H.R. 2798 would reauthorize the programs of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

== Detailed Summary ==

<summary>
Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 20072008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) authority to make loans and issue investment insurance and investment guarantees. guarantees through September 30, 2011.

Revises international(Sec. 3) States that OPIC may insure, reinsure, guaranty, or finance a project only if the country in which the project is to be undertaken: (1) is eligible for designation as a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and has not been determined to be ineligible for such designation based upon its record on worker rights provisions. or child labor; or (2) if not eligible for such GSP designation, the government has taken or is taking steps to afford workers internationally recognized worker rights.

Requires OPICGives preference to institute a climate change mitigation action plan. projects in countries that have adopted and enforce laws that provide international worker rights.

Prohibits(Sec. 4) Requires that OPIC from approving any contract for any project which significantly involves an extractive industry (as defined by this Act) without: (1) prior congressional notification; and (2) investor and host country agreementgive preferential consideration to implement Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative principles. investment projects in less developed countries whose governments are receptive to private enterprise.

Prohibits(Sec. 5) Requires that OPIC from providing assistance for: (1) any railway connectioninstitute a climate change mitigation action plan that does not traverse or connect with Armeniaincludes the following: (1) clean and does connect Azerbaijan and Turkey;efficient energy technology; (2) a project with North Korea, Sudan, or Iran; orenvironmental impact assessments; and (3) an energy sector project of $20 million or more.reports to the appropriate congressional committees.

Provides for increasedDirects OPIC to provide notice of consideration of approval of a project transparency.to provide financing of $10 million or more which significantly involves an extractive industry (as defined by this Act) to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 60 days before approval.

AuthorizesGives preference to projects where the investor and the host country have agreed to implement Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative principles.

(Sec. 6) Provides for increased project transparency.

Directs OPIC to maintain an Office of Accountability to provide project problem-solving services and to review OPIC compliance with environmental, social, worker rights, human rights, and transparency policies.

(Sec. 7) Sets forth provisions respecting transparency and accountability of OPIC investment funds.

(Sec. 8) Prohibits OPIC assistance for any railway connection that connects Azerbaijan and Turkey without traversing or connecting with Armenia.

(Sec. 9) Prohibits OPIC assistance to an applicant who is involved in a &quot;discouraged transaction&quot; with state sponsors of terrorism.

Defines &quot;discouraged transaction&quot; as: (1) an investment commitment of $20 million or more by the investor in the energy sector of a state sponsor of terrorism; (2) a loan or credit extension of more than $5 million to the government of a state sponsor of terrorism that is outstanding on the date OPIC enters into a contract with the investor and for which payment is not required within 45 days; and (3) the transfer by the investor of goods that are included on the U.S. Munitions List to a state sponsor of terrorism within the three-year period preceding the date OPIC enters into a contract with the investor.

Exempts from such prohibition investments, business, or projects in certain areas of Sudan (Southern Sudan, Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State, Blue Nile State, and Abyei, Darfur) if OPIC determines that such activities will provide humanitarian relief, promote self-sufficiency, or support peace agreements.

(Sec. 10) Directs OPIC to notify the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations within 15 days after OPIC's maximum contingent liability outstanding at any one time exceeds the previous fiscal year's maximum contingent liability by 25%.

(Sec. 11) Authorizes OPIC programs in Iraq.

(Sec. 12) Directs OPIC to: (1) report to House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on the feasibility of broadening OPIC assistance to projects that provide support to low-income home buyers; and (2) provide such assistance if feasible.

(Sec. 13) Requires that OPIC commit adequate staff and resources to assist small businesses and investors in the United States obtain insurance, reinsurance, financing, and other types of OPIC support.

(Sec. 14) Makes technical corrections.
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== Status of the Legislation ==

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Latest Major Action: 7/24/2007: Referred to3/4/2008: Placed on Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 593.
</status>

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== Points in Favor ==

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== Points Against ==

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