US Congress votes to triple aid to Pakistan

Legislation to triple US aid to Pakistan and stem the tide of radicalism and anti-Americanism within the Asian country cleared Congress today and moved to President Barack Obama for his signature. The bill, approved by a voice vote in the House of Representatives, would provide Pakistan with $1.5bn (£938m) in aid a year over the next five years focused on democratic, economic and social development programs. "The United States has an enormous stake in the security and stability of Pakistan," said House foreign affairs committee chairman Howard Berman, a Democrat. "We need to forge a true strategic partnership with Pakistan and its people, strengthen Pakistan's democratic government and work to make Pakistan a source of stability in a volatile region." The final bill was crafted by Berman on the House side and the leaders of the Senate foreign relations committee, chairman John Kerry, a Democrat, and Dick Lugar of Indiana, the top Republican. It was endorsed by US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, defense secretary Robert Gates and joint chiefs of staff chairman Admiral Mike Mullen.