The Hill News

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) will travel to the Middle East next week to assess the recent flooding in Pakistan and meet with civilian and military leaders in Afghanistan.

The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Kerry will evaluate U.S. progress in Afghanistan by meeting with troops, NATO and U.N. officials and Afghan leaders.

In Pakistan, Kerry will tour the areas affected by the recent flood. The U.S. has promised millions of dollars to help the country rebuild.

"The United States has pledged $76 million to Pakistan for flood assistance so far, with an initial $10 million coming from Kerry-Lugar-Berman funds. We are committed to providing help for Pakistanis who have been afflicted by this tragedy,” Kerry said in a statement.

At least 1,400 people have been killed by the disaster so far.