Congress poised to put Saudi Arabia on the hook for millions in military training
Lawmakers estimate ending security assistance could cost Riyadh up to $30 million.
Saudi Arabia could soon be on the hook for millions of dollars in US military training in the latest example of bipartisan anger at the kingdom.
The Republican-held Senate and Democratic-controlled House passed dueling spending bills this week that differ on border security and immigration policy. But both bills contain a provision that cuts Saudi Arabia off from a key military training program that enables Riyadh to save up to $30 million per year.
The Senate failed to secure the 60 votes needed to advance its spending bill by 50-47 today, while the House passed its rival bill 234-180 on Wednesday. Still, the fact that lawmakers in both parties have at least agreed to a compromise on foreign aid provisions serves as a strong indication that the anti-Saudi language contained in both bills will eventually become law after the shutdown ends.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, has long advocated for ending Saudi Arabia’s discounted military training costs, but had faced resistance from his colleagues in previous years.
