Buchanan Introduces Bill to Stop U.S. Aid to Egypt

WASHINGTON –  Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Longboat Key) introduced legislation Tuesday to immediately suspend U.S. aid to Egypt saying, “American tax dollars must not be used to aid and abet any dictatorial regime that stands with terrorists.” The Suspend Aid to Egypt Act comes in response to Egypt’s public support of Hamas and Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi’s recent decree granting himself absolute power over his country’s judiciary. 

“Sending billions of hard-earned American dollars to a country that supports Hamas is immoral and irresponsible,” said Buchanan. “America is drowning in a sea of debt. We should not attempt to buy friends across the world that do not have our best interests in mind. Egypt has proven unworthy of our tax dollars and until they do I am calling for the immediate suspension of U.S. aid to that country.”

Specifically, Buchanan’s bill immediately and indefinitely suspends all military and foreign assistance to Egypt, which the fourth-term Congressman began calling for last month when Morsi began expanding the powers of his office. Morsi has since rescinded the decree but has refused to cancel a referendum, scheduled for Saturday, on a controversial draft constitution. Since 1979, Egypt has been the second largest recipient of U.S. foreign assistance, receiving an average of $2 billion annually.