Jewish Reps target arms sales to Saudis

U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) plan to introduce legislation blocking the sale of missile technology to Saudi Arabia. President Bush reportedly intends to sell the Saudi Arabian government Joint Direct Attack Munitions, satellite guided bombs, which would upgrade the capability of the Saudi Air Force and mark the first time that the United States has sold such advanced munitions to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia continues to finance terrorist organizations that have attacked the United States and Israel. Said Weiner, “We need to send a crystal clear message to the Saudi Arabian government that their tacit approval of terrorism can’t go unpunished.” He and Wexler, who are both Jewish, and a number of other Congress members would legislate to block such a sale “the minute the deal is announced,” he said. Under the Arms Control Export Act of 1976 Congress reserves the right to reject any large arms sale. Once the president notifies Congress of an impending arms deal, Congress has 30 days to review and pass a Joint Resolution of Disapproval.