CARNEY: U.S. MUST STOP GIVING MILITARY AID TO SAUDI ARABIA

Washington, DC – Congressman Christopher Carney (PA-10) today called on the Obama administration to stop the pending sale of advanced weaponry to Saudi Arabia. In a letter to the president, Congressman Carney expressed strong opposition to the proposed sale of high technology armaments to Saudi Arabia worth up to $60 billion.

“Saudi Arabia is not deserving of our aid, and by arming them with advanced American weaponry we are sending the wrong message” Congressman Carney said in the letter, co-signed by Congressman Anthony Weiner (NY-9) and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (NV-1). “The United States needs to remain committed to Israel’s qualitative military edge over its rivals in the region and should cease all negotiations over new weapons sales to Saudi Arabia.”
The administration is seeking to sell to Saudi Arabia advanced aircraft including upgraded F-15’s as well as Apache, Black Hawk and Little Bird helicopters. According to Pentagon officials this would be the largest-ever single foreign arms deal.
 
Congress has repeatedly expressed disapproval of providing military aid to the Saudis, given their history of financing terrorism and teaching the hate of Christians and Jews. In July of 2009 an amendment that would ban military foreign aid to Saudi Arabia passed the House with broad bi-partisan support.
 
“Keeping America safe is my number one priority in Congress,” said Congressman Carney. “This deal would destabilize the region and jeopardize our efforts in the war on terror. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly failed to keep their promises and continues to preach hate. It is time to stop selling the Saudi’s weapons and to demand accountability for their actions.”
 
Representatives Carney, Weiner and Berkley have also circulated a letter to their colleagues in the House, urging them to become original co-sponsors of a Resolution of Disapproval they will be introducing.
 
####