Tough on Crime

Banning U.S. Aid to Saudi Arabia

The United States should be prohibited from providing any financial aid to our so-called ally Saudi Arabia. Period. Saudi Arabia has proven time and again that they are not steadfast American allies by continuing to bankroll terrorist organizations that have attacked both the United States and Israel, supporting the Arab League boycott of Israel undermining the war in Iraq and other transgressions against U.S interests and values.

Each of the past three years, I have introduced and passed legislation in the House of Representatives banning U.S. aid to Saudi Arabia, only to see the Bush Administration use a waiver provision in the bill or loophole in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to send even more aid to the Saudi Arabian government, $2.53 million over fiscal years 2005 and 2006.

The loophole in the Foreign Assistance Act allows the President to send as much anti-terror funding as he wants--without issuing a public certification--as long as it is used to “deter terrorism.” This year, along with Reps. Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Mike Ferguson (R-NJ) and Shelley Berkley (D-NV), we passed as an amendment that closes that loophole for good.

When it comes to providing aid to countries like Saudi Arabia who actively work against U.S interests we have only one choice, to cut the funds off entirely. By cutting off aid and closing the loophole we send a clear message to the Saudi Arabian government that they must be a true ally in advancing peace in the Middle East.

To read about the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 click here (link). To read the text of my legislation cutting off aid to Saudi Arabia click here (link to Thomas).

To read about my effort to stop President Bush from selling $20 billion of high-tech arms to Saudi Arabia, including Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM's), satellite guided bombs accurate enough to shoot through the window of a building from jets in any weather click here