H.R. 212 — Introduced in House

I 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 212 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 3, 2019Mr. Serrano introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs A BILL To authorize microenterprise assistance for renewable energy projects in developing countries. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Solar Villages Initiative Act. 2. Microenterprise assistance for renewable energy projects in developing countries (a) In general The President, acting through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Energy, is authorized to provide assistance for renewable energy projects described in subsection (b) in developing countries to increase the availability of credit, savings, and other services to microfinance and microenterprise clients lacking full access to capital, training, technical assistance, and business development services. (b) Types of projects The renewable energy projects described in this subsection include projects to assist small and micro businesses that loan or sell solar lanterns or lamps and other solar energy technologies. (c) Priority In providing assistance under subsection (a), the President shall give priority to empowering female-owned businesses in developing countries. (d) Relation to existing authorities Assistance provided under subsection (a) shall be made available under the authorities of section 252 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2211a). (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the President to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2021, $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2022, $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2023, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.