S. 1651, Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act
As reported by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on May 7, 2024
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
2024
2024-2029
2024-2034
Direct Spending (Outlays)
0
*
*
Revenues
0
*
*
Increase or Decrease (-) in the Deficit
0
*
*
Spending Subject to Appropriation (Outlays)
*
5
not estimated
Increases net direct spending in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2035?
< $2.5 billion
Statutory pay-as-you-go procedures apply?
Yes
Mandate Effects
Increases on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2035?
No
Contains intergovernmental mandate?
No
Contains private-sector mandate?
No
* = between -$500,000 and $500,000.
Summary
S. 1651 would make several changes to federal programs that operate in Western Balkan countries, primarily those implemented by the Department of State. (As specified by the bill, the Western Balkans comprise Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.) Specifically, the bill would:
Authorize the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to establish a regional office in the Western Balkans and to increase financing for energy, infrastructure, and other projects;
Codify certain sanctions that were imposed under executive orders;
Require the Department of State to improve its programs to reduce corruption and to promote democracy, economic development, and trade in the region;
Require the department to establish a center for public engagement in the region, to promote exchange programs for young leaders, and to promote partnerships between educational institutions; and
Require federal agencies to report to the Congress on their activities under the bill and related matters.
