President’s weapons deal may be blocked.
In November, President Trump’s administration formally advised Congress of its intent to sell approximately $23 billion in advanced weaponry to the United Arab Emirates. The proposed sale included up to 50 F-35 aircraft, up to 18 drones, and a “package of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.”
Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey said he expects the arms sale issue to come to a vote in the Senate next week, and he fully expects to block the sale. “It’s ready, it has privilege on the floor. We are gathering support for it and I would think sometime next week,” Senator Menendez said.
Senator Menendez was joined by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky and Chris Murphy of Connecticut in introducing four resolutions of disapproval to block the sale. Resolutions of disapproval on arms sales only need a simple majority to pass the Senate, unlike most legislation, and supporters are able to force them despite objections from leadership.
The resolutions would still need to pass the House to make it to the president’s desk, where he has said he would veto them. If Congress could not overcome a presidential veto, lawmakers say a Biden administration could possibly make the changes.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the Senate who will vote next week on whether to block President Trump’s intended sale of arms to the United Arab Emirates.
- For President Trump, Secretary of State Pompeo, and others who continue to conduct the business of foreign relationships.
- For the administration’s efforts to support peace and stability in the Middle East.
Sources: The Hill, Newsmax, CNN
