Enhanced Partnership With Pakistan Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

* Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 1707, the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009, a bipartisan bill designed to forge a true strategic partnership with Pakistan and its people, strengthen its democratic government, and support Pakistan so it may become a force for stability in a volatile region.

* This legislation triples the authorization for U.S. economic, social, and democratic development assistance to Pakistan to $1.5 billion a year for fiscal years 2010 through 2014. The bill provides that this aid be provided with a particular focus on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting economic development, and improving Pakistan's public education system.

* The bill also authorizes military assistance to Pakistan to help it disrupt and defeat al Qaeda and relevant insurgent elements, and requires that such assistance be focused primarily on helping Pakistan with its critical counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts.

* The security of Pakistan and the United States is closely 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.

* S. 1707 is an essential tool in our efforts to dismantle terrorism and underscores the United States' long-term commitment to the people of Pakistan.

* I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 1707, the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009.

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