Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services.
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 97
- 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
- 2026-05-15T08:08:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 97) aims to express congressional disapproval and prohibit a specific proposed foreign military sale from the United States to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It targets advanced military equipment to prevent its transfer, invoking congressional oversight of arms exports.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition of Sale: The resolution explicitly bans the sale of defense articles and services outlined in Transmittal No. 24-118, submitted to Congress on May 13, 2025, under section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act (a U.S. law that regulates the export of military items and requires congressional notification for major sales).
- Specific Items Listed:
- Six (6) CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters equipped with air-to-air refueling probes and extended-range fuel tanks (heavy-lift transport helicopters used for troop and cargo movement).
- Sixteen (16) T-55-GA-714A engines (12 installed on helicopters, 4 spares).
- Fourteen (14) Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS) devices with M-Code technology (12 installed, 2 spares; these provide precise navigation and are resistant to jamming).
- Eight (8) AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) (6 installed, 2 spares; these detect incoming missiles and alert the crew).
- Twenty (20) AN/ARC-231A communications security (COMSEC) radios (18 installed, 2 spares; secure radios for encrypted military communications).
- Twenty (20) M-240 machine guns (18 installed, 2 spares; medium machine guns for defensive firepower).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend the Arms Export Control Act but exercises Congress's authority under it to veto a proposed sale after notification. If passed and enacted, it would override the executive branch's approval process for this specific transaction, marking a direct intervention in an otherwise routine arms export procedure. No broader changes to law are proposed; it applies only to this UAE sale.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Departments of State and Defense would be barred from proceeding with the sale, potentially delaying or halting related contracts and requiring administrative adjustments to comply with the prohibition.
- On Citizens and Industry: U.S. defense contractors (e.g., Boeing for the Chinook helicopters) could face lost revenue and production disruptions from the canceled deal, affecting jobs in manufacturing sectors. UAE military capabilities would not be enhanced by these U.S. items, potentially influencing regional security dynamics.
- On International Relations: This could strain U.S.-UAE ties, as the UAE is a key ally in the Middle East; it might signal U.S. concerns over the recipient's use of the equipment or broader foreign policy issues, possibly affecting cooperation on counterterrorism or other mutual interests.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Congress: Primary actors, with the resolution introduced by Representatives Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA) and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for review.
- U.S. Executive Branch: Departments of State (oversees arms sales) and Defense (provides the equipment) would need to implement the prohibition if enacted.
- Government of the UAE: Direct recipient, potentially losing access to upgraded military helicopters and systems that could modernize its air force.
- U.S. Defense Industry: Companies like Boeing (helicopters and engines) and other suppliers of avionics and weapons systems, facing financial and operational setbacks.
- Broader U.S. and Regional Interests: Taxpayers (via government oversight of exports) and Middle Eastern allies/partners, as the sale could impact regional power balances.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on the Arms Export Control Act's notification and disapproval mechanism, ensuring Congress's role in checking executive foreign policy decisions. If vetoed by the President, Congress could attempt an override with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
- Constitutional: Highlights the balance of powers between Congress (which controls funding and commerce, including arms exports) and the executive branch (which conducts foreign affairs), reinforcing congressional influence over military aid without infringing on treaty-making authority.
- Political: As a bipartisan introduction in a Democratic-led effort (based on sponsors), it may reflect concerns over arms proliferation, human rights, or strategic sales in the Gulf region, potentially sparking debates on U.S. Middle East policy during the 119th Congress. Enactment would require Senate concurrence and presidential signature (or override), making it a tool for legislative assertiveness in foreign military dealings.
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 military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services. — issued 2025-05-15 — PDF (2 pages)