Congressman Carnahan Announces Support Of Enhanced Partnership With Pakistan

Press Release

Today the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that will ensure strong oversight over foreign aid to Pakistan, Congressman Russ Carnahan delivered a statement of strong support for forging a long-term, strategic relationship with Pakistan and its people:

"Pakistan has become a breeding ground for terrorism directed toward the United States and its allies. It's critically important that we do everything possible to add stability to this region and stamp out terrorism.

"The era of a ‘blank check' is over. We must hold our international partners accountable to make sure that U.S. aid is being spent on efforts that will strengthen democracy, stabilize the region, and help keep Americans safe from the threat of terrorism."

The Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act is compromise legislation that increases economic, social, and democratic development assistance to Pakistan to $1.5 billion a year for fiscal years 2010 through 2014. The Act provides critical support for bolstering Pakistan's democratic institutions and its public education system and helps Pakistan disrupt and defeat al Qaeda and insurgent elements by authorizing military assistance to Pakistan.

The bill also includes strict oversight provisions requiring detailed accounts of how money is spent and why. It prohibits certain military assistance to Pakistan after FY 2010 unless the Secretary of State, under the direction of the President, determines that Pakistan is cooperating on nonproliferation, is meeting its commitment to combat terrorist groups, and has made significant efforts towards that end. It provides a waiver if the President determines that it is important to U.S. national security interests

Congressman Russ Carnahan is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Vice Chairman of the International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight Committee.

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