US: Attempted block of part of Saudi arms sale defeated

'This is just the beginning,' Republican lawmaker says after defeat of his measure

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - A multi-billion dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia moved closer to reality Tuesday after an attempt to kill part of the deal narrowly failed in the Senate.

Following the 53-47 vote, Sen. Rand Paul, who was part of a bipartisan group of senators who sought to derail part of the arms package, pledged the group would continue to work to defeat the sale he said is worth $350 billion over a decade.

“This is just the beginning, and we will continue to take a stance against waging an undeclared war and fueling an arms race in the Middle East," Paul said in a statement that highlighted the Saudi-led coalition's campaign in Yemen.

"I applaud those who voted with me to block this proposed arms sale, and I hope this sends a clear message to Saudi Arabia that the United States will not just stand by as they massacre their unarmed neighbors," he added.

Paul's resolution of disapproval had the vast majority of Democratic support, and was supported by three other Republicans.

The motion would have prevented the sale of $500 million worth of equipment to the Saudi air force.

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