The World : Senate Votes Afghan Aid

The Senate, in a unanimous voice vote, approved $15 million in open and direct humanitarian aid to Afghans suffering from the Soviet occupation of their country. The vote was the Senate’s first public approval of funds for Afghanistan, although the CIA has provided an estimated $200 million in covert aid to the rebels over the last two years. In a $14.8-billion foreign aid bill, the Senate also approved $2 billion in economic aid for Israel and Egypt. The Israel aid had been delayed by the Reagan Administration, which insisted that Israel institute tough austerity measures.