The Senate voted June 11 to defeat two resolutions aimed at preventing $3.5 billion in arms sales to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., proposed the legislation, citing ethical concerns about President Donald Trump’s ties to both countries (see 2505150069). But Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, R-Idaho, opposed the measures, saying “they make arms sales to some of our closest allies in the Middle East about partisan politics.”
The Bureau of Industry and Security, which is seeking a major budget increase in FY 2026 (see 2505020030), would use the funding boost to add hundreds of employees to enhance its compliance and enforcement capabilities, agency head Jeffrey Kessler said June 12.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent denied June 11 that the Trump administration has agreed to relax controls on chip exports to China in return for China curbing its own restrictions on rare earth exports.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., introduced a bill June 10 that would require the State Department to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization.
Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., co-chairman of the House’s Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, said June 10 that he plans to reintroduce a bill that would sanction foreign entities and individuals who directly engage in transnational repression.
Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., introduced a bill June 10 that could make it easier for Cyprus to buy U.S. defense equipment.
As lawmakers consider imposing new sanctions on Russia, they should ensure they don’t hinder the Trump administration’s ability to negotiate a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said June 11.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee ranking member Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said June 10 that Congress should take up a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill to spur Moscow to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.
Five House and Senate Democrats introduced a bill June 6 that would require the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the Small Business Administration to work together to help small businesses comply with the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).
Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., announced June 5 that she has introduced a bill that would bar shipments of offensive weapons to Israel until Israel commits in writing to using the arms in accordance with U.S. and international law. Congress would have to pass a joint resolution approving those specific uses. Ramirez said the Block the Bombs Act is needed to reduce civilian casualties in the Gaza War. The bill, which has 21 co-sponsors, was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.