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

Summary

The Secretary of State must, if money is available, use U.S. funds or work with nonprofits to help Ukraine and nearby countries with democracy and good government. That help covers eight areas, including strengthening rule of law and anti‑corruption, promoting national unity, preparing for free and fair elections and monitoring them, diversifying the economy and energy supplies, building up democratic institutions and civil society, expanding independent media and protecting journalists and activists, supporting reforms in Eastern Partnership countries, and boosting women’s economic and political power and preventing violence against women and girls and including women in peace and security talks. Congress authorized $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2015 for these activities. The President had to send a plan to the appropriate congressional committees within 60 days after April 3, 2014. No money can be spent until 15 days after the President tells those committees he plans to use it. The President can skip that 15‑day wait only if waiting would pose a substantial risk to human health or welfare, and then must notify Congress as soon as possible and no later than three days after taking the action.