For Immediate Release:

May 16, 2008

For More Information, Contact:

Andrea Wuebker/Laena Fallon

GREGG AMENDMENT INCREASES AID TO JORDAN

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, yesterday offered an amendment to increase assistance to Jordan by $300 million, providing a total of $650 million in the fiscal years 2008 and 2009 Supplemental Appropriations bill.  The amendment was unanimously accepted.

Senator Gregg stated, “Jordan is a key ally in the region.  Increased assistance is critical to helping the Government of Jordan meet the pressing needs of Iraqi refugees, continue economic and social reforms already underway, and enhance border security.  With the threat of Iran’s growing power in the region – and continuing challenges arising from the situation in Iraq – increased assistance for Jordan is timely and vital to U.S. national security interests.”

“I strongly encourage the Administration to enter into a multi-year assistance agreement with Jordan, such as the United States has done with our other allies in the region, specifically Israel and Egypt,” the Senator added.