Chairman. today we will be considering H.R. 2601. the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007 or as it is commonly referred to. the State Department Authorization Bill. The bill includes several requests from the administration which are oriented toward improving the operations of the Department or the quality of life for those serving in our embassies in missions abroad. This bill authorizes funding for the State Department international organizations. international commissions. refugee programs and various related authorizations. This measure also authorizes a variety of foreign assistance programs and speaks to many current international issues to include a review of our strategic export controls. Given the unparalleled threat to the United States and to the world from the continued proliferation of nuclear weapons. strengthening our nuclear nonproliferation efforts is an important piece of this legislation.