On Wednesday, Senate Republicans turned down Democratic efforts to oppose the proposal of allowing a Qatar-owned jet to serve as the next Air Force One.
The resolution aimed at disapproving an arms deal from the Trump administration arose in light of reports that a plane, valued at $400 million, would be gifted. This angered many Senate Democrats, who viewed the arrangement as blatant corruption.
The measure was defeated with a vote of 39-56.
“In my opinion, we can’t move forward with these arms sales while the relationship is tainted by a gift to Trump,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) to reporters earlier this week. “There are valid policy discussions regarding the sales, but the focus here should really be on corruption, not just the merits of the sales.”
Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, supported Murphy’s resolution.
The Qatar-owned Boeing jet is intended for use as an Air Force aircraft before being relocated to a Presidential Library for the remainder of Trump’s term.
Qatar’s arms deals include supplying eight MQ-9B armed drones, along with hundreds of tail kits, a 500-pound bomb, and a Hellfire II missile.
While Republicans aren’t fully aligning with Democrats in criticizing the deal, they remain skeptical. Many express concerns over safety, potential spying, and practicality. Some question the necessity of a new jet, especially considering the significant cost for what might be short trips.
The conversation resurfaced on Wednesday when a senator repeatedly inquired about the jet’s costs during a Senate Budget Committee hearing without receiving a clear response.
“You will get that number, Senator. I can’t discuss it publicly,” Hegses replied to a visibly irritated Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.).
