fiscal year 2006 to the National Democratic Institute to support, in consultation with the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the Department of State, democracy building programs in Iraq in the areas of governance, elections, political parties, civil society, and women's rights. ...

amendment no. 1299

Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, this amendment provides $28 million for the International Republican Institute and $28 million for the National Democratic Institute for their democracy-building programs in Iraq in fiscal year 2006. Funding will be used by the institutes to continue democratic development assistance in the areas of governance, elections, civil society, women's rights and political party development.

The additional funding set aside in this bipartisan democracy amendment is necessary for the IRI and NDI to continue their important work in Iraq through the end of fiscal year 2006.

Both institutes, whose cutting-edge democracy work is well-known and respected in Iraq and throughout the world, have substantial operations in Iraq outside the Green Zone. Unfortunately, despite their deep commitment to advancing democracy and the great risks their employees take by working in a war zone, they have not been assured funding beyond February 2006. If additional funding is not provided, the danger is very real that they will need to begin cutting back on their democracy activities. ...

IRI's programs in Iraq are bigger than its programs anywhere else in the world. It has offices in Baghdad, Irbil, and Basra, and it also operates a substantial media center. The Institute employs some 200 people, including those responsible for security.

Similarly, NDI is conducting a number of democracy programs in Iraq focusing on elections, political parties, governance, civil society and women's rights. It works directly with Iraqi partners, including hundreds of civic organizations, the Iraqi National Assembly, more than 81 political parties and entities, and the Constitutional Drafting Committee.

It has helped train more than 10,000 Iraqi election monitors, who covered 80 percent of the country's polling sites in January and provided opportunities for ordinary Iraqis to participate in that election. It is currently providing legal assistance directly to the Constitutional Drafting Committee, and is facilitating countless local civic dialogues on the constitution in communities throughout Iraq.

Mash here -> 109th Congress - Senate - July 19, 2005
Navigate to: 12 . DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS ...
[PDF renditions of pages S8473 and S8474.]

Hmmm. I've never heard of the "International Republican Institute" (IRI) or "National Democratic Institute" (NDI) before. Exporting American political parties to a country near you - the two parties with the same goal, divide the world into haves and have nots, elites and the rest of us.

And now, back to the matter of funding "political party development" in Russia ...

CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 3057, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING,
AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006
Conference Report (H. Rept. 109-265)
[To accompany H.R. 3057]

TITLE II--BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
Department of State

DEMOCRACY FUND

(a) For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for the promotion of democracy, governance, human rights, independent media, and the rule of law globally, $95,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2008: Provided, That funds appropriated under this heading shall be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law, and of such funds $63,200,000 shall be made available for the Human Rights and Democracy Fund of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Department of State, and not less than $15,250,000 shall be made available for the National Endowment for Democracy: Provided further, That funds appropriated under this heading are in addition to funds otherwise available for such purposes: Provided further, That funds made available by title II of this Act for purposes of this section for any contract, grant, or cooperative agreement (or any amendment to any contract, grant, or cooperative agreement) in excess of $10,000,000 shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. ...

---

JOINT EXPLANATORY STATEMENT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE
TITLE II--BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
Department of State

Democracy Fund

The conference agreement includes a new appropriations account, similar to that proposed by the Senate, which seeks to increase the effectiveness and oversight of programs that promote democracy, governance, human rights, independent media, and the rule of law globally. The conferees note that this account also incorporates provisions contained in sections 6026 and 6034 of the Senate bill, and section 534 of the House bill.

The conferees recommend $95,000,000 for specific democracy programs and activities, as contained in the following table, and up to $1,448,200,000 for democracy, human rights, and rule of law activities under title II of this Act, as contained in the budget request:

Democracy Fund

                                            
               [Budget authority in thousands of dollars]

                                                   Conference agreement
Human Rights and Democracy Fund:
  Global Programs................................................27,000
  China/Hong Kong/Taiwan.........................................20,000
  Muslim Countries outside Middle East...........................12,000
  Forensic assistance in Central and South America................3,000
  Reagan/Fascell Democracy Fellows program........................1,200
                                                             __________
     
    Subtotal, Human Rights and Democracy Fund....................63,200
National Endowment for Democracy:
  China/Hong Kong/Taiwan..........................................3,000
  Muslim Countries outside Middle East............................3,000
  Africa..........................................................2,000
  Tibet.............................................................250
  Venezuela.......................................................2,000
  Russia..........................................................4,000  <<<<<--
  North Korea.....................................................1,000
                                                             __________
                                                                       
