Reps. Mark Sanford, Thomas Massie Introduce Bill to Fund US Infrastructure by Ending Aid to Pakistan

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Representatives Mark Sanford (SC-01) and Thomas Massie (KY-04) introduced legislation to prohibit non-defense aid to Pakistan - a country that knowingly provides resources for terrorists - and reinvest this funding in U.S. infrastructure. Since September 11, 2001, the United States has provided nearly $34 billion in aid to Pakistan, including $526 million in 2017 alone. 
 
This legislation will prohibit the U.S. State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from sending American taxpayer dollars to Pakistan. Instead, these funds will be redirected to the Highway Trust Fund, the account that pays for our nation’s roads and bridges. The companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Rand Paul.

Rep. Mark Sanford said, “When the American people support other nations, our generosity shouldn’t be used to reward terrorists with U.S. taxpayer dollars. Couple this with the fact that the Highway Trust Fund will be $111 billion short by 2026, and it simply makes financial sense to repurpose these funds for our infrastructure.”

Rep. Thomas Massie said, “The United States should not funnel money to a government that provides military aid and intelligence to terrorists. This common-sense bill puts America first by reallocating tax dollars to our roads and bridges at home instead of funneling money overseas.

Dr. Rand Paul said, “We fail our responsibilities to protect our country and properly steward taxpayers’ hard-earned money when we support countries that chant ‘Death to America’ and burn our flag. Let’s bring that money home and use it to help rebuild our infrastructure instead of giving it to a nation that persecutes Christians and imprisons people such as the doctor that helped us get Osama bin Laden.”