{
  "id": "95-170",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "95-170",
  "active": false,
  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
  "versions": [
    {
      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 104354,
      "date": "1995-01-18",
      "retrieved": "2016-05-24T21:04:16.753941",
      "title": "The Former Soviet Union and U.S. Foreign Aid: Implementing the Assistance Program, 1992-1994",
      "summary": "This report, written in 1995, provides historical background that may be useful to Congress as\nit\nconsiders funding levels, types of programs, and problems in implementation of U.S. assistance to\nother countries. \n  In FY1994, the new states of the former Soviet Union (FSU) collectively became the second\nlargest recipient of U.S. foreign assistance made available from all sources, reflecting the exceptional\nimportance attached by the U.S. Government to the region. Whether and how the assistance program\nis helping to bring about democratic systems and free market economies is increasingly a question\nof interest to Congress and the public at large. \n  Since implementation for most of the aid program is only in its second year, it is too early to\njudge success or failure. However, the program has attracted widespread comment and criticism on\na number of fronts. Questions include:\n   Is the program being implemented fast enough? Although measures have been\ntaken to speed up the process, past obstacles have included the slow pace of reform, lack of\nknowledge of the region, an inability to identify reformist elements, and congressional notification\nprocedures.  \n   Is the program well-coordinated? At least 16 U.S. agencies are playing a role,\nmaking coordination a complicated and cumbersome process. It is the responsibility of the State\nDepartment's New Independent States (NIS) Coordinator to develop a strategy and allocate\nassistance to meet that strategy.  \n   Is assistance reaching the grassroots? Some believe that an approach favoring\nsmall non-government organizations (NGOs), volunteer programs, and exchanges is the best way\nto reach the people of the FSU.  \n   What is the appropriate role of U.S. consultants and contractors? Some suggest\nthere are too many, highly paid consultants performing a questionable job.  \n   Is assistance being used for corrupt purposes? Despite the limited potential\nfor corrupt uses of U.S. funds, concerns remain.  \n   Is U.S. assistance being used effectively? A U.S. strategy of emphasizing\nreformers, bringing different programs together, creating person-to-person linkages, and leveraging\nU.S. private sector participation suggests a coherent strategy for making U.S. assistance\neffective.",
      "type": "CRS Report",
      "typeId": "REPORTS",
      "active": false,
      "formats": [
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          "format": "PDF",
          "encoding": null,
          "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/95-170",
          "sha1": "1d6a209f585b0cb77676e4a1cc679690b978dcf4",
          "filename": "files/19950118_95-170_1d6a209f585b0cb77676e4a1cc679690b978dcf4.pdf",
          "images": null
        },
        {
          "format": "HTML",
          "filename": "files/19950118_95-170_1d6a209f585b0cb77676e4a1cc679690b978dcf4.html"
        }
      ],
      "topics": []
    }
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Economic Policy",
    "Foreign Affairs"
  ]
}