President Leonel Fernandez sent two loan proposals, for a total of US$35 million, for the Senate’s approval in letters dated 1 October. The missives were received by Senate leader Andres Bautista. The first loan was underwritten in June of 2003 and ties the Dominican Republic with the World Bank (IRDB) and, according to the note that Fernandez sent to the Senate, the money would be directed to the Program to Support the Reform of the Health Sector. The project has a total cost of US$42 million, with the Dominican government putting up US$12 million in counterpart funding. The other loan is for US$5 million and involves the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and the Dominican government. The purpose of these funds was cited as to “strengthen the management of foreign commerce.” The program has a total cost of US$5,555,555. Both contracts were sent to the Senate Finance Commission, as presided over by Samana Senator Ramiro Espino.