Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement following the Trump administration’s decision to sidestep Congress and rush billions in arms sales to Israel:  

“Just one hour before doing so, the Trump Administration informed me it would disregard Congressional oversight and years of standing practice, and immediately notify over $6 billion dollars in arms sales to Israel. This is yet another repudiation by Donald Trump of Congress’ Constitutional oversight role. ? 

“I continue to support Israel’s critical military needs as it faces a range of regional threats, and my engagement on complex questions surrounding arms sales has been consistent across Administrations. I carefully scrutinized and examined arms transfer proposals under the Biden Administration and I continue to do so with the Trump Administration. 

“Shamefully, this is now the second time the Trump Administration has blatantly ignored long-standing Congressional prerogatives while also refusing to engage Congress on critical questions about the next steps in Gaza and broader U.S.-Israel policy. The Administration refused to make Steve Witkoff or any other senior administration official available for even a single briefing on these significant policy matters. Furthermore, Secretary Rubio has failed to provide any justification or documentation for bypassing the Congressional Committee review process.?? ? 

“In the United States we do not have kings—we are a democracy rooted in the Constitution, governed by laws. Our founding fathers enshrined Congress’ role first in our Constitution—in Article I. Through his actions, President Trump has again made abundantly clear his disregard for Congress as a coequal branch of government and for the American people we represent. I am disappointed by my Republican colleagues’ silence as these foundational checks and balances are ignored.”