“In this war, Egypt is not—and does not want to become—part of the robust Western defense of Ukraine. Biden’s call to defend the larger cause of democracy has zero resonance for President al-Sissi.”

“This vote is rather unprecedented for arms sales to Egypt. It’s a rare moment to see senators express concern for ongoing US support for Egypt’s authoritarian, rights-abusing government through a vote to block an arms sale.”

“It’s commendable that the US stood firm on the human rights conditions it had set. Yet, in the bigger picture, the administration remains far too supportive of the Sisi regime and human rights remain far too marginal in US policy.”

“[Blocking aid to Egypt based on human rights conditions] is the right thing to do, but unfortunately the impact…is undermined by simultaneously moving forward with arms sales, nearly 20 times more than the amount being reprogramed.”

“Egypt remains an authoritarian US security partner in the Arab world, and the US, as we know historically, has been very reluctant to push against authoritarian Arab allies who are partners on counterterrorism and security.”

“I don’t think any progress in the human rights situation has been made over the past decade. In fact, by all accounts, by all measures, the human rights situation today is far worse than what it was on January 25, 2011.”

“The administration must address the fact that Egypt frequently acts in opposition to US interests, from supporting the military coup in Sudan, to maintaining one of the most repressive regimes in the world.”

“Biden wants cooperative and strong relations with Sisi more than he really wants to press him on human rights. And that’s very regrettable because the human rights situation is atrocious, abysmal. It’s a stain on the United States’ record.”

“I see this as a purely cosmetic move: Sisi has all the repressive powers he needs already, outside of the Emergency Law. Releasing political prisoners and ending the trials of those currently being prosecuted…would be much more meaningful.”