That the Senate—
welcomes Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to the United States;
expresses hope that President el-Sisi’s visit will open a new chapter in United States-Egyptian relations as both sides pledge to work toward greater cooperation based on shared interests and values;
acknowledges the central and historic importance of the United States-Egypt partnership in advancing the common interests of both countries;
hopes that President el-Sisi will highlight in public statements the value of ties between the United States and Egypt;
recognizes that Egypt faces legitimate security threats and expresses condolences for the loss of life suffered by the Egyptian people in attacks by violent extremist organizations;
stands with the Egyptian people as they confront violent extremism and threats on land and sea borders;
appreciates Egypt’s regional role as a partner and mediator;
recognizes the necessity for Egypt’s leaders to take steps toward genuine political reform that prioritizes human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law;
demands the immediate release of unjustly imprisoned American citizens, including Aya Hijazi, who has been detained in Egypt since May 2014 on unsubstantiated charges;
demands an immediate end to the harassment and interference in the operations of independent civil society and media organizations in Egypt, including the closure of Case 173 and the revision of Egypt’s nongovernmental organization law in accordance with international best practices;
encourages the United States and Egypt to increase cooperation—
to combat terrorism in a manner consistent with international human rights law;
to promote principles of good governance; and
to ensure respect for the universal rights of the Egyptian people;
reaffirms the commitment of the United States to support the Government of Egypt with assistance, training, and other resources as it combats terrorism, addresses security in the Sinai Peninsula, and enhances Egypt’s border security and maritime security while recognizing the need to monitor security assistance to ensure accountability and due process of law;
clarifies that any proposed restructuring of United States assistance to Egypt, which is subject to the approval of Congress, will take into account progress on meaningful political reform, human rights, and fundamental freedoms;
congratulates the Egyptian government on their engagement with the International Monetary Fund and their difficult, but necessary, steps to stabilize the economy;
supports Egypt’s economic reform efforts;
calls on the United States Government to develop a new strategy for joint efforts—
to bolster trade between the United States and Egypt and investment in the Egyptian private sector;
to combat corruption; and
to promote higher education; and
urges the President of the United States and the Secretary of State to engage the Egyptian Government on new ways to advance the bilateral relationship economically, militarily, diplomatically, and through cultural exchanges, while ensuring respect for the universal rights of the Egyptian people.