,i #aacth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #bija ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,august #a1 #bjac ,mr4 ,blumenauer 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,poe of ,texas1 ,mr4 ,cole1 ,mr4 ,jones1 ,mr4 ,ribble1 ,mr4 ,rohrabacher1 ,mr4 ,sensenbrenner1 ,mr4 ,shimkus1 ,mr4 ,smith of ,new ,jersey1 ,mr4 ,terry1 ,mr4 ,hanna1 ,mr4 ,schock1 and ,ms4 ,edwards7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs ,a ,,bill ,to strengthen implementation of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje by improving the capacity of the ,united ,states ,government to implement1 leverage1 and monitor and evaluate programs to provide first-time or improved access to safe drinking water1 sanitation1 and hygiene to the world's poorest on an equitable and sustainable basis1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title and table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title and table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #c4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #d4 ,purpose4 ,sec4 #e4 ,improving coordination and oversight of safe water1 sanitation1 and hygiene projects and activities4 ,sec4 #f4 ,increasing sustainability of safe water1 sanitation1 and hygiene projects and activities4 ,sec4 #g4 ,united ,states complimentary strategies to increase sustainable1 affordable1 and equitable access to safe water1 sanitation1 and hygiene4 ,sec4 #h4 ,transparency and monitoring and evaluation4 #b4 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc7-- 7,a7 makes access to affordable1 equitable1 and sustainable clean water1 sanitation1 and hygiene for developing countries a specific policy objective of ,united ,states foreign assistance programs2 7,b7 requires the ,united ,states ,government to-- 7i7 develop a strategy to elevate and further the ,united ,states foreign policy and foreign assistance objective to provide affordable and equitable access to safe water1 sanitation1 and hygiene in developing countries2 and 7ii7 improve the effectiveness and targeting of ,united ,states assistance programs undertaken in support of that strategy2 7,c7 codifies ,target #aj of the ,united ,nations ,millennium ,development ,goals2 and 7,d7 seeks to reduce by half between #aiij 7the baseline year7 and #bjae-- 7i7 the proportion of people who are unable to reach or afford safe drinking water2 and 7ii7 the proportion of people without access to basic sanitation4 7#b7 ,for maximum effectiveness of assistance1 safe drinking water1 sanitation1 and hygiene must be coordinated with and reflected in programs and strategies for food security1 global health1 environment1 education1 gender equality1 and conflict prevention and mitigation4 7#c7 ,on ,february #b1 #bjab1 the ,united ,states national intelligence community released a ,national ,intelligence ,estimate on ,global ,water ,security1 which found that-- 7,a7 over the next decade1 countries of strategic importance to the ,united ,states will experience water shortages1 poor water quality1 or floods1 that will risk instability or state failure and increase regional tensions2 7,b7 water problems may pose a risk to global food markets and economic growth1 and may harm the economic performance of important trading partners2 7,c7 water stresses compound existing problems1 such as poverty1 social tension1 and ill-health and without good management of water food supplies will be reduced and water borne diseases will increase2 and 7,d7 pressure will arise for a more engaged ,united ,states to make water a global priority and to support major development projects4 7#d7 ,on ,august #a1 #bjjh1 ,congress passed ,house ,concurrent ,resolution #cah1 which-- 7,a7 supports the goals and ideals of the ,international ,year of ,sanitation2 and 7,b7 recognizes the importance of sanitation on public health1 poverty reduction1 economic and social development1 and the environment4 7#e7 ,according to the #bjje ,millennium ,ecosystem ,assessment1 commissioned by the ,united ,nations1 more than one-fifth of the world's population relies on freshwater sources that are either polluted or excessively withdrawn4 ,healthy ecosystems provide multiple water-related services1 such as flood control and water purification1 upon which human security1 health and well-being depend4 ,therefore1 measures aiming to maintain or restore those services ensure the long-term sustainability of strategies to secure safe and reliable access to water and sanitation4 7#f7 ,while progress is being made on safe water and sanitation efforts-- 7,a7 more than #ghc1jjj1jjj people throughout the world lack access to safe drinking water2 and 7,b7 approximately #ce percent of the total global population does not have access to basic sanitation services4 7#g7 ,a lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation has disproportionate1 and too often deadly impacts on children3 7,a7 ,water and sanitation-related disease1 despite being preventable1 remains one of the most significant child health problems worldwide4 ,diarrhea is the most serious of these diseases1 alone killing over #c1jjj children each day1 and is the second biggest cause of death in children in the post neonatal period1 aged one month to #e years4 ,ninety percent of all people that die from diarrheal disease are children under the age of #e4 ,eighty-eight percent of diarrheal disease is attributed to unsafe drinking water1 inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene4 7,b7 ,even when bouts of diarrhea don't kill1 these episodes can physically and mentally stunt children1 affecting them for the rest of their lives4 7,c7 ,having adequate and appropriate water supply and sanitation facilities in schools is a major factor influencing whether children1 and especially adolescent girls1 attend school4 7,d7 ,adequate sanitation facilities and practices contributes to reducing malnutrition in children1 improves the quality of life and dignity of girls and women1 protects the environment1 and generates economic benefits for communities and nations4 7#h7 ,the health and environmental consequences of unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation are significant1 accounting for nearly #aj percent of the global burden of disease1 and as further indicated by the following3 7,a7 ,at any given time1 half of the hospital beds in developing countries are occupied by patients suffering from diseases associated with lack of access to safe drinking water1 inadequate sanitation1 and poor hygiene4 7,b7 ,more than #c1ege1jjj people die each year from water-related disease4 7,c7 ,chronic or acute diarrhea can lead to cognitive delays1 with severe repercussions for economic development4 7,d7 ,lack of adequate sanitation contaminates rivers worldwide1 as one of the most significant sources of water pollution4 ,every day1 #b1jjj1jjj tons of