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 money for the next budget, beginning October 1, and is $8.6 billion less than the current amount.
Lawmakers are increasingly frustrated with Pakistan''s effort in combating terrorism, especially after Osama bin Laden lived for years, undetected, deep inside the country. The bill would require the administration to certify to Congress that Islamabad is co-operating in the fight before the aid can be provided. Republican Rep. Kay Granger, subcommittee chairwoman, said Congress wants to account for every dollar invested in Pakistan. The full Appropriations Committee will consider later.
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