Bypassing Congress, Trump Invokes Emergency Arms Sales Authority to "Counter Iran"

Yemenis gathered at the site of a Saudi-led coalition air strike in August 2018. PHOTO: STRINGER/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/GETTY IMAGES

Decision to speed delivery of 22 deals worth $8 billion; opponents decry administration’s move

WASHINGTON—The Trump administration on Friday invoked a rarely used provision of American arms control laws to sidestep Congress and authorize billions of dollars in weapons sales to key Middle East allies, raising regional tensions and angering lawmakers who characterized the decision as an abuse of power, according to congressional sources.

Officials notified Congress that the administration is declaring an emergency under arms control laws amid tensions with Iran to rush through the weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two key allies in America’s intensifying confrontation with Iran.

People familiar with the details said the sale represents a broad package of 22 separate deals worth about $8 billion.

The move, coming the same day Mr. Trump announced he is sending 1,500 more troops to the Middle East, allows the administration to circumvent the traditional congressional review process and speed the delivery of weapons to the Gulf allies.

Lawmakers opposed to the arms sales denounced the decision as another effort by the White House to undermine congressional power.

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