Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding the time. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this amendment. This amendment would double the amount withheld from assistance to Pakistan until Dr. Shakil Afridi has been released from prison and cleared of all charges relating to assistance provided to the U.S. in locating Osama bin Laden. I note that U.S. aid to Pakistan has been substantially decreased in recent years, including the suspension of all security assistance funding for the Pakistani military because of insufficient cooperation on counterterrorism. Similarly, the 2020 request for economic assistance to Pakistan has been reduced from $200 million to $48 million. Remaining U.S. programs in Pakistan help combat violent extremism, support the rule of law, and counter narcotics, including along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Nonetheless, this amendment sends a strong signal that the United States views the charges against Dr. Afridi as baseless and that we will continue to press for his release. Mr. Chair, I urge support of the gentleman's amendment.”