Assistance Program for the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union Documents
Assistance Program for the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union

Pursuant to subsection 517(b) in title V of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2000 (Public Law 106-113), I hereby determine that it is in the national security interest of the United States to make available funds appropriated under the heading “Assistance for the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union” in title II of that Act without regard to the restriction in that subsection.

You are directed to report this determination to the Congress and publish it in the Federal Register .

THIS DAY @ LAW

US Congress passed 13th Amendment

On January 31, 1865, Congress passed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery in the United States.

Yugoslavia constitution adopted

On January 31, 1946, the Constitution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was adopted, creating six internal republics. The constitution, modeled on that of the Soviet Union, would serve as the supreme law of Yugoslavia throughout the Cold War before the union dissolved in 1990.

Gunpowder Plot participant Guy Fawkes hanged, drawn, and quartered

Gunpowder Plot participant Guy Fawkes was hanged, drawn, and quartered on January 31, 1606 for attempting to blow up the British House of Lords with kegs of gunpowder during the State Opening of Parliament. Fawkes and a group of co-conspirators sought to kill King James I over the persecution of Roman Catholics in England. The plot famously failed after the Lords was searched. It is commemorated to this day on November 5, known as "Guy Fawkes Night." Learn more about the Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes.