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Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act 2005

On June 1, 2006, the Department of State submitted to Congress its initial report on water issues in developing countries under the Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act 2005 (the “Act”). This report, available through the links below, marks the beginning of a long-term process to develop and implement a strategy to strengthen U.S. efforts on international water issues.

The Act, which was signed into law by President Bush on December 1, 2005, makes access to safe water and sanitation for developing countries a specific policy objective of U.S. foreign assistance programs.  In developing the report, the State Department worked closely with the US Agency for International Development, other U.S. technical agencies, and consulted widely with other governments, civil society (including non-governmental organizations, foundations, and faith-based groups) and the private sector.


Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2009 Report to Congress PDF (June 26, 2009)
Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2008 Report to Congress PDF (June 4, 2008)
Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2007 Report to Congress  PDF (June 5, 2007)
Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2006 Report to Congress PDF (June 1, 2006)
--  Report Annex A: Summary of U.S. Agency Missions and Capabilities in Water
--  Report Annex B: USAID Funding for Water
--  Report Annex C: Strategic Planning of USAID Water and Sanitation Activities in Africa
--  Report Annex D: Example Strategy -- ECO Asia
--  Report Annex E: Blue Revolution Initiative -- Strategic Framework for Asia and the Near East

This report is required by Section 6 of the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005. The Act makes the provision of safe water and sanitation services in developing countries a component of U.S. foreign assistance. It requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with USAID, to develop and implement a strategy to support this goal within the context of sound water resource management. Read Full June 27, 2009  Media Note