Bill would restore Egypt aid with conditions
WASHINGTON (AP) — A spending bill in Congress would restore $1.5 billion in aid to Egypt, but only on condition that the Egyptian government ensures democratic reform.
The bill links the $1.3 billion in military aid and $250 million in economic aid to Egypt's sustaining its security relationship with the U.S. and abiding by the Egypt-Israeli peace pact.
A Senate Appropriations Committee summary of the bill says some of the aid would be given only if the secretary of state certifies that Egypt has held a national referendum, supports a democratic transition and holds democratic elections.
The U.S. cut hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to Egypt in October in response to the military coup that overthrew the Cairo government and to a crackdown on protesters.
