Senator: Congress to reconsider aid to Egypt

US Senator Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the Congress, said Wednesday the United States will reconsider aid following the latest developments in Egypt. "The Morsi government has been a great disappointment to the people of Egypt, and to all who wish Egypt a successful transition to responsive, representative government under the rule of law," he said in a statement. He noted that Morsi "squandered an historic opportunity, preferring to govern by fiat rather than work with other political parties to do what is best for all Egyptians. Egypt's military leaders say they have no intent or desire to govern, and I hope they make good on their promise." "In the meantime, our law is clear: U.S. aid is cut off when a democratically elected government is deposed by military coup or decree," Leahy added. "As we work on the new budget, my committee also will review future aid to the Egyptian government as we wait for a clearer picture. As the world's oldest democracy, this is a time to reaffirm our commitment to the principle that  transfers of power should be by the ballot, not by force of arms."