Schakowsky Opposes Proposed Arms Deal to Saudi Arabia

SCHAKOWSKY OPPOSES PROPOSED ARMS DEAL TO SAUDI ARABIA

Washington, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) joined a bi-partisan group of members of Congress today at a press conference to respond to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's announcement that the U.S. has begun negotiations with Saudi Arabia on a $20 billion arms package of advanced weaponry. The members outlined legislation they will introduce intended to block the deal "the minute Congress is officially notified."

Congresswoman Schakowsky delivered the following remarks at the press conference today.

"Thank you Congressmen Weiner and Congressman Wexler for bringing us together for this event.

Secretary Rice announced yesterday that the United States has begun negotiations with Saudi Arabia on a huge $20 billion arms package. And yes, that's 20 billion, not million.

Well, Secretary Rice…Congress can choose to review large arms sales and we're here to tell you that we are planning to review this one.

This Congress has said over and over again that the Bush Administration's Middle East policy is failing, and it's failing miserably. The horrible mess in Iraq, the increased terrorist capability described in the recent National Intelligence Estimate, and the sustained anti-American sentiment in the region bears that out.

When the United States invaded Iraq in 2002 there was no al Qaeda in Iraq. Now terrorism runs rampant there, causing mayhem and destruction. Sunni and Shia insurgents battle each other in a civil war financed and armed by foreign powers. Pouring more arms into the region will only serve to further de-stabilize Iraq.

The Middle East needs an infusion of real, sustained diplomatic effort, not an infusion of high-tech weaponry.

The choice of Saudi Arabia as the recipient of the largest portion of the arms package is simply bad policy. As the Los Angeles Times reported this month, there have been more suicide bombers in Iraq from Saudi Arabia than from any other country. And, 45% of all foreign militants in Iraq are from Saudi Arabia.

President Bush has ignored Saudi Arabia's role as a catalyst for violence in Iraq and the region. Perhaps because he and his father have a long-standing friendship with King Abdullah, he has not held Saudi Arabia accountable for its role in the 9/11 terrorist attacks or for its status as training ground for insurgents. He has also ignored Saudi Arabia's financing of terrorist organizations that have attacked the United States and Israel and its refusal to recognize Israel. Instead of being a positive force for peace, it has been an obstacle. That must stop now.

The United States should not be feeding the violence and bloodshed in Iraq. This $20 billion weapons package should not be allowed to proceed without Congressional consideration, and I believe it should be rejected.