Pelosi Statement on House Passage of Pakistan Assistance Bill;

September 30, 2009

Pelosi Statement on House Passage of Pakistan Assistance Bill
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on House passage of the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act. The legislation triples the authorization for U.S. economic, social, and democratic development assistance to Pakistan and also authorizes military assistance to Pakistan to help it defeat al Qaeda and relevant insurgent elements. The Senate passed the bill last week and it now goes to President Obama for his signature into law.
Ã¢â‚¬Å"The strategic partnership between the United States and Pakistan is essential to international security. Pakistan stands on the front lines in the battle to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them safe haven around the world.
Ã¢â‚¬Å"It is absolutely critical that we strengthen Pakistan's security forces, bolster its democratic government, invest in a thriving education system, and make this nation a center of stability in the region. This legislation helps give Pakistan the tools, support, and capability it needs to defeat al Qaeda and other terrorist groups that threaten our national security.Ã¢â‚¬