Cardin to Introduce Bipartisan Egypt Resolution

Press Release

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, announced Friday that when the Senate convenes Monday he will introduce a bipartisan resolution reaffirming America's commitment to the U.S.-Egypt partnership. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is scheduled to meet with President Trump and Members of Congress in Washington early next week.

Joining Senator Cardin in introducing the resolution are U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.); Tim Kaine (D-Va); Todd Young (R-Ind.); and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.).

The resolution notes the long history and enduring ties between the United States and Egypt, offers support for Egyptian efforts to confront legitimate threats and stabilize the economy, and calls for Egypt's leaders to take steps toward meaningful political and human rights reforms. The Senators also reiterate their call for the release of Egyptian-American prisoner Aya Hijazi, who has been detained for nearly three years on unsubstantiated charges.

"I'm hopeful that President el-Sisi's visit to Washington will open a new chapter of partnership with Egypt. The United States should support Egypt as it addresses security threats and economic growth. However, genuine reform and the opening of space for peaceful political dissent and civil society activity is integral to Egypt's stability and security," said Senator Cardin. "We can't stay silent, in Egypt or elsewhere, when crackdowns on the media, civil society, and political opponents take place. I look forward to discussing this issue when the Senate Foreign Relations Committee meets with President el-Sisi."

"Egypt plays a critical role in the Middle East, and is a vital counterterrorism partner," said Senator Rubio. "I hope President el-Sisi's visit to Washington next week is constructive. While our two countries seek a deeper relationship, it's important for Egypt to make progress on human rights, democracy, and economic reforms. I urge President Trump to press for the release of political prisoners in Egypt, including jailed Americans, and encourage Egypt to allow greater space for civil society and freedom of expression for all, and permit non-governmental organizations to operate freely."

"The U.S-Egypt partnership is built on decades of cooperation to advance our shared interests, and I am confident that we can continue to work together to achieve the security, prosperity, and freedoms that the people of Egypt and the region deserve. The protection of human rights and rule of law is critical to Egypt's stability and essential to the enduring strength of the U.S.-Egypt relationship. It's critical that Egypt move forward with the important political and economic reforms necessary to cement its long-term security and historic leadership role in the Middle East," said Senator Kaine.

"A strong U.S.-Egypt relationship is vital for stability in the region, and the US should seek to deepen that relationship further while working with our Egyptian partners to better protect universal human rights," said Senator Young.

"Egypt plays a critical role in the Middle East and is an important partner for the United States in promoting our shared national security interests. As we look towards the future of our relationship, it is vital that the United States also promote the values of human rights and democracy, which ultimately contribute to more stable, resilient societies that make for the best allies," said Senator Menendez. "I call upon the Egyptian government to make meaningful reforms that guarantee freedom of expression, religion and equal rights and opportunities for all its citizens, stop crackdowns on the press and civil society, and release political prisoners, including American citizens."