untreated sewage and industrial and agricultural waste are discharged into the world's freshwaters4 7#i7 ,clean water and sanitation are among the most powerful drivers for human development4 ,they extend opportunity1 enhance dignity1 and help create a virtuous cycle of improving health and rising wealth4 7#aj7 ,diseases linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation1 as well as the time and energy women often devote to collecting water1 significantly reduce economic productivity in less developed countries and promote lifecycles of disadvantage4 7#aa7 ,expanding access to clean water1 sanitation1 and hygiene1 while protecting the natural infrastructures that store1 deliver1 and purify water for nature and people1 are essential steps in reducing the global burden of disease1 advancing sustainable economic and social development1 protecting basic human rights1 preventing violence against girls and women1 and mitigating sources of conflict associated with water scarcity1 mass migration1 and water related disasters1 both within and between countries4 7#ab7 ,nearly #a1jjj1jjj1jjj people across the globe still suffer from chronic hunger4 ,water scarcity and poor water management reduce agricultural productivity and add pressures on valuable fisheries1 posing a major threat to food security and local livelihoods1 and limits the ability of the world to provide the resources necessary for the doubling of food production that will be required to meet the demands of a projected population of #i1jjj1jjj1jjj people by #bjej4 7#ac7 #b4h billion people in more than #dh countries are expected to face severe and chronic water shortages by #bjbe1 with major impacts on energy and food security1 development1 livelihoods1 human health1 and natural infrastructure4 7#ad7 ,agriculture consumes #gj percent of all freshwater withdrawn globally4 ,global increases in the efficiency and productivity of both irrigated and rain-fed agriculture will be needed to meet future food production requirements4 7#ae7 ,approximately half the world's population lives in cities1 often in slums characterized by unsafe water1 poor sanitation1 lack of basic services1 overcrowding1 inferior construction and insecure tenure4 7#af7 ,according to the ,united ,nations1 women make up #gj percent of the world's poor4 ,yet1 the time they spend collecting water prevents them from undertaking other activities1 such as generating income or attending school4 7#ag7 ,a lack of access to safe water and improved sanitation close to home and at school can impact girls' educational attainment and retention1 limiting their ability to break the cycle of poverty4 ,research has found increases in girls' school enrollment when clean water points were installed closer to home1 and increases in girls' school attendance when separate latrines for boys and girls were provided on site4 ,meeting ,target #aj of the ,millennium ,development ,goals for water and sanitation would provide an estimated #bgb1jjj1jjj additional school days per year4 7#ah7 ,a lack of water points close to home or safe1 private latrines can put women and girls in isolated situations1 making them more vulnerable to sexual and physical violence4 ,violence against women and girls has consequences ranging from psychosocial trauma to heightened risk of ,,hiv_/,,aids4 7#ai7 ,faith communities and nonprofit development and conservation organizations across the ,united ,states contribute significantly to the improvement of water1 sanitation1 and hygiene in developing countries4 ,by applying their expertise1 providing services1 building the capacity of local organizations1 establishing long-term partnerships with local communities1 empowering marginalized groups1 supporting sustainable water management and serving as a voice for the poor1 faith-based and nonprofit organizations complement and leverage assistance provided by the ,united ,states ,government4 7#bj7 ,united ,states businesses have developed key technologies1 donated goods and services1 partnered with private and public sector entities1 and invested their capital to improve water and sanitation and freshwater sources in many developing countries4 ,corporate actors have also partnered with other stakeholders to implement sustainable water management and water use efficiency within their plants and throughout their supply chain4 7#ba7 ,implementation of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje must be significantly strengthened if the purposes of section #ace of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h2 relating to assistance to provide safe water and sanitation71 as added by section #e7;a7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje1 are to be met4 7#bb7 ,the monitoring and evaluation of the performance of ,united ,states foreign assistance programs and their contribution to policy1 strategies1 projects1 program goals1 and priorities undertaken by the ,federal ,government is essential to improving aid effectiveness4 #c4 ,sense of ,congress 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,in ,may #bjac1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development released a ,water and ,development ,strategy1 whose goal is to save lives and advance development through improvements in water supply1 sanitation1 and hygiene 7,,wash7 programs1 and through sound management and use of water for food security44 7#b7 ,the ,water and ,development ,strategy states that it supports the efforts of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje by advancing many activities consistent with the goals of the ,act44 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the initial ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development's ,water and ,development ,strategy1 released in ,may #bjac-- 7,a7 is a significant accomplishment and improves the ,agency's capacity to provide sustainable and effective water1 sanitation1 and hygiene assistance2 7,b7 is supportive of and should continue to reinforce the ,united ,states foreign policy and development objectives for clean water1 sanitation1 and hygiene2 7,c7 should be refined and expanded by the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development as often as necessary to ensure best practices are used and the purposes of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc7 and this ,act are met1 should target the world's poorest and those suffering from the lowest levels of access to safe drinking water1 sanitation1 and hygiene1 and should be updated by the ,agency not later than every #e years1 to more fully meet the requirements and spirit of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje and section #ace of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h71 as added by section #e7;a7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje2 and 7,d7 is not1 on its own1 the holistic ,united ,states water strategy required by the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje1 but instead addresses components of a comprehensive strategy for how the ,united ,states plans to support the ,united ,states foreign policy and development objectives and measure its success towards the objectives required by the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje and this ,act1 and must be complimented by the development of a whole-of-government ,united ,states ,government global water strategy aimed at creating an enabling environment through diplomatic channels for the ,agency's water1 sanitation1 and hygiene programming that will better allow the ,agency to succeed in its mission2 and 7#b7 the ,secretary of ,state1 acting through the ,special ,advisor for ,water ,resources 7established by #acf7;f7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa71 as added by section #e7;a77#b77;,c7 of this ,act1 and in collaboration and consultation with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 should develop a ,global ,water ,resources ,strategy relating to ,united ,states foreign policy objectives for water1 pursuant to section #f7;a7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje1 as added by section #g of this ,act1 that-- 7,a7 articulates a vision for the role played by the ,department of ,state1 including in its power as a convener1 in addressing the foreign policy and national security issues identified in the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje and this ,act1 the #bjab ,national ,intelligence ,estimate on ,global ,water ,security1 and other relevant whole-of-government assessments1 strategies1 and approaches2 7,b7 is an ambitious ,united ,states foreign policy framework that advances the objectives of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje and this ,act to provide sustainable access to safe drinking water1 sanitation1 and hygiene to poor and marginalized people through improved ,united ,states diplomatic efforts to build political will and coordination across the ,federal ,government to better enable ,united ,states ,government agencies and partners to meet their international development objectives2 7,c7 is complementary to1 supportive of1 and does not inhibit1 the ,water and ,development ,strategy1 and establishes clear roles and responsibilities insofar as possible among ,federal agencies and departments responsible for jointly carrying out the strategy1 as required by section #f7;b7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje1 as added by section #g of this ,act4 #d4 ,purpose ,the purpose of this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act is to strengthen implementation of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc7 by-- 7#a7 improving coordination and oversight of international water1 sanitation1 hygiene1 and sustainable water management programs within and between ,united ,states ,government agencies2 7#b7 increasing the sustainability of ,united ,states ,government-supported water1 sanitation1 and hygiene programs1 including in terms of affordability1 accountability1 and financial1 operational1 institutional1 and environmental sustainability2 7#c7 enhancing water1 sanitation1 and hygiene expertise within the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the ,department of ,state1 which shall include a whole of agency approach to establish a learning agenda aimed at increasing the quality1 effectiveness1 and sustainability of the ,united ,states ,government-supported water1 sanitation1 and hygiene programs2 and 7#d7 ensuring water1 sanitation1 and hygiene programs and strategies are reflected in and supported by other development initiatives such as food security1 global health1 environment1 education1 gender quality1 and conflict prevention and mitigation within and between countries1 with the goal of meeting the needs of the poorest and most marginalized people4 #e4 ,improving coordination and oversight of safe water1 sanitation1 and hygiene projects and activities 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #a of part ,i of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baea et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating section #ace1 as added by section #e7;a7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becf2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note71 as section #acf2 and 7#b7 in section #acf1 as redesignated by paragraph 7#a7 of this section-- 7,a7 in the section heading1 by striking and sanitation and inserting 1 sanitation1 and hygiene2 7,b7 in subsection 7b71 by striking and sanitation and inserting 1 sanitation1 and hygiene2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new subsections3 7e7 ,global water coordinator 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development 7,,usaid7 shall designate a senior advisor to coordinate and oversee the ,agency's programs in developing countries that seek to provide affordable and equitable access to safe water1 sanitation1 and hygiene1 who shall be known as the ,global ,water ,coordinator1 who shall administer and oversee an office to be known as the ,office of ,water1 ,sanitation1 and ,development1 and who shall report directly to the ,administrator and the ,assistant ,administrator overseeing water programs4 7#b7 ,duties ,the ,global ,water ,coordinator shall-- 7,a7 oversee implementation of this section1 the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note7 and the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac2 7,b7 oversee the buildup of capacity and expertise within ,,usaid to implement this section1 the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note71 and the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac1 including-- 7i7 by appointing ,,usaid mission water advisors in each high priority country1 who-- 7,i7 shall have or be given the opportunity to fully develop their technical skills and competencies necessary to provide appropriate guidance to technical and program staff to ensure the ,water and ,development ,strategy can be successfully implemented2 and 7,,ii7 shall ensure water1 sanitation1 and hygiene objectives and indicators are reflected throughout program planning and budgeting documents2 7ii7 work with ,,usaid regional bureaus1 who shall be the primary liaisons between the ,global ,water ,coordinator and mission water advisors1 to ensure water1 sanitation1 and hygiene projects are reflected in country-specific multiyear strategies1 multiyear sector strategies1 and project designs in each high priority country2 and 7iii7 ensure that water1 sanitation1 hygiene and water management issues are incorporated into all relevant ,agency training programs at the office1 regional1 and mission levels2 7,c7 lead the implementation of the ,water and ,development ,strategy and oversee the review and development no