WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today delivered the following statement:

“The Administration’s reported decision to force through weapons sales is yet another slap in Congress’s face. Congress wrote the law so that weapon sales would reflect broad consensus on foreign policy, consistent with our values, and the notion that there’s an emergency that justifies upending our checks and balances is false, plain and simple.

“Our Gulf allies have legitimate security needs, and the United States continues to stand with them as strong partners in counter-terrorism. But we have deep concern about how our Gulf partners have conducted the war in Yemen, including with U.S. weapons, some of which have reportedly ended up in the wrong hands in Yemen. The conflict has created the one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Our Gulf partners are not the only ones at blame here—the Houthis are also responsible. But, it’s our obligation to review our weapons policy to make sure the United States is not enabling civilian deaths.

“I am working with Ranking Member McCaul on legislation to address all these issues. The Administration is well aware of our efforts and decided to move ahead with this disgraceful decision anyway. This move makes our legislation that much more important. In the coming weeks, I’ll offer this measure to ensure that Congress plays its rightful role ensuring that arms sales are prudent and consistent with U.S. law and protection of civilians. The Foreign Affairs Committee will expect answers soon from those responsible for this decision.”

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