With direct assistance to the authority allowed only through a presidential waiver of existing law, the vast majority of US aid to the Palestinians has been channeled through the UN and private relief organizations. Over the past two years, just US$40 million has been given directly to the authority.
Congress has approved US$275 million in Palestinian aid for this year and is considering Bush's request for an additional US$150 million for next year. The new direct aid would be a part of that package.
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