U.S. House Backs $48.8 Billion Foreign Aid Funding Bill

[Purveyor]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved a $48.8 billion spending bill to bolster U.S. foreign policy and aid efforts, including to allies like Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The legislation includes $2.7 billion in foreign aid for Afghanistan and $1.5 billion for Pakistan as they fight Taliban militants. It also provides $2.2 billion for Israel, another close U.S. ally, for the fiscal year 2010 that starts October 1.

The legislation is $3 billion less than the $52 billion requested by President Barack Obama, with cuts in funds for items such as overseas diplomatic operations and money for agricultural assistance and improved food security.

The House bill, approved 318-106, also took a shot at Obama for trying to avoid close congressional oversight of his administration's actions at the International Monetary Fund, which aims to help countries weather the financial crisis.

But with the Senate also working on its version, the legislation is likely to change before becoming law.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070902663.html

[jwirr]

1. Naturally military instead of food!

[AlphaCentauri]

2. More bailout money for corporations abroad

to protect their interest

[Grinchie]

3. I guess Obama isn't noticing the Unions being destroyed in Hawaii

Not that I think he would give a damn.

Thats ok, the unions can withstand the withering attack, and when Linda Lingle crushes them with the excuse of a budget shortfall, we can all watch the Hawaii economy collapse yet further.

Start planning for the thrid wave of Foresclosures starting now. The First REO signs in this neighborhood appearred yesterdat, and furniture is starting to appear on the street for sale.

Trafffic is down 75%, and we are on a feeder boulevard that have three excellent schools and a library.

The bottom is falling out, and he's sending billions overseas.

What a DLC stooge.

[Flaneur]

4. Another $2.2 billion for poor little Israel.

You'd think the Middle East's only nuclear power could take care of itself.

Ditto for Pakistan.

As for Afghanistan, didn't we just approve another $100 billion in war funding?

[grilled onions]

5. Nice To See Others Come Before....

Healthcare,Food,Housing etc. We never seem to have money nor can agree on funds or programs to help the little guy right here. Why is it so easy to agree to help others on foreign shores?????