DATE=3-20-02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS / AFGHAN AID (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-287783

BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-S House of Representatives is considering a one-billion dollar aid package to Afghanistan. As V-O-A's Deborah Tate reports from Capitol Hill, the size of the package is sparking divisions among lawmakers.

TEXT: The House International Relations Committee Wednesday approved the aid package and sent it to the full House for consideration.

The proposed aid package, which still needs to be considered by the Senate, is aimed at helping Afghanistan meet its humanitarian, development, and security needs.

Although the measure passed the House committee, lawmakers appeared divided over the size of the package, which would be distributed over four years.

Democrat William Delahunt of Massachusetts wondered whether the committee appropriated enough for the rebuilding effort. In response, Republican Dana Rohrabacher said it is a good 'first step' with symbolic value.

Here is their exchange:

/// DELAHUNT ACTUALITY ///

I am concerned about Afghanistan. I do not think we can do this on the cheap. I think we have got to do it right, because a half-hearted attempt here could be disastrous for the people of Afghanistan.

/// RORHABACHER ACTUALITY ///

This will be a message to the whole Islamic world that we have helped these people free themselves from the tyranny of the Taleban.

/// END ACT ///

But Mr. Rohrabacher's fellow Republican, Ron Paul of Texas, said he believes the aid package is too broad.

/// PAUL ACTUALITY ///

I do not see this as a productive use of taxpayer money, and I do not see a lot of good coming of this. There are a lot of good intentions, but I'm very skeptical of much coming from this. Social engineering and nation building are not part of our responsibility, and there is a lot of that in here.

/// END ACT ///

On the other hand, Democrat Joseph Hoeffel of Pennsylvania said the bill may not be broad enough. He would like to see an aid package modeled after the Marshall Plan, which helped rebuild Europe after World War Two.

/// HOEFFEL ACTUALITY ///

We must look at a regional approach, not a piece-meal approach. We need to consider not just reconstruction and rebuilding of Afghanistan, but redevelopment and empowerment of the entire Central Asia region.

/// END ACT ///

Republican Jeff Flake of Arizona expressed concern the committee was moving ahead of the administration, which has yet to send Congress its request for additional aid to Afghanistan.

But Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde, a Republican from Illinois, dismissed such concerns.

/// HYDE ACTUALITY ///

We are trying to provide the administration with the tools and the flexibility that we think they need to administer assistance to the people of Afghanistan, and I am optimistic that we can persuade them of the wisdom of our decision.

/// END ACT ///

The full House could vote on the measure as early as next month. The Senate has yet to consider the legislation. (signed)

Neb/dat/KBK