Posted 9/14/2023, 9:08:00 PM

Biden Redirects $85 Million in Aid from Egypt to Taiwan, Lebanon over Human Rights Concerns

The Biden administration is redirecting $85 million in aid for Egypt to Taiwan and Lebanon due to Egypt's human rights issues.
The aid being redirected was conditioned on Egypt's progress in treating political prisoners and providing due process.
However, the administration will still allow Egypt to access $235 million in foreign military financing.
The aid redirection comes amid calls from Democrats to withhold all $320 million in military aid to Egypt over human rights concerns.
The administration is bolstering aid to Taiwan as it seeks to boost its defense capabilities in the face of threats from China.

cnn.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/12/2023

GOP Slams Biden's Iran Prisoner Swap as 'Ransom' to Terror State

The Biden administration's decision to carry out a prisoner exchange with Iran, involving issuing a waiver to release $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds, has sparked outrage from Republicans who accuse Biden of paying a ransom to a state sponsor of terrorism.

9/12/2023

U.S. Releases $6 Billion in Iranian Funds for Prisoner Swap Deal, But Tensions Remain

The Biden administration is disputing Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's claim that Iran will decide how to use the $6 billion in frozen funds released by the US in a prisoner exchange deal, stating that the funds can only be used for humanitarian purposes and will be under strict oversight.

9/15/2023

Biden Administration Redirects $85M in Egypt Military Aid to Taiwan, Lebanon Over Human Rights Concerns

The Biden administration will redirect $55 million of military aid from Egypt to Taiwan due to concerns about human rights abuses, while the remaining $30 million will be allocated to Lebanon, according to a State Department spokesperson.

9/22/2023

Biden Beefs Up Military Aid to Ukraine After Zelensky's U.S. Visit

The Biden administration announced an aid package of up to $325 million for Ukraine to support its critical security and defense needs in its fight against Russia, coinciding with Ukrainian President Zelensky's visit to Washington, D.C.

10/1/2023

Cardin Pledges to Block $235M in Egypt Military Aid, Putting Him at Odds With Biden

Senator Ben Cardin, the new chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, plans to block the release of $235 million in military aid to Egypt and withhold future aid unless the country improves its human rights record, potentially forcing the Biden administration to reverse its decision.

10/4/2023

Biden Pushes for Urgent Ukraine Aid as Funding Runs Low and Congressional Support Wavers

President Biden has expressed concern over the fate of his $24 billion request for Ukraine aid amid disarray in Congress, as the Pentagon warns that military aid in Ukraine is running out and urges lawmakers to approve more aid to prevent disruption in the flow of weapons to Ukraine.

10/7/2023

Biden Seeks $100 Billion in Ukraine Aid Through 2024, Facing Growing Republican Opposition

US President Joe Biden intends to request a record-breaking aid package of up to $100 billion from Congress to support Ukraine, in an effort to overcome opposition from Republicans and secure funding before the US presidential elections next November.