05.08.09

Fiscal Year 2010 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs

Our state has been particularly hard hit by the economic downturn – unemployment levels have skyrocketed and I’ve heard from many local communities struggling to cover basic services like education, public safety, transportation and health care. As a United States Senator, part of my job is to help critical priorities in our state receive attention from the federal government so that we can help reinvigorate our economy, create new, high-paying jobs, and help our working families stay ahead in these tough economic times.

 

Part of that process at the federal level includes making sure that our state gets our fair share of funding from the federal government. Washington consistently pays more in federal tax dollars than we receive back in federal investment and services.

During the annual budget process, I submit requests to the Senate Appropriations Committee for congressionally directed spending for Washington state (sometimes referred to as “earmarks”) that benefits our state. Some of these include: flood control levees; airport, rail, highway and mass transit improvements; drinking water and wastewater infrastructure; gang crime prevention and intervention programs; workforce training; and, agricultural research. I am working to continue to make this process even more transparent and to ensure that we’re spending taxpayer dollars wisely.

 

Every year, I receive hundreds of requests for assistance from cities, counties, water and utility districts, transportation agencies, and others. I carefully review and evaluate these requests — and choose to submit a selection of these projects to the Committee.  The final outcome for any request will not be known until the bill has been approved by the House and Senate, and signed into law by the President.

I will be posting each request I make to my Web site as they are submitted to the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

Below you will find detailed information about requests I made for the FY 2010 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill. 

 

HealthTech - PATH (Seattle, WA). 

 

Project DescriptionSince 1987, a cooperative agreement between USAID and PATH, known as HealthTech, has developed and adapted innovated technology solutions to global public health problems.  At its national laboratory, HealthTech identifies current needs within developing countries and how to address them with technological advances.  As a direct result of HealthTech, health workers and volunteers in developing countries now have access to vaccine vial monitors, auto-destructible syringes, quick and easily administered HIV tests, and affordable malaria diagnostics.  To continue to improve global health, we must support the exploratory research HealthTech is dedicated to conducting and which the private-sector has minimal incentives to do.  The goal of this request is to provide the necessary resources and stability to ensure continued development of effective technologies through the HealthTech partnership.  By supporting this partnership, the Committee will help further the research and development capabilities at the HealthTech laboratory.  That is why I am recommending $5 million under the USAID, Child Survival and Health Program Funds, Child Survival/Maternal Health account for HealthTech.

 

 

Amount Requested – $5,000,000

 

International Trade Alliance Community Approach to Sustainable Energy Initiative – The International Trade Alliance (Spokane, WA). 

 

Project DescriptionThe harmful effects of climate change are a problem confronting all of humanity.  Energy practices in Asia are of particular concern because countries like China and India are among the largest consumers of energy and the largest emitters of greenhouse gases and other pollution. Last year, the Spokane-based International Trade Alliance received a U.S. State Department grant to connect Asian companies with Washington state exporters who will share best practices and provide environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient technologies and services.  The goal is to promote the deployment of clean energy technologies, to improve the efficiency and management of energy, and to minimize energy consumption in Asia. This project will also lead to increased exports of U.S. clean energy and environmental goods and services and increased employment. Additional funding is needed to continue and to expand this project. I recommend $500,000 in funding under the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science account.

 

 

Amount Requested – $500,000

 

 

Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI) – Path Malaria Vaccine Initiative (Seattle, WA)

 

Malaria kills nearly one million people every year, and more than three billion people – roughly one-half of the world’s population – are at risk of contracting this disease.  The PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI) is a focused vaccine development program initiated to assist in the development of a malaria vaccine for Africa and other regions around the world.  While consistent use of effective insecticides, insecticide-treated nets, and malaria drugs save lives, ending deaths from malaria will require additional interventions, such as malaria vaccines.  Successful malaria vaccine trials in Africa have proven to be effective steps in this process.  PATH MVI maintains a diverse portfolio of preclinical, early clinical, and advanced clinical projects, and is primarily focusing on vaccine development for Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest form of malaria.  By supporting this partnership, the Committee will show its commitment to the development of a malaria program that addresses all aspects of the prevention and treatment of this devastating disease.  I am recommending $5 million under the USAID, Bilateral Economic Assistance, Global Health and Child Survival, Other Infectious Diseases, and Malaria accounts for PATH MVI.

 

 

Amount Requested – $5,000,000

 

 

U.S.China Clean Energy Technology Partnership – Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (Richland, WA). 

 

Project DescriptionThe Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has partnered with the State Department to create the U.S.-China Clean Energy Technology Partnership.  This program is designed to greatly accelerate the joint development and large-scale deployment of clean energy technologies in areas critical to solving bilateral global energy security, environmental quality, and climate change challenges. Technology acceleration tracks include 1. advanced electrical infrastructure and renewable energy integration; 2. energy-efficient buildings, industrial processes and appliances, and: 3. advanced greenhouse gases and harmful emissions solutions.  PNNL has forged working partnerships with several major Chinese R&D institutions as well as the University of Washington, Washington State University, and the DOE national laboratory system to galvanize growth of the clean energy sectors in both great countries, create major export opportunities and jobs in the U.S., and provide the greatest possible scientific and technological support to bilateral and global efforts to protect our environment for future generations.  I am therefore recommending a $5 million program increase for support of the U.S. component (matching complementary Chinese investments) of the U.S.-China Clean Clean Energy Technology Partnership under the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science account.

 

 

Amount Requested – $5,000,000

 

  

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