US House backs $48.8b foreign aid funding legislation

WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives on Thursday approved a $48.8 billion spending bill to bolster US foreign policy and aid efforts, including to allies like Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The legislation includes $2.7 billion in foreign aid for Afghanistan and $1.5 billion for Pakistan as they fight Taliban militants. It also provides $2.2 billion for Israel, another close US ally, for the fiscal year 2010 that starts on Oct 1.

The legislation is $3 billion less than the $52 billion requested by President Barack Obama, with cuts in funds for items such as overseas diplomatic operations and money for agricultural assistance and improved food security.