The United States Senate on Thursday passed a draft Bill that approves setting up a new fund to pay Pakistan back for its efforts towards fighting terrorism. The National Defence Authorisation Bill authorises $800 million under a provision named the “Pakistan Security Enhancement Authorisation”, Dawn reported.

This reimbursement scheme will replace the Coalition Support Fund that has been used to far to repay Pakistan as well as Afghanistan for their efforts against terrorism. Since 2013, Pakistan has received $3.1 billion altogether under the CSF, which was linked to a particular US mission in Afghanistan and ends this financial year.

Moreover, the US Senate Armed Services Committee referred to Pakistan as “a long-standing strategic partner” and emphasised the importance of fostering relations with the country, in a report submitted along with the draft Bill. It further pointed out that after the September 11, 2001, attacks, Pakistan has been a crucial partner for the US in the so-called war against terrorism in Asia.

Both Houses of the US Congress have passed their own versions of the Bill. A conference committee will now be established to formulate a consensus draft. It will be sent to the president for final approval after both Houses pass this consensus draft Bill.