Haig urges Republicans to free up foreign aid

December 9, 1981

Republicans are urging Republicans to spend money. Secretary of State Alexander Haig urged Republican congressmen Tuesday to swallow hard, put aside their traditional aversion to massive foreign aid, and support President Reagan's aid proposals for 1982 and '83.

Citing national security interests, Mr. Haig appealed for the $12.2 billion at a closed meeting with Republicans.

So controversial is foreign aid that Congress has been unable to pass a bill since 1979 and instead has simply extended previous spending levels.