§8905 Democracy, Civil Society, Governance, and Technical Assistance for Ukraine and Other States in Central and Eastern Europe

Summary

The Secretary of State must, when money is available, work directly or with nongovernmental groups to help Ukraine and nearby countries. This work includes making government more democratic and honest, fighting corruption, supporting unity across regions, helping Ukraine prepare for and monitor free and fair elections, diversifying the economy, trade, and energy sources, strengthening democratic institutions and civil society, expanding independent media and protecting journalists and activists, backing reform efforts by Eastern Partnership countries, and promoting women’s economic and political power while preventing violence against women and involving women in any security or peace talks. Congress authorized $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2015 for these activities. The President must send a plan to the proper congressional committees within 60 days after April 3, 2014. Money cannot be spent until 15 days after the President tells those committees he intends to spend it, unless the President waives that wait to avoid a big risk to human health or welfare; if waived, notice must come as soon as possible and no later than three days after the action.