Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee today approved the Kerry-Lugar Enhanced
Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 by a vote of 16-0. Following is Sen. Dick Lugar's
statement on the bill:
"I thank all Members of the Committee for working cooperatively on the manager's package
of amendments. The strong vote today enhances the prospects for the bill and
demonstrates bipartisan unity on a critical foreign policy issue.
"I also thank the State Department, USAID, the Defense Department, and the National
Security Council for their contributions to the underlying bill that Senator Kerry and I offered.
On March 27 of this year, President Obama announced a comprehensive strategy for
Afghanistan and Pakistan. In his speech, he called on Congress to pass the bill before us
today. Other members of the President's national security team, including Secretary Clinton,
have echoed his support for the bill.
"Its passage would help facilitate a consensus position between branches that would
undergird a rational approach to the region with the best chance of success. The United
States has an intense strategic interest in Pakistan and the surrounding region. The U.S.
National Intelligence Estimate last year painted a bleak picture of the converging crises in
Pakistan. A growing al-Qaeda sanctuary, an expanding Taliban insurgency, political
brinksmanship, and a failing economy are intensifying turmoil and violence in that country.
These circumstances are a threat to Pakistan, the region, and the United States.
"This legislation marks an important step toward sustained economic and political
cooperation with Pakistan, while establishing mechanisms to help ensure that funds are
spent efficiently. The bill subjects our security assistance to a certification that the Pakistani
government is using the money for its intended purpose, namely, to combat the Taliban and
al-Qaeda. The bill also calls for tangible progress in governance, including an independent
judiciary, greater accountability by the central government, respect for human rights, and
civilian control of the levers of power, including the military and the intelligence agencies.
Finally, it includes multiple reporting requirements, certifications, and audit mechanisms to
ensure that the administration is implementing a sound strategy and using funds effectively.
"I look forward to working with the Obama Administration and Congressional colleagues on a
policy toward Pakistan that builds our relationship with that nation and protects vital U.S.
interests. I thank Senator Kerry for his partnership on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to
support it during full Senate consideration."
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