New foreign aid bill allows arms for Chile, Argentina

December 17, 1981

The $5.7 billion foreign aid bill passed by Congress Wednesday lifts a ban on military sales to Chile and Argentina but severely curbs aid to countries acquiring nuclear weapons. It also continues to bar aid to rebel forces in Angola.

The bill now goes to President Reagan for his signature. A spokesman for the administration said President Reagan is generally pleased with the bill and will sign it, despite strong misgivings about the nuclear weapons provisions, which restricts the President's power to give aid to countries that explode, receive, or transport a nuclear device.