Committee Statement of Senator Lugar Opening Statement for Hearing on Nomination for Ambassador to Pakistan Thursday, September 23, 2010 U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Dick Lugar will make the following statement at this morning’s Committee hearing.   Thank-you Mr. Chairman, I join you in welcoming our nominee. American national security interests are directly linked to Pakistan’s political, military, economic and social challenges.   Because Pakistan represents a key regional and national security interest for the United States, in July 2008, then-Senator Biden and I introduced the original Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act to broaden and strengthen the important relationship between the United States and Pakistan.   American economic and military assistance for Pakistan enhances our mutual security, while helping to build a more economically and politically stable country.   Economic assistance is as critical to security as strengthening the ability of the Pakistan military to counter terrorism, especially by improving the capacity for governance and economic growth.    I have since had the pleasure to work with Senator Kerry and Congressman Berman and others to see this legislation enacted, with a 5-year authorization of $7.5 billion.   I am pleased to continue to work with them, for example in the introduction of the Pakistan – American Enterprise Fund. This bill was passed out of the Foreign Relations Committee earlier this week. It should leverage American and Pakistani ingenuity and experience in driving business expansion in Pakistan.   In disbursing Kerry-Lugar funds, effectiveness, through proper planning and implementation, is more important than speed because the goal is sustainability and a long-term partnership. Initial implementation has proven uncertain and resources should only follow those efforts that prove effective. Additional collaboration with Pakistani institutions is necessary to assure progress.   Rushing aid and accelerating programming could inhibit our goals of helping Pakistan achieve a more stable and productive economic situation.  The Country team should avoid spending for the sake of spending but make clear to the Pakistani people the planning and organization that is going on with the government at the federal and provincial levels.  This is not a one-sided effort.  Pakistan must also initiate and enable cooperation between our two governments to maximize the impact of these resources, as well as create a sustainable environment for economic development. As Secretary Clinton stated at the United Nations this week:   As we take these steps, we will follow Pakistan’s lead.  We look to the Pakistani Government to help shape a strategy that reflects the needs of the Pakistani people.  And we are encouraged by the efforts that Pakistan itself is making to institute the economic and tax reforms that will help pave the way towards self-sufficiency.  The international community will support Pakistan’s efforts, yet we know it has to be a partnership.    While Pakistan’s own institutions are primarily responsible for providing rescue and relief during the recent floods, the United States has not wavered in its commitment to help them respond to the crisis through a commitment of over $345 million. This includes the rescue of 15,000 people and the delivery of helicopters and boats, as well as hundreds of thousands of meals for the displaced and isolated.   In addition to government action, individual Americans have also given generously through charitable organizations.    The floods have not changed the need for the kind of long-term investment in Pakistan envisioned in Kerry-Lugar-Berman. Humanitarian relief from other sources in response to the floods is appropriate and should be used to the maximum extent possible. Such funding is typically more responsive and properly suited to emergency situations. Due to the crisis environment, however, humanitarian assistance resources are also not as easily monitored.    Some Kerry-Lugar-Berman resources may be appropriate for recovery from the floods, including early recovery, when there is a well thought-out strategy that is consistent with the goals and purposes of the legislation. In such cases, a shift in programming should be considered and the appropriate Committees notified. Staff has made clear that transparency and accountability for Kerry-Lugar-Berman funding remains an elemental part of the assistance package.   We welcome the President’s nominee for Pakistan here today to replace our able and effective Ambassador, Anne Patterson, and look forward to his testimony.   ###