Congressman calls for Mubarak to step down and for U.S. to suspend assistance to Egypt until transition to a new government is underway

U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), the most recent Democrat to Chair the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and the presumed Ranking Member of the panel, issued the following statement today on the crisis in Egypt:

"Like all Americans I have been watching events in Egypt and it has become clear that it's time for America to step off of the rhetorical tightrope and stand clearly with the people of Egypt in their struggle for freedom. The Egyptian people are in the midst of a crisis, and like anyone in crisis, they need to know who their friends are.

"While initially it may have been prudent for the Obama Administration to walk that rhetorical tight rope to keep the confidence of regional leaders, that moment has surely passed. By their passion, courage and sacrifice in the streets, Egyptians have proven beyond question that they are taking their government back and that the Mubarak-era of rule is ending.

"President Mubarak has been a valuable partner for the United States, but he has, by his own decisions and successive phony elections, shorn his rule of any mandate or legitimacy beyond that provided by force and arms. His last act of service to Egypt should be to facilitate a fast transfer of power to a transitional government that can prepare for free and fair elections.

"Accordingly, I believe the United States must suspend its assistance to Egypt until this transition is underway.

"The Egyptian people have made their wishes very clear: it is time for President Mubarak to step down and allow Egypt to move forward into a new era of democracy, human rights and the rule of law."

The Subcommittee on the Middle East has oversight towards U.S. policy towards Egypt and all countries in the Middle East. In his capacity on the panel, Ackerman has traveled to Egypt numerous times where he has met with President Mubarak and other government officials to discuss U.S.-Egypt relations, the Mid-East peace process and numerous other issues.