A bipartisan group of U.S. senators wants the Obama administration to cut off all development aid to China.

The 12 lawmakers sent a letter Thursday to fellow senators who head up the Appropriations Committee and the subcommittee on State Department operations. The two panels are in charge of approving foreign aid.

The senators pointed out that China is the world's second biggest economy with more than $3 trillion in foreign exchange reserves and a double-digit economic growth rate. They say China certainly has the financial resources to care for its citizens without relying on the United States.

They say considering the current state of the U.S. economy, the millions sent to China every year could be better used by countries with vastly smaller resources.

The senators want to end all U.S. aid to China except for funds that help the people of Tibet and promote respect for human rights and democracy.