Sen. Cruz Votes Against Resolutions of Disapproval, Building on Progress in Middle East

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today issued the following statement after voting against resolutions of disapproval that would have blocked the sale of F-35 jets and other arms to the United Arab Emirates (UAE):

"The U.S.-UAE alliance is crucial to maintaining our national security interests, countering Iran, and promoting peace in the region. That alliance was strengthened following the signing of the Abraham Accords - an historic agreement to normalize relations with Israel.

"As an enthusiastic supporter of our friend and ally Israel and the regional alliance President Trump has built, and after engaging in lengthy conversations with multiple agencies within our government to ensure this sale would not endanger Israel or America, I voted in favor of the U.S. sale of F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates. This sale will also bolster America's industrial base and boost good-paying jobs in Texas, which is home to facilities where the F-35s are constructed. Most importantly - the sale sends a clear message to the world that America stands unshakably with our friends and allies."

In September, Sen. Cruz joined President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Emirati Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani at a White House signing ceremony for the Abraham Accords, historic agreements to normalize relations between Israel and Arab allies. In the past eight years, Sen. Cruz has resolved to be Israel's strongest defender in the Senate. Learn more about his leadership here. Sen. Cruz has also led the fight in the Senate to shred the Obama-Iran nuclear deal and has called for the collapse of the Iranian regime.

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