From: House of Representatives Report 106-254: FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2000. Reprinted from pages 48-49.
The committee applauds the shift from support for the central government in Kiev towards partnerships and support for local and regional governments that are more open to genuine reform. Several successful models of community partnerships have come to the Committee’s attention. The expanding linkages between Ukraine cities and municipals officials in partner communities in the United States appear to offer a unique opportunity to advance meaningful reform in Ukraine. Partnerships based on industry study tours and U.S. Ukraine community linkages are also worthy of support. The Committee urges AID to provide full funding for 2000 for successful community partnerships such as those administered by the Center for Economic Initiatives and the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation for ongoing programs in Ukraine cities and regions. (Italics added.)