Senate fails to block arms sales to Bahrain and Qatar

Source: Politico


By MARIANNE LEVINE 06/13/2019 01:05 PM EDT

The Senate failed to pass two resolutions Thursday intended to block arms sales to Bahrain and Qatar.

The resolutions, introduced by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), are part of a broader effort to curb the president’s authority on U.S. foreign policy. The measure to block arms sales to Bahrain failed in a 43-56 vote, while the effort to block arms sales to Qatar failed 42-57.

Paul’s resolutions come amid growing bipartisan frustration over the Trump administration’s close ties to Saudi Arabia, particularly after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The CIA believes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed Khashoggi’s killing. Paul is also working with Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, to block arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

Before the vote, Paul said in a floor speech that the Middle East is a “hot cauldron” and the United States should approve arms sales based on the behavior of other countries.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/story/2019/06/13/senate-arms-sales-bahrain-qatar-1364278