[Capitol Corner] Update on annual U.S. Government contribution to UNICEF

We got good news today about Congressional action on the annual appropriations for UNICEF. The following update comes from our Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., Martin Rendon. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last week, the full House of Representatives passed the bill to fund appropriations in Fiscal Year 2008 for foreign operations. As passed by the House, the measure provides a contribution of $128 million from the U.S. Government to UNICEF's regular resources. This is $5 million above the amount the President requested and $2.3 million above the level UNICEF last received ($125.7 million each for Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007). During House Floor debate, several amendments to make across-the-board cuts in foreign assistance funding were all defeated, thereby preserving the $128 million level. And yesterday the Senate Appropriations Committee reported its version of the legislation for full Senate consideration. The Senate bill provides $129 million for UNICEF, $1 million above the House-passed level. The Senate hopes to take up the legislation in mid-July. After the Senate passes its bill, we will be posting a new advocacy action alert to urge the House-Senate conference committee that meets to resolve differences between the two bills to adopt the higher Senate number for UNICEF. We will keep you posted as developments unfold. Thanks to all who have clicked on the "UNICEF Funding" advocacy action item on our website. As you can see, your efforts make a difference! Martin Rendon Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy U.S. Fund for UNICEF