Congressman Al Green Votes To Increase Aid To Pakistan

Press Release

On June 11, 2009, Congressman Al Green voted to pass H.R. 1886, the Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement (PEACE) Act, a significant piece of legislation that will increase American aid to Pakistan to allow Pakistan to strengthen its democratic institutions and combat the forces of violent extremism. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives by a 234-185 vote, supports President Obama's request for $1.5 billion per year in aid to Pakistan.

"This bill not only does right by our national security, it also does right by the people of Pakistan. By providing aid for Pakistan's public schools, the bill will weaken the madrassas that terrorist groups use to recruit and will also expand opportunities, especially for Pakistan's girls," said Congressman Green.

H.R. 1886 contains several key provisions that demonstrate the United States' long-term commitment to the Pakistani people. It establishes a Pakistan Freedom and Prosperity Fund, a permanent fund in the U.S. Treasury that serves as a conduit for all social and economic development assistance. It authorizes increased Foreign Military Financing (FMF), while requiring that the vast majority of such assistance be used for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency purposes. Additionally, it authorizes increased assistance for International Military Education and Training (IMET), which will enhance cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistani militaries.

"The security of Pakistan and the United States is inextricably linked. We cannot succeed in defeating al Qaeda by ourselves. Therefore, it is critically important that we develop a robust, long-term relationship with our strategic partners to prevail against those who threaten our national security. H.R. 1886 will help us establish just such a relationship with Pakistan," said Congressman Green.

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