[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 207 (Tuesday, December 8, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, this week, some Senators indicate 
they may attempt to move a privileged resolution to disapprove of the 
administration's proposed sale of advanced armaments to the United Arab 
Emirates, a critical partner in our fight against terrorists. It is a 
little baffling to suggest that now, of all times, a protest gesture 
with no chance of obtaining a veto-proof majority is of valuable use of 
the Senate's time. But above and beyond that, the strategic realities 
dictate that Congress should not stand in the way of this sale.
  In August, the UAE reached the first of the Abraham Accords, the 
landmark peace deal with Israel, brokered by the Trump administration, 
which Bahrain soon went on to reprise. That step, the first 
normalization of relations between the Arab nation and the State of 
Israel in nearly 30 years, cemented an important new chapter in the 
UAE's international relations and its close relationship with the 
United States.
  Of course, it is a key American objective to preserve and protect 
Israel's quantitative military edge. Fortunately, Israel's Ambassador, 
Defense Minister, and Prime Minister have all made sure they are 
comfortable with this deal.
  Senators considering this sale need to consider a reality we cannot 
escape. A significant competition for influence in the Middle East is 
underway, and China and Russia will be more than happy to meet the 
demand for advanced capabilities if the United States simply takes our 
ball and goes home.
  If our colleagues make the Senate vote on this measure, I urge all my 
colleagues to vote against it.

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