The Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act, which was signed into law by then-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. It requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other U.S. government agencies, to develop and implement a strategy “to provide affordable and equitable access to safe water and sanitation in developing countries” within the context of sound water resources management.

The Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act also requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the USAID Administrator, to submit an annual report to Congress describing changes in the U.S. strategy and progress in achieving the objectives of the Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act. This annual report to Congress is available through the links below and marks the initial progress on a long-term process to develop and implement a strategy to strengthen U.S. efforts on international water issues. 

07/10/14  Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2014 Report to Congress
07/31/13  Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2013 Report to Congress
09/05/12  Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2012 Report to Congress [ PDF version   ]
06/21/11  Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2011 Report to Congress
06/01/10  Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2010 Report to Congress
06/01/09  Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2009 Report to Congress
06/04/08  Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2008 Report to Congress [ PDF version   ]
06/01/07  Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2007 Report to Congress [ PDF version   ]
06/01/06  Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act: 2006 Report to Congress