Meeks urges pause on US military aid to Egypt in wake of Menendez indictment
Rep. Gregory Meeks on Friday sought a hold on more than $200 million in Egypt's military financing over human rights concerns.
WASHINGTON — House Democrats have requested the State Department pause a portion of Egypt’s annual military assistance following allegations that Sen. Bob Menendez accepted bribes in exchange for helping ensure US military aid flowed to the rights-abusing country.
Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, placed an informal hold on $235 million in military aid to Egypt that was recently approved by the Biden administration.
“Congress needs more clarity from the State Department on how concerns about treatment of political prisoners, journalists, as well as the rule of law are being tackled in our bilateral relationship,” Meeks said in a statement Friday that did not mention the three-count indictment against Menendez.
Later on Friday, eight more House Democrats joined Meeks in calling for an aid pause “in light of recent events."
