The US Congress has threatened to cut military and financial aid to Egypt, citing harassment of non-governmental organizations. The recent tug of war between Cairo and Washington began when a number of US citizens working to promote democracy and human rights in Egypt were barred from leaving the country. Egyptian officials have defended the raid as part of legitimate investigation into the groups' work and funding. American aid to Egypt includes a yearly stipend of $ 1.3 billion to the army and an additional $300 million in economic aid.