Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has advanced his legislation that would cut off foreign aid to Libya, Pakistan, and Egypt. Paul threatened to hold up all pending legislation in a filibuster until the legislation was brought up for debate and a vote.
Paul has championed his bill, S. 3576, that would end foreign aid to these three Arabic countries unless Pakistan releases Dr. Shakil Afridi, a medical doctor who helped the CIA locate Osama bin Laden. It also calls on Egyptian and Libyan officials release to U.S. authorities the Islamists who attacked the U.S. embassy in Cairo and the U.S. consulate in Benghazi.
Paul said on the Senate floor the story of American foreign aid was one of “intrigue,””deception,” “unintended consequences,” and “anger.”
“In no way should the United States government be sending money to governments who are not our ally, who blatantly do not respect our country, and who work to compromise the safety of our allies and citizens abroad,” Paul said in a statement. “I am pleased that the Senate leadership has listened to my pleas for an end to this and have agreed to debate and vote on this pressing issue.”