US President Donald Trump, declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, swept aside objections from Congress on Friday to complete the sale of over US$8 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
Lawmakers and congressional aides warned earlier this week that Mr Trump, frustrated with Congress holding up weapons deals including the sale of bombs to Saudi Arabia, was considering using a loophole in arms control law to go ahead by declaring a national emergency."President Trump is only using this loophole because he knows Congress would disapprove ...
It is not the first time Congress and Mr Trump have clashed over policy in the region, or the division of powers between the White House and Capitol Hill. The House and Senate voted to end US military support for the campaign in Yemen earlier this year, but Mr Trump vetoed the resolution.In documents sent to Congress, Mr Pompeo listed a wide range of products and services that would be provided to the countries.
It will also likely be welcome news for Britain's BAE Systems Plc and Europe's Airbus, clearing the way for installation of Paveway laser-guided bombs on European-built Eurofighter and Tornado fighter jets sold to Saudi Arabia, as well F-15 fighters built by Boeing. The Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Republican Senator Jim Risch, said he had received formal notification of the administration's intent to move forward.