On September 30, the House passed, by voice vote, the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act (S. 1707). The bill authorizes $1.5 billion annually in FY2010 through FY2014 in non-military aid to Pakistan. The Senate passed the legislation by unanimous consent on September 24.
Specifically, the measure would, among other provisions, provide support for “internationally recognized human rights…as well as [for] organizations that focus on [the] protection of women and girls, promotion of freedom of religion and religious tolerance, and [the] protection of ethnic or religious minorities.”
The legislation would authorize support for “economic freedom and economic development in Pakistan by encouraging access, “particularly for women,” to microfinance for small business establishment and income generation.
The measure also would support “investments in people,” particularly women and children, by promoting “modern, public primary and secondary education…enhanc[ing] access to education and vocational and technical training for women and girls…[and] increas[ing] women’s literacy, with a special emphasis on helping girls stay in school.” Efforts to improve public health, “reduce maternal and under-five mortality rates,” and build the capacity to deliver services “to the people of Pakistan, particularly to women, children, and other vulnerable populations” also would be authorized.
