I'm speaking on the floor in support of two bipartisan joint resolutions of disapproval blocking a UAE arms sale. Someone must ask the question: Can a lasting peace be purchased with more weapons? Watch here: c-span.org/congress/?cham…
The Senate is debating, with these joint resolutions, whether to disapprove of the announced sale of 50 F-35s, 18 Reaper Drones, as well as missiles and other related equipment.
The buyer of all this military technology is the United Arab Emirates, a country that has recently taken encouraging steps—specifically towards Israel—but with an overall record that should give concern.
The primary questions we should be asking ourselves:
• To what ends has the UAE deployed its military—and its military technology—in recent years?
• Does the UAE have a record that we can trust?
• To what ends has the UAE deployed its military—and its military technology—in recent years?
• Does the UAE have a record that we can trust?
• What military behavior are we encouraging and rewarding with this sale?
• Will the U.S. bear responsibility if the UAE misuses these incredibly sophisticated weapons?
• Will the U.S. bear responsibility if the UAE misuses these incredibly sophisticated weapons?
The answers to these questions are far from clear. In fact, the UAE’s record should give us pause.
I urge my colleagues to consider the possible consequences of this sale. We should not accelerate an arms race in the Middle East. I urge a vote in support of these resolutions of disapproval.
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