Washington D.C.House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith made the following statement in reaction to the Obama Administration’s decision to withhold some aid to Egypt:

Stability in Egypt is not only in the interests of the Egyptian people, it is also important to the national security of the United States. We cannot and should not walk away from this relationship.

It is in both countries’ interests to make progress towards a credible and legitimate government in Egypt.  Temporarily withholding some major military systems to encourage that progress, while continuing aid important for Egyptian domestic stability—especially border security and counter-terrorism assistance—is appropriate at this time.

Egypt must establish a legitimate and elected government that respects the rights of all the Egyptian people. We have seen far too much violence since the events of this summer, and there needs to be greater progress in developing democratic institutions.

Our relationship with Egypt is of vital importance, but so is encouraging the development of democratic values. By cutting off some aid to Egypt we send an important message about that need. This is the right call by the Administration.