The Palestinian Authority welcomed news that $88.6 million in American aid that had been frozen since last August is on its way to Ramallah. A total of $147 million was suspended in response to the Palestinian decision to end-run the internationally-brokered peace process and seek recognition of statehood and full member status at the United Nations. The PA further angered the US and Israel when it sought and received full member status in the UN cultural organization, UNESCO. As a result, Rep. Kay Granger (R-Tex), who chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla), who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, froze the designated aid. The $88.6 million in development funds was freed up by Granger while Ros-Lehtinen has not yet agreed to release the remainder. Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad (pictured), who has been vocal in his criticism of Arab nations for not fulfilling pledges of support for the PA, expressed gratitude for the cash infusion and said it would be helpful in dealing with the cash crunch.