On the recordFebruary 18, 2011
The underlying FY10 bill already prohibits assistance to Saudi Arabia, unless the Secretary of State determines that it is in our U.S. national interest. Maintaining a relationship with Saudi Arabia is critical to our national security, and I am concerned this amendment could jeopardize that relationship. Our two countries enjoy robust counterterrorism intelligence sharing. Saudi-U.S. collaboration helped thwart the package bomb from Yemen. Saudi Arabia is a critical strategic ally with whom we share mutual enemies and mutual threats. I believe this amendment goes too far, and I urge a ``no'' vote. I yield back the balance of my time.