    Subtotal, National Endowment for Democracy...................15,250
Other:
  Thailand........................................................2,000
  UN Democracy Fund...............................................8,000
  Iran and Syria..................................................6,550
                                                             __________
                                                                       
    Subtotal, Other..............................................16,550
                                                             ==========
      Total......................................................95,000

... In addition to funds for programs targeted toward Africa, Asia, and Muslim countries outside the Middle East, the conferees include for the National Endowment of Democracy: $250,000 for democracy and human rights programs relating to Tibet; $2,000,000 for the promotion of democracy in Venezuela; $4,000,000 for political party development programs in Russia; and $1,000,000 for programs that promote democratization in North Korea, including human rights and the free flow of information.

The conferees provide $8,000,000 for a United Nations Democracy Fund. The conferees request the State Department to report to the Committees on Appropriations on how this fund will complement ongoing United States democracy building efforts.

Mash here -> 109th Congress - House - November 2, 2005
Navigate to: 34 . CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 3057 ...
[PDF of pages H9502 (bottom of 3rd column) and H9524 (also near the bottom of the third column).]

---

Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading, not less than $5,000,000 shall be made available to the National Endowment for Democracy for political party development programs in Russia.

From Senate Debate of July 15 (before the Conference report above), and linked at "8 . DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS ..." below

See also: 8 . DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS ... (Senate - 15 July 2005)
See also: 12 . DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS ... (Senate debate and discussion 19 July 2005)
See also: 15 . CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 3057 ... (House debate and discussion 04 November 2005)

The National Endowment for Democracy is worth researching. I did so on October 6 this year, when President Bush delivered a speech relating to the GWOT to a group of supporters and members of The National Endowment for Democracy. See Cato Institute take.

You might also do a Search of the Congressional Record using the phrase "National Endowment for Democracy" (include the quotation marks in your search) if you are interested in seeing the relationship of NED with our Department of State.

[Txsleuth]

Thanks so much for all of the work you did on this post...

I have gone through half of the links...and I am astounded..especially when I see a speech by Kennedy, of all people talking about sending all of this money to the "quagmire" that he thinks that Iraq is....

WHY would he be giving this speech if he feels we should pull out all troops now...what good would all of that money do....???

I will finish the rest of the links is a while...my computer was down for a while this morning...and have a LOT of catching up to do...

THanks again.

[Cboldt]

I will finish the rest of the links is a while. ...

Most are repetetive of the text of the Conference Committee Report. There may be some interesting comments in discussion and debate, I just didn't bother looking for them. I stumbled on the Kennedy speech using the search term "political party development."

I'm still not sure what sort of activities are encompassed under the moniker of "political party development," but it does seem that whatever the activities are, they are most likely undertaken under a grant to the National Endowment for Democracy.

[Cboldt]

I will finish the rest of the links is a while...

More. In short, I think the development of parties is one arm of an organized effort to produce a world where most people operate happily under the illusion of being free.

USAID- Political Party Development (1999) ...
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/democracy_and_governance/publications/pdfs/pnacr216.pdf

An overview of National Democratic Institute's work on Political Party Development ...
http://www.ndi.org/globalp/polparties/polparties.asp

NDI is currently (2002) working in Russia ...
http://www.ndi.org/globalp/polparties/programspp/polpartiespgs2002.asp

NDI Guide to Political Party Development (2001) ...
http://www.accessdemocracy.org/library/1320_gdeppdev_102001.pdf <- Caution: 3.5 Mb

Many of America's Founding Fathers hated the thought of political parties, quarreling "factions" they were sure would be more interested in contending with each other than in working for the common good. They wanted individual citizens to vote for individual candidates, without the interference of organized groups -- but this was not to be.

By the 1790s, different views of the new country's proper course had already developed, and those who held these opposing views tried to win support for their cause by banding together. The followers of Alexander Hamilton called themselves Federalists; they favored a strong central government that would support the interests of commerce and industry. The followers of Thomas Jefferson called themselves Democratic-Republicans; they preferred a decentralized agrarian republic in which the federal government had limited power. By 1828, the Federalists had disappeared as an organization, replaced by the Whigs, brought to life in opposition to the election that year of President Andrew Jackson. The Democratic-Republicans became Democrats, and the two-party system, still in existence today, was born.

http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/outusgov/parties.htm