Senators Challenge Trump Administration Over Major Saudi Arms Deals

The joint resolution, led by Sens. Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley, and Bernie Sanders, aims to halt the transfer of over 10,000 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits. These kits transform standard munitions into precision-guided weapons, a development critics argue will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Markey warned that the ongoing proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran risks spiraling into a nuclear confrontation if the administration proceeds with its proposed 30-year nuclear power agreement.

Beyond the $5 billion conventional package, the Trump administration recently authorized a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. This decision has sparked significant pushback, with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi cautioning that providing such advanced hardware to the kingdom could inadvertently compromise American military secrets to Chinese intelligence. The administration’s rapid approval followed intensive lobbying efforts by Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman in Washington.

Simultaneously, the senators are pressuring Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to declassify two secret side letters attached to the pending nuclear deal. Under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, Congress faces a 90-day window to review the agreement. The lawmakers argue that without full disclosure of these documents, the public and independent experts remain unable to properly assess the security implications of the deal, which would allow U.S. firms to share nuclear technology with Riyadh.