BREAKING NEWS

Bid to block US arms sale to Saudis faces tough opposition

By REUTERS

SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 03:11

WASHINGTON - The US Senate will vote on Wednesday on a measure to block the sale of tanks and other military equipment worth $1.15 billion to Saudi Arabia, but the measure is not expected to pass despite lawmakers' growing frustration with the longtime US ally.

The Senate's Republican Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, said on Tuesday he would "aggressively" oppose the effort.

"I think it's important to the United States to maintain as good a relationship with Saudi Arabia as possible, and I hope we'll defeat the resolution of disapproval of the arms sale," McConnell told reporters, calling Saudi Arabia a good ally.

The Pentagon announced on Aug. 9 that the State Department had approved the potential sale of more than 130 Abrams battle tanks, 20 armored recovery vehicles and other equipment to Saudi Arabia. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said General Dynamics Corp would be the principal contractor for the sale.

Russia says it downs seven Ukrainian missiles over Kursk region

By REUTERS

11/25/2024 06:16 AM

Uruguay's center-left secures presidential victory with 49%

By REUTERS

11/25/2024 05:31 AM

Australia PM plays down privacy fears of social media ban for children

By REUTERS

11/25/2024 04:58 AM

Russian forces capture British man fighting with Ukraine, RIA reports

By REUTERS

11/25/2024 03:55 AM