WASHINGTON (AP) — A Senate panel has approved a foreign aid budget for next year that cuts U.S. assistance to Pakistan and Egypt.
By voice vote Tuesday, a Senate Appropriations subcommittee approved the overall bill totaling $52.1 billion. That is $2.6 billion less than what President Barack Obama requested and $1.2 billion below current spending.
Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont cited the strained U.S. relations with Pakistan for reducing aid and imposing restrictions on $1 billion in assistance. Pakistan has closed supply routes for NATO forces in Afghanistan, angering the United States and lawmakers.
The panel also cut $5 million from the $250 million in economic assistance for Egypt. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said it equaled the amount the U.S. spent to get non-government workers out earlier this year.
