The U.S. Senate has blocked a measure that would have halted the sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia.
Kentucky Republican Rand Paul was one of four lawmakers who forced a vote on the issue.
On a 71-27 vote, U.S. Senators approved continuing to support Saudi Arabia, including the sale of more than a billion dollars in Abrams tanks and other military equipment.
Senator Paul has called Saudi Arabia an uncertain ally with an abysmal human rights record.
While the resolution didn't pass, Paul acknowledged the debate was significant in and of itself.
"Today, a growing coalition of legislators refused to sit idly by while the President inserts America into another war and an escalating arms race in an unstable region without congressional authorization or debate," Sen. Paul said in a statement. “As violent jihadists attack the West, the Saudis continue to fund madrassas that preach hatred and violence against the West. The Founders did not entrust the power to initiate war to the legislature lightly. Today does not mark an end, but an important next step in reclaiming Congress’ rightful constitutional role in foreign policy.”
Paul, a Bowling Green Republican, introduced unsuccessful resolutions in the past that tried to block foreign aid to Egypt and the sale of military aircraft to Pakistan.
Paul is seeking a second term in the U.S. Senate and is facing Democratic nominee Jim Gray in the November election.
