US Representative Ron Paul (R-Surfside, Texas) had announced he was introducing two amendments to the legislation which would have abolished corporate welfare and ended taxpayer subsidization of overseas abortion and family planning activities.

The Act's presentation on the House Floor has been delayed because of partisan tension over the abortion issue. A Democratic Member of Congress has wanted to be able to introduce language into the measure which would allow for funding of abortion and related services. However, the "rule" regulating the debate and amendments to the Act would not allow it. So Rep. Pelosi and other Democrats have been using procedural rules as a form of protest during other appropriations measures to delay the House. The Foreign Operations measure has not yet been brought onto the floor and has not been directly targeted for delay tactics.

"While it's a shame that these tactics mean the measure may not be heard and voted on until September, this gives our side time to really build up the momentum of support we already have," said Paul. "These two amendments I am offering are not only in line with the Constitution, but make strong fiscal sense."

Paul's first amendment will prohibit using the funds in the Foreign Operations Appropriation to pay for abortion, family planning or population control activities. The amendment is supported by many of the nations pro-life organizations, including Concerned Women for America, Eagle Forum, Family Research Council and the American Life League.

The second amendment will stop what Paul calls "foreign corporate welfare" by eliminating the funds for the Export-Import Bank and other tax-funded organizations which use US taxpayers' dollars to subsidize US corporations doing business overseas. This amendment is supported by organizations such as the Competitive Enterprise Institute and the Citizens Against Government Waste.

"Our tax dollars shouldn't by funding abortions, and they shouldn't be used to underwrite the purchases of foreign governments like China and Mexico," said Paul. "The Constitution simply does not allow it, and we simply do not have the money for it."

In all, the two amendments if passed could save taxpayers more than $1 billion during fiscal year 1998.