later than every #e years of an updated ,water and ,development ,strategy such that it more clearly meets the requirements of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje and this ,act2 7,d7 assist and monitor the development of country-specific and1 where appropriate1 regional water strategies1 whether independent1 or as part of broader ,,usaid country-specific or regional strategies1 in coordination with relevant ,,usaid mission directors1 other appropriate personnel1 and pursuant to the interagency consultation and coordination process as required by section #e7;b7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac1 ensuring such strategies reflect best practices as they relate to increasing access to clean water1 sanitation1 and hygiene activities1 and sustainable water management2 7,e7 ensure sustainable and equitable access to clean water1 sanitation1 and hygiene are reflected in strategies and broader ,,usaid policies or strategies1 including policies or strategies relating to food security1 global health1 environment1 education1 gender equality1 and conflict prevention and mitigation2 7,f7 develop appropriate benchmarks1 measurable goals1 performance metrics1 and monitoring and evaluation plans for water1 sanitation1 and hygiene programs in accordance with and as required by sections #f and #g of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note72 7,g7 ensure programming for sustainable water management1 and equitable access to clean water1 sanitation1 and hygiene are reflected across ,,usaid programming in a manner consistent with the long-term sustainability of service outcomes and freshwater sources2 and 7,h7 foster the development1 dissemination1 and increased and consistent use of low-cost and sustainable technologies1 public and private partnerships1 credit guarantees and other financing arrangements that leverage non-,federal funds for impact on equitable access to affordable water1 sanitation1 and hygiene services that will provide long-term benefits to the world's poorest communities4 7#c7 ,staff ,the ,administrator shall ensure that a sufficient number of employees with appropriate experience or expertise are reassigned or detailed from within ,,usaid to assist the ,global ,water ,coordinator in carrying out the duties of paragraph 7#b74 7#d7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term high priority country means a low-income or lower-middle income country designated pursuant to section #f7;b77#b77;,c7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note7 and enumerated in the strategy required by such ,act1 the first iteration of which was released by ,,usaid in ,may #bjac2 and 7,b7 the term ,water and ,development ,strategy means the strategy released by ,,usaid in ,may #bjac and its revisions1 required to be developed as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac1 but no less than #e years after such date of enactment and every #e years thereafter under section #f7;b7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note74 7f7 ,special advisor for water resources 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state shall designate a senior advisor to develop1 coordinate1 and oversee ,united ,states foreign policy relating to freshwater resources and policies complementary to1 and in support of1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development's ,water and ,development ,strategy1 who shall be known as the ,special ,advisor for ,water ,resources1 and who shall report directly to the ,secretary of ,state and the ,under ,secretary overseeing water programs4 7#b7 ,duties ,the ,special ,advisor for ,water ,resources shall-- 7,a7 oversee and coordinate the development and implementation of approaches to increasing political will and government support in partner countries in accordance with ,united ,states foreign policy on drinking water1 sanitation1 hygiene1 water resource management1 and transboundary water1 including-- 7i7 working with partner countries and other stakeholders to develop1 sustain1 and leverage political and financial commitments that would improve access to safe drinking water1 sanitation1 and hygiene1 and sustainable water management over the long term2 7ii7 assisting and encouraging other countries and international organizations to plan and manage water resources in an efficient1 transparent1 equitable1 inclusive1 and environmentally sustainable manner1 taking into account the interdependence among water1 food1 energy1 and sustainable development2 7iii7 fostering regional and cross-border cooperation for integrated management1 use and protection of internationally shared rivers1 lakes1 and aquifer systems2 7iv7 preventing and mitigating intra- and trans-boundary conflict over water resources1 including through efforts to strengthen international water law and institutions as tools for facilitating cooperation2 7v7 working with partner countries1 international organizations1 and other stakeholders to manage water resources in ways that reduce risk and impact from potential water-related shocks such as1 but not limited to1 droughts or floods1 including for improved global food security2 and 7vi7 fostering increased agricultural and urban productivity of water resources2 7,b7 promote and be the representative for ,united ,states policy relating to global freshwater issues in key diplomatic and scientific forums2 and 7,c7 lead the development and implementation of the ,global ,water ,resources ,strategy required by section #f7;a7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note7 and oversee the review of and update to not later than every #e years the ,global ,water ,resources ,strategy to reflect pressing global challenges and changes4 7#c7 ,staff ,the ,secretary of ,state shall ensure that a sufficient number of employees of the ,department of ,state with appropriate experience or expertise are reassigned or detailed from within the ,department of ,state to assist the ,special ,advisor for ,water ,resources in carrying out the duties of paragraph 7#b74 7#d7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term ,water and ,development ,strategy means the strategy released by ,,usaid in ,may #bjac and its revisions1 required to be developed as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac1 but no less than #e years after such date of enactment and every #e years thereafter under section #f7;b7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note72 and 7,b7 the term ,global ,water ,resources ,strategy means the strategy required under section #f7;a7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note74 4 7b7 ,interagency consultation and coordination 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the ,secretary of ,state shall develop and implement a process to ensure regular consultation and coordination between the ,global ,water ,coordinator and the ,special ,advisor for ,water ,resources so that their efforts are complimentary and in support of the implementation1 and subsequent revision not later than every #e years1 of the ,global ,water ,resources ,strategy and the ,water and ,development ,strategy4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the process required under paragraph 7#a7 should include jointly convened meetings with any ,federal department or agency administering ,united ,states water1 sanitation1 and hygiene programs to evaluate progress in carrying out the strategies described in paragraph 7#a71 or the revision to any such strategy1 as required by section #f of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note71 as amended by section #g of this ,act4 7#c7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term ,global ,water ,coordinator means the ,global ,water ,coordinator designated under section #acf7;e7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa1 as added by subsection 7a77#b7 of this section2 7,b7 the term ,global ,water ,resources ,strategy means the strategy required under section #f7;a7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note71 as amended by section #g of this ,act2 7,c7 the term ,special ,advisor for ,water ,resources means the ,special ,advisor for ,water ,resources designated under section #acf7;f7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa1 as added by subsection 7a77#b7 of this section2 and 7,d7 the term ,water and ,development ,strategy means the strategy released by ,,usaid in ,may #bjac and its revisions1 required to be developed as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 but no less than #e years after such date of enactment and every #e years thereafter under section #f7;b7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note71 as amended by section #g of this ,act4 #f4 ,increasing sustainability of safe water1 sanitation1 and hygiene projects and activities 7a7 ,principles ,in order to ensure that water1 sanitation1 and hygiene projects and activities of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development carried out under the authorities of section #acf of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa1 as redesignated and amended by section #e of this ,act1 and the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note71 as amended by this ,act1 achieve maximum impact and continue to deliver lasting benefits after completion1 such projects and activities shall be carried out in accordance with1 and monitored and evaluated against the following principles3 7#a7 ,projects and activities should be targeted to the poorest and most vulnerable countries and communities1 including women and girls1 displaced persons and refugees1 and other marginalized populations4 7#b7 ,projects and activities should be designed in consultation with a broad range of local and national stakeholders1 including communities directly affected by a lack of access to clean water1 sanitation or hygiene1 nongovernmental organizations1 cooperatives1 foundations1 universities1 private sector entities1 and women-focused organizations4 7#c7 ,projects and activities to provide services for the poor should be designed wherever possible to be financially or commercially viable over the long term1 focusing on local ownership and sustainability1 and undertaken in conjunction with relevant public institutions or private enterprise so long as they can provide access to water1 sanitation1 and hygiene in such a way that strengthens social equity of access and keeps these services affordable to all1 especially the poorest of the poor4 7#d7 ,governments of countries in which projects and activities are carried out should identify revenue streams sufficient to cover the costs of maintaining public equipment and services with respect to such projects and activities over the long term4 7#e7 ,projects and activities should provide for a functioning management and maintenance system comprising tools1 supply chains1 transport1 equipment1 training and individuals or institutions with clear responsibilities for achieving sustainability4 7#f7 ,with respect to projects and activities that are managed by communities or institutions1 effective external support should be provided to such communities or institutions4 7#g7 ,projects should be designed to provide access to water1 sanitation1 and hygiene1 and sustainable water management through joint programs and other coordinated mechanisms and policies1 in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the results achieved1 to mitigate any negative environmental impacts1 and to ensure the resilience of natural and man-made infrastructure to floods1 droughts1 and other water-related disasters4 7#h7 ,access to water and sanitation should be expanded in an equitable manner and on the basis of need1 without regard to race1 gender1 religion1 or ethnic origin4 7b7 ,local ownership ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall establish guidelines and procedures to ensure that-- 7#a7 a broad range of local and national stakeholders is consulted in the development of any country-specific water strategy2 7#b7 any water1 sanitation1 and hygiene projects and activities authorized under each such strategy are designed to address the specific needs of women and girls2 and 7#c7 local civil society organizations1 including nonprofit organizations as well as businesses1 are full participants in the selection and design1 implementation1 monitoring1 and evaluation of water1 sanitation1 and hygiene projects and activities4 7c7 ,local procurement 7#a7 ,authority ,in providing assistance under the authorities of section #acf of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa1 as redesignated and amended by section #e of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development is authorized to award contracts and other acquisition instruments on a noncompetitive basis to local entities in high priority countries to carry out safe water1 sanitation1 and hygiene projects and activities in such countries4 7#b7 ,limitation ,a contract or other instrument described in paragraph 7#a7 may not have a value that exceeds #e1jjj1jjj4 7#c7 ,supersedes other laws ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development may exercise the authority of paragraph 7#a7 notwithstanding any other provision of law4 7#d7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term high priority country means a low-income or lower-middle income country designated pursuant to section #f7;b77#b77;,c7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note71 as amended by section #g of this ,act2 and 7,b7 the term local entity means an individual1 corporation1 or other entity that-- 7i7 is organized under the laws of the high priority country2 7ii7 has its principal place of business or operations in