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Two Democratic lawmakers announced Sunday that they would seek to stop a $20 billion arms package that the Bush administration wants to send to Saudi Arabia. Reps. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) and Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) object to sending sophisticated weapons to a country that they believe has not done enough to stop terrorism. “We need to send a crystal clear message to the Saudi Arabian government that their tacit approval of terrorism can't go unpunished,” said Weiner, who announced his opposition to the deal outside Saudi Arabia’s consulate. “Saudi Arabia should not get an ounce of military support from the U.S until they unequivocally denounce terrorism and take tangible steps to prevent it.” The administration announced last week that it would seek the mandatory congressional approval for the deal, which includes the sale of advanced weapons. The lawmakers plan to use the Arms Control Export Act to review the deal and pass a Joint Resolution of Disapproval. “The Bush Administration must learn that Saudi Arabia is not our friend,” said Nadler. “We must not supply arms to Saudi Arabia while they are financing the teaching of Wahhabi terrorism all over the world.” Nadler said it is “no accident that 15 of the 19 terrorists on 9/11 were Saudi.” “Arms supplies to the Saudis may very well be turned against Israel and could easily end up in the hands of terrorists.” He added. “And, we should remember that the high tech arms we gave to the Shah of Iran ended up in the Ayatollah Khomeini's hands. The same thing could end up happening in Saudi Arabia.” |
