National Journal - 08.01.02

 

National Journal News Service

Foreign Relations Panel Moves Russian 'Democracy' Bill 

By David Hess

WASHINGTON -- A bill to promote democratic reforms in Russia was approved on Thursday by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Taking up a bill (H.R. 2121) already passed by the House, the Senate panel would provide $50 million next fiscal year to tame the Russian proclivity for authoritarianism while boosting the institutions -- such as the rule of law and freedom of press -- that would imbue the former totalitarian regime with a firm commitment to rule by consent of the governed.

The legislation specifically makes eligible for U.S. aid such activities in Russia and the independent states that were once part of the Soviet Union as human rights, economic reforms, independent courts, and a free press.

The aim, according to Foreign Relations Chairman Joseph Biden, D-Del., is to "facilitate Russia's integration into the western community of nations ... strengthen democratic reform and institutions ... promote an independent media and free-market economic reforms ... be a good neighbor to its former Soviet states [such as Chechnya], and crack down on such cross-border issues as environmental cleanup, crime and racketeering, and drug trafficking."

The bill also encourages Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Voice of America to expand its efforts to provide information to Russian listeners about the values of democracy, free markets, human rights and the rule of law.