Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010 | 10:30 a.m.
The full text of the letter from Rep. Shelley Berkley and other members of Congress
Stop the Sale of Advanced Weaponry to Saudi Arabia
Cosponsor a Resolution to Block the Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia
Dear Colleague:
It has been reported that the Administration is seeking to sell Saudi Arabia advanced aircraft worth up to $60 billion in what Pentagon officials say would be the largest-ever single foreign arms deal.
The sale would include upgraded F-15's as well as Apache, Black Hawk and Little Bird Helicopters. This news should give pause, as it was reported in June that Saudi King Abdullah, in a private meeting with French Defense Minister Hervé Morin, said that "There are two countries in the world that do not deserve to exist: Iran and Israel." It is time to stop selling the Saudis weapons and to demand accountability for their actions.
Congress has made clear that it does not want to give military aid to Saudi Arabia. In July of 2009 an amendment that would ban military foreign aid to Saudi Arabia passed the House overwhelmingly with bi-partisan support. However, administration after administration continues to provide aid and sell high tech weaponry and advanced military training to the Saudis under the premise that in return they will moderate themselves and be a strong ally of the U.S. in the Middle East - even as our own agencies verify that the Saudis have not lived up to their side of the bargain.
In 2008, 104 Members of Congress cosponsored a Resolution of Disapproval to stop the sale of satellite-guided missiles to Saudi Arabia. This sale would dwarf that deal and contribute to destabilizing the region.
We intend to introduce legislation the same day the Obama Administration officially triggers the review process, and invite you to join us. Please contact Yuri Beckelman in Representative Anthony Weiner's office to become an original co-sponsor or with any questions at [email protected].
Sincerely,
ANTHONY D. WEINER, Member of Congress
SHELLEY BERKLEY, Member of Congress
CHRISTOPHER P. CARNEY, Member of Congress
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