WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Ilhan Omar, a Democratic U.S. Representative filed Friday legislation to stop the sale of $650m air-to-air Missiles to Saudi Arabia. This was the first arms deal to Saudi Arabia during the President Joe Biden administration.

Omar claimed that the resolution, also known as a “joint resolution of disapproval”, was filed by Omar because of Saudi Arabia’s participation in Yemen’s civil war. This war is considered one the worst war humanitarian disasters of all time and Omar’s human rights record.

The Biden administration announced on Nov. 4 that it had approved the sale of https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-state-dept-okays-650-million-potential-air-to-air-missile-deal-saudi-arabia-2021-11-04 280 air-to-air missiles valued at up to $650 million. The missiles are manufactured by Raytheon Technologies (NYSE :).

While we shouldn’t sell arms to people who violate human rights, it is wrong that this should be done in the middle of humanitarian crises they are responsible. Omar stated that Congress is empowered to block these sales and that they must do so.

It is unlikely that the measure will stop the sