House OKs Tierney Pakistan school funds

PEABODY-A proposal by U.S. Rep. John F. Tierney to spend $75 million in aid to Pakistan specifically on school construction, providing an alternative to poor children who otherwise attend free religious madrassas run by Islamic extremists, was approved by Congress Friday.The measure must now go before the Senate.Tierney, a Salem Democrat and chairman of the National Security and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, sponsored the Pakistan Education Assistance Amendment that was included in the Department of State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill for fiscal year 2008.The amendment serves long-term U.S. national security interests by helping to give Pakistani children an educational option to holy war-preaching madrassas, the congressman said. It does so by directing that $75 million in U.S. aid to Pakistan be earmarked for educational purposes. Otherwise, the $200 million slush fund bound for Pakistan could end up being used to buy bombs and bullets.The Senate is likely to consider the proposal as part of its own appropriations bills. If passed, it would then be moved to a conference committee to iron out differences between the House and Senate versions before going before the full Congress for a legislative vote.”Increased U.S. funding for basic education provided by the Tierney Pakistan Education Assistance Amendment will send a powerful message that we are committed to a better future for young Pakistanis, and to supporting alternatives to radical Islamic education,” said Lee Hamilton, former vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission. “Sending this kind of message is hugely important to the future of America’s relationship with the people of Pakistan, and our efforts to combat radical Islam.”Tierney said Pakistan is brimming with so-called ghost schools that are unregulated by the government and teach extremist beliefs contrary to American values.