Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services.
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 96
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-15T08:07:40Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 96) aims to block a proposed sale of U.S. military equipment and support services to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), exercising Congress's authority to review and disapprove certain arms exports.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition of Sale: The resolution explicitly prohibits the foreign military sale outlined in Transmittal No. 25-25, submitted to Congress on May 13, 2025, under the Arms Export Control Act (a law that regulates U.S. arms exports).
- Items Covered: The blocked items include F-16 aircraft components, spare parts, accessories, and related logistics and program support services.
- Legislative Process: Introduced in the House of Representatives on May 15, 2025, by Representatives Gregory Meeks and Sara Jacobs, and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for review.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend the Arms Export Control Act but invokes its Section 36(b)(1), which requires the executive branch (e.g., the State Department) to notify Congress of proposed arms sales over a certain value. If passed, it would override the executive's approval of this specific sale, enforcing congressional veto power—a standard oversight mechanism but applied here to halt the transaction.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. State and Defense Departments would be unable to proceed with the sale, potentially delaying or canceling contracts and requiring them to redirect resources.
- On Citizens: Limited direct impact on U.S. citizens, though it could affect jobs in the defense sector if manufacturers (e.g., those producing F-16 parts) lose expected revenue from the deal.
- On International Relations: Could strain U.S.-UAE ties, as the UAE relies on U.S. military equipment for defense; it might signal reduced U.S. support for the UAE amid regional tensions (e.g., in the Middle East), influencing alliances or negotiations with other nations like Saudi Arabia or Iran.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Congress: Gains enforcement of its oversight role in foreign arms sales.
- U.S. Executive Branch: State and Defense Departments face restrictions on foreign policy implementation.
- UAE Government: Loses access to critical F-16 upgrades, potentially weakening its air force capabilities.
- U.S. Defense Industry: Companies like Lockheed Martin (F-16 producer) may experience financial setbacks from the blocked sale.
- Regional Actors: Allies or rivals of the UAE (e.g., Israel, Yemen's Houthis) could see shifts in military balances.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on the Arms Export Control Act's congressional review process, ensuring transparency in arms deals but requiring a joint resolution (passed by both House and Senate, potentially needing presidential signature or override) to take effect.
- Constitutional: Highlights the separation of powers, with Congress checking the executive branch's foreign affairs authority under Article I (commerce and war powers).
- Political: Reflects bipartisan concerns (introduced by Democrats) over arms sales to the UAE, possibly tied to human rights, regional stability, or U.S. strategic priorities; if enacted, it could set a precedent for future vetoes on similar deals.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]
Cosponsors (17)
Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-05-15: Introduced in House
- 2025-05-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services. — issued 2025-05-15 — PDF (2 pages)