The FY99 Bill allocates funds for the Baltic countries through Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant assistance, International Military Education (IMET), Support for East European Democracy (SEED) and International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL).

The Senate FY99 Foreign Operations Bill, passed on September 3, contains $12.6 billion budget authority, which is 1$ billion less than the Administration request and more than $200 less than the current FY98 funding level. The House of Representatives FY Foreign Operations Bill, passed on September 17, contains $12.5 billion budget authority, which is $1 million less than the Senate bill.

Final international affairs budget FY99 decisions are likely to be made this week when the Administration and U.S. Congress negotiate a spending package, or omnibus bill, that along with other appropriations bills, will include Foreign Operations.

Congress has extended the session through at least Oct. 9, allowing more time to complete current legislation.

TALKING POINTS:

1) The Baltic countries have already made tremendous progress in implementing democratic and economic reforms and are working to upgrade their military capabilities to NATO standards.

2) Security of the Baltic region still largely depends on US and European assistance. Is in the national security interests of United States to promote security and democratic development in the Baltic area and the whole Central East European region.