On the recordSeptember 21, 2012
It boggles the mind to think that Hillary Clinton was on Capitol Hill this week to ask for increasing aid to Egypt. It boggles the mind that last month President Obama found an extra $1 billion to give to Pakistan. Meanwhile, Dr. Shakil Afridi has been in prison for a year. He said directly in interviews that he has been tortured by the Pakistani Government. Now he has been imprisoned for life. The Foreign Relations Committee has had a year to act on this and has not been forthcoming in doing anything to address Dr. Afridi or get him freed or to attach any restrictions or limitations to foreign aid. The restrictions currently in place are for the administration, and they have been waived. I say we don't give up the power of the purse. I say we keep the power of the purse and the restrictions with the legislature. This bill places restrictions on foreign aid to three countries. This bill does not end foreign aid, it adds restrictions. Some have argued that interrupting foreign aid now could inflame the Arab world. Does anyone think they are not already inflamed? They are inflamed because our foreign aid has incensed them. Our foreign aid bought Mubarak tear gas and police truncheons. We need to understand why the Arabs are angry. Some have argued that aid to Israel could be ended by this bill. That is ridiculous. The bill requires the Secretary of State to allege that a country did not attempt to protect an embassy that was attacked.…
Source
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