Oversight Plan of the Committee

For the 111th congress — January 28, 2009

Pursuant to Rule X, clause 2 (d) of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, hereinafter referred to as "the Committee," has adopted this oversight plan for the two-year period of the 111th Congress. As required by that rule, the Committee has submitted this plan to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on House Administration, not later than February 15 of the first session of the Congress. It includes the areas in which the Committee intends to conduct oversight during this Congress.* New developments always change the Committee's priorities. The oversight work of the Committee may therefore change.

The Committee will consult with other Committees having jurisdiction over the same or related laws, programs, or agencies as are within its jurisdiction, including its special oversight jurisdiction; and it will use such mechanisms as joint briefings and coordination of staff work and travel to meet the requirements of Rule X(2)(d)(1)(A). As required by Rule X (2)(d)(1), in the course of its oversight work, it will remain continually alert for the existence of Federal rules, regulations, statutes, and court decisions that are ambiguous, arbitrary, or nonsensical, or that impose severe financial burdens on individuals, and it will review Federal programs with a view to ensuring against duplication of such programs. As required by Rule XI, the Committee will hold appropriate hearings on waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in Government programs within the Committee's jurisdiction.

  1. 1.Priority Oversight Matters Top
    1. IraqU.S. involvement in Iraq is one of the most critical issues for U.S. foreign policy. The Committee will review all aspects of U.S. policy, including: the U.S. military presence; implementation of the Strategic Framework and Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and Iraq; internal political developments and trends including Iraq's prospects for transition to a secure and stable democracy; U.S. reconstruction and economic assistance; U.S. security assistance; development of the Iraqi security forces, from perspectives of size, effectiveness, and ethnic integration; regional and international diplomatic efforts to help stabilize Iraq and re-integrate Iraq into various regional and international organizations and fora; efforts to assist over four million displaced Iraqis; and the role of external financial and material support for insurgents, militias and terrorist groups in Iraq.
    2. AfghanistanThe Committee will review all aspects of U.S. policy toward Afghanistan, including: factors contributing to the resurgence of the Taliban and their basis for support; U.S. assistance programs and their reauthorization; the increasing rate of narcotics production and whether our counternarcotics strategy is effective; the increasing links between the Taliban and al-Qaeda; the ineffectiveness of international reconstruction projects; the lack of accountability of military equipment provided to the Afghan National Police; the preparedness and training of the Afghan national security forces; the role of NATO Member States and their inability to provide meaningful troop contributions without restrictive caveats in security and reconstruction matters; the impact of Pakistan policy on Afghanistan; the lack of progress in judicial reform; the status of women and children; U.S.-Afghan trade development and promotion; whether U.S. Government assets and personnel are optimally employed; corruption within the Afghanistan Government; and other matters.
    3. PakistanThe Committee will review our overall policy toward Pakistan and its importance to regional stability in South Asia. This review will include all aspects of U.S. assistance to Pakistan, an examination of increased militancy and violence in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, the increasing Talibanization of the settled areas, governance challenges for Pakistan's new democratically-elected civilian government, civil-military relations, and other matters.
    4. IranThe Committee will continue to review U.S. policy to address Iran's ongoing efforts to develop and acquire nuclear capabilities, its unconventional weapons and ballistic missile development and support for international terrorism. The Committee will also review U.S. efforts to fully implement bilateral sanctions against Iran under U.S. law, as well as the status and enforcement of multilateral sanctions regimes against Iran. The Committee will closely monitor the effect of Iran's foreign policy in the Middle East, including its diplomatic, economic and military relations and objectives. This includes Iran's influence on key parties and events in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories, especially Gaza, including ongoing support for terrorist groups in the region. Additionally, the Committee will also closely review Iranian activities in Africa and the Western Hemisphere. The Committee will also critically evaluate the policies of Russia, China, the European Union, the Gulf States and other nations toward Iran and its proxies, particularly their efforts to prevent or seriously impede Iran's acquisition of a nuclear capability as well as its pursuit of other non-conventional weapons and medium- and long-range ballistic missiles and its support for international terrorism.
    5. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Other Middle East FlashpointsThe Committee will carefully review U.S. policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including diplomatic efforts to resolve that conflict, as well as Israeli efforts to achieve peace and normalization with its other neighbors and to combat terrorism. Within this context, the Committee will closely monitor U.S. economic, development, humanitarian and security assistance to the Palestinians, including to ensure that such programs are in full compliance with U.S. law. The Committee will evaluate U.S. policy toward Lebanon, including U.S. democracy and security assistance, as well as examine ongoing challenges to domestic stability in Lebanon. In particular, the Committee will monitor the political and military/terrorist role played by Hezbollah, both in Lebanon and the region. Finally, the Committee will monitor emerging threats and areas of instability within the Middle East and review prospects for political reform throughout the region. The Committee will also closely monitor the activities of U.S. regional envoys.
    6. North KoreaThe Committee will review the nuclear and missile threat posed by North Korea, its continuing human rights violations, and U.S. efforts to assist North Korean refugees. The Committee will review the status of the Six-Party Talks, the implementation of the dismantlement and disarmament agreement, and examine next steps in U.S. policy to address the North Korean threat.
    7. Foreign Assistance Reform and Program ImplementationThe Committee will review the planning, budgeting, programming and implementation of U.S. foreign assistance. The Committee will consider possible reforms to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. The Committee will review the ongoing issues related to the implementation of U.S. foreign assistance programs and projects, as well as issues related to coordination between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other agencies and departments involved in carrying out U.S. foreign assistance. In addition, the Committee will review the decreased role of USAID in developing foreign assistance policy, the implementation issues facing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), including existing and potential compacts and threshold programs, the role of U.S. missions and embassies in the planning, budgeting, programming, and implementation of U.S. foreign assistance, and other issues.
    8. State Department Authorization, Review and ReformThe Committee will examine the operations, budget, programs, planning, and long-term staffing needs of the Department of State in carrying out its responsibilities to further U.S. national interests and implement foreign policy that addresses current and emerging challenges. The Committee also will review the adequacy of the Department's long-range overseas building plan to provide an appropriate physical platform for the conduct of 21st Century diplomacy.
    9. Assessing a Rising China and Its Growing Global RoleThe Committee will review current thinking as to the degree to which China is prepared to become a responsible stakeholder in the international system of states in dealing with situations such as in North Korea, Burma, and Sudan. It will also review China's growing role in regions far from its borders, including Africa and the Western Hemisphere, and China's growing role in the world economy and its increasing impact on the world's environment. The Committee will also review human rights, corruption, environmental damage and social unrest in China, the prospects for democratic reforms, and China's continuing military buildup, including that directed toward Taiwan.
