As most House spending bills do, this one almost slipped under the radar. They just approved $24 million dollars to fund democracy in Belarus.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted late Wednesday to earmark $24 million for promoting democracy, development of political parties and independent media in Belarus over the next two years, the RIA-Novosti news agency reported.

The bill on financing the U.S. foreign policy in the years 2006-2007 was passed by 351 vs 78 votes, the House of Representatives Secretariat reported.

In particular, the document authorizes the U.S. government to spend $24 million on assistance in building democracy in the former Soviet republic of Belarus, promoting free elections, development of political parties and independent media, protection of human rights and ensuring rule of law in that country.

The emergency war package that was approved several months ago also included $5 million for the same causes, tucked neatly in the bill and out of sight. Very sneaky. Gateway Pundit has a roundup of recent news, which is how I came across this piece of legislation.