The Hill News

A House Republican called on Congress to withhold economic aid to Pakistan until its government proves that it had no knowledge of where Osama bin Laden was hiding.

On Tuesday, Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) said no money should be given to the country until there was no question about whether it was "in the business of harboring terrorists."

“While the death of bin Laden represents a historic victory in our fight against terrorism, it also raises serious concerns about Pakistan’s commitment and reliability as an ally in our fight against terrorism,” Buchanan said in a statement  “We should freeze all aid to Pakistan until we have assurances that the Pakistani government is not in the business of harboring terrorists.

“Now, more than ever, we need to know where Pakistan stands in the fight against terrorism across the globe,” Buchanan continued.

Bin Laden was found living in a compound in the wealthy area of Abbott, wh! ich is about 35 miles from the capital of Islamabad and home to many retired military offices, which led lawmakers to question if the Pakistani government â€"or members of itâ€" were aware of his location.

On Tuesday House Homeland Security chairman Peter King (R-N.Y.) said someone in the Pakistani military or intelligence service "had to know" that bin Laden was hiding in Pakistan.

In 2009 the Obama administration authorized $1.5 billion in non-military aid to Pakistan every year over the next five years.