BIDEN/LUGAR Legislation on Pakistan Passes Senate Foreign Relations Committee
July 29, 2008
Washington, DC – Landmark legislation on Pakistan, first introduced two weeks ago by Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) and the Committee’s Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-IN) passed by a unanimous voice vote out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today. The bill (S. 3263) authorizes tripling non-military aid to Pakistan and sustains it over at least five years. Specifically, the legislation authorizes $7.5 billion over 5 years in aid that can be used for development purposes, such as building schools, roads and clinics. The bill also imposes greater accountability on security assistance to improve Pakistani counterterrorism capabilities; ensure more effective efforts against the Taliban and Al Qaeda; and bolster the democratic process.
“This legislation represents a bold new strategy for Pakistan,” said Senator Biden. “Sen. Lugar and I wrote this bill with the hope that it will set the U.S.-Pakistan policy on a safer and more successful course. In order to do that, the United States must show a commitment to help improve Pakistan’s democracy as well as stand by them in the continued fight against the Taliban and Al Qaeda.”
“This legislation recognizes and seizes upon an opportunity to broaden the bilateral relationship between the United States and the citizens of Pakistan as a means of strengthening their democratic efforts and countering terrorist elements,” Senator Lugar said. “Our Defense, Intelligence, and State Department officials recognize that economic development and improved governance are at least as critical as military action in containing the terror threat. Congress should recognize this opportunity to ensure an inclusive, coherent strategy for U.S.-Pakistan relations.”
Senator Biden and Lugar’s legislation (S. 3263) specifically:
Authorizes $7.5 billion over the next 5 fiscal years ($1.5 billion annually) in non-military aid. Advocates an additional $7.5 billion over the subsequent 5 years;
Conditions military aid on certification by Secretary of State that Pakistani security forces are making concerted efforts to prevent al Qaeda and associated terrorist groups from operating in the territory of Pakistan, making concerted efforts to prevent the Taliban from using the territory of Pakistan as a sanctuary from which to launch attacks within Afghanistan, and not materially interfering in the political or judicial processes of Pakistan;
Urges a reorientation of engagement towards the Pakistani people rather than merely towards the Pakistani government (civilian or military);
Urges accountability and transparent reporting of Coalition Support Funds; and
Directs the Secretary of State (in consultation with other named officials) to develop a comprehensive strategy for the Afghan-Pakistan border area.
Cosponsors of the Biden/Lugar legislation include Senators Obama (D-IL), Hagel (R-NE), Kerry (D-MA), Casey (D-PA), Boxer (D-CA), Durbin (D-IL), Carper (D-DE), Dodd (D-CT) and Clinton (D-NY).
