Ben Cardin: U.S. Financial Aid to Egypt Will Continue Only If Human Rights Improve

Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced on Tuesday that the United States will only provide foreign military aid to Egypt if the country shows significant progress in human rights. Cardin stated, "As the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I am committed to holding Egypt accountable for human rights violations by using my oversight authority to prevent military aid funding and arms sales." He added, "Egypt's stability is very important for U.S. national interests, but this stability depends on the Egyptian government taking concrete steps to support human rights." Cardin specifically referred to pre-trial detention, the release of political prisoners, and support for human rights defenders. The United States provides billions of dollars in military aid to Egypt annually, which has helped Egypt combat terrorist groups. However, the Egyptian government has consistently faced widespread criticism regarding human rights. Cardin's election as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee could have significant implications for U.S. policies towards Egypt. Cardin is a staunch supporter of human rights and is expected to be tough on the Egyptian government in this regard. On Wednesday, October 5, U.S. Senators elected Democrat Ben Cardin as the new Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, replacing Senator Bob Menendez. Prosecutors claim that Menendez and his wife received gold bars and large amounts of cash in exchange for "using their influence" to assist the Egyptian government and obstruct law enforcement investigations related to traders. The bipartisan Senate initiative for the release of an American journalist imprisoned in Russia was also mentioned. Senator Bob Menendez is set to be tried in May on charges of "financial corruption." Menendez has stated he will not resign and maintains his innocence in court. Menendez's resignation from the chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee comes as he and his wife face accusations of "receiving bribes."