    10. U.S.-Russian RelationsThe Committee will review U.S. policy, interests and approaches toward Russia, including Russian foreign policy objectives, the role of nationalism (particularly energy nationalism) and organized corruption and repression in Russian politics, and the balance of power within the Russian political leadership. The Committee will examine the Russian approach toward democracy, human rights and economic freedom, the Russian Government's use of energy supplies as strategic leverage over neighboring states, Russian attitudes toward European security and its relations with its neighbors (particularly Ukraine and Georgia following the August 2008 conflict), and Russian sales of advanced arms and proliferation of technology related to weapons of mass destruction. As in the 110th Congress, the Committee may act upon a proposed U.S.-Russia agreement for enhanced nuclear cooperation.
    11. SudanThe Committee will monitor: the continuing genocide in Darfur in an effort to determine appropriate measures to stop the violence and provide humanitarian relief; the status of efforts to deploy a capable peacekeeping mission in Darfur; implementation of the North-South peace agreement; political and economic developments in Southern Sudan; implementation of U.S. sanctions against Sudan; Sudan's role as a state sponsor of terrorism; and the role of outside states and entities (e.g., China, the Arab League) in helping or preventing a solution to the interconnected political, security and humanitarian crises in Sudan.
    12. Counterterrorism in the Horn of Africa and SahelThe Committee will review the planning and ongoing implementation of U.S. security assistance programs in the Sahel and Horn of Africa, including CJTF-HOA and other counterterrorism initiatives and anti-piracy programs. The Committee will review: security and humanitarian conditions following the deployment of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and withdrawal of Ethiopian forces; efforts to advance a political settlement; implications of the lack of rule of law, including terrorism and piracy; regional support for terrorist organizations in Somalia and violations of the United Nations arms embargo; and next steps in reconstruction and stabilization operations. The Committee will also review and evaluate the integration of defense, diplomacy, and development efforts with specific focus on clarifying and monitoring the role and responsibilities of State Department programs and activities in these regions, including security capacity building, humanitarian assistance, economic development, and political reform.
    13. Global AIDS Crisis and Other Global Health ThreatsThe Committee will review global health challenges from all perspectives, examining whether U.S. policy is responsive, coordinated and effective in combating global outbreaks of viral and infectious diseases. The Committee will assess and review the global burden of disease and the relationship between health and development. The Committee will monitor closely the implementation of the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008.
    14. Climate ChangeThe Committee will conduct oversight on U.S. efforts to address global warming, including those undertaken pursuant to international instruments, initiatives, and partnerships. The Committee will also monitor implementation of provisions under Title IX of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to provide assistance to developing countries to promote clean and efficient energy technologies.
    15. U.S.-Western Hemisphere RelationsThe Committee will review our relationship with our Western Hemisphere neighbors in the face of rising anti-democratic trends and strained U.S. influence in the region. The Committee will review our programs with Mexico in light of: (1) increased drugs and violence on the U.S.-Mexico border; and (2) severe economic pressures on migrant populations. The Committee will review the effectiveness and future of Plan Colombia, the Merida Initiative, and U.S. counternarcotics strategy generally. The Committee will review U.S.-Cuba policy and challenges in the U.S.-Cuba relationship. The Committee also will assess the state of democracy in countries in the region, and review the implications that narco-trafficking, organized crime, and extremism in the region hold for U.S. national security and how these threats are being confronted.
    16. Genocide and Mass Atrocities PreventionThe Committee will examine early warning systems to prevent genocide, U.S. strategies on early intervention, rapid response strategies and emergency preparedness planning and the need for improved intelligence estimates on those matters, as needed. The Committee also will review the failures of the international community to intervene in genocides when they occur.
    17. U.S. Nuclear Nonproliferation PolicyThe Committee will review and evaluate U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and arms control policies, especially those to support a successful review of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in 2010, to include a focus on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and evaluation of the need to renew the U.S. commitment to global nuclear disarmament efforts. The Committee will give attention to U.S. and Russian efforts to negotiate a successor agreement to START I that retains the transparency and confidence-building measures of that treaty, as well as possible reductions in nuclear warheads and their delivery vehicles. The Committee will monitor and evaluate the global expansion of civil nuclear power for its implications for the spread of technology, equipment and material useful in the development of nuclear weapons capabilities. The Committee will exercise its jurisdiction regarding proposed bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements between the United States and other countries. The Committee will review the critical problem of "loose nukes" around the world, such as unprotected enriched uranium in Russia, and what new tools may be needed to combat nuclear black markets such as the one created by A.Q. Khan. The Committee will also review and evaluate the progress of the Proliferation Security Initiative and consider measures to improve its effectiveness.
  2. 2.General Review of U.S. Foreign Policy Top

    Meetings with foreign political leaders: The Committee will continue its ongoing program of informal and formal meetings with Administration officials, foreign political leaders and key stakeholders and constituencies to fully explore the effectiveness of United States foreign policy.

  3. 3.International Security/UN/Peacekeeping/General Top
    1. Oversight of arms transfer procedures and legislation, including the implementation of previous laws and modifications made to the Arms Export Control Act regarding arms transfers. Review of: policy regarding unmanned aerial vehicles, the Taiwan Relations Act (to ensure effective implementation), and government-to-government arms sales and end-use monitoring programs.
    2. Peacekeeping oversight, including: Administration policy implementing existing Presidential Decision Directives on peacekeeping; supporting new peacekeeping operations and terminating existing missions; the Global Peace Operations Initiative; United Nations peacekeeping reform including command and control issues, implementation of the Code of Conduct, and combating waste, fraud and abuse; UN support for regional peacekeeping missions and special attention to the status of the international peacekeeping efforts in general.
    3. Review of National/International Missile Defense and its relationship to U.S. relations with allies, Russia, China and others; its impact on long-term U.S. security and nonproliferation goals; and other related issues.
    4. National Missile Defense–Review of foreign policy aspects, including implications of basing ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems in Central Europe and proceeding with plans for missile defense in the Czech Republic and Poland.
    5. Nonproliferation and disarmament topics:
      1. Nunn-Lugar Program–Review implementation of program aimed at dismantlement and destruction of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons in the former Soviet Union, including waiver issues and expanding geographic scope of the program.
      2. Compliance with existing arms control agreements and review of agreements to which the United States is not party, including the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Land Mine Ban Treaty, and the negotiation of future arms control arrangements, particularly a treaty related to the banning of fissile material production.
      3. Review of nonproliferation sanctions and technology control regimes, including feasibility of establishing new international missile control and other regimes and investigating the scope of global black market activities and networks in the sale of nuclear, chemical, biological and missile materials and equipment, as well as reviewing U.S. efforts to combat and terminate these activities and networks.
      4. Status of the implementation of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, including ways to broaden its participants' organization and activities.
      5. Pakistan–Review of nonproliferation cooperation.
      6. Assess U.S. policy in reducing the role of China in the proliferation of WMD and missiles, including its commitment to upholding global nonproliferation norms.
      7. Review implications of the A.Q. Khan Nuclear Network and require intelligence community briefings and reports on the matter.
