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Senators Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley and Bernie Sanders introduced a joint resolution of disapproval on September 16, 2026 targeting a foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia that includes thousands of bombs and guidance systems. The measure, referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, would prohibit the transfer if approved by both chambers of Congress. According to the bill text, the resolution specifically addresses Transmittal No. 26-35 submitted to Congress under the Arms Export Control Act.
The proposed sale encompasses 5,004 KMU-572 JDAM guidance kits, 5,000 KMU-556 JDAM guidance kits, 5,004 BLU-111 500-pound general purpose bombs and 5,000 BLU-117 2,000-pound general purpose bombs along with associated equipment and support services. In its notification the State Department described the deal as supporting the security of a major non-NATO ally that contributes to stability in the Gulf region. The total estimated value of the transaction has been placed at $5 billion.
Markey said in a statement that the United States must not send thousands of conventional weapons to Saudi Arabia or allow it to develop a nuclear program. The Massachusetts Democrat expressed deep concern over the kingdom’s human rights abuses, regional security amid the war in Iran and the escalating proxy conflict in Yemen between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Merkley and Sanders have joined him in forcing a potential vote on the privileged legislation.
Previous attempts by lawmakers to halt arms transfers to Saudi Arabia have highlighted tensions between Congress and the executive branch over the kingdom’s role in the Yemen civil war. In 2019 the Senate passed resolutions to block sales but then-President Trump vetoed the measures according to reports from that period. Lawmakers have continued to scrutinize such deals due to documented civilian casualties linked to Saudi-led operations.
The introduction of the resolution comes shortly after the State Department notified Congress of the proposed sale on September 4, 2026. Supporters of the transfer argue it enhances Saudi defensive capabilities against regional threats. Critics however point to the potential for the munitions to be used in offensive operations that could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Data from past years show Saudi Arabia has been among the top recipients of US arms exports with multiple multibillion-dollar packages approved since 2015 according to congressional notifications compiled over time. The current resolution does not affect separate proposed sales including one for F-35 jets or engine parts. The senators have also called for greater transparency regarding any potential nuclear cooperation agreement with the kingdom.
