Press Conference Responding To Saudi Arms Deal

Congressmen Anthony Weiner (D-NY), Robert Wexler (D-FL) and Mike Ferguson (R-FL) led a bi-partisan group of House Representatives in a press conference today in response to the announcement of an arms deal being discussed with Saudi Arabia. The Representatives have announced their intention to block the deal by supporting a Joint Resolution of Disapproval “the minute Congress is officially notified.”

Rep. Wexler said, “[i]t is critical that Congress block the sale of these high tech weapons to Saudi Arabia given its abysmal record in combating terrorism and unwillingness to crack down on extremists.” Rep. Weiner also rebuked the deal saying “[w]e need to send a crystal clear message to the Saudi Arabian government that their tacit approval of terrorism can’t go unpunished,” and added that “Saudi Arabia should not get an ounce of military support from the U.S until they unequivocally denounce terrorism and take tangible steps to prevent it.”

Also present at the press conference and supporting a Joint Resolution of Disapproval were: Representatives Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Rush Holt (D-NJ) Barbara Lee (D-CA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Charles Rangel (D-NY), Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA). Reps. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Linda Sanchez (D-CA) and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL).

The Saudi arms deal could take a center role in September amidst an expected surge in debate about arms deals and reform goals.