      8. Review of programs regarding the disposition and elimination of excess weapons-grade plutonium stores worldwide.
      9. Review the status of the land mine treaty ban and U.S. efforts to develop alternative land mine technologies.
      10. Evaluate ongoing international efforts to establish an Arms Trade Treaty.
      11. Review and evaluate options for U.S. observance and participation in the Cluster Munitions Treaty.
      12. Evaluate U.S. and international support for the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including the provision for additional and timely financial resources.
      13. Monitor U.S. policies in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to strengthen the NSG Guidelines.
    6. Security Assistance:
      1. Review overall effectiveness and implementation of security assistance programs including Foreign Military Financing (FMF), Economic Support Funds (ESF), International Military Education and Training (IMET), International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), draw-downs, Excess Defense Article transfers, antiterrorism, and nonproliferation and export control assistance (specific programs requiring additional oversight include security assistance for new and aspiring NATO Member States and Middle East states).
      2. Review security assistance programs implemented directly by the Department of Defense.
      3. Evaluate potential retransfer of foreign policy and security assistance functions currently performed by the Department of Defense to the Department of State and USAID.
    7. The Committee will review all aspects of U.S. funding of and participation in international organizations and assess the extent to which the United Nations is fulfilling its role in mediating conflict, managing security crises, providing humanitarian relief, preventing and addressing human rights abuses, managing peacekeeping operations, providing assistance in the reconstruction of failed states, and responding to environmental crisis in furtherance of U.S. national security interests. Professional, ethical, and accountable management of UN programs is essential to the ability of the UN to carry out this mandate and, therefore, the Committee will conduct thorough, ongoing oversight of UN management. The Committee will also have as a priority the strengthening of U.S. diplomatic capability at the UN and other International Organizations. In addition, the Committee will examine implementation of UN reform legislation, progress of additional international organization reform efforts, and oversight of the effectiveness of the promotion and protection of human rights within the United Nations system, particularly through the General Assembly's Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Human Rights Council:
      1. Assess issues including: reform of fiscal management, procurement, ethics, accountability and transparency, hiring of Americans to work in the UN system, budgeting issues, institutionalization of work on the reform agenda within the United States Mission to the United Nations, etc.
      2. Review the work of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Department of Field Support.
      3. Review status of developments relating to UN Security Council Resolution 1540 and the U.S. Proliferation Security Initiative, including a discussion of related legal issues such as the ratification of the Law of the Sea Convention.
      4. Oversight of implementation of the Intelligence Reform Act provisions regarding efforts to support the Democracy Caucus at the United Nations.
      5. Review of U.S. strategy to combat anti-Israel and anti-Semitic activity throughout the United Nations system.
      6. Assess the "cluster approach" of the UN system toward addressing the needs of internally displaced persons.
    8. International crime:
      1. Growing links between organized crime, illicit drugs, and global terrorism;
      2. Impact of U.S. foreign assistance on advancing the rule of law and anticorruption activities on U.S. ability to combat international crime.
      3. International criminal organizations in Africa.
      4. Oversight of existing International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEA).
      5. Impact of international trafficking of humans, arms, and narcotics; document fraud; and money laundering.
      6. International trafficking of women and children: sexual exploitation, labor slavery, "camel jockeying," and child soldiers.
      7. International intellectual property piracy issues: how piracy is being used to support international crime and terrorism, and its impact on the American economy.
      8. International economic espionage and how it hurts American business and interests.
      9. Extraterritorial prosecutions of U.S. law violations.
    9. Oversight of agency implementation of the Government Performance and Results Act.
    10. Narcotics:
      1. U.S. counternarcotics policy in Afghanistan.
      2. Eradication efforts and their effectiveness; alternative development.
      3. The "certification process" and the annual determinations for major drug producing and transit nations around the globe.
      4. Review the role of narcotics trafficking in terror financing.
      5. Review U.S. counternarcotics efforts in the Western Hemisphere.
      6. Assess the growing threat of narco-trafficking in Africa.
    11. International terrorism/espionage:
      1. Examine the current status of al-Qaeda, its efforts to obtain WMD, its changing organizational structure as it becomes a more decentralized organization, its relationship and cooperation with other radical Islamic terrorist organizations, the extent to which it is inspiring new terrorist groups around the world, and its current recruitment effort.
      2. Review U.S. Government and allied efforts to capture or kill al-Qaeda's leaders; U.S. policies toward detention, treatment and rendition, including U.S. efforts to create a common coalition approach to such policies.
      3. Explore existing U.S. Government strategy to deal with terrorists and the degree to which such efforts are based on systematic analysis; review various alternatives to win the long-term struggle against the ideologies of those who use terrorism.
      4. Oversight of the State Department's Antiterrorism Assistance Program, terrorism financing efforts, and coordination of diplomatic initiatives with foreign governments in the global war on terrorism;
      5. Oversight of the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, etc., regarding their work on international aspects of terrorism and efforts by foreign intelligence services to threaten U.S. interests.
      6. Dangers posed by other Middle East-based terrorist groups, including those supported by Iran and Syria, such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and various Iraqi terrorist groups, and those supported by private or government funding from Arab Gulf states.
      7. The threat of extremist ideology and terrorist organizations in Latin America and Africa.
      8. Explore the activities of Southeast Asian terrorist groups.
      9. The AMIA (Buenos Aires Jewish Community Building) bombing.
      10. Effectiveness of the U.S. technological response to terrorism.
      11. Border security programs, to include overseas visa lookout system in light of the new provisions of law relative to the exclusion of aliens who are members of foreign terrorist organizations.
      12. Security of U.S. Government facilities abroad.
      13. Expenditure of post security funds, to include a review of personnel increases and asset management to minimize cost of property acquisition.
      14. Review of the Federal Government's effort to coordinate international counterterrorism programs through the State Department.
      15. Assessment of the effect of U.S. counter-terrorism activities, including activities in Iraq and Afghanistan, on the recruitment and support of terrorist groups and activities.
      16. Assessment of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) operations against Turkey.
      17. International cooperation for access to the international space station.
    12. Effectiveness and possible expansion of multilateral technology transfer/export controls.
    13. Monitor activities of the International Criminal Court and its ongoing prosecutions and investigations, and the status of Article 98 agreements and laws restricting aid to countries which have not signed Article 98 agreements with the United States; monitor the activities of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.
    14. Review cooperation with INTERPOL.
    15. Review reorganization of arms control and Bureau for International Security and Nonproliferation.
  4. 4.State Department and Related Agencies Operations Top
    1. Hearings with the Secretary of State and other Administration officials on the FY2010 and 2011 budgets and on authorization issues and legislation, including enhancing the ability of the U.S. Department of State to confront 21st Century diplomatic challenges, GPRA issues, supplemental spending plans, public diplomacy and reorganization plans, "Transformational Diplomacy," etc.
    2. Oversight of the activities of the various Special Envoys and Representatives and their coordination with operations of the Department of State.
    3. Review trust fund organizations: East/West Center, Asia Foundation, Eisenhower Foundation, and others.
    4. Overseas property management: management of the foreign buildings; expenditures of supplemental funds; progress on asset management (property disposal and acquisitions).
