U.S. Department of State Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Overview of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act)
The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.
Implementing the Recovery Act
The overall funding level for State Department Operations in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is $602 million (which includes up to $38 million for USAID), $20.5 million above the Senate passed level, and $64 million above the House passed level, but $563 million below the Department's original request. The bill provides funding for the enhancement of Department facilities.
The funding includes:
- Diplomatic & Consular Programs (D&CP) ($90 million): Conference report language references the Diplomatic Security training facility, Consular Affairs passport facilities, and training facilities, but no specific funding levels are provided for individual projects in this account.
- D&CP/Capital Investment Fund (CIF): $290 million is provided for the CIF, of which "up to $38 million shall be transferred, and merged with, funds" for USAID for immediate information technology investments.
- Office of Inspector General (OIG): $2 million is provided to OIG for oversight requirements.
- International Commissions/International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) Construction: $220 million is provided for the U.S. Section of IBWC for repair and rehabilitation of deficient infrastructure along 506 miles of flood control levees. Note: The U.S. Section of the IBWC is a quasi-independent federal agency, operating under the foreign policy guidance of and funded through the Department of State.
Department Plans and Reports
- February 22, Weekly Update [PDF]
- July 8, 2010: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: External Program Plan [PDF]
Department of State Recovery Plans, Recovery Program Reports, and other agency- and program-specific reports required by the Recovery Act will be posted on this site as soon as they are available.
The Recovery Act Legislation
