On the recordDecember 6, 2022
3 years ago today, a Saudi Air Force officer with ties to al-Qaida attacked Naval Air Station Pensacola resulting in the deaths of Ensign Joshua Kaleb, Airman Apprentice Cameron Walters, and Airman Mohammed Haitham; this also included the injury of eight others, including brave sheriff's deputies and sailors. Saudi Arabia had the responsibility to screen and monitor their officers, and they failed. The family members who lost their loved ones live with this pain every day, and the Saudi Government's initial promise made directly to me that they would compensate the grieving families has resulted in nothing. For this reason, I am introducing the Saudi Arabia December 6, 2019, Anti-Terror and Accountability Act. This bill would prohibit the DOD from funding any Saudi-led proxy wars and would end the export of weapons and logistical services to Saudi Arabia. This legislation would halt the military officer exchange programs with Saudi Arabia. It would also set aside $10 million within the state-sponsored terrorism fund so that the victims would be able to be compensated. The legislation is budget neutral as it draws from a reallocation from funds that would otherwise go to a war in Ukraine. It is time that we demonstrate national solidarity on the anniversary of this terrorist attack. We should send Saudi Arabia a message, not more weapons. ____________________
