WASHINGTON, D.C. -- United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye offered today an amendment to S. 903, the State Department Authorization Bill, to restore funding for the East-West Center. The Foreign Relations Committee did not include funding for the East-West Center in the bill for Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999. Cosponsored by Senator Akaka, the proposed legislation will authorize the appropriation of $10 million for Fiscal Year 1998 and $10 million for Fiscal Year 1999.

"I am most pleased that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognized the critical and valuable role of the East-West Center in improving U.S./Asia-Pacific relations. This funding will enable the East-West Center to continue to serve the United States' long term interests by promoting better relations between the peoples of the United States, and the peoples of Asia and the Pacific Rim," stated Senator Inouye.

"Despite our nation's difficult budgetary climate when many federal sponsored programs continue to face cutbacks, I am very happy with this outcome," continued Senator Inouye.