Whereas the Governments of the United States and Egypt have long-shared a strong bilateral working relationship; Whereas respect for democracy, human rights, and civil liberties are fundamental principles of the United States and critical to our national security objectives; Whereas the Government and people of Egypt have played a critical role in global and regional politics; Whereas a strong United States-Egypt partnership is important for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Middle East; Whereas the people and Government of the United States have a deep and abiding interest in Egypt’s prosperity, political progress, and long-term stability; Whereas an inclusive government responsive to the needs of all of its citizens, including religious minorities, is vital for such stability and prosperity; Whereas international and public confidence in any electoral process is an essential element for advancing inclusive, representative forms of government; Whereas Egypt will hold a presidential election on March 26, 2018; Whereas the Department of State's 2016 Human Rights Report noted that the 2015 parliamentary election raised concern[s] about restrictions on freedoms of peaceful assembly, association, and expression and their negative effect on the political climate surrounding elections ; Whereas the same report notes that the 2014 presidential election raised serious concerns regarding constraints on the freedoms of expression and association and limits on freedom of the press leading up to the election which prevented free political participation and severely compromised the broader electoral environment ; Whereas the Government of Egypt, through legal action and a highly restrictive new law, has created a hostile environment for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), which provide essential services to the people of Egypt and for whom peaceful association for civic activities is a fundamental right