WASHINGTON, July 27: A House of Representatives panel has approved a $47.2 billion bill that would cut US foreign aid and restrict assistance to Pakistan.

Members of the House Appropriations subcommittee on foreign operations unanimously approved the legislation on Wednesday. The bill would provide money for the next budget, beginning Oct 1, and is $8.6 billion less than the current amount.

Lawmakers are increasingly frustrated with Pakistan's effort in combating terrorism, especially after Osama bin Laden lived for years, undetected, deep inside the country. The bill would require the administration to certify to Congress that Islamabad is cooperating in the fight before the aid can be provided.—AP