Rep. Smith Speaks Against Conditions on Aid

Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) criticized (CQ subscription required) the “growing trend in Congress of attaching multiple conditions to U.S. foreign assistance funding, particularly for emerging democracies in the Middle East and North Africa.” He referenced Egypt as an example. Both the Senate and House’s State and Foreign Operations appropriations bills condition economic and military assistance to Egypt upon free and fair elections, the protection of civil liberties, and abiding by the 1979 peace treaty with Israel.

Smith argued that if the SCAF fails to honor its commitments to transition to civilian rule and holding free and fair elections, it would be preferable for the U.S. to “just cut [aid] off. Better to do that than treat them like a child,” said Smith. He also noted that the U.S. government must accept the fact that Islamists will likely comprise some portion of the new governments in the region. Further, he suggested that should a government violate certain standards, then the U.S. should reassess its aid in light of violations rather than in anticipation.