Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., called for an end to foreign aid for Egypt, saying that the military coup that took place today disqualifies the new government from receiving American assistance under U.S. law.

“[O]ur law is clear: U.S. aid is cut off when a democratically elected government is deposed by military coup or decree,” Leahy said today. “As we work on the new budget, my committee also will review future aid to the Egyptian government as we wait for a clearer picture. As the world’s oldest democracy, this is a time to reaffirm our commitment to the principle that transfers of power should be by the ballot, not by force of arms.”