To make available, out of funds appropriated for Economic Support Fund assistance, $28,000,000 to the International Republican Institute and $28,000,000 to the National Democratic Institute for fiscal year 2006 to support democracy building programs in Iraq.

SA 1299. Mr. McCONNELL (for Mr. Kennedy (for himself and Mr. Biden)) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill H.R. 3057, making appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes; as follows:

On page 326, between lines 10 and 11, insert the following:

DEMOCRACY PROGRAMS IN IRAQ

Sec. . Of the amount appropriated under the heading “economic support fund”--

(1) $28,000,000 should be made available for fiscal year 2006 to the International Republican Institute to support, in consultation with the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the Department of State, democracy building programs in Iraq in the areas of governance, elections, political parties, civil society, and women's rights; and

(2) $28,000,000 should be made available for fiscal year 2006 to the National Democratic Institute to support, in consultation with the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the Department of State, democracy building programs in Iraq in the areas of governance, elections, political parties, civil society, and women's rights.