such country2 and 7iii7 is owned or controlled by citizens of such country4 7#e7 ,funding ,funds made available to carry out the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note7 for any fiscal year are authorized to be made available to carry out this subsection4 7d7 ,retention of interest 7#a7 ,authority ,in providing assistance under the authorities of section #acf of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa1 as redesignated and amended by section #e of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development is authorized to enter into agreements with indigenous local private or public groups1 associations1 or other entities in high priority countries to provide for the retention by such group1 association1 or other entity1 without deposit in the ,treasury of the ,united ,states and without further appropriation by law1 of interest earned on such assistance so provided4 7#b7 ,limitation ,an agreement described in paragraph 7#a7 may not have a value that exceeds #e1jjj1jjj4 7#c7 ,use of interest ,any interest earned on the advance of funds under an agreement authorized under paragraph 7#a7 may be used only for the purposes for which the agreement is made4 7#d7 ,audits ,the ,administrator shall1 on a regular and recurring basis1 audit interest earned on advance funds under an agreement authorized under paragraph 7#a7 to ensure that the requirements of paragraph 7#c7 are met4 7#e7 ,definition ,in this subsection1 the term high priority country means a low-income or lower-middle income country designated pursuant to section #f7;b77#b77;,c7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note71 as amended by section #g of this ,act4 #g4 ,united ,states complimentary strategies to increase sustainable1 affordable1 and equitable access to safe water1 sanitation1 and hygiene ,section #f of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note7 is amended to read as follows3 #f4 ,united ,states complimentary strategies to increase sustainable1 affordable1 and equitable access to safe water1 sanitation1 and hygiene 7a7 ,global water resources strategy 7#a7 ,in general ,as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac1 and every #e years thereafter1 the ,president1 acting through the ,secretary of ,state1 shall develop a strategy to further the ,united ,states foreign policy objective to provide affordable and equitable access to safe water and sanitation in developing countries1 as described in section #acf of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa and by the ,agency's ,water and ,development ,strategy required under subsection 7b74 7#b7 ,contents ,the strategy required under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 articulate the ,united ,states foreign policy framework that will drive the implementation of the ,united ,states foreign policy objectives on increasing access to equitable1 clean drinking water1 sanitation1 and hygiene for the world's poorest1 water resource management1 transboundary water and prevention of conflict over water resources2 and 7,b7 address ways in which ,united ,states foreign policy efforts will promote global water security by building political will and partnerships1 and support for national level planning processes1 in conjunction with the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and other ,federal agencies1 and leveraging expertise1 knowledge1 technology and resources that will increase the likelihood that the world's poor receive or continue to have the water they need1 when and where they need it1 in a sustainable1 equitable and conflict-free manner4 7#c7 ,consultation ,the strategy required by paragraph 7#a7 shall be developed in consultation with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the heads of other appropriate ,federal departments and agencies1 international organizations1 international financial institutions1 recipient governments1 ,united ,states and international nongovernmental organizations1 indigenous civil society1 and other appropriate entities1 and shall be complimentary to1 or ultimately joined with1 the ,agency's ,water and ,development ,strategy required under subsection 7b7 and subsequent revisions thereto4 7#d7 ,implementation ,the ,secretary of ,state1 acting through the ,under ,secretary of ,state who has responsibility to oversee water programs and the ,special ,advisor for ,water ,resources1 shall implement the strategy required under paragraph 7#a74 ,the strategy may also be implemented in part by other ,federal departments and agencies1 as appropriate4 7#e7 ,consistent with safe water and sanitation policy ,the strategy required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be consistent with the policy stated in section #c of this ,act4 7#f7 ,content ,the strategy required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 specific and measurable goals1 benchmarks1 and timetables to achieve the objective described in paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 an assessment of the level of funding and other assistance for ,united ,states water and sanitation programs needed each by the ,united ,states ,department of ,state year to achieve the goals1 benchmarks1 and timetables described in subparagraph 7,a72 7,c7 methods to coordinate and integrate ,united ,states water1 water resources and sanitation assistance carried out by the ,department of ,state with water1 sanitation1 hygiene and water resource development programs carried out by the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and other ,federal agencies to achieve the objective described in paragraph 7#a72 7,d7 methods to better coordinate ,united ,states water and sanitation assistance programs with programs of other donor countries and entities to achieve the objective described in paragraph 7#a72 and 7,e7 an assessment of the commitment of governments of countries that receive assistance under section #acf of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa to policies or policy reforms that support affordable and equitable access by the people of such countries to safe water and sanitation4 7b7 ,water and ,development ,strategy 7#a7 ,in general ,as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac1 but no less than #e years after such date of enactment and every #e years thereafter1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 acting through the ,global ,water ,coordinator and in consultation with the ,special ,advisor for ,water ,resources1 shall develop a strategy1 to be known as the ,water and ,development ,strategy1 to further1 through the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,united ,states foreign assistance objective to provide affordable1 equitable1 and sustainable access to safe drinking water1 sanitation1 and hygiene in developing countries1 as described in section #acf