WASHINGTON » A leading senator is calling deposed Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi a "great disappointment" to his people and says Morsi squandered an historic opportunity.

Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont said in a statement on today that he hopes Egypt’s military, which ousted Morsi, makes good on its promise not to rule for the long term.

Leahy says U.S. law requires a cutoff to some $1.5 billion in economic and military aid in the event of a coup d’etat. The U.S. government has not called Morsi’s ouster a coup.

Leahy heads the Senate Appropriations panel that oversees foreign aid. He says the committee will review future assistance to Egypt as it awaits what he calls "a clearer picture" of the situation.