US senators seek to block Donald Trump’s arms sales to Saudi Arabia over fears weapons may be turned on civilians
- Republican senator Lindsey Graham, usually a Trump ally, says the actions of the Saudis cannot be ignored
US Senators across the political spectrum on Wednesday moved to block President Donald Trump’s plan to sell US$8.1 billion in arms to Saudi Arabia and other Arab allies as lawmakers’ frustration with the kingdom soars.
The Trump administration last month said it would use emergency powers to defy Congress and provide munitions, aircraft maintenance and other military components to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The move infuriated lawmakers who believe the weapons could be used to kill civilians in Yemen, where the Saudis and Emiratis are mounting an offensive and millions are at risk of starvation.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican who is usually in lockstep with Trump, voiced hope for “strong bipartisan support” in preventing the sales.
“While I understand that Saudi Arabia is a strategic ally, the behaviour of Mohammed bin Salman cannot be ignored. Now is not the time to do business as usual with Saudi Arabia,” Graham said, referring to the kingdom’s ambitious crown prince.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the administration would not follow the usual process of submitting the sales to Congress due to an emergency caused by Iran, Saudi Arabia’s regional rival which has backed the Houthi rebels who control much of Yemen.