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H.R.953 / 109th Congress

Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas Act of 2005

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 17, 2005

Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas Act of 2005 - Sets forth the policy of the United States to: (1) promote market-based principles, economic integration, social development, and trade in the Americas; and (2) establish an investment fund for the Western Hemisphere to advance U.S. national interests, improve the lives of the poor, encourage economic growth while protecting the environment, build human capital and knowledge, support democratic institutions and processes, and promote peace and justice in the Americas.

Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance to reduce poverty and foster increased economic opportunity in the Western Hemisphere by: (1) nurturing public-private partnerships and microenterprise development; (2) improving the quality of life and investing in human capital; (3) strengthening the rule of law through improved efficiency and transparency in government services; and (4) reducing poverty and eliminating the exclusion of marginalized populations. Establishes a project review committee.

Amends the Inter-American Development Bank Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to urge the Bank to establish an account to be operated consistent with the above guidelines. Establishes a technical review committee.

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Expresses the sense of Congress that the Western Hemisphere countries should collectively provide assistance equal to the amount of U.S. bilateral and multilateral assistance.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-13] · D–NJ

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
  • Financial Services Committee
30 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

  2. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology.

  4. Referred to the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

  5. Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  6. Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  7. Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  8. Introduced in House

  9. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Source last updated: Aug 15, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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