Speech #990049987

With respect specifically to Nicaragua. the proposal states that U.S. policy should include pursuit of a regional settlement through all diplomatic avenues. a commitment to prevent the Soviet Union and its allies from deploying an offensive military capability in Central America that directly threatens the United States. a commitment to protect Central American nations from attack. and a response to positive steps by Nicaragua with positive steps of our own. Second. the Hamilton amendment continues indefinitely the socalled Boland amendment that prohibits any U.S. funding for military or paramilitary operations in Nicaragua. a ban Congress has supported numerous times in the past. Third. the amendment authorizes $14 million in fiscal year 1985 for humanitarian assistance for Nicaraguan refugees outside of Nicaragua. to be distributed by either the International Committee of the Red Cross or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees upon the determination of such organization that the assistance is necessary for humanitarian purposes. The assistance. to the maximum extent feasible. must be provided in kind. not In cash. and may not be used for the provisioning of combat forces. The amendment authorizes the use of economic support funds for payments to the Contadora nations for expenses arising from implementation of an agreement among the countries of Central America based on the Contadora peace process objectives. Fourth. the proposal requires that at least once every 3 months the President report to Congress regarding efforts to establish a political dialog in Nicaragua. the status of the Contadora peace process and U.S. efforts to negotiate with Nicaragua. use of funds authorized for refugee assistance and Implementation of the Contadora peace process. and Presidential recommendations for future U.S. actions with regard to Nicaragua. Last. there is a provision to authorize expedited procedures for consideration by Congress of any Presidential request for additional action with respect to Nicaragua after October 1. Mr.