U.S. Senator Calls for ‘Billions’ in ‘Emergency Aid’ to Egypt

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who recently returned to the United States from a trip to Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries, has called for “multiple billions of dollars” to support Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon in their fight against ISIS.

According to FOX News, the Republican South Carolina Senator wants to create a new “Marshall Plan” that would see billions of dollars in economic and military aid.

“When I look at what Egypt is willing to do (for the U.S.), I think that’s a partner worth investing in,” said the Senator, who is also the Chairman of the Senate’s appropriations subcommittee overseeing foreign aid at a press conference, reported McClatchyDC.

“It’s in our interest for the government to succeed,” continued Senator Graham when asked about helping Egypt. Graham added that President Sisi is the “right guy” and that Egypt requires the aid to stop ISIS.

“We need to think broadly as a nation about some kind of Marshall Plan for front-line states that would allow Egypt to have access to low-interest loans, preferential trade agreements and bolstering their civil society.”

According to Reuters, Graham said that he expected opposition to his plans, but insisted that it is important to move forward to support Sisi. However, Graham added that an improvement in human rights would make it much easier to achieve the “billions” in emergency aid he envisions for Egypt.

“If Al-Sisi did something that would be seen by me and others as a real serious move on the rights front, it makes it easier for a guy like me to help.”

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