    5. Management of the foreign affairs agencies' workforce—implementation and development of staffing models, including: review of the future of the Foreign Service; personnel practices, and management of overseas presence; assignment process; utilization of the Civil Service; size of the Senior Foreign Service and Senior Executive Service.
    6. American Institute in Taiwan (general oversight).
    7. International Border Commissions.
    8. State Authorization Initiatives–further review of public diplomacy to improve strategy and inter-agency coordination, encourage better leveraging of resources in the public and private sectors, and provide greater support to public diplomacy initiatives.
    9. Review of the organizational structure of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, language service modernization plans, quality control issues of the Middle East Broadcasting Network, Voice of America (VOA) and RFE/RL and the Broadcasting Board of Governors' responsibility to assure broadcasts are of the highest quality.
    10. Review of public diplomacy programs and issues arising from the consolidation of programs formerly conducted by the United States Information Agency; ability of the Department to measure the results of its efforts in this area and to plan and sequence its activities so as to most h5ly support United States foreign policy.
    11. Monitoring and proposing efforts to improve the image of the United States in the world.
    12. Review the role of the State Department in ensuring full compliance with The Hague Treaty on International Adoption, and the Intercountry Adoption Act; review of the implementation of the Intercountry Adoption Act, and review of the Office of Children's Services with an emphasis on services related to abducted and adopted children.
    13. Review of implementation of "rightsizing" of U.S. overseas posts.
    14. Review of the U.S. use of private military contractors for security and related functions.
    15. Review of the operations of the Office of Foreign Missions.
    16. Embassy/post security, staffing, engagement; new embassy/consulate construction.
    17. Review of the Diplomatic Security Bureau (DS)–overall activities, but focus on visa and passport fraud investigations; effectiveness of substantial staffing increases for DS during the past 3 years.
    18. Consular processes–including concerns of the academic, student, and business communities as well as national security concerns.
    19. Monitor Case-Zablocki Act modifications and compliance.
    20. Reform of the Executive Branch reporting requirements.
  5. 5.Foreign Assistance Top
    1. Hearings with the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator: (1) on foreign assistance reform; (2) on the FY2010 and FY 2011 foreign assistance budget requests to review size, purpose and effectiveness of FY2009 and FY2010 International Affairs Function 150 budgets; and (3) on the underlying legislative authorities, objectives, design, implementation and effectiveness, on-going reform, reorganization and management of the U.S. foreign assistance program.**
    2. Review size, purpose and effectiveness of FY2009 and FY2010 International Affairs Function 150 budgets.
    3. Conduct a special review of programs with noted problems focusing on activities highlighted in USAID Inspector General and GAO reports–special emphasis will be given to USAID.
      1. Missions and Operations.
      2. International Food Security.
      3. Foreign Aid Information Systems.
      4. State Department's Office of the Director of Foreign Assistance and Foreign Assistance Reform.
      5. Contingency Contracting.
      6. Millennium Challenge Corporation Program.
      7. USAID Acquisition and Assistance.
      8. Afghanistan and Iraq Reconstruction.
    4. Special attention will be given to the effectiveness of programs that have consumed large amounts of Congressional attention in recent years, including international family planning, international child survival, refugee and migration assistance, and international education, including basic education.
    5. A careful review of reform-related issues, such as: Reform of procurement procedures to increase efficient use of U.S. resources (such as those noted in the HELP Commission report); proposals to promote trade in conjunction with aid; coordination of U.S. Government aid programs with international aid agencies to which the U.S. Government contributes to avoid duplication; the harmonization of the conceptual bases for U.S. Government aid programs, e.g. "development," "transformational diplomacy," "prevention of failed states," and "stabilization and reconstruction"; proposals to restructure the U.S. foreign assistance apparatus, including a centralized aid agency and/or a cabinet-level coordination position for agencies involved in providing aid, and implications of such proposals; the proper coordination of U.S. Government aid programs with the other components of the national security structure; the proper staffing of U.S. Government aid agencies; and the impact of earmarking on aid programs, and Committee oversight on the implementation of U.S. Government aid programs.
    6. Review role and implementation of impact evaluation and monitoring processes in U.S. foreign assistance programs.
    7. Oversight of U.S. global efforts against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, including U.S. support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria.
    8. Oversight and review of the U.S. Government response to the global food crisis, including development and humanitarian assistance provided to respond to the crisis and to prevent future crises.
    9. Review status, funding and implementation of the Millennium Challenge Account, including oversight of activities of the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
    10. Review of U.S. poverty-reduction programs, including the role of the U.S. in helping to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and the role of international organizations and financial institutions in poverty reduction.
    11. Impact of corruption on development and anticorruption efforts in the developing world. Review of anticorruption foreign assistance programs and other programs designed to reduce corruption in foreign countries.
    12. Oversight and review of the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization.
    13. Oversight and review of efforts to rebuild USAID's civilian capacity, including the Development Leadership Initiative.
    14. Review cost, management, donor coordination and impact of U.S. foreign assistance programs for specific regions and countries or specific needs. Special emphasis will be given to major aid programs in
      1. Iraq.
      2. Afghanistan.
      3. Pakistan, including the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan.
      4. The West Bank and Gaza, including those in support of Palestinian security forces.
      5. Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union, with a particular focus on Central Asia.
      6. Eastern Europe, especially in emerging markets.
      7. Balkans, with a particular focus on Kosovo, Serbia and Bosnia during their ongoing political transitions.
      8. Georgia, including reconstruction efforts following the 2008 conflict with Russia and improvements in democracy and governance.
      9. The Andean region and Central America.
      10. Haiti.
      11. Africa.
      12. Southeast Asia.
      13. Activities that are research and promotional in character relating to international cooperation on environmental and other scientific issues.
      14. Egypt.
      15. North Korea.
      16. Yemen.
      17. Oversight and review of ongoing complex humanitarian emergencies.
    15. Tour of worldwide progress of democracy; review efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. Government-funded democracy programs, including roles of grantees and contractors.
    16. U.S. public diplomacy efforts, branding and labeling U.S. assistance.
    17. Victims of terrorism compensation.
    18. Review implementation of USAID vetting procedures for implementing partner organizations.
    19. Review status and role of international labor programs implemented by the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
    20. Peace Corps–Conduct oversight of plans for expansion, security and safety concerns, and the better utilization of returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
    21. Oversight and review of the implementation of the trade title of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ("Farm bill").
    22. Oversight and review of the implementation of the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act.
    23. Oversight and review of the implementation of the Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act of 2008 (Title XVI of the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act).
    24. Oversight and review of neglected diseases.
  6. 6.Africa Top
    1. Periodic review of sub-Saharan Africa with the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and of North Africa with the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.
    2. Food Aid, Agricultural Development, and Trade in Africa—The Committee will review the effectiveness of present food aid and agricultural assistance programs in Africa and the U.S. contribution to address the UN Millennium Development Goal to eradicate extreme hunger and poverty.
