Speech #970221725

After consideration of two compromise proposals. the conference committee agreed to a procedure which balanced both the Federal and municipal interests in choosing sites where foreign chanceries may locate in the District of Columbia. I feel that this legislation represents a good compromise which will allow the Office of Foreign Missions the power it needs to take reciprocal action on all matters relating to the establishment and operations of an overseas mission. while recognizing the understandably strong interest in the District of Columbia in controlling their city plan. In other provisions. this legislation prohibits the use of funds appropriated for U.S. payments to international organizations which would provide political benefits to the Palestine Liberation Organization. provides assistance for refugees settling in Israel. earmarks funds for the International Committee of the Red Cross for the assistance of political detainees. and provides that no funds may be used for payment of the U.S.-assessed contribution to UNESCO if that organization implements policies which would restrict the free flow of information worldwide or impose codes of journalistic practice or ethics. In addition. the bill would extend the life of a passport from 5 to 10 years. redesignate the International Communication Agency (ICA) as the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). earmark funds to be used for grants for the Fulbright programs. Humphrey fellowships. and other academic exchange programs. provide for the merger of the Board for International Broadcasting and the Board of Directors of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Incorporated. and requests three executive branch reportsone on the costs to the United States of local efforts to asssist refugees and Cuban and Haitian entrants to the United States in fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Other reports request. First. an analysis of U.S. participation in UNESCO. and second. a report from the Secretary of State assessing the risk of transfer to the Soviet Union of technology through research and educational exchanges.