[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 8, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S4953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       POLITICAL REFORM IN EGYPT

  Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, last week I offered an amendment to S. 
762, the fiscal year 2003 supplemental appropriations bill, expressing 
the sense of the Senate for the need of political reform in Egypt. 
While I withdrew my amendment, I do intend to pursue this issue when 
the fiscal year 2004 foreign operations appropriations bill is 
considered on the floor.
  I know a number of my colleagues are similarly concerned with the 
lack of political reform in Egypt, and I hope we have productive 
discussions on the Senate floor on how U.S. assistance can be better 
used to promote the development of democratic institutions and 
practices in that country. It is in the interests of the people of 
Egypt--and the United States--that freedom of association and thought 
are promoted and protected.
  I will have more to say on this matter at a later date, and I hope my 
colleagues will join me in addressing this important issue.

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