Foreign Relations Authorization Bill Passed by House

The Foreign Relations Authorization Act for FY2010 was voted on yesterday (June 10) in the House of Representatives. The Bill passed successfully by a vote of 235 to 187. Through a mass "vote alert" to foreign policy staffers on the Hill, Citizens for Global Solutions helped to successfully defeat an amendment aimed at limiting United States funding for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This was not the only victory of the day as the House passed several amendments dealing with human and women's rights in Afghanistan, the elimination of the use of child soldiers, and the establishment of a Global Clean Energy Exchange Program.

This Bill is a huge step forward for the United States in terms of international diplomacy. In addition to the important language on repaying our dues to the United Nations and other international organizations, these extra amendments are steps forward for the United States' human rights and environmental policy agendas. Citizens for Global Solutions applauds the House for passing this Bill, and hope to see this positive foreign policy trend continue in the Senate Authorization Bill that should be released soon.