House bill to triple aid to Pakistan goes to President for his signature

House approves tripling of aid to Pakistan

WASHINGTON — The House has voted to triple nonmilitary aid to Pakistan in an effort to counter the spread of religious radicals and persistent anti-American sentiments there.

The voice vote comes a week after the Senate approved the same bill. It now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature.

The bill gives Pakistan $1.5 billion in aid a year for the next five years for democratic, economic and social development programs.

It also authorizes money for military assistance to the Asian nation, provided that Pakistan works to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons and combat terrorist groups.