To prohibit the issuance of licenses for the exportation of certain defense articles to the United Arab Emirates, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2059
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-29T08:07:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to restrict U.S. arms exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a measure to address concerns over the UAE's alleged support for armed groups in Sudan. It seeks to ensure that the UAE stops providing material support—such as weapons, supplies, or equipment—to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group involved in the Sudanese conflict, before any exports can resume.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition on Exports: Starting from the date the bill becomes law, the President is barred from approving sales or issuing export licenses for "covered defense articles" to the UAE or its agencies or instrumentalities.
- Certification Requirement: The prohibition remains in effect until the President certifies in writing to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations that the UAE is no longer providing material support to the RSF in Sudan.
- Definition of Covered Defense Articles: These include items from specific categories on the United States Munitions List (a regulatory list of military goods maintained by the U.S. government), such as:
- Firearms and ammunition (Category I).
- Artillery and related equipment (Category II).
- Tanks, military vehicles, and aircraft (Categories III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII).
- Certain electronics, vessels, and other defense-related items (Categories XIV, XVI, XVII, XVIII).
(Note: The Munitions List is part of U.S. export control regulations under the Arms Export Control Act, which governs the sale of military equipment.)
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This introduces a targeted, conditional ban on arms exports to the UAE under the Arms Export Control Act (a 1976 law that regulates U.S. defense sales abroad). Previously, exports to the UAE were permitted subject to standard reviews, but this bill adds a specific hurdle tied to the Sudanese conflict, requiring congressional notification via certification.
- It does not alter the overall framework of the Arms Export Control Act but imposes a new restriction on one country, potentially setting a precedent for similar certifications in other foreign policy contexts.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of State and the President will face additional administrative burdens in monitoring UAE actions and preparing certifications, potentially delaying or halting ongoing arms deals. Congressional committees gain oversight leverage in foreign policy decisions.
- On Citizens: U.S. citizens are unlikely to be directly affected, though it could indirectly influence defense industry jobs if exports are blocked.
- On International Relations: This could strain U.S.-UAE ties, a key ally in the Middle East, by signaling U.S. disapproval of UAE involvement in Sudan. It may pressure the UAE to alter its regional policies but could also complicate U.S. efforts in counterterrorism or Gulf security cooperation. Broader effects might include impacts on the Sudanese civil war by limiting external arms flows.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government: The executive branch (President and State Department) for enforcement; Congress (Foreign Affairs and Foreign Relations Committees) for oversight.
- United Arab Emirates: Directly restricted in accessing U.S. military goods, affecting its defense capabilities and foreign policy in Africa.
- U.S. Defense Industry: Companies involved in exporting munitions (e.g., manufacturers of aircraft or weapons) may lose sales opportunities to the UAE.
- Sudanese Parties: The RSF and opposing forces in Sudan could see reduced external support, potentially influencing the conflict's dynamics.
- International Actors: Allies or partners of the UAE (e.g., other Gulf states) and U.S. interests in regional stability.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces congressional authority under the Arms Export Control Act to condition arms sales, ensuring compliance with U.S. foreign policy goals like preventing escalation in conflicts. The certification process provides a mechanism for accountability but could lead to legal challenges if deemed an overreach on executive foreign affairs powers.
- Constitutional: Highlights the balance between executive (Presidential) control over foreign policy and congressional checks (e.g., via the power to regulate commerce and declare war), potentially sparking debates on separation of powers without directly violating the Constitution.
- Political: As a bipartisan tool for addressing human rights or conflict involvement, it could influence U.S. Middle East strategy, especially amid ongoing scrutiny of UAE's role in Sudan. If enacted, it might encourage similar bills targeting other nations, affecting global arms trade norms.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (33)
Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-03-11: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To prohibit the issuance of licenses for the exportation of certain defense articles to the United Arab Emirates, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-03-11 — PDF (2 pages)