US Democrats press Blinken on bypassing Congress for arms sale to Israel: Politico

A group of nearly 20 Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to the Biden administration calling for clarification over its decision to approve two arms sales to Israel without congressional approval.

The Democrats called the decision "highly unusual" in their letter sent to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

In the letter, reported by Politico, the lawmakers raised questions about why bypassing Congress was necessary, given that arms sales involve a process that includes congressional approval.

“It is essential for Congress to be able to conduct oversight of these arms transfers and determine whether they are consistent with humanitarian principles and US law, and whether they advance or harm US national security,” said the letter, spearheaded by Senator Elizabeth Warren.