Biden Issues Statement on Saudi Arms Sale

[Muttocracy]

http://biden.senate.gov/newsroom/details.cfm?id=290348&

January 14, 2008
Press Release

BIDEN Issues Statement on Saudi Arms Sale

Washington, DC – Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) issued the following statement today after the Bush Administration announced that it would officially notify the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today of its intent to sell Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) to Saudi Arabia, as part of the much larger package of arms sales to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates:

"I will explore the formal package very closely. We need to be convinced that the sale makes sense militarily and ensure that it in no way harms our security or those of our allies. We must also make certain that the Administration does not just try to use a few arms sales to substitute for the comprehensive, coherent strategy we need for the region."


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Under the Arms Export Control Act, the President must wait 30 days after the official notification before going forward with the sale.

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[gateley]

1. Thanks -- I miss hearing Joe's take on the foreign issues. And even though

this is a pretty "safe" statement, he's still able to get his real opinion across:

"We must also make certain that the Administration does not just try to use a few arms sales to substitute for the comprehensive, coherent strategy we need for the region."

He STRONGLY distrusts Bush - so it'll be interesting to see how this pans out.

[Muttocracy]

2. yeah, not much yet, but I bet there will be something to come...

Biden has a pretty serious to-do list for next week.

Looking forward to the Senate being back in session. I'm devastated Biden is out, but glad someone's watching the store!

[1corona4u]

6. Are there statements from the two front runners?

Anyone? Buhler....Buhler....Buhler...

[bullwinkle428]

9. I can tell you that Edwards spoke out against this arms deal

at a live appearance of his Iowa that I attended in early December - I wish he would include more foreign policy elements in his speeches & high-profile appearances. Maybe he can at least try to bring some of this stuff up in the debate tomorrow night...

[Steely_Dan]

11. LOLOLOLOLOL

Love the reference.

[AzDar]

3. A pretty basic rule of thumb : If Chimpolini is trying to pimp it, it's BAD for the U.S...

:mad:

[gateley]

4. Good point. No study needed. :-) nt

[Muttocracy]

5. and bless whoever passed that 30 day waiting restriction

though I wish it was about 370 days...

[lyonn]

7. Good to hear someone is paying attention to nummy

while he is traipsing around the chaotic ME that he created all by himself (with the help of the mighty PNACers).

So sad our presidential candidates must not have been informed by their handlers, otherwise they would have mentioned this - Right?

[ginchinchili]

8. While Lucy and Desi are squabbling about who said what...

Joe Biden is once again demonstrating that he is far more qualified to be president than our current front-running comedy team. America is looking for celebrities and Biden is too presidential to be a celebrity. Ironic, isn't it?

[Steely_Dan]

12. Well said! n/t

[Eurobabe]

10. Glad someone is minding the fort while Chimpolini

is galavanting in the Middle East, playing T.E. Lawrence.

[sandnsea]

13. The world's biggest gun runner

I wish we would stop selling weapons altogether. We are responsible for more death and destruction than any other government in history.

[Debi]

14. The whole idea seems insane

Glad Biden is keeping track.