Key Lawmakers to Review Pakistan Aid After Crackdown

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http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=cqmidday-000002621565

Key Lawmakers to Review Pakistan Aid After Crackdown

Key members of Congress said they will scrutinize Pakistan aid in light of President Pervez Musharraf’s weekend emergency declaration and crackdown on political opposition but did not immediately propose a cutoff or reduction.

“In light of President Musharraf’s disturbing actions, Congress and the Department of State should review all relevant economic and military aid from which Pakistan currently benefits in order to ensure that taxpayers’ money is advancing American interests in the region,” said Rep. Nita M. Lowey , D-N.Y., chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations.

Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Joseph R. Biden, Jr., D-Del., said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” Sunday that the administration “should review its aid program to Pakistan.” He said he had “exchanged calls” with Musharraf but did not provide any additional details.

Since October 2001, the U.S. has reimbursed Pakistan about $4.5 billion for operations that Pakistan has undertaken along the Pakistan-Afghan border in support of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. The administration has requested an additional $60 million for those operations in its fiscal 2007 war supplemental.

Administration officials said they were reviewing U.S. aid programs in light of Musharraf’s crackdown but appeared unlikely to do much to upset Pakistan’s willingness to cooperate against terrorism.

“We are reviewing all of our assistance programs, although we are mindful not to do anything that would undermine on-going counterterrorism efforts,” Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.