Sen. John Kerry highlights USIP's work in the field in his statement on the record concerning cuts to the international affairs federal budget.
March 9, 2011
Sen. John Kerry highlights USIP's work in the field in his statement on the record concerning cuts to the international affairs federal budget.
Here is an excerpt from the statement:
"The House bill would even eliminate FY 2011 funding for the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). USIP is more than a Washington think tank. Created by Congress and President Ronald Reagan, it is a working instrument, utilized by the Department of Defense as well as the Department of State. Defunding USIP would significantly reduce America’s ability to find non-violent solutions to conflict, just as we trying to resolve wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. USIP’s personnel operate on the ground in dangerous areas where America’s security is threatened. For example, in 2007 USIP’s reconciliation efforts between Shia authorities and Sunni sheiks helped dramatically reduce U.S. troop deaths in the “Triangle of Death” near Baghdad. That in turn allowed the U.S. Army to reduce its presence in the area by about 2,000 troops and save a significant amount of money. In a letter to the Office of Management and Budget, General Petraeus called this a “striking success story,” and I ask unanimous consent that his letter be included in the Record at this time.
I’ve long been impressed with USIP’s work in Sudan, where the Institute’s training in electoral violence prevention contributed to the relatively peaceful referendum and the low levels of violence in its aftermath. USIP is now actively assisting in the development of a new constitution for Southern Sudan through its Rule of Law program. Recognizing the volatility of the north/south border areas and the potential for an outbreak of contagious violence, USIP has instituted a Cross-Border Grazing Corridor project and designed a Popular Consultations process in the troubled border states of Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan.
In Pakistan, another area of great concern to me, USIP is developing a network of conflict management facilitators to work at the local level, training Pakistani parliamentarians and women leaders in conflict resolution and developing a curriculum for schools based on principles of gender equality, tolerance, pluralism, and peace.
Under the Senate substitute, USIP’s funding would be reduced by almost 20 percent. But any greater reduction would threaten this federal institute that has proven it saves American lives and money. The drastic action of the House to defund USIP must not stand."
Download and read the entire statement - (PDF/166KB)
- USIP President Richard Solomon writes in Politico about the U.S. Institute of Peace's mission to promote peace at a time of war.
- USIP Chairman of the Board J. Robinson West writes in The Wall Street Journal: "We are Actively Engaged in Promoting Peace at USIP."
- Read the News Release: "United States Institute of Peace Forges Ahead with Congressional Mission to Prevent and Manage International Conflict"
- Download and read expressions of support for USIP from the senior most leaders of our country, (PDF/864 KB)
- Download and read praise for USIP, (PDF/612 KB)