    3. Democracy, Governance, Human Rights and Rule of Law—The Committee will review the effectiveness of present efforts to promote the development of democratic institutions and practices, capacity of public institutions to govern effectively and efficiently, protection and respect for human rights and the adherence to established and transparent rules, standards, and procedures as a safeguard against arbitrary rule.
    4. Assessment of programs and activities of AFRICOM and its impact on U.S. assistance and U.S.-Africa relations.
    5. Review of U.S. assistance to support primary, secondary, and, especially, higher education in Africa.
    6. Periodic review of conflict areas in Africa, including but not limited to the Mano River region, the Gulf of Guinea, Zimbabwe, the Great Lakes region, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa.
    7. U.S. security assistance programs, particularly those with train-and-equip components, including: those implemented through AFRICOM and CJTF-HOA; other counter-terrorism initiatives including the East Africa Counterterrorism Initiative (EACTI), the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP), Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) and Section 1206 of the NDAA; peacekeeping assistance, including the Africa Contingency Operations Training Assistance (ACOTA) program; and maritime security, anti-piracy, and counter-narcotics initiatives.
    8. Libya–Review of U.S. policy toward Libya including the path toward cautious re-engagement, progress in addressing and compensating victims of previous terrorist aggression, and ongoing governance and human rights concerns.
    9. Sudan–Continued investigation into the situation in Darfur following declarations of genocide by the Congress and the Administration; assessment of the implementation of the final peace agreement between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement; oversight of U.S. assistance to support implementation of the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004 (P.L. 108–497) and the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006 (P.L. 109–344); assessment of the status of slavery in northern Sudan.
    10. Zimbabwe–Review of U.S. policy toward Zimbabwe, including oversight of U.S. efforts to support civil society and promote political and economic reform and recovery.
    11. Democratic Republic of Congo–Oversight of U.S. support for democratic transition in the DRC,UN peacekeeping operations in the region, and implementation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security and Democracy Promotion Act of 2006 (P.L. 109–456).
    12. Liberia–Oversight of U.S. support for democratic transition in Liberia and UN peacekeeping operations in the region.
    13. Nigeria–Review of the status of U.S.-Nigeria relations in light of Nigeria's critical role as a major provider of oil and a key player in security arrangements in West Africa, including efforts to promote economic and democratic reform, combat corruption, support civil society, address human rights concerns and foster regional security.
    14. Somalia–Review of U.S. policy toward Somalia, including efforts to counter extremism, foster peace and promote regional stability in a collapsed state.
    15. Northern Uganda–Oversight of U.S. efforts to promote a just and sustainable peace in Northern Uganda.
    16. Ethiopia—Review of respect for human rights and political and economic developments in Ethiopia and emerging political tensions in the Horn of Africa.
    17. Evaluation of U.S. relations with African regional and sub-regional organizations, including but not limited to the African Union (AU), NEPAD, ECOWAS, COMESA, and SADC.
    18. Assessment of U.S. trade and investment in Africa, including oversight of the African Growth and Opportunity Act and review of non-tariff trade barriers and their connection to trade, corruption, and development, and evaluation of the success of USAID efforts in these areas.
    19. Assessment of the impact of multilateral and bilateral debt on African economies, and the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB), and other International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Africa.
    20. Review of China's growing engagement in Africa.
    21. Oversight of United States efforts to promote transparency and accountability in Africa, including the Chad-Cameroon Pipeline Project, the Kimberly Process, and the Clean Diamond Trade Act (P.L. 108–19), and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
    22. Review of ongoing democratization efforts in Africa, including the growth of institutions promoting freedom of the press, pluralism, and the participation of civil society.
    23. Oversight of Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) programs in North Africa.
    24. Oversight of USAID-supported conservation programs in Africa.
    25. Oversight of the Administration's efforts to combat infectious diseases in Africa, particularly HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, including U.S. support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria, and PEPFAR.
    26. Oversight of the U.S.-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone, including the trial of the former President of Liberia, Charles Taylor.
    27. Oversight of U.S. efforts to address corruption and organized crime in Africa, including the International Law Enforcement Academy in Botswana.
    28. Review of U.S. efforts to assist African nations in adapting to climate change through existing or new mechanisms.
    29. Review of U.S. assistance for clean water and sanitation in Africa.
    30. Assessment of slavery in Africa.
    31. Review of growing religious tensions on the Continent.
    32. Assessment of gaps in official presence in Africa.
  7. 7.Asia and the Pacific Top
    1. Overview of U.S. interests and foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region: bilateral alliances; ASEAN and other regional organizations; USAID programs; public diplomacy; international terrorism and counterterrorism cooperation; democracy promotion and human rights; military-to-military relations; U.S. trade policy, including proposed free trade agreements; health (HIV/AIDS, Avian influenza) and environmental concerns (water and air pollutions, desertification, carbon emissions); and improved coordination of anti-trafficking in human persons policies.
    2. North Korean strategic challenge–Oversight focused on diplomatic and alternative policy options for eliminating North Korea's nuclear weapons programs and capabilities, as well as efforts to curb proliferation and other illicit activities by the North Korean Government.
    3. Managing Sino-American relations in the 21st Century–Oversight examining broad trends in economic, political, and security relations between the U.S. and the People's Republic of China (PRC).
    4. U.S.-Japan Relationship–Oversight of the continuing vital partnership between the United States and Japan and Japan's continuing emergence as a more active participant in the international system.
    5. U.S. Security Policy in Asia and the Pacific–Oversight on counterterrorism, strategic trends in Asia, and U.S. security policy coordination with the PACOM Commander.
    6. Maintaining Stability in the Taiwan Strait–Review of cross-Strait relations, strategic posture and relevant U.S. policy, including sales of defensive weapons under the Taiwan Relations Act, the thirtieth anniversary of which will occur in April 2009.
    7. Implementation of the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 (P.L.108–333)–Oversight on implementation of the U.S. Public Law 108–333 and the continued plight of North Korean refugees and migrants.
    8. Review of options for family reunification for members of the Korean-American community with their North Korean relatives.
    9. U.S. interests in Indonesia–Oversight on issues including military-to-military relations, human rights, democratization, economic reform, decentralization, and U.S. public diplomacy.
    10. U.S.–Republic of Korea (ROK) Alliance Management–Review of efforts focused on the future of the U.S.–ROK alliance, the implication of U.S. force relocation for bilateral relations, U.S. public diplomacy efforts, particularly toward the younger generation in South Korea, as well as the KORUS FTA.
    11. The situation in Burma–Oversight relating to prospective annual legislative renewal of U.S. sanctions against Burma under the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 and the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008.
    12. U.S. policies toward Southeast Asia—Oversight on U.S. diplomatic and strategic engagement with Southeast Asian countries, including with regional organizations such as ASEAN.
    13. The Role of China in Foreign Assistance—Monitor the role of China in foreign assistance, with particular attention to the impact of China's aid and trade policies on less developed countries.
