Paul Asks House to Block Foreign Aid to Countries that Don't Protect U.S. Embassies

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) circulated a “Dear Colleague” letter today urging House members to support legislation that would cut all foreign aid to countries that fail to secure U.S. embassies.

“As this is expected to be the final week of legislative session for both the House and Senate before an extended recess, I urge you to take immediate action to pass a much-needed bill demanding cooperation and accountability from the countries involved in the recent violence directed at our embassies and consulates,” Paul wrote. “The bill should send a strong clear message to these entities: You do not get foreign aid unless you are an unwavering ally of the United States.”

Paul circulated a similar letter to his Senate colleagues which stressed his intention to filibuster any pending bills until the foreign aid issue is addressed.

The letters roll his previous push to suspend aid to Pakistan unless Dr. Shakil Afridi, who was imprisoned after assisting the U.S. in finding Osama bin Laden, is released with the attacks on U.S. installations in Egypt and Libya.

“If Pakistan wants to be our ally—and receive foreign aid for being one—then they should act like it, and they must start by releasing Dr. Afridi,” Paul wrote to the House. “At the same time, we must take steps to cut foreign aid to Egypt and Libya—or any other country which fails to secure our embassies—and we must make it clear that, unless there is full cooperation in bringing these attackers to justice, no foreign aid will be provided in the future.”

“The timing of this action by Congress is crucial.  There is no better time than now to send a clear message to the world that we will not send good money after bad any longer.  I have insisted on floor consideration and votes on these issues in the Senate, and will be engaged in a filibuster of the Continuing Resolution and any recess for adjournment until the Senate allows action on these vital matters.”

The CR, which funds the government for the next six months, is on the Senate calendar for tomorrow afternoon. Senate Democrats have expressed a desire to recess for the campaign break on Thursday.