HR 2059119th CongressIn Committee

To prohibit the issuance of licenses for the exportation of certain defense articles to the United Arab Emirates, and for other purposes.

Introduced: Mar 11, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill would block the United States from selling or licensing the export of any “covered defense articles” to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until the President certifies to Congress that the UAE is not providing materiel support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. “Covered defense articles” are items on the U.S. Munitions List (specific categories of weapons and related equipment). The restriction is administered under the Arms Export Control Act and would take effect upon enactment, with a certification trigger tied to UAE’s activities in Sudan. If the certification is not made, export licenses to the UAE would remain prohibited.

Key Points

1Prohibition on exporting or licensing covered defense articles to the UAE begins on enactment until a stated certification is made to Congress.
2Certification requirement: the President must certify to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the UAE is not providing materiel support to the RSF in Sudan.
3Scope: Applies to the UAE or any UAE agency or instrumentality; covers only “covered defense articles” listed on the U.S. Munitions List (specific categories in 22 C.F.R. Part 121).
4Legal basis: Implemented under the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.).
5Purpose: Leverage U.S. defense export policy to deter UAE support for the RSF and influence Sudan-related security dynamics.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- United Arab Emirates: military procurement and access to U.S.-supplied defense articles would be restricted unless the certification is satisfied.- U.S. defense export process: licensing decisions for UAE defense articles would be paused or denied until certification is issued.Secondary group/area affected- U.S. Congress and U.S. foreign policy oversight: introduces a mandatory certification trigger that Congress would receive and assess before exports resume.- U.S. defense industry: potential impact on license applications and timelines for weapons and related equipment to the UAE.Additional impacts- Sudan conflict dynamics: aims to limit RSF material support by pressuring UAE policies; could affect the balance of military capabilities in Sudan.- Diplomatic and alliance considerations: may affect U.S.-UAE relations and broader security cooperation depending on UAE responses to the prohibition and certification conditions.- Compliance and legality: agencies and exporters would need to screen UAE activities related to Sudan to determine eligibility and certification status.

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