Congressman Smith Supports Effective Foreign Assistance Initiatives

Rep. Smith was joined by CCEFA co-chair Congressman Andre Crenshaw (R-FL), Sam Worthington, InterAction CEO, Ambassador Fatima Veiga of Cape Verde, George Wah Williams, Executive Director of Liberia Democracy Watch, and Katherine Nichols, CDCS Global Coordinator at USAID to discuss ways the government can encourage and support citizens of countries receiving foreign assistance to better target resources and use local systems to build more sustainable communities around the world.
Congressman Smith has also co-sponsored two bills to improve accountability and encourage more efficient use of federal funds in foreign assistance:
The Water for the World Act of 2012:

• Gives the State Department and USAID the tools to leverage investments they are already making by allowing them to coordinate the diplomatic policy of the U.S. on global freshwater issues and implement country-specific water strategies.

• Elevates the current positions within the State Department and USAID to coordinate the diplomatic policy of the U.S. on global freshwater issues and to implement country specific water strategies.

The Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2012:

• Requires the President to establish and the heads of federal agencies to implement guidelines on measurable goals, performance metrics, an montiring and evaluation plans for all foreign assistance programs.

• Codifies what is being done through USAID's Dashboard Initiative and increases the amount of information available to the public.

For more information on Congressman Smith's effective foreign assistance initiatives, visit our International Leadership page.