Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 15, 2025
Bottom line
This resolution seeks to block a specific arms sale to the UAE, reflecting congressional oversight of executive branch foreign policy decisions regarding military exports.
What it actually does
This joint resolution prohibits a proposed foreign military sale of specific defense articles and services, including CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters, engines, navigation systems, missile warning systems, communication radios, and machine guns, to the Government of the United Arab Emirates. It explicitly cites Transmittal No. 24-118, submitted to Congress on May 13, 2025, as the target of disapproval under the Arms Export Control Act.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that blocking this sale is essential for upholding human rights, preventing the misuse of U.S.-made weapons in conflicts, and ensuring that arms transfers align with American values and strategic interests. They may express concerns about the UAE's involvement in regional conflicts or its human rights record, suggesting that providing advanced military equipment could exacerbate instability or contribute to civilian harm.
Opponents contend
Opponents of the resolution (i.e., proponents of the sale) would argue that the sale is crucial for strengthening a key regional security partner, enhancing the UAE's self-defense capabilities, and promoting stability in a volatile region. They might emphasize the strategic importance of the UAE in counter-terrorism efforts and its role as a bulwark against adversaries, asserting that blocking the sale would undermine U.S. credibility and weaken alliances.
The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, requiring minimal time to read and understand its direct intent.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the following proposed foreign military sale to the Government of United Arab Emirates is prohibited: (1) The sale of the following defense articles and services described in Transmittal No. 24-118, submitted to Congress on May 13, 2025, pursuant to section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2776(b)(1)): Six (6) CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters with air-to-air refuel probe capability and extended range fuel tanks; Sixteen (16) T-55-GA-714A engines (12 installed, 4 spares); Fourteen (14) Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS) (EGI) devices with M-Code (12 installed, 2 spares); Eight (8) AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) (6 installed, 2 spares); Twenty (20) AN/ARC-231A communications security (COMSEC) radios (18 installed, 2 spares); Twenty (20) M-240 machine guns (18 installed, 2 spares).
Prohibition of Specific Military Sale to UAE
This provision explicitly blocks a proposed military sale to the United Arab Emirates. The sale, detailed in Transmittal No. 24-118, includes six CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters, associated engines, advanced navigation systems, missile warning systems, communication radios, and M-240 machine guns. The resolution leverages congressional authority under the Arms Export Control Act to prevent the executive branch from proceeding with this particular arms transfer.
Supporters argue
Supporters of the resolution argue that blocking this sale is a critical exercise of congressional oversight to ensure that U.S. arms transfers do not contribute to regional instability, human rights abuses, or undermine long-term U.S. strategic interests. They contend that the advanced capabilities of the Chinook helicopters and associated systems could be misused or escalate conflicts in which the UAE is involved.
Critics contend
Opponents of the resolution (i.e., those who support the sale) argue that denying these defense articles to a key partner like the UAE would weaken its ability to defend itself and contribute to regional security. They assert that the UAE is a reliable ally and that these systems are necessary for legitimate defense purposes and counter-terrorism operations, and blocking the sale could send a negative signal to allies.
Tradeoffs
The provision highlights the tension between the executive branch's prerogative in foreign policy and arms sales, and Congress's constitutional oversight role, particularly concerning human rights and regional stability implications of arms transfers versus strategic alliance maintenance and defense industry interests.