There is a lot to applaud in this bill. and I want to recognize a couple of areas worthy of specific mention. funding in Darfur and funding for the state of Israel among others. but before I do. I want to express my regret and concern about the fact that this bill is still $2.38 billion below the Presidents request. That significant cut in foreign assistance. given all the problems around the world. should be concern to all of us. Some of the areas of particular significance that have been cut: refugee assistance is being reduced. debt relief is being cut: peacekeeping is being reduced. The Peace Corps funding is being reduced. Funding for democratization efforts in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union countries is being reduced.