|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/gop-lawmakers-split-cutting-off-aid-egypt-19993801
Congress Split on Cutting Off Aid to Egypt
(AP-ABC News) Stephen Ohlemacher - Members of Congress are split over whether the U.S. should cut off military aid to Egypt, highlighting the difficult choices facing the Obama administration amid spiraling violence on the streets of an important Middle East ally. Democratic leaders have generally supported the president's approach. But on Sunday, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) said he would end aid to Egypt. Ellison is the first Muslim elected to Congress and is co-chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Rep. Pete King (R-N.Y.) said curtailing aid could reduce U.S. influence over Egypt's interim government, which controls access to strategic resources, including the Suez Canal. "We certainly shouldn't cut off all aid," said King, who chairs the House panel on counterterrorism and intelligence. Sen. John McCain of Arizona renewed his call Sunday to stop aid as the Egyptian military continues to crack down on protesters seeking Morsi's return. But Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) said he supports the president's approach.