    14. Marshall Islands Changed Circumstances Petition–Oversight of the results of the U.S. Government review of "changed circumstances" petition by the Republic of the Marshall Islands for additional compensation for U.S. nuclear testing in the atolls during the 1950s.
    15. Review implementation of the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–228, Sections 611–621) in light of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the 1959 Tibet Uprising and flight of the Dalai Lama, with special attention given to the situation of ethnic and minority rights in China.
    16. Monitor the maintenance of reciprocity between China and the United States in the opening of new consulates, and the adequacy of consular protection for American citizens in China.
    17. Energy Security in Asia and the Pacific–Oversight focusing on Asia's growing energy requirements and the implications of such on geopolitics, including reviewing China's growing ties with the Middle East.
    18. U.S. Economic and Trade Policy toward the People's Republic of China–oversight focusing on commercial relations with China and prospects for better balance in bilateral trade relations.
    19. Cultural and public diplomacy toward Asia and the Pacific–oversight focusing on the adequacy of U.S. cultural and public diplomacy in Asia.
    20. Visa policy and U.S. interests in Asia and the Pacific–oversight examining whether the U.S. has adequately balanced U.S. security interests post 9/11 with foregone academic, commercial and tourist opportunities as a result of current restrictions.
    21. Social Trends in the PRC–Oversight examining internal stability and reform, and the implications for regional stability and U.S. investment in China.
    22. U.S. policy and foreign assistance toward Central Asia on economic and trade growth, resource development, promotion of democracy and human rights, development of civil society, counterterrorism and counter-proliferation, and the rise of Islamist extremism.
  8. 8.Europe Top
    1. Periodic reviews of the region with the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs: Oversight of the declining SEED Act and Freedom Support Act funding for nations in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and the former Soviet region that have not yet reached a level of democratic maturity; assess the status of their political and economic reforms; and review the status of U.S. democracy promotion activities in the region generally.
    2. U.S.-Russian relations: Review U.S. policy, interests and approaches toward Russia, including Russian foreign policy objectives, the role of nationalism in Russian politics, the status of political and economic freedoms, and corruption activities within the Russian Government. Assess U.S. policy toward Russia in cooperation against extremist movements, strategic arms control, and deployment of missile defense. Monitor implementation of the Russian Democracy Act. Review the Russian Government's use of energy supplies as strategic leverage over neighboring states, its aggressive action against Georgia, the potential for conflict with other countries in the region, its sales of advanced arms, and proliferation of technology related to weapons of mass destruction.
    3. The U.S.-EU relationship: Review U.S.–EU relations, including political, security, trade and financial issues; cooperation in addressing global threats, including counterterrorism, stability and peacekeeping operations, Iran's nuclear program, and nonproliferation matters; status of diplomatic, security and trade relations between the EU and China, including continued adherence to the arms embargo on China; transparency in European rulemaking and legislating; monitor the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon by all EU Member States, and review the impact non-ratification of the treaty could have on EU enlargement and foreign policy; and European Security and Defense Policy and its implications for the United States, including EU-NATO cooperation.
    4. Review European and Trans-Atlantic energy security.
    5. U.S.-Georgia relations: Assess repercussions of August 2008 conflict with Russia and potential for renewed violence. Review U.S. assistance to Georgia's reconstruction efforts following the conflict, with a particular focus on progress in democracy and good governance.
    6. Monitor status of and efforts to resolve frozen conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as assess the potential for renewed violence in that region.
    7. Review U.S. policy toward Ukraine.
    8. Review U.S. policy toward Belarus and the implementation of the Belarus Democracy Act.
    9. Immigration and integration of Muslims in Europe, including demographic impact.
    10. Implications for the U.S. regarding Islamic extremist groups in Europe and efforts by the EU to address this phenomenon.
    11. Turkey: Review of the domestic political struggle between Islamists and secularists; Turkey's process of accession to the EU; resolution of the situation in Cyprus; Turkish foreign policy toward Iraq, Iran, Israel, Armenia and the Caucasus, and Greece; and U.S.-Turkish relations.
    12. U.S.-UK Relations: Review the status of the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. Review of the UK's relations with and role in the EU. Review of the peace process in Northern Ireland, including the implementation of the provisions in the Good Friday Agreement.
    13. EU and U.S. sanctions on the Iranian regime: Review the proposals by the EU and leading European states to strengthen sanctions against the Iranian regime, and the current status of EU enforcement of these sanctions against those European companies that trade with Iran.
    14. Review of NATO, including: Defining U.S. strategic interests in pursuit of military cooperation with European states and how best to accomplish such objectives; NATO's role in Afghanistan; transformation; the enlargement process; intelligence/threat assessment and NATO–EU relations.
    15. The Balkans: Developments in, and U.S. policy toward, the Balkans, including the post-independence progress of Kosovo, efforts to help develop efficient and effective government institutions in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the political situation and ongoing reforms in Serbia, and support for the NATO and EU membership aspirations of countries across the region.
    16. Black Sea Strategy–An overview of the political and economic situation among nations encircling the Black Sea, including the conflicts in Georgia and Moldova.
    17. Developments in the Northern European Region, including U.S. interests, policy and events in the Baltic States and the surrounding region.
    18. Anti-corruption and anti-human trafficking in Eastern Europe—Progress made, barriers that still need to be overcome, and best strategies to achieve objectives.
    19. Overview of U.S. relations with specific regions or countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
  9. 9.Middle East Top
    1. Periodic reviews of the region with the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, other relevant Assistant Secretaries of State and Defense and other Administration officials.
    2. Assess current and potential threats emanating from the Middle East, to include conventional and unconventional threats and the status of the proliferation of nuclear, unconventional weapons and ballistic missile development in the region. Additionally, the Committee would review threats emanating from regional terrorist groups, and ideological extremists who receive sanctuary and support from state-sponsors of terrorism and exploit ungoverned or under-governed areas, and U.S. policies to combat these threats.
    3. Oversight of 9/11 bill implementation and legislation relating to Middle East:
      1. Engaging the struggle of ideas and promoting reform to prevent terrorism (including oversight of the Middle East Partnership Initiative and the Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiative).
      2. Terrorist sanctuaries.
    4. Broadcasting—including efficacy of Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. operations.
    5. Iran's ongoing efforts to develop and acquire nuclear capabilities, its unconventional weapons and ballistic missile development, and support for international terrorism. This would include U.S. efforts to address these and other threatening policies through the full implementation of existing multilateral and bilateral sanctions regimes.
    6. Syria–Syria's unconventional weapons and ballistic missile development, support for international terrorism, and efforts to develop and acquire nuclear capabilities. Additionally, the Committee will conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation of the full range of U.S. sanctions on Syria. Finally, the Committee will closely monitor Syrian policies toward Israel and Lebanon.
    7. Iraq political, economic and security situation–Assess U.S. policy toward Iraq, including, but not limited to: U.S.-Iraq bilateral relations and the implementation of U.S.-Iraqi Strategic Framework Agreement and Status of Forces Agreement; U.S. military and security operation in Iraq; reconstruction, economic and security assistance; and U.S. diplomatic operations in Iraq to include the functioning of new Embassy, Regional Embassy Offices, and Provincial Reconstruction Teams.
