Deal Reached on FY2012 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

Numerous stipulations exist for Egypt as well, with $250 million in Economic Support Funds (at least $35m set aside for education and $10m set aside for scholarships & not-for-profit organizations). Concerning Egypt’s Foreign Military Financing, $1.3 billion has been appropriated, but funds can be suspended if Israel-Egypt treaty obligations are not being met or if the Secretary of State deems that the Egyptian Government is not supporting the transition to civilian government and protecting democratic principles, though the bill also contains a a waiver for those provisions on the basis of national security. Sixty million dollars will be made available for Enterprise Funds for Egypt as well.

Tunisia has been designated $20m for Enterprise Funds, and up to $30m for loan guarantees. For Lebanon, $12m for scholarships has been appropriated, and additional funds to “professionalize” the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), though funding will be revoked if the LAF is controlled by an FTO.  Funds are also made available to “promote democracy and protect human rights in Syria, a portion of which should be programmed in consultation with governments in the region.”

In addition, the Joint Explanatory Statement of the bill notes the Middle East Partnership Initiative is funded at $70m, the National Endowment for Democracy at $117m, and the Democracy Fund at $114m.

The spending bill also includes new language about the way American tear gas has been used against protesters, which requires the State Department to submit a report “detailing any crowd control items, including tear gas, made available with appropriated funds or through export licenses to foreign security forces that the Secretary of State has credible information have repeatedly used excessive force to repress peaceful, lawful, and organized dissent.”