A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Qatar of certain defense articles and services.
This joint resolution would block a proposed foreign military sale from the United States to the Government of Qatar. The sale covered in Transmittal No. 25-16, transmitted under the Arms Export Control Act, includes a large package of defense articles and services—both Major Defense Equipment (MDE) such as MQ-9B Reaper drones and a variety of missiles, bombs, sensors, and cryptographic/communications equipment, and numerous non-MDE items like engines, control stations, fuzes, cryptographic gear, and maintenance and support. The resolution explicitly prohibits this sale, acting as a congressional disapproval of the transaction. If enacted, it would prevent the sale from going forward unless Congress changes course. The measure was introduced in the Senate on May 15, 2025 and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition of the sale: The joint resolution prohibits the specific foreign military sale to Qatar described in Transmittal No. 25-16, covering a broad set of defense articles and services.
- 2Legal basis: The prohibition references the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), specifically section 36(b)(1), and the transmittal details published in the Congressional Record on March 26, 2025.
- 3Scope of items: The package includes Major Defense Equipment (MDE) such as eight MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft; 200 JDAM tail kits; 300 BLU-111 500-lb bombs; multiple targeting/precision weapon components; various security/encryption devices; radars and sensors; Hellfire missiles; and related training missiles, spares, and support equipment. Non-MDE items include engines, ground control stations, fuzes, cryptographic gear, SATCOM equipment, and numerous support and integration elements.
- 4Process and status: Introduced in the Senate on May 15, 2025 by Senator Murphy (with others) and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; the measure is a joint resolution of disapproval that would require action by both Houses of Congress.
- 5Policy and impact rationale: By disapproving the sale, Congress would block the transfer of these sophisticated and sensitive defense articles and services, potentially affecting Qatar’s military modernization and regional security dynamics, and signaling congressional oversight over major arms transfers.