Dr. Rand Paul Urges Senate to Block U.S. Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced a joint resolution of disapproval to block proposed U.S. arms sales to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Paul was joined by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (D-VT) and Mike Lee (R-UT) in introducing the resolution.

The sale includes 280 air-to-air missiles and 596 missile launchers, among other weapons and associated training and support, with an estimated cost of $650 billion.

"A message needs to be sent to Saudi Arabia that we don't approve of their war with Yemen," said Dr. Paul. "By participating in this sale, we would not only be rewarding reprehensible behavior, but also exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in Yemen. I urge Congress and the Biden Administration to consider the possible consequences of this sale that could accelerate an arms race in the Middle East and jeopardize the security of our military technologies."

"As the Saudi government continues to wage its devastating war in Yemen and repress its own people, we should not be rewarding them with more arms sales," said Sen. Sanders.

"The war in Yemen is a humanitarian tragedy, and U.S. participation in this war remains undeclared by Congress. The administration's proposed arms sale to Saudi Arabia contradicts the President's own stated policy. I am proud to once again stand with my colleagues and push back on unconstitutional support of this war," said Sen. Lee.

Background:

On November 4, 2021, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $650 million. The AIM-120C is predominately used defensively to strike drones from the air; although, they could conceivably be used in an offensive strike on other aircraft. The proposed sale comes in light of the Saudi-led fuel blockade of Yemen, which has prevented the free flow of food and water in the country. Earlier this year, the Biden administration announced an end to "offensive" support in the war in Yemen. However, Saudi Arabia has continued its blockade in Yemen, which has worsened the humanitarian crisis in the country.

You can read the joint resolution HERE.

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