Resolution Disapproving Plane Sales Introduced in House, Senate

Resolutions disapproving the Carter Administration’s proposed sale of jet aircraft to Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia were introduced in the Senate and House yesterday.

At the same time, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has asked the Administration to temporarily withdraw the proposals submitted formally last Friday in order to give it additional time to study the matter. Sen. Frank Church (D.Idaho) said the extension would allow a special subcommittee to visit the capitals of the three countries involved.

Resolutions aimed at blocking the aircraft sales were introduced by Sen. William Proxmire (D.Wisc.) and Rep. Clarence Long (D.Md.). Rep. Lester Wolff (D.NY) submitted a similar resolution opposing the sale of 60 F-15 jet fighters to Saudi Arabia. The latter is the most controversial part of the three-country deal and the one that the Administration has been pressing for most vigorously.

Under the Arms Export Control Act, Congress has 30 days from the date of submission to act on major arms sales proposals to foreign countries. If it fails to disapprove, the sales become automatic. Until now, the Administration has rejected Congressional requests for delay.

Sen. Church said that if the additional time is not granted, the Foreign Relations Committee, would hold hearings on the aircraft sales, starting tomorrow. The House International Relations Committee, for its part, has scheduled hearings next week and is not asking for a time extension.

Members of the Foreign Relations Committee said that 30-90 days might be required for a thorough study of the many ramifications of the proposed sale. The subcommittee’s visit to the Middle East would require at least one week. Sen. Jacob K. Javits (R.NY), a leading opponent of the sales, said the committee wanted time to examine the diplomatic and political commitments of the U.S to the three countries involved.