A House of Representatives panel has approved a $47.2 billion bill that would cut US foreign aid and restrict assistance to Pakistan. Members of the House Appropriations subcommittee on foreign operations unanimously approved the legislation Wednesday. The bill would provide funds for the next budget, beginning Oct. 1, and is $8.6 billion less than the current amount.
The US lawmakers are increasingly frustrated with Pakistan’s effort in combating terrorism, especially after Osama bin Laden lived undetected deep inside the country. Rep Kay Granger, the subcommittee chairwoman, said that the Congress wanted to account for every US dollar invested in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton blasted the House bill that would impose strict new requirements on US aid to countries including Egypt, Lebanon, Pakistan and Yemen. She warned that she will urge a veto if the measure reaches President Obama’s desk.