Lawmakers question US aid to Pakistan

WASHINGTON – Five Democratic senators have written to senior Obama administration officials pressing for assurances on Pakistan's commitment to fight terrorism before Congress provides billions more in U.S. aid.

The senators said that amid budget cuts, it makes no sense to provide enormous sums to the Pakistani military unless the U.S. is certain it's rooting out terrorists within its borders.

Since the May 2 killing of Osama bin Laden, U.S. lawmakers have questioned whether Pakistan was complicit or ignorant of the al-Qaida leader's whereabouts deep inside the country.

Signing the letter were Intelligence committee chairwoman Dianne Feinstein of California, Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Jon Tester and Max Baucus of Montana.

The letter was sent to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates.