Senate Republicans defeat attempt to block Trump’s sale of F-35 fighters, other weapons to UAE

‘There are no satisfactory answers to these questions,’ key Senate Democrat says about issues surrounding potential sale

Senate Republicans beat back an attempt to block Donald Trump’s intention to sell advanced fighter jets and other weapons to a longtime Middle East ally as some lawmakers voiced concerns about regional instability.

The vote is perhaps the last legislative foreign policy win for the outgoing president, and comes after senior White House this week lobbied senators to vote against the resolution. Forty-nine senators voted against the measure, with 47 voting in support.

The Trump administration is planning a $23 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets, Reaper armed drones and munitions to the United Arab Emerits. Senate Foreign Relations ranking member Robert Menendez joined Democratic Senator Chris Murphy and GOP Senator Rand Paul in pusing the “priveleged resolution.”

But, breaking with tradition, the Trump White House did not inform the proposed transaction was in the works. Administrations typically brief members of congressional committees that focus on national security and foreign affairs when they are even considering such a sale.

The move is one more way in which this commander in chief has ignored and shunned the way Washington has worked for decades, wrangling members of both parties. Some Republicans have joined Democrats in questioning the speed of the possible transaction, which would normally go through a lengthy review by multiple committees and federal agencies.

Lawmakers also have voiced concerns that the sale could undermine human rights in the region and spark a mini-arms race.

Even some top Democratic critics of the administration have applauded the “Abraham Accords” under which the UAE normalised relations with Israel, paving the way for the arms sale, while raising concerns.

“The UAE's recognition of Israel is a big deal. I fully support the Abraham Accords. But there was no invisible ink in that deal that obligated the United States to compromise our own security by selling wildly lethal weapons in the Middle East,” tweeted Senate Foreign Relations member Chris Murphy. “My belief is that we SHOULD be in the security business with UAE, and that's why I've supported past arms sales to UAE.

“But this sale is different,” the Connecticut Democrat added. “Why? a) the UAE's behavior has changed, and b) the scope of this sale is bigger than anything we've ever done in the region.”

Mr Menendez, just before the vote, noted other Middle East countries have requested the US-made F-35 fighters. The Foreign Relations chairman ticked off a number of questions about the sale, including what specific “needs” UAE officials have identified to the Trump administration for the advanced Lockheed Martin-manufactured fighters.

“There are no satisfactory answers to these questions,” he said. 

But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell defended the sale earlier this week, arguing if Washington doesn’t arm the UAE, its rivals will – gaining influence in the Middle East in the process.

“Of course it is a key American objective to preserve and protect Israel’s quantitative military edge. Fortunately, Israel’s Ambassador, Defense Minister, and Prime Minister have all made clear they are comfortable with this deal,” the Kentucky Republican, a Trum ally, said.

“Senators considering this sale need to consider a reality we cannot escape,” he added. “A significant competition for influence in the Middle East is underway, and China and Russia will be more than happy to meet the demand for advanced capabilities if the US simply takes our ball and goes home.”