Washington–Three top US senators are calling for tens of millions of dollars in investment to boost business in Egypt and Tunisia as the two Mideast countries move toward democracy.
Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry of Massachusetts said Thursday the funds would take existing money in the State Department budget, steering US$50 million to US$60 million towards Egypt and US$10 million to US$20 million towards Tunisia. He said it would be an investment in the future of the Arab world.
The lawmakers said they were discussing details with the administration, but wanted to announce the plan before Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's trip to the region this weekend.
Kerry was joined by Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the top Republican on Armed Services, and Homeland Security committee chairman Joe Lieberman
