美国国会众议院批准一项法案，旨在减免世界上一些最贫困国家的债务。众议院星期三以285票比132票通过了这项法案。法案将启动有关程序，以减少24个世界最贫困国家的债务。虽然这项法案没有特别授权免除债务，但法案指示美国政府与世界银行和国际货币基金组织就贫苦国家所欠债务的问题进行谈判。
根据这项法案，拖欠了数十亿美元债务的9个贫困国家立即有资格享受减债待遇，其他15个国家则必须实行进一步改革，才可以享受这一待遇。众议员说，债务国家必须达到某些标准才能享受这项减债计划，包括展示改善人权、提高治理透明度和打击恐怖主义的决心。法案获得了两党议员的支持。参议院在审核一项类似的法案。
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a measure designed to support debt forgiveness for some of the world’s poorest nations. The House approved the measure on a 285 to 132 vote Wednesday. The bill would begin the process of debt relief for 24 of the world’s poorest nations. While not specifically authorizing debt cancellation, the proposal would instruct the U.S. government to negotiate with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund on debt owed by poor nations.
Under the measure, nine nations with billions of dollars in debt would be immediately eligible for the program while 15 others would be eligible once further reforms are implemented. Lawmakers say nations must meet certain standards to qualify for the program, including demonstrating commitments to human rights, transparent governance and fighting terrorism. The bill passed with bipartisan support and there is a similar measure moving through the Senate.