With Menendez out as committee chair, US aid to Egypt held back

With US Senator Bob Menendez out as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, his new replacement has said he would hold back US$235 in military funding to Egypt and will be reviewing US foreign policy toward other countries. 

The news comes as US authorities continue to investigate the New Jersey senator for allegedly taking bribes in exchange for favours for Egyptian government officials, causing him to step down from the powerful committee position. 

"The chairman of the committee has the agenda-setting power. As we learn more about who's giving him money and why, the policies could change, even if it's not in the interest of US policy," Patrick James, a professor of international relations at the University of Southern California, told The New Arab.

With Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland now heading the committee, a temporary post he will hold until his senate term ends, he has already announced substantial policy changes toward Egypt. On Tuesday, he said he would hold back military funding to Egypt until the country took meaningful steps to improve its human rights situation.

"Congress has been clear, through the law, that the government of Egypt’s record on a range of critical human rights issues, good governance, and the rule of law must improve if our bilateral relationship is to be sustained," Cardin said in a public statement.

"As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I believe it is imperative that we continue to hold the government of Egypt, and all governments, accountable for their human rights violations," he said.

Specifically, he said Egypt must address the following issues before he will consider reversing his decision on military aid: significantly improve its pre-trial detention practices; accelerate the pardon of political prisoners, which include thousands being held for their speech; and allow space for human rights advocates, civil society, political opposition, and independent media.

Cardin's move goes against US President Joe Biden's position on aid to Egypt, which was to issue a waiver to provide the US$235 million in foreign military funding to Egypt, saying it was important for US national security. The administration did, however, withhold US$85 million in funding as a response to concerns over human rights.

In addition to his plans for Egypt, Cardin is also expected to soon make announcements on US foreign policy plans for Turkey and other countries. 

For years, Menendez has blocked sales to Turkey of F-16 fighter jets from the US, saying he was concerned about Turkey having more air power than Greece. Cardin has now indicated he would be open to reversing this policy, pending a review of Turkey's human rights. This could clear the way for Turkey to allow Sweden into NATO, which it has linked to its purchase of the jets from the US.

Cardin also said he would be working on the conditions of a diplomatic deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which would also entail a review of human rights.

He will also likely be looking at the administration's work on an agreement with Iran relating to its nuclear proliferation, which Menendez has long opposed, a position that goes back to former President Barack Obama's administration.

Cardin said he would be working with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on their goal of protecting human rights in Egypt, what appears to be one of many steps he will be taking in his short tenure as head of the Foreign Relations Committee.

"I have spoken with Secretary Blinken, and I look forward to working with the Biden administration on our shared goal of protecting and expanding human rights in Egypt," he said. "My hold on current funds will remain until specific human rights progress is made."