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RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS AND PRESIDENT OBAMA�S ADMINISTRATION TO REFORM THE CURRENT UNITED STATES FOREIGN AID SYSTEM BASED ON MEASURABLE OUTCOMES TO ENSURE MEANINGFUL RETURNS ON THE INVESTMENT OF AMERICAN FOREIGN AID DOLLARS

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WHEREAS, it is critically important for the United States to have an effective foreign aid program that benefits the nation, especially as it pertains to homeland security and economic development; and
WHEREAS, President Barack Obama, as part of his inaugural address, outlined a vision of American engagement with the developing world, whereby the United States would work with poor nations to �make [their] farms flourish and let clean waters flow, to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds�; and
WHEREAS, the United States Agency for International Development (�USAID�) plays a vital role in advancing the United States� national security and foreign policy objectives, and reduces the threat of terrorism by addressing global poverty fueled by lack of economic opportunity; and
WHEREAS, one of the missions of the USAID is to ensure the strategic and effective use of foreign assistance resource to address global needs, make the world safer, and help people better their own lives by supporting programs that, among other things, advance sustainable economic growth and reduce widespread poverty, and promote and support democratic and well-governed states; and
WHEREAS, former Secretaries of State Madeline Albright and Colin Powel have noted that �our country�s economic health and security are inextricably linked to the prosperity and security of the rest of the world�; and
WHEREAS, United States foreign aid should be particularly focused on helping developing countries access quality education, combat disease, respond to urgent humanitarian needs, prevent and respond to conflict, in addition to addressing transnational threats around the world; and
WHEREAS, helping to secure poor countries from the reach of terrorists and other rogue groups by assisting in the establishment of stable democratic governments also helps to protect the United States from such forces; and
WHEREAS, the United States, in addition to monetary aid, should also seek to share knowledge and training in various fundamental disciplines with developing countries, so as to help those countries respond to natural disasters without primary reliance on the United States and the international community; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County (the �County�) should play a pivotal role in discussions regarding the United States� foreign aid policy because of its geography and proximity to the Caribbean and South America; and
WHEREAS, our County has been ground zero for many refugees who flee persecution and poverty, while seeking freedom and opportunity; and
WHEREAS, political stability, education, and economic development must continue to be the driving forces behind the United States� aid to other countries; and
WHEREAS, a strong hemisphere benefits the County�s economic engines such as the Seaport and Airport; and
WHEREAS, rather than focusing on the level of aid, the United States should focus its efforts on encouraging developing countries to adopt policies conducive to economic growth and development; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that the President of the United States and Congress reform the nation�s current foreign aid system to ensure meaningful returns to the American people,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Urges the President of the United States and the United States Congress to reform the nation�s foreign aid system to encourage developing countries to adopt policies conducive to economic growth and development, so as to ensure meaningful and measurable returns on the investment of the American people�s tax dollars.
Section 2. Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to Senators Nelson and Lemieux, the members of the Miami-Dade County Congressional Delegation, and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development.
Section 3. Directs the County�s federal lobbyists to advocate for the passage of the legislation set forth in Section 1 above, and authorizes and directs that the 2010 and 2011 Federal Legislative Packages be amended to include this item.