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6d ago

Senate Democrats Challenge $3.5 Billion Gulf Arms Deals Over Ethics and Security Concerns

Legislators file resolutions to block arms sales to Qatar and UAE, citing alleged foreign influence, Sudan conflict, and Trump family crypto ties.

The dome of the U.S. Capitol Building is seen as the sun sets on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., July 26, 2019. REUTERS/Erin Scott

Overview

  • Senate Democrats introduced joint resolutions to block $3.5 billion in arms sales to Qatar and the UAE, leveraging statutory review mechanisms to force floor votes.
  • The Qatar arms deal includes armed drones and precision weapons, while the UAE deal features advanced helicopters and military equipment.
  • Democrats argue Qatar's $400 million luxury jet gift to President Trump constitutes an unconstitutional bribe influencing U.S. foreign policy.
  • Concerns over the UAE's alleged support for Sudanese paramilitary groups and ties to Trump family-backed cryptocurrency ventures were also cited.
  • President Trump announced $200 billion in new economic agreements with the UAE on the same day the resolutions were filed, defending his Gulf engagement strategy.