Hearing: What Emergency?: Arms Sales and the Administration's Dubious End- Run around Congress

Webcast

Opening Statements

Lead Republican Michael McCaul (R-TX)
Opening Statement

On May 24, 2019, the Administration certified to Congress that Iran's malign threats to the stability of the Middle East and to American security constitute an emergency, requiring the immediate provision of certain defense systems to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.  An emergency certification has the legal effect of allowing the immediate licensing of those arms sales, without the usual period for Congressional review.  This hearing will examine the facts behind that emergency declaration, and how those expedited arms sales may address Iran's influence in the region.