Rubio’s amendment seeks to recalibrate the U.S.-Egyptian security relationship by avoiding “a blank check” approach. It also seeks to rebalance American aid to Egypt, away from military and towards civilian assistance, “reallocating economic funds not provided to Egypt during periods when certification is not in effect towards democracy and governance programs, including direct support for secular, democratic nongovernmental organizations, as well as programming and support for rule of law and human rights, good governance, political competition and consensus-building, and civil society.”
It also requires the president to submit a report detailing an Egypt policy review to Congress “that includes a dialogue with the Government of Egypt and civil society on how to rebalance U.S. military and economic assistance,” and includes a national security waiver that allows the Secretary of State to waive “conditions of future funding for FMF contracts every 180 days” if it is in the U.S. national interest. In his speech, Rubio said “the U.S.-Egypt relationship has been a critical one for decades, but it must be adapted to reflect the new political rally the Arab Spring has created.” The full text can be found here.
Sources
“Rubio calls for changes to Egypt aid,” National Review Online (English), 3/12/13.
“Marco Rubio questions further aid to Egypt,” Before It’s News (English), 3/12/13.
“Rubio to introduce measure to block aid to Egypt absent economic and human rights reforms,” Rubio.senate.gov (English), 3/12/13.
“S.AMDT.27 to to H.R.933” Full Text. 3/12/13.