WASHINGTON, D.C. – By invoking the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Al Franken (D-MN) forced a vote today on blocking a portion of new weapons sales to Saudi Arabia that would support its military campaign in Yemen.

The sale is part of a broader arms agreement that permits the U.S. to make up to $350 billion in defense equipment sales and training commitments to Saudi Arabia over 10 years.

Forty-seven senators voted to halt a sale that could deepen the conflict in Yemen, while fifty-three senators voted to provide the arms to Saudi Arabia.

“Today, a bipartisan group of senators took a stand against the escalating war Saudi Arabia is waging with Yemen,” said Dr. Paul. “This is just the beginning, and we will continue to take a stance against waging an undeclared war and fueling an arms race in the Middle East. I applaud those who voted with me to block this proposed arms sale, and I hope this sends a clear message to Saudi Arabia that the United States will not just stand by as they massacre their unarmed neighbors.”

You can read the joint resolution of disapproval HERE. You can watch Dr. Paul’s floor speech from this morning HERE.