Cardin Statement on Senate Passage of the U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate passed the “U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015.”

“From its economic reform efforts, to its participation in the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, to its support for international diplomatic efforts to end the Syrian civil war and its significant role in addressing Syria’s humanitarian crisis, Jordan’s success is critical for regional stability,” said Senator Cardin. 

“I am committed to the U.S.-Jordan strategic partnership, and meet regularly with King Abdullah II of Jordan including in 2015 and in 2016 when he visited the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  In every meeting King Abdullah has expressed his shared commitment to deepening the U.S.-Jordan partnership, and reiterated his strong belief that long-term regional stability is the responsibility of the governments and peoples of the Middle East.  The United States must remain invested in supporting leaders such as King Abdullah, and I will continue to encourage Members of Congress to support Jordan as we did earlier this year in the FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act.  The U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act further strengthens the U.S. commitment to Jordan.  I hope that the U.S. House of Representatives swiftly considers this legislation in the coming weeks.”

A PDF of the legislation is available here. The U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015 would:

• Express the sense of Congress that expeditious consideration of certifications of letters of offer to sell defense articles, defense services, design and construction services, and major defense equipment to Jordan is fully consistent with U.S. security and foreign policy interests and the objectives of peace and security;
• Include Jordan for three years among the countries eligible for certain streamlined defense sales, licensing agreements, and technical assistance under the Arms Export Control Act; and
• Authorize the Department of State to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Jordan to increase military cooperation, including joint military exercises, personnel exchanges, and support for international peacekeeping missions, and enhanced strategic dialogue.

From Left to Right Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), and Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) after meeting with the King on January 12, 2016.

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