Since 1992, the United States has provided more than $26 billion in assistance to the 12 states of the former Soviet Union (FSU). It continues to provide nearly $2 billion annually. This report describes the broad framework of U.S. assistance programs and policies in the region and then focuses on the FREEDOM Support Act (FSA) account under the foreign operations budget which, encompassing all U.S. objectives in the region, has often been the means by which Congress has expressed its views and sought to influence policy.

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This report includes quantitative analysis based on regulatory filings by pension plans for 2001 and 2002 to provide an assessment of the number of plans that might be affected by certain elements of the Administration proposal. It also summarizes the reaction to the Administration proposal by business and labor. The report also includes an illustration of the effect on a hypothetical plan sponsor’s plan contribution and funded ratio of the credit balance approach used in current law versus the Administration proposal. This report focuses on single-employer plans.

Since 1992, the United States has provided more than $26 billion in assistance to the 12 states of the former Soviet Union (FSU). It continues to provide nearly $2 billion annually. This report describes the broad framework of U.S. assistance programs and policies in the region and then focuses on the FREEDOM Support Act (FSA) account under the foreign operations budget which, encompassing all U.S. objectives in the region, has often been the means by which Congress has expressed its views and sought to influence policy.

On July 21, 2005, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a $34.8 billion FY2006 budget for HUD. Like the House version, the Senate bill rejects the President’s Strengthening America’s Communities Initiative (SACI). It increases funding above both the President’s request and the House version for HOPE VI, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-related programs (including Section 108 loan guarantees), Native American Housing Block Grants, and Rural Housing and Economic Development.

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Letter from Ronald E. Ault of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, Metal Trades Department, to Anthony J. Principi regarding Comments by Ault about the BRAC and DoD recommendations.

Regional Hearing - State Input from South Texas Military Complex's to the BRAC Commission. Includes a powerpoint and a CD/DVD.

Community Correspondence - Letter from Patsy Runyan to the BRAC Commission regarding Cannon AFB in Clovis New Mexico.

Community Correspondence - Letter from Lorraine Johnson to the BRAC Commission regarding Cannon AFB in Clovis New Mexico.

Regional Hearing - State Input from Multivariate Geospacial Evaluation of Land and Airspace Encroachment Issues to the BRAC Commission. Relating to Military Value Critieria by General Kinematics Corporation. Includes a powerpoint presentation and any other additional Information.

Department of Defense Clearinghouse Response: DoD Clearinghouse response to letter from the BRAC Commission requesting COBRA data for school-age children and for locality pay variations between Newport, RI and Athens, GA.

Community Correspondence - Letter from a concerned citizen to BRAC Commission regarding Cannon Air Force Base.

Community Correspondence - Letter from a concerned citizen to BRAC Commission regarding Cannon Air Force Base.

Community Correspondence - Letter from a concerned citizen from Cannon Air Force Base to the BRAC Commission regarding the closure of the base.

Community Correspondence - Letter from Agapito Trujillo to the BRAC Commission Regarding Cannon AFB in Clovis New Mexico.

Community Correspondence - Letter from a concerned citizen to BRAC Commission regarding Cannon Air Force Base.

Community Correspondence - Letter from Dr. Melissa Watkins to the BRAC Commission regarding Cannon AFB in Clovis New Mexico.

Regional Hearing - State Input from Fort Benning and the Columbus Region to the BRAC Commission. Includes a presentation and a CD/DVD.

Regional Hearing - State Input from Willow Grove Air Reserve Station to the BRAC Commission. Includes a powerpoint and any other additional information.

Community Correspondence - Letters from the concerned citizens of Cannon Air Force Base to the BRAC Commission regarding the base closure.

Community Correspondence - Letter from Mary Ann E. Apodaca to the BRAC Commission regarding Cannon AFB in Clovis New Mexico.

Community Correspondence - Letter from a concerned citizen of Cannon Air Force Base to the BRAC Commission regarding the base closure.

Department of Defense Clearinghouse Response: DoD Clearinghouse response to an e-mail from the BRAC Commission regarding the following question: Would the following recommendation yield any savings in military, civilian personnel or contractor personnel? (Attached document includes recommendation and response)