Statement of Administration Policy: S.J. Res. 53 - Providing for Congressional Disapproval of Proposed Foreign Military Sales to Qatar of Certain Defense Articles

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(Senate)
(Sen. Murphy, D-CT, and 4 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes passage of S.J. Res. 53, a joint resolution that would block the proposed foreign military sale of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and related equipment and munitions to Qatar.

The proposed sale will support U.S. national security and foreign policy by improving the capability of a vital regional partner for security and economic progress in the Middle East. It will strengthen Qatar's ability to defend and deter threats by bolstering Qatar's capabilities in reconnaissance, target acquisition, and counter-land and sea operations. Foreign military sales are a key priority in this region to ensure our partners are interoperable with U.S. military, view the United States as a partner of choice, and are not tempted to procure technologies from unfavorable or adversarial markets.

If S.J. Res. 53 were presented to the President, his advisors would recommend he veto the joint resolution.