The Obama administration slashed military aid to Egypt after Gen. Abdul Fatah Al Sisi moved against the Muslim Brotherhood government.
In August 2013, the administration of President Barack Obama froze $565 million in U.S. military aid to Egypt as well as suspended delivery of the F-16 multi-role fighter, AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, M1A1 main battle tank and Harpoon anti-ship missile. Over the last few months, the State Department lifted the embargo on the Apache and restored the $565 million.
The Republican-controlled House has pressed for the administration to lift its suspension of military aid to Egypt. But the Senate, led by Sen. Patrick Leahy, has demanded human rights reforms before the restoration of assistance. In June 2014, the Senate State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, chaired by Leahy, slashed $300 million in military aid to Egypt.
In January 2014, Congress linked military aid to Egypt to certification by Secretary of State John Kerry that the Arab power was moving toward democracy. So far, neither Kerry nor the State Department has issued such a certification that would release the rest of the $1.3 billion allocated for 2014.
“I think we should look at ways to help that government succeed,” Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart said.
The effort by Congress was part of an omnibus spending bill meant to keep the federal government operating into 2015. Pro-Egyptian supporters were pushing Congress to restore and even augment military aid to Cairo to help stabilize the Sinai Peninsula. The deadline for the omnibus legislation was set for Dec. 11.
A key supporter of renewed military aid to Egypt has been Rep. Kay Granger, chairwoman of the House State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee. Ms. Granger said she was drafting a proposal for additional assistance to Cairo.
“The concern is the lack of clarity from the administration,” Ms. Diaz-Balart, a member of the House State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, said.
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http://www.worldtribune.com/2014/12/02/congress-weighs-restoring-military-aid-egypt-frozen-administration/