Posted on 02/13/2008 2:25:08 AM PST by Tennessee Nana
WASHINGTON — Hoping to block a $120 million sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia that goes through on Friday, Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., and two other Republican lawmakers on Tuesday urged their colleagues to oppose President Bush’s plans.
A resolution signed by 80 Democrats and 13 Republicans opposes the sale of 900 Joint Direct Attack Munitions to Saudi Arabia. Rep. Wamp called it “a mistake” to be selling high-tech weapons to a country that consistently bankrolls terrorist organizations.
“We have tried to buy friends with arms, but usually it doesn’t work, and they turn around and use them against us,” Rep. Wamp said. “There is a clear pattern of the royal family aiding and abetting the enemy. They have to prove they’re our friends, and they haven’t done that.”
According to the Arms Control Export Act of 1976, the president is required to notify Congress of an impending arms sale, giving the legislative body 30 days to consider the deal. That deadline to pass a joint resolution of disapproval expires Thursday.
President Bush has said the sale is needed to keep Saudi Arabia as an ally in stabilizing the Middle East.
Lawmakers opposing the sale note that 70 percent of the most-wanted international terrorists are Saudi Arabians and that the majority of suicide bombers in Iraq have come from Saudi Arabia.
“People of all political stripes have come out against this deal,” said Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., who is leading the opposition to the sale.
“The Saudis at every turn have been uncooperative,” Rep. Weiner said. “The idea that we are going to reward the Saudis with precision weaponry is a stunningly bad idea, and clearly deserves the full review of Congress.”
With two days left before the deadline and just 93 House members committed to the resolution, Rep. Wamp acknowledged that their chances of getting it passed are getting slimmer. Congress still can prevent the sale through separate legislative action.
“Time is running out,” he said. “We had hoped there’d be more scrutiny. We should think about what’s in our best interests.”
It was stated:
“President Bush has said the sale is needed to keep Saudi Arabia as an ally in stabilizing the Middle East.”
Hogwash! We stand between Saudi Arabia and the militants who want to overthrow those effete Saudi’s. Do they show gratitude? [Or offer more or cheaper oil?] Don’t hold your breath.
This deal is a bad idea, and if any of this stuff ends up in the hands of our enemies, it will be a horrible deal.
Most of them don't live in Saudi, so how is it they receive arms from us?
If we have to buy their friendship with arms, they’re not our friends.
Correction. They're sand fleas with oil.
L
True
that and the scum of the earth.
You mean Mexico Jorge?
I agree with the Congressman.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.