Newly elected US Senator Abdul El-Sayed has called for an end to unconditional American military assistance to Pakistan, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other countries receiving US military aid.

The Michigan Democrat made the remarks during a town hall event titled “Students vs. Billionaires” with Senator Bernie Sanders at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor on October 26.

El-Sayed said American taxpayers should not have their money spent on supplying foreign governments with weapons and military equipment without conditions.

“Right now, they’re getting bombs and tanks and unconditional foreign military aid. I want to ban unconditional foreign military aid. I want to ban it to Israel, I want to ban it to Egypt, where my family immigrated from, to Jordan, to Pakistan, to Saudi Arabia, to Qatar, to all of them,” he said.

He argued that US tax revenue should instead be directed towards domestic priorities, including better schools and public services.

El-Sayed, whose family originally immigrated from Egypt, said his position applied equally to all countries receiving American military assistance rather than targeting any particular nation.

His remarks have drawn attention in Pakistan because Islamabad has historically received American military financing, equipment and other security assistance. Pakistan has also sought the restoration of US assistance following previous suspensions.

El-Sayed defeated Republican candidate Mike Rogers in the November 3 midterm elections, becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.

His position could influence discussions over American foreign assistance, particularly when Congress considers military financing and foreign aid legislation.

However, the incoming senator cannot independently terminate US military assistance to Pakistan or any other country. Any such change would require congressional action and could involve changes to existing funding arrangements.