The New York Times is reporting the Obama administration plans to resume military aid to Egypt despite concerns over human rights abuses under the country’s military government. The move would avert a new congressional provision that ties military assistance to the protection of basic freedoms. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to waive the requirement early next week on national security grounds. Rights groups have objected to the decision to resume military aid, saying it undermines the struggle of the Egyptian people, whose popular revolution resulted in the ouster of longtime President Hosni Mubarak. On a visit to Egypt, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi backed the strengthening of bilateral ties.

Nancy Pelosi: “The interest of Egypt and surrounding areas, as well as the United States, is well served by a strong and stable Egypt. To the extent that that assistance is in furtherance of that stability, we will certainly be there. However, we want to be there in a way that is directly beneficial to the Egyptian people and that they’re aware of our friendship.”