Calls for Alternative Legislation to Address Legal Restrictions on U.S. Aid and Encourage Democratic Transition in Egypt
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today spoke on the Senate floor against consideration of an amendment to immediately cut off U.S. security assistance to Egypt, arguing such a decision at this time could promote further instability and put U.S. interests and those of Israel at risk. Corker instead advocated for development of alternative legislation later in September that would address existing restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance and place conditions on continued aid to Egypt in order to encourage a peaceful transition to democracy. The amendment (#1739 to the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill) failed when the Senate voted 86-13 on a procedural motion to prevent its further consideration.
“The frustration of our citizens regarding foreign aid given the economic conditions we face is understandable, so we have a responsibility to explain why American leadership in the world in many cases helps prevent our involvement in conflicts that would be far more costly,” said Corker. “We should be the steady hand that pushes Egypt toward a peaceful transition to democracy without undermining our interests or Israel’s security, especially when conditions in the region are as they are today. We can deal with the events in Egypt in due time and still live up to the laws of this nation.”
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