A Republican-controlled House panel has cut the US foreign aid budget by some 9 percent, targeting the cuts on economic aid and contributions to the United Nations and the World Bank. Despite the cuts, the legislation won bipartisan backing by the Appropriations foreign aid panel, though it is sure to be hit with a White House veto threat because it is in line with a broader Republican budget plan that breaks faith with last summer's budget and debt pact with President Barack Obama.

The panel maintains aid to Israel and Egypt at the administration's requests but denies $800 million in requested funding for a special fund for training and equipping Pakistan's military in counter-insurgency tactics. The measure would also boost funding to help Mexico and Columbia fight drug cartels.

Copyright Associated Press, 2012