Brad Sherman: Administration's budget request wholly inadequate

PanARMENIAN.Net - Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) raised strong concerns regarding the Administration's proposed budget for Armenia during the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the Armenian Assembly of America reported.



In response to Sherman's statement, Secretary Rice replied that Armenia also receives funding through the Millennium Challenge Act (MCA). In March of 2006, the United States and Armenia concluded a 5-year, $235.65 million compact under the MCA to help reduce rural poverty and increase agricultural productivity in Armenia. This funding is separate and distinct from the funding provided under the Freedom Support Act.



Sherman told the Armenian Assembly that "the Administration's budget request is wholly inadequate. Assistance provided under the MCA is not a substitute for other important programs in Armenia provided under the Freedom Support Act. I will work with my colleagues to correct this gross disparity."



Condoleezza Rice was on Capitol Hill testifying regarding the Administration's Fiscal Year 2009 International Affairs Budget. The Administration's budget slashed funding to Armenia by nearly 60 percent from $58.5 million in FY 2008 to a proposed level of $24 million in FY 2009.



The budget request also called for more military funding for Azerbaijan; a clear breach of the agreement reached with Congress in 2001 regarding military parity for both countries. Under the Administration's budget request, Azerbaijan is slated to receive $900,000 in International Military Education Training compared to $300,000 for Armenia.



"We commend Congressman Sherman for raising this concern directly with the Secretary. The Armenian Assembly strongly opposes the allocation level as proposed by Administration and will fight to ensure robust assistance for Armenia," stated Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.