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:  2008 Report to Congress PDF (June 4, 2008)
-- Media Note: State Department Releases Third Annual Report to Congress on Water and Sanitation Strategy in Developing Countries

All written comments may be sent to WPAct2005@state.gov. 

 Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2007 Report to Congress  PDF (June 5, 2007)
-- Media Note: State Department Releases Second Annual Report on its Safe Water and Sanitation Strategy in Developing Countries
-- Audio: Town Hall Meeting for Public Comment Session One
-- Audio: Town Hall Meeting for Public Comment Session Two
-- Audio: Town Hall Meeting for Public Comment Session Three

Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2006 Report to the 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

--04/19/06  Town Hall Meeting Public Law 109-121: Water for the Poor Act; Claudia McMurray, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; Washington, DC
--03/28/06  Federal Register Notice: Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act 2005 Town Hall Meeting; Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; Washington, DC