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In May 2019, Trump sent an additional 1,500 troops to the Middle East.
That same day, his administration declared an emergency resulting in the immediate sale of military weapons to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan.
This transfer is why Pompeo + Trump fired another IG.
That same day, his administration declared an emergency resulting in the immediate sale of military weapons to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan.
This transfer is why Pompeo + Trump fired another IG.
After the announcement that we'd provide expedited arms sales to Saudi Arabia, a bipartisan group of legislators spoke out about the decision.
Eliminating Congressional review of the sales of precision-guided munitions under the Arms Export Control Act is illegal.
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Eliminating Congressional review of the sales of precision-guided munitions under the Arms Export Control Act is illegal.
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The exemption Trump exploited is Section 36 which allows the President to forgo the traditional 30-day congressional notification period for arms sales if there's a presidentially declared emergency.
So he declared one. With no clear justification.
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So he declared one. With no clear justification.
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This prevented Congress from putting a hold on any such deal--which they likely would have done.
Intelligence suggests these bombs would have been used by Saudi Arabia against Yemen.
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Intelligence suggests these bombs would have been used by Saudi Arabia against Yemen.
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In April 2019 (one month before this emergency announcement) the House voted 247-175 to end military assistance for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen.
He vetoed it.
The "emergency" a month later is Trump couldn't give the Saudis what they wanted. So he consolidated more power.
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He vetoed it.
The "emergency" a month later is Trump couldn't give the Saudis what they wanted. So he consolidated more power.
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Every Republican Missouri Member of Congress voted against this resolution. In a state where military families have been at war for 20 years, they all voted to continue our involvement in the Middle East.
And the Senate was unable to override the veto.
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And the Senate was unable to override the veto.
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Even though Congress's attempt to prevent US support to Saudi Arabia's efforts in Yemen didn't become law, the White House knew there'd be no support for further military sales.
So a month later--Trump goes against the will of Congress and sends more cash and more bodies.
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So a month later--Trump goes against the will of Congress and sends more cash and more bodies.
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And let us not forget one of the reasons Trump thwarted Congressional authority, the will of the American people, and the law.
"They've deposited $1B dollars in the bank."
Whose bank? Receipts? Unclear.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1215836306162372608
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"They've deposited $1B dollars in the bank."
Whose bank? Receipts? Unclear.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1215836306162372608
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If you think this looks like a corrupt mess, you're right.
That's why State Inspector General was looking into it.
And, then, he got fired.
9/ https://www.rollcall.com/2020/05/18/lawmakers-cry-foul-over-firing-of-state-inspector-general/
That's why State Inspector General was looking into it.
And, then, he got fired.
9/ https://www.rollcall.com/2020/05/18/lawmakers-cry-foul-over-firing-of-state-inspector-general/
Congress has the power to declare war.
Congress has the power of the purse.
Congress has the power to hold Trump accountable.
But Little by little, he usurps Congress's power.
And when it comes to national security, military families like mine will pay the price.
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Congress has the power of the purse.
Congress has the power to hold Trump accountable.
But Little by little, he usurps Congress's power.
And when it comes to national security, military families like mine will pay the price.
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