    8. Review of the Middle East peace process and related issues, including the role of the United States in the peace process; the implications of Hamas' role controlling Gaza, and presence in Palestinian politics generally; assistance to the Palestinians, including direct assistance, economic and development assistance, security assistance programs, and regional exchange programs; U.S. contributions to international organizations and non-governmental organizations, including, but not limited to, the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency; and ongoing developments in Gaza and the West Bank, including efforts to halt rocket fire from Gaza into Israel and to prevent smuggling of weapons and weapons components into Gaza.
    9. Israel–The Committee will review U.S. policy toward Israel, to include: efforts to ensure the maintenance of Israel's qualitative military edge including the implementation of the U.S.-Israel MOU on military assistance; U.S.-Israel cooperation on ballistic missile and short-range projectile defense initiatives; the implementation of the U.S.-Israel MOU regarding the Prevention of the Supply of Arms and Related Material to Terrorist Groups; and other efforts to strengthen U.S.-Israeli bilateral relations.
    10. Lebanon–The Committee will review the U.S. political and security strategy toward Lebanon including, but not limited to: a review of U.S. democracy and security assistance (including U.S. efforts to train and equip the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces) programs; efforts to promote the implementation of UNSCR 1559 and 1701 to include the disarmament of Hezbollah; and the progress of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
    11. Arms Sales and Security Assistance–Ensure that: the United States assesses and coordinates its Foreign Military Sales, Foreign Military Financing, Direct Commercial Sales and security assistance programs (including the "1206" and "1207" programs in Lebanon and Yemen) to ensure that those programs contribute to the advancement of stated U.S. foreign policy and security goals; steps are undertaken by the recipient governments to address such U.S. national security priorities; the U.S. Government makes an effort to vet recipient entities and individuals with access to the U.S. equipment and training that has been transferred, sold or provided; and there is post-shipment verification and end-use monitoring, as well as safeguards to prevent diversion to or sharing of technology with unintended recipients.
    12. A review of U.S. efforts to sanction foreign and U.S. entities that have helped arm state-sponsors of terrorism such as Iran and Syria, by allowing the transfer or transshipment of weapons program components through poorly-monitored ports and terminals, and a review of U.S. bilateral and multilateral efforts to strengthen regional counter-terror financing regimes, including efforts to address both fundraising by terrorist organizations, and mechanisms utilized by those groups to transfer value through formal or informal mechanisms.
    13. Regional Environmental Cooperation–Review activities of the Middle East Regional Cooperation Program, review sustainable water management options in the Jordan River Basin, and regional efforts to protect the Dead Sea.
    14. Status of Political and Economic Reform efforts in the Middle East, to include a review of European diplomatic and economic relationships with the Middle East.
    15. Review status and effectiveness of peacekeeping arrangements on the Egypt-Gaza, Israel-Lebanon, and Syria-Lebanon borders.
    16. U.S. relations with the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including: their policies toward Iran; efforts to protect regional strategic infrastructure, energy policies, counterterrorism and security cooperation; political and economic reform; and other issues of critical concern.
  10. 10.South Asia Top
    1. Periodic reviews of the region with the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs, the Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan and other relevant Administration officials.
    2. Oversight of 9/11 bill implementation and legislation relating to South Asia.
    3. Review U.S. policies toward and role in Afghanistan, including U.S. efforts against al-Qaeda and the Taliban, the status of political and economic reconstruction, the implications of the narcotics crisis, U.S. assistance programs in Afghanistan (including security assistance and counternarcotics assistance from all sources), the rights of women and children, and Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.
    4. India as a rising power–Oversight focusing on India's deepening economic, political and strategic engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond and a review of the U.S.-India Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation Agreement's implementation.
    5. U.S. Policy toward Pakistan–Oversight focusing on U.S. interests in and policy toward this critically important country, including review of all U.S. and Pakistani efforts to decrease militancy and violence there, (particularly in areas along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border), the increased Talibanization of the settled areas, and Pakistan's peace agreement with the Taliban and relevant tribal leaders along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Also, review progress toward strengthening civilian democratic governance, efforts to strengthen civil society, education reform, economic security and related matters, and the conflict in Baluchistan.
    6. Review progress in the Indo-Pakistani composite dialogue and oversight of India-Pakistan relations generally, including boundary disputes and potential increases in the nuclear arsenals in each country.
    7. Nepal—Review of the situation in Nepal, the durability of the peace process and the restoration of democracy.
    8. Bangladesh—Review of the situation in Bangladesh, including progress toward stable democratic governance, economic development, and cooperation on counterterrorism.
    9. Sectarian violence in Sri Lanka–Review resurgent violence, threats to human rights, including the obligation of the government in protecting those rights, and prospects for a sustainable peace and national reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
  11. 11.Western Hemisphere Top
    1. Periodic reviews of the region with the Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs.
    2. Review our relationship with our neighbors in the face of rising antidemocratic trends and strained U.S. influence in the region.
    3. U.S. efforts in support of democratic institutions, political stability, fundamental freedoms, and economic growth in the region.
    4. U.S. counternarcotics and counterterrorism programs in the region, including oversight and authorization of implementation of Merida Initiative in Mexico, Central America, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, and future complementary efforts with U.S. partners in the Caribbean.
    5. Review of U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation's work in and impact on the region.
    6. Review and assessment of Iran's heavy investment and growing presence in the region.
    7. Review of China's heavy investment and growing impact in the region.
    8. Border security issues, including drug and gang violence, southbound arms flows, visa and customs controls, and border cooperation between the United States and its neighbors.
    9. Evaluate impact of escalating crime rates, particularly as driven by gang violence and illegally armed groups, on Mexico, Central America and other countries in the region.
    10. Review and oversight of U.S. policy toward Cuba, including efforts to support pro-democracy movements on the island.
    11. March 1, 2008, FARC raid—Review the relationship among Andean region countries following the raid, as well as assess past and current support of FARC by governments in light of evidence gained in the raid.
    12. Tri-border Area (TBA)—Oversight of U.S. efforts to counter illicit activities in the TBA, including through the "3+1" group.
    13. Assess relationship with Bolivia following the expulsion of the U.S. Ambassador and DEA personnel, and pullout of Peace Corps volunteers.
    14. Review counternarcotics alternatives in light of the scheduled closure of the U.S. Manta base Forward Operating Location in 2009.
    15. Brazil—Assess U.S. relations with Brazil as an emerging regional power.
    16. Review our commitment to regional multilateralism, including through the Organization of American States (OAS).
    17. Remittances from persons in the United States to their home countries for development purposes.
    18. Public health, rule of law, sustainable economic growth and democratic institution issues in the Western Hemisphere.
    19. Review of diplomatic strategy toward the nations of the Western Hemisphere, specifically toward our partners in the Caribbean region.
