WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- The Bush administration said it would not officially notify the U.S. Congress about a $20 billion arms deal to Saudi Arabia until next year.
In November, members of both parties in the House of Representatives sought the delay of notification. Once Congress is notified, it has 30 days to review an arms agreement and possibly oppose it.
One lawmaker opposing the arms sale to the Saudis is Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., who already as drafted a joint resolution of disapproval of the sale, The Hill reported Tuesday.
The measure has 35 co-sponsors. Weiner said he plans to introduce it "the minute Congress is officially notified."
Part of the planned sale would involve Joint Direct Attack Munition technology, also subject to opposition from another bipartisan group of House lawmakers. Reps. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., and Chris Carney, D-Pa., and 186 other lawmakers said they would oppose the sale unless they were assured that the technology would not be used against U.S. troops or allies. The lawmakers also want assurances that the Bush administration would regularly report to Congress on the weapons' transfer and consult with Israel.
