Opposition Expected On U.S. Sale Of Laser-guided Bombs To Saudi Arabia

January 15, 2008 7:06 p.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Two congressmen on Tuesday indicated they plan to block the sale of precision-guided bombs to Saudi Arabia.

U.S. Reps. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) and Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) were expected Tuesday to send a letter to Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.), the chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, indicating plans to block the arms sale, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported, adding concerns were raised that the arms could fall into hostile hands in the event of a change of government in Saudi Arabia.

Two-thirds majorities of the members in both houses are required to block the sale.

The Bush administration officially notified Congress Monday of the proposed arms sale worth more than $120 million that would provide Saudi Arabia with 900 kits and equipment to convert conventional gravity bombs into laser-guided smart-bombs, known as JDAMs, the Voice of America reported.

It is part of a $20-billion arms package that includes sales of Patriot anti-missile systems to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates and upgrades for Saudi Arabia's AWACS airborne command and control planes.

The Bush administration is also committed to a 10-year, $30-billion arms package for Israel as part of an assurance to maintain Israel's military edge in the Middle East. Israel has not protested the planned arms sale.