US bill cuts aid to Pakistan due under Kerry Lugar bill
The cut amount would be spent to strengthen broadcasting and 'democratic process' in Ukraine.
WASHINGTON (Dunya News) – United States (US) Congress has cut annual $1.5 billion aid to Pakistan by $10 million. The congregational committee also approved new financial aid bill for Ukraine, Dunya News reported.
According to a foreign news outlet, US congregational committee has approved the new bill cutting Pakistan’s aid and providing a new financial aid to Ukraine. The bill recommends the amount cut from Pakistan’s aid be given to Ukraine to sponsor broadcasters including Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty and Voice of America.
The lawmaking has been termed as HR4278 Ukraine support act and has been approved by house’s foreign committee in various phases.
The bill was introduced by committee’s chairman Ed Royce and a ranking officer Eliot Engle and sought promotion of Ukraine’s sovereignty and strengthening democratic institutions through US funding.
US administration is reportedly considering cutting Pakistan’s aid under Kerry Luger Bill to fund the new recommendation.
Congress member Ed Royce said that the amount that was being given to Pakistan to strengthen broadcast would now be used for Ukraine. The bill has been sent to House of Representatives for further proceeding.
"Russia s armed intervention in Ukraine and its illegal annexation of Crimea have created an international crisis."
"The danger is far from over. If we wish to deter Putin from further aggression, the US and our allies must take immediate action to strengthen Ukraine s sovereignty and independence and target Russian officials and others who are responsible for those actions," Royce said.
