A resolution commending the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary for its significant accomplishments and contributions to the economic and social development of the Americas.

III Calendar No. 367 116TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. RES. 297 Commending the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary for its significant accomplishments and contributions to the economic and social development of the Americas. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES JULY 31, 2019 Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. CRUZ, Mr. KAINE, Mr. COONS, and Mr. LEAHY) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations DECEMBER 17, 2019 Reported by Mr. RISCH, without amendment RESOLUTION Commending the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary for its significant accom- plishments and contributions to the economic and social development of the Americas. Whereas December 30, 2019, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Inter-American Foundation (re- ferred to in this preamble as the ‘‘IAF’’), an independent Federal agency in the United States that prioritizes sus- tainable, community-led development across Latin Amer- ica and the Caribbean; VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Dec 18, 2019 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR297.RS SR297 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42 with BILLS 2 •SRES 297 RS Whereas the IAF was created under section 401 of the For- eign Assistance Act of 1969 (22 U.S.C. 290f) ‘‘to achieve conditions in the Western Hemisphere under which the dignity and the worth of each human person will be re- spected and under which all men will be afforded the op- portunity to develop their potential, to seek through gain- ful and productive work the fulfillment of their aspira- tions for a better life, and to live in justice and peace’’; Whereas the IAF invests in effective grassroots solutions that promote prosperity and peace, and advance the growth of democratic institutions; Whereas the unique development model of the IAF, applied through more than 5,000 community-led grants, has em- powered millions of marginalized and underserved people in the Americas to achieve dignified livelihoods, effective civil engagement, and safer, more peaceful, and more just communities; Whereas the IAF’s model— (1) has demonstrated that making direct grants to grassroots groups and civil society organizations in un- derserved and vulnerable communities is cost-effective; (2) fosters self-reliance by requiring grantees to mo- bilize local resources for their own projects and by con- necting them to networks of new partners; (3) leverages additional resources from private and community partners; and (4) incentivizes broad civic engagement and local ownership of community development; Whereas the IAF—by investing in grassroots approaches that create businesses, jobs, and leadership opportunities in communities—reinforces the commitment of individuals to strengthening their own communities; VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Dec 18, 2019 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR297.RS SR297 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42 with BILLS 3 •SRES 297 RS Whereas investments made by the IAF have created an ex- tensive network of grassroots innovators and change- makers who— (1) are positively disposed to the United States; (2) are better positioned to partner with other United States Government agencies and other public and private funders; and (3) have gone on to leadership roles at the local and national levels; Whereas investments made by the IAF have improved the quality of life and democracy in the Americas by strengthening the capacity of individuals to participate in civic life, engage constructively with their local officials, and hold their governments accountable; Whereas, by listening and responding to the priorities of com- munities and investing in projects that utilize and vali- date local knowledge and expertise, the IAF has fostered trust and goodwill with the people of Latin America and the Caribbean; and Whereas the IAF’s support of community-led efforts designed to increase opportunities for development and the strengthening of civil society and democratic governance has advanced the national interests of the United States and promoted democratic values across the Western Hemisphere: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— 1 (1) commends the Inter-American Foundation 2 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its estab- 3 lishment for its significant contributions to strength- 4 VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Dec 18, 2019 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\SR297.RS SR297 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42 with BILLS 4 •SRES 297 RS ening democracy, peace, and economic and social de- 1 velopment in Latin America and the Caribbean; 2 (2) recognizes that the bottom-up approach of 3 the Inter-American Foundation empowers individ- 4 uals in marginalized and underserved communities 5 to be leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and change- 6 makers in development processes; 7 (3) recognizes that the Inter-American Founda- 8 tion advances the foreign policy of the United States 9 Government and contributes directly to the national 10 interests of the United States; and 11 (4) commits to continue to support the vital 12 work of the Inter-American Foundation as an inde- 13 pendent agency. 14 VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Dec 18, 2019 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\SR297.RS SR297 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42 with BILLS VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Dec 18, 2019 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\SR297.RS SR297 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42 with BILLS Calendar No. 367 116TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. RES. 297 RESOLUTION Commending the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary for its significant accomplishments and contributions to the economic and social development of the Americas. DECEMBER 17, 2019 Reported without amendment VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Dec 18, 2019 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 6651 Sfmt 6651 E:\BILLS\SR297.RS SR297 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42 with BILLS