The letter, circulated by Rep. Howard Berman and Rep. Ileana
Ros-Lehtinen, raised questions of the Saudi deal to Defense Secretary Robert
Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The letter, which did not
oppose the sale, also expressed doubt over the Saudi role in the
Arab-Israeli peace process as well as the kingdom's stability.
"We have serious concerns about the nature of Saudi involvement in the
peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, particularly since the
Saudis have failed to take steps toward normalization of relations with
Israel or to augment their financial support to the Palestinian Authority,"
the letter, dated Oct. 29, said.
Berman and Ros-Lehtinen are expected to remain leading House
members involved in foreign policy when the new Congress is seated in January. Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican, is
expected to replace Berman as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs
Committee.
Congress, which returns on Nov. 15, has until Nov. 20 to block the Saudi
request. The letter also expressed concern that the 84 F-15 fighter-jets as
well as 132 AH-64D and S-70 helicopters would undermine Israel's military
superiority in the region.
Officials have dismissed the prospect that Congress would block the
Saudi arms deal. They cited the prospect that the U.S. sale, led by Boeing,
would galvanize the aerospace and defense industry.