(a) Authority to reduce debt

(1) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President may reduce the amount owed to the United States or any agency of the United States, and outstanding as of January 1, 1990, as a result of any credits extended under subchapter II to a country eligible for benefits from the Facility.

(2) Availability of appropriations

The authorities under this section may be exercised only to the extent provided for in advance in appropriation Acts.

(b) Limitation

A debt reduction authorized under subsection (a) shall be accomplished, at the direction of the Facility, through the exchange of a new obligation under this subchapter for obligations of the type referred to in subsection (a) outstanding as of January 1, 1990.

(c) Exchange of obligations

Terms Used In 7 USC 1738c

  • Appropriation: The provision of funds, through an annual appropriations act or a permanent law, for federal agencies to make payments out of the Treasury for specified purposes. The formal federal spending process consists of two sequential steps: authorization
  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Obligation: An order placed, contract awarded, service received, or similar transaction during a given period that will require payments during the same or a future period.

The Facility shall notify the Commodity Credit Corporation of an agreement entered into under subsection (b) with an eligible country to exchange a new obligation for outstanding obligations. At the direction of the Facility, the old obligations that are the subject of the agreement may be canceled and a new debt obligation may be established for the country relating to the agreement. The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make an adjustment in its accounts to reflect a debt reduction under this section.