Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 99 Part 1.djvu/268

 99 STAT. 246

PUBLIC LAW 99-83—AUG. 8, 1985 (2) such problems are not addressed sufficiently by current United States policies toward that region; (3) the development of the Caribbean Region is of vital importance to the economic and strategic interests of the United States and its allies; and (4) for purposes of defining development plans, providing an international forum for Caribbean Region development issues, and providing expert advice to donor-aid countries, an international commission is needed as the prime institution for promoting economic cooperation and development in the Caribbean Region.

International Advisory Committee for the Caribbean Region, establishment.

(b) INVITATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMISSION.— (1) INVITATION TO CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES.—The President may

invite the countries which comprise the Caribbean Region to participate with the United States in a commission to be known as the International Advisory Commission for the Caribbean Region (hereafter in this section referred to as the "Commission"). (2) INVITATION TO CERTAIN OTHER COUNTRIES.—The President

may also invite the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands to participate in the Commission. (c) FUNCTIONS OF COMMISSION.—It is the sense of the Congress that the Commission should— (1) examine social, agricultural, educational, and economic issues which affect the Caribbean Region; and (2) consult with leaders of the countries in the Caribbean Region and with representatives from public and private organizations involved in matters related to the Caribbean Region in order to evaluate the problems and needs of such countries. (d) FUNDING FOR ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF COMMISSION.—Of

22 USC 2151d.

the funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 106 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (relating to development assistance for energy, private and voluntary organizations, and selected development activities), up to a total of $100,000 for fiscal years 1986 and 1987 may be made available to— (1) pay reasonable administrative expenses associated with the organizational meeting of the Commission; and (2) pay reasonable travel and lodging expenses incurred by commissioners from other participant governments incident to their attendance at the organizational meeting of the Commission. (e) REQUEST TO CONGRESS RELATING TO UNITED STATES PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMISSION.—The President should provide cost esti-

mates and request authorization from the Congress in order to provide for the participation of the United States in the Commission (other than United States participation associated with the organizational meeting). O APPOINTMENT OF UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE AND OBSERVD

ERS.—Upon the creation of the Commission— (1) the President should consider appointing one individual as the United States representative to the Commission; (2) the Speaker of the House of Representatives should consider appointing two Members t)f the House, one from each major political party, as observers at the Commission; and

