Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) plans to propose an amendment to a transportation and housing spending bill that would use $1.5 billion in foreign aid originally allocated to Egypt for domestic infrastructure projects. Since there is a congressional hearing scheduled this week concerning the situation in Egypt, Paul will get an opportunity to voice his proposal, and according to sources, a floor vote seems likely. If this amendment does not get a floor vote, he has prepared a standalone bill proposing the elimination of foreign aid to Egypt.

The Senate ought to take this initiative seriously because giving aid to Egypt in light of its military coup violates a U.S. law that prohibits aid to nations that have underwent a military coup. Moreover, it is logically sound and would benefit constituents across the country.

Paul's proposal faces significant opposition from staunch pro-foreign aid Republicans like Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. There will also be resistance from the left side of the aisle; Paul's proposal to cut aid to Egypt, Libya, and Pakistan last year only received support from 10 senators.