JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Sen. Claire McCaskill is proposing to shift money from development in Afghanistan for roads and bridges in the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Defense pays for projects through the Commanders' Emergency Response Program and the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund. McCaskill's proposal would allow the funds to be used for projects costing $50,000 or less. Excess money in the funds would be shifted to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
McCaskill, a Democrat from Missouri, said Thursday the Commanders' Emergency Response Program was intended for small humanitarian and repair projects to increase local support. She says it has ballooned to cover highways and power plants that cannot be sustained and that investments are needed for U.S. infrastructure.
McCaskill says the U.S. Agency for International Development could continue funding development projects in Afghanistan.