On February 25, the House International Relations Committee approved, by voice vote, a bill (H.R. 3818) to improve the results and accountability of microenterprise development assistance programs.
Sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the measure would authorize $200 million in FY2005 and FY2006 for microenterprise assistance to developing nations. According to H.R. 3818, microenterprise programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) “have encouraged women’s participation in microfinance projects.” In addition, “Women have comprised two-thirds or more of the microloan clients in [USAID]-funded microenterprise projects since 1997.” The bill also states, “Microenterprise programs have been successful and should continue to empower vulnerable women in the developing world. Such programs should take into account the risks faced by women who are potential victims of severe forms of trafficking and the need for assistance for women who become victims of severe forms of trafficking.”
H.R. 3818 would require USAID to submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of microenterprise assistance. The report would contain an estimate of the percentage of beneficiaries of assistance who are women, including the percentage of these women who have been victims of sex trafficking. The report also would include information on efforts to provide assistance to women who have been the victims of severe forms of trafficking or who were previously involved in prostitution.
Finally, the measure would establish an Office of Microenterprise Development within USAID.
During consideration of the bill, the committee approved, by voice vote, the following amendments offered by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY):
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