    20. Oversight of U.S. efforts in Haiti to help reduce poverty, promote development, health, education, political stability and domestic energy resources, recover from recent hurricanes, and prepare for future natural disasters.
    21. Indigenous populations and Afro-descended communities.
    22. Natural disaster response and mitigation.
    23. Internally Displaced Persons.
    24. Citizen security—Evaluate strategies to help countries in the region respond to rising crime rates, lack of personal security and embedded practices of impunity.
    25. Energy—Oversight of policies and programs to promote and develop alternative energy sources, including biofuels, and lessen dependence on foreign governments' energy supplies.
    26. Assessment of public diplomacy efforts in the Western Hemisphere.
    27. Review progress toward completing new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in the Western Hemisphere, including FTAs with Colombia and Panama, and the impact of these agreements on business, labor, human rights and the environment in signatory countries. Review current FTAs with countries in the Western Hemisphere, including the soon-to-be-implemented FTA with Peru, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and the bilateral Free Trade Agreement with Chile. Review of trade preferences granted to countries in the Western Hemisphere through the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
    28. Guatemala–Oversight of Guatemala's efforts to address outstanding provisions of Peace Accords and U.S. support for the United Nations International Commission on Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG).
    29. Deportees—Evaluate the impact of deportations of criminal and illegal aliens on countries in the region.
    30. Summit of the Americas—Review of U.S. preparation for and participation in the Summit of the Americas.
  12. 12.>Human Rights Top
    1. Review of the State Department's annual "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices" and of the "Annual Report on International Religious Freedom."
    2. Review of U.S. policy to promote democracy and create country strategies to promote democracy and human rights, including implementation of the ADVANCE Democracy Act (title XXI of Pub. Law 110–53).
    3. Review of U.S. policy and strategy to promote freedom of expression on the Internet.
    4. Status of Cuban human rights situation: democracy movement, political prisoners, and the impact of the resumption of official contact with the European Union and European countries.
    5. International trafficking in persons–Review of the implementation of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and subsequent reauthorization acts, including the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Reauthorization Act of 2008; review of potential means to prevent international travel by sex offenders for the purpose of sexually exploiting children.
    6. U.S. policy toward individuals detained in the war on terrorism and on U.S. policy regarding treatment of such individuals.
    7. International refugee protection and resettlement–Assess U.S. Refugee policy and oversight on USG refugee initiatives, status and goals, and humanitarian assistance efforts and challenges.
    8. Religious persecution–Oversight of implementation of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
    9. Combating the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe.
    10. Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998, and the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2005–oversight of implementation.
    11. Review and assess U.S. strategy regarding Burma's continuing human rights violations.
    12. Humanitarian crisis plaguing Uganda's children.
    13. Oversight of the State Department's Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center.
    14. Implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other internationally recognized human rights.
    15. Examination of the Responsibility/Right to Protect (R2P) Doctrine as a tool of the international community to protect vulnerable populations if their own governments cannot or choose not to protect their citizens from mass atrocities or other threats to their survival exacerbated by their own governments.
    16. Review human rights in the People's Republic of China (political and religious repression, forced abortion and sterilization, forced labor, situation of Tibetan and Uighur minorities, North Korean refugees), developments relating to the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, the situation in Tibet in this 50th anniversary year of the 1959 Tibet Uprising and flight of the Dalai Lama, and other relevant anniversaries.
    17. Central Africa (human rights and refugee issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and surrounding countries).
    18. Vietnam (religious and political persecution, press freedom, access to U.S. resettlement programs, and related issues).
    19. Review the Government of Colombia's efforts to protect human rights, workers rights, African descendants relocated from rural lands, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable populations, and civil society's role in securing peace in Colombia.
    20. Assess the declining state of fundamental freedoms in Venezuela and Nicaragua, including freedom of the press, freedom of association, and civil society's role in these countries' democracies.
    21. Review the status of fundamental freedoms and human rights in Zimbabwe, and assess the impact of political actions and economic conditions on the population, including health and humanitarian conditions, refugee and migration flows, human trafficking and other forms of violence.
  13. 13.Economic Policy, Trade, and the Environment Top
    1. Assess the effect of global economic and financial conditions on U.S. interests internationally and domestically.
    2. Overview of the global trade environment.
      1. WTO negotiations regarding the Doha Development Round and implications for U.S. interests.
      2. Trade distorting actions by foreign governments (bribery, economic espionage, manipulation of currencies and customs rules, import licensing, skewing health and safety standards, etc.); Mutual Recognition Agreements ("MRAs"); and efforts by other foreign governments to implement the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention.
    3. Implementation of International Monetary Fund terms and conditions.
    4. Oversight of OPIC projects and coordination efforts with other U.S. Government agencies and departments providing foreign assistance; effort to pass reauthorization legislation; review of OPIC's transparency activities, efforts to comply with workers' rights requirements, environmental standards, and human rights requirements.
    5. Overview of the Export Administration Act (EAA) and the views of the Administration on legislation reauthorizing and modernizing its provisions, including the operations of U.S. agencies related to export control, the regulation of satellite exports, review of issues relating to transshipment and diversion of sensitive technologies, and the need for a coherent U.S. export promotion strategy.
    6. Assess the impact of free trade agreements, outsourcing and the growing capabilities and exports from China on the American economy, including jobs and industries.
    7. Protection of international intellectual property rights.
    8. International energy policy issues.
    9. Development of private sector and market economies, including Enterprise Funds.
    10. Oversight of the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Ex-Im Bank; Commerce Department trade promotion and enforcement activities; and impact on U.S. businesses due to the lack of foreign export credit agency environmental standards.
    11. Implementation of sanctions against Iran, Burma and other regimes by the Departments of State and the Treasury.
    12. U.S. foreign environmental policies and global environmental conditions:
      1. U.S. Government policies toward addressing global warming.
      2. How environmental cooperation can enhance bilateral relations and U.S. interests abroad.
    13. The adoption of international and foreign government product standards.
    14. Review of international fisheries agreements and international maritime law.
  14. 14.American Red Cross Top

    Oversight and review of the American Red Cross' international disaster response activities and implementation of the American National Red Cross Governance Modernization Act of 2007.

  15. 15.Miscellaneous Top
    1. Presidential War Powers Act.
    2. Codify U.S. foreign policy law.

*The fact that an issue is listed here does not mean that the Committee will necessarily hold a formal meeting devoted solely to that issue. The Committee, in the course of its oversight work, may also rely on briefings by business and non-governmental organizations and by U.S. Government officials, officials of foreign governments, as well as on Member and staff travel, and investigations.  It is the intention of the Committee that, wherever practicable, oversight activities will be planned on a bipartisan basis.

**The Committee, in the course of its oversight work, will also rely on hearings, briefings and meetings with other U.S. Government officials, academics, non-governmental organizations, officials of international institutions involved in development, and officials of foreign governments, as well as on Member and staff travel.  It is the intention of the Committee that, wherever practicable, oversight activities will be planned on a bipartisan basis.