http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-09-24-aid-pakistan_N.htm?csp=34WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate voted Thursday to triple foreign aid to Pakistan, with lawmakers saying the legislation could change the crisis-driven nature of U.S.-Pakistan relations and create ties based more on long-term interests.
The Senate voted by voice to approve the measure that approves $1.5 billion a year over the next five years for democratic, economic and social development assistance. The measure, a result of House-Senate negotiations, could be passed in the House as early as Friday, sending it to President Obama for his signature.
The bill also authorizes "such sums as are necessary" for military assistance to Pakistan.
As conditions for military aid or arms transfers, the Pakistan government must show that it is cooperating in efforts to dismantle nuclear weapons-related supplier networks, that it is committed to fighting terrorist groups and that Pakistan security forces are not subverting the political or judicial processes of the country.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry, D-Mass., and senior committee Republican Dick Lugar of Indiana, said in writing the bill that the aim was to help transform the bilateral relationship away from the current set of exercises in crisis management.
They said that in past years U.S. aid has fluctuated with political events, sending mixed messages and causing many Pakistanis to question U.S. intentions and staying power.
The final version was negotiated by Kerry and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman, D-Calif., sponsor of the House bill, with input from the State and Defense departments.
Kerry's committee, in a statement, said the final bill has the full support of State Department Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen.
Topic: Stupid Decision: Senate votes to triple foreign aid to Pakistan (Read 430 times)