Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : House Kills Costly Foreign Aid Bill

The House killed a two-year, $25-billion foreign aid bill, but the 262-159 vote was largely symbolic since Congress last week approved a stopgap bill that continues foreign aid through March. It was clear, however, that lawmakers see unemployment and recession as the main issues for Americans. “I have a problem with appropriating $2 billion to Egypt and $3 billion to Israel,” Rep. Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.) said. “Let’s take care of some of the problems we have at home first.” Rep. Gerald B. H. Solomon (R-N.Y.) said: “The time has come to tell the rest of the world to grow up; Uncle Sam isn’t picking up the tab any more.”