Committee also approves S. 284, H. Con. Res 129, H. Res. 650, H. Res. 374

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), passed five measures, including S. 1252, Global Food Security Act of 2016.  The bill, which ensures that current disaster relief funding will be spent more efficiently and transparently, is key to U.S. efforts to respond to desperate humanitarian situations in the Middle East and Africa.

In remarks prior to passage of S. 1252, Chairman Royce said:  “Specifically, the bill authorizes – for the first time in 30 years – International Disaster Assistance.  This is the essential humanitarian account that provides refugees with everything from tents and sheeting to water and medicine.  It also authorizes, for the first time, the Emergency Food Security Program – the flexible, efficient, and effective food aid program that helps refugees when and where they need it most, so they won’t be forced to seek refuge in Europe or beyond.  And it advances policies that will improve food security and better enable people to grow their own way out of poverty – so they will no longer have to depend upon U.S. foreign assistance. And it does this all without increasing spending.

“This committee has held numerous hearings on food security.  The bill before us today, which passed the Senate with unanimous support, reflects more than three years of careful deliberation and inclusive discussions.

“I urge Members to help get it to the President’s desk without further delay.”

The Committee also passed, as amended, H. Res. 650, introduced by Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), which provides for the safety and security of the Iranian dissidents living in Camp Liberty/Hurriya in Iraq and awaiting resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and permits use of their own assets to assist in their resettlement.

In remarks prior to passage of H. Res. 650, Chairman Royce said: “This past October, 23 residents of Camp Liberty were killed in a rocket attack on the camp.  And we have been receiving information that the Iranian regime and their proxies in Iran are preparing for an imminent attack against the camp’s residents.  That is why Mr. Poe’s resolution calls on the Administration and the Iraqi Government to work to provide camp residents with the protections they need, and to ensure they are expeditiously resettled outside of Iraq, in such safe-havens as Albania.”

Additionally, the Committee passed the following measures:

  • As amended, H. Res. 374, introduced by Rep. Denny Heck (D-WA), recognizes the 50th anniversary of Singaporean independence and reaffirms Singapore’s close partnership with the United States;
  • As amended, H. Con. Res. 129, introduced by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), expresses support for the goal of ensuring that all Holocaust victims live with dignity, comfort, and security in their remaining years, and urges the Federal Republic of Germany to reaffirm its commitment to this goal through a financial commitment to comprehensively address the unique health and welfare needs of vulnerable Holocaust victims, including home care and other medically prescribed needs;
  • As amended, S. 284, Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, introduced by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), imposes sanctions with respect to foreign persons responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.

A summary of the Committee action, including adopted amendments, will be available HERE.

###