of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa4 ,such strategy shall be complimentary to the ,united ,states foreign policy objectives of the safe water and sanitation strategy required under subsection 7a7 and shall be transmitted to the appropriate congressional committees and made publicly available on the ,internet4 7#b7 ,contents ,the strategy required under paragraph 7#a7 shall provide an ambitious vision for leadership of the international development objectives of this ,act and the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac and meet the following requirements3 7,a7 ,consistency with safe water1 sanitation1 and hygiene policy ,the strategy shall be consistent with the policy stated in section #c of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note74 7,b7 ,criteria for determining high priority countries ,the strategy shall identify low-income and lower-middle income countries with a severe lack of access to affordable1 equitable1 and sustainable safe drinking water1 sanitation and hygiene1 by assessing-- 7i7 the government or nongovernmental organizational capacity or commitment to manage and implement affordable1 equitable1 and sustainable solutions1 in accordance with section #f of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac2 7ii7 opportunities to leverage existing indigenous public sector1 local1 donor or private sector investments in the water1 sanitation and water resource management sector2 7iii7 the number of people and percent of the population without access to an improved source of safe drinking water in or close to home1 disaggregated by rural1 peri-urban1 or urban geographic location2 7iv7 the number of people and percent of the population without access to an improved source of sanitation in or close to home1 disaggregated by rural1 peri-urban1 or urban geographic location2 7v7 the mortality rate and number of deaths of children under #e years old due to diarrhea2 7vi7 the mortality rate and number of deaths of children under #e years old due to pneumonia2 7vii7 the number and proportion of children under #e years old who are under-nourished2 7viii7 the average time burden of water collection in rural areas2 7ix7 the coexistence in a single geographic area of two or more diseases categorized as a neglected tropical disease spread in whole or in part due to lack of access to safe drinking water1 sanitation or hygiene1 as defined by the ,agency2 and 7x7 the degree to which water1 sanitation1 and hygiene programs are identified as a priority by a beneficiary government1 region1 or community1 as identified in national plans and strategies and the country-specific multiyear strategies as developed by the ,agency mission in consultation with the national government and civil society4 7,c7 ,designating high priority countries ,the strategy shall select #aj to #bj of the eligible countries identified through the assessment required by subparagraph 7,b7 and identify such countries as high priority countries4 7,d7 ,requirements for high priority countries ,each country selected as a high priority country shall be the focus of the ,agency's water1 sanitation1 and hygiene programming1 and the strategy shall develop comprehensive and holistic individual country plans for each high priority country so as to meet the objectives of paragraph 7#a74 ,such plans shall include-- 7i7 a results framework1 in accordance with the sustainability principles identified in section #f of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac1 and monitoring and evaluation principles identified in section #g of this ,act1 which shall include indicators composed of those criteria used in paragraph 7#b7 to identify high priority countries1 that shall be used to measure the long-term impacts and sustainability of programs1 including the ongoing commitment of host-country institutions1 or lack thereof1 and increased access to water1 sanitation1 and hygiene projects1 programs and services provided directly or leveraged by the ,united ,states ,government2 and 7ii7 a clearly described process by which the strategy shall be aligned1 coordinated1 and leveraged with ,united ,states development strategies1 policies1 and international development initiatives that operate within the high priority country1 to include coordination with and reflected in the high priority country's comprehensive strategy for ,united ,states ,government-supported development assistance4 7,e7 ,additional requirements for high priority countries ,for each high priority country1 the ,agency's mission director for such country shall-- 7i7 designate sustainably increasing access to safe drinking water and sanitation as a strategic objective1 reflected in country-specific strategies that incorporate sustainable water management goals and targets in accordance with this ,act2 and 7ii7 ensure1 where complimentary1 that the benefits of safe drinking water1 sanitation1 and hygiene are reflected in other development initiatives4 7#c7 ,rule of construction relating to initial strategy ,the ,agency's ,water and ,development ,strategy1 issued in ,may #bjac1 shall be deemed to be the initial strategy required under paragraph 7#a7 and shall be updated in a timely manner as required by paragraph 7#a74 7#d7 ,implementation plan ,not later than #ij days after the date of transmission of the initial strategy required under paragraph 7#a71 the ,global ,water ,coordinator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an implementation plan detailing how the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development will institutionalize the strategy1 including-- 7,a7 the budget resources needed to achieve the goals1 benchmarks1 and timetables described in this subsection1 and an assessment of what will likely be achieved at current funding levels2 and 7,b7 the number1 types1 and levels of specialists and generalists currently employed1 and projected to be needed1 in each functional and geographic area1 including support1 management1 and administrative functions1 to carry out the strategy4 7#e7 ,collaboration and coordination 7,a7 ,in general ,in developing the strategy required under paragraph 7#a771 and the implementation plan required under paragraph 7#d71 the ,global ,water ,coordinator shall-- 7i7 consult with relevant ,executive agencies2 7ii7 consult with the ,special ,advisor for ,water ,resources2 7iii7 consult with the ,interagency ,consultation and ,coordination process as required by section #e7;b7 of the ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac2 and 7iv7 consult with representatives of civil society and multi-lateral organizations with demonstrated experience in addressing the lack of access to affordable1 equitable and sustainable safe drinking water1 sanitation and hygiene in developing countries4 7,b7 ,public comment ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a77;,d71 the ,global ,water ,coordinator shall allow public comments to be submitted for consideration through a mechanism of the ,global ,water ,coordinator's choosing1 except that such comment period shall last not less than #de days4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,global water coordinator ,the term ,global ,water ,coordinator means the ,global ,water ,coordinator designated under section #acf7;e7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa4 7#b7 ,special advisor for water resources ,the term ,special ,advisor for ,water ,resources means the ,special ,advisor for ,water ,resources designated under section #acf7;f7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa4 4 #h4 ,transparency and monitoring and evaluation ,section #g of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note7 is amended to read as follows3 #g4 ,transparency and monitoring and evaluation 7a7 ,transparency 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,world ,act of #bjac1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall1 as part of the ,agency's ,internet ,web site1 establish and maintain a ,web page to make publicly available comprehensive1 timely1 comparable1 and accessible information on ,united ,states water1 sanitation1 and hygiene foreign assistance programs4 ,the head of each ,federal department or agency that administers such programs shall on a quarterly basis publish and update on the ,web page such information with respect to programs of the department or agency4 7#b7 ,matters to be included 7,a7 ,in general ,to ensure transparency1 accountability1 and effectiveness of ,united ,states water1 sanitation1 and hygiene foreign assistance programs1 the information required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7i7 the strategy required by section #f7;b7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aba2 #aai ,stat4 #becc2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;h note72 7ii7 a list of countries that meet the criteria outlined in section #f7;b77#b77;,b7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje2 7iii7 an identification of each country designated as a high priority country under section #f7;b77#b77;,c7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje1 including a fully articulated rationale of why each country received the designation2 7iv7 for each fiscal year1 information on the amount of funds expended in each country or program to carry out this ,act and the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje1 disaggregated by purpose of assistance1 including information on capital investments1 and the source of such funds by account2 and 7v7 evaluations of water1 sanitation1 and hygiene programs4 7,b7 ,posting requirements ,such information shall be published on the ,web page not later than #cj days after the date of issuance of the information and shall be continuously updated4 7,c7 ,report in lieu of inclusion ,if the head of a ,federal department or agency described in paragraph 7#a7 makes a determination that the inclusion of a required item of information on the ,web page would jeopardize the health or security of an implementing partner or program beneficiary or would be detrimental to the national interests of the ,united ,states1 such item of information may be submitted to ,congress in a written report in lieu of including it on the ,web page1 along with the reasons for not including it on the ,web page4 7#c7 ,database ,the ,web page shall also contain a link to a searchable database available to the public containing such information relating to the current fiscal year and1 as available1 for each prior fiscal year dating to and including fiscal year #bjjf4 7#d7 ,form ,such information shall be published on the ,web page in unclassified form4 ,any information determined to be classified information may be submitted to ,congress in classified form and an unclassified summary of such information shall be published on the ,web page4 7b7 ,monitoring and evaluation 7#a7 ,in general ,with regard to water1 sanitation1 and hygiene programming1 the ,global ,water ,coordinator shall ensure that the ,agency monitors and evaluates projects and activities carried out under such programs1 including carrying out assessments of impact where appropriate1 and ensuring results of evaluations are used to inform the design of such projects and activities4 ,such monitoring and evaluations shall-- 7,a7 be carried out in accordance with1 and measured against the principles described in section #f7;b7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje and1 where appropriate1 the goals established section #f7;b77#b77;,d7 of the ,senator ,paul ,simon ,water for the ,poor ,act of #bjje2 and 7,b7 conduct longer term monitoring and evaluation of its water activities in order to assess sustainability beyond the typical ,agency program cycle and to enable reasonable support to issues that arise post implementation4 7#b7 ,mandatory set-aside for monitoring and evaluation ,each water1 sanitation1 and hygiene project shall be planned and budgeted to include funding for both short- and long-term monitoring and evaluation so that the ,united ,states ,government and other stakeholders can ascertain the long-term return on investment of ,united ,states assistance funds and to enable learning about the sustainability of assistance programs and projects that shall inform future projects and programs4 7#c7 ,when to conduct evaluations ,the evaluation of water1 sanitation1 and hygiene projects should include measurable goals and performance metrics1 to be tracked against an established baseline at the outset4 ,such evaluations should occur immediately following the completion of a project1 and no fewer than half of all water1 sanitation1 and hygiene projects shall be reevaluated #e years after the completion of the project1 all in accordance with the requirements and metrics enumerated in paragraph 7#a74 7#d7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,monitoring ,the term monitoring means1 with respect to a ,united ,states water1 sanitation1 or hygiene foreign assistance program1 a continuing function that uses systematic collection of data on specified indicators to provide management and the main stakeholders of an ongoing development intervention with indications of the extent of progress and achievement of objectives and progress in the use of allocated funds4 7,b7 ,evaluation ,the term evaluation means1 with respect to a ,united ,states water1 sanitation1 or hygiene foreign assistance program1 the systematic collection and analysis of information about the characteristics and outcomes of the program and projects under the program as a basis for judgments1 to improve effectiveness1 and to inform decisions about current and future programming1 including an explanation of the reasons for or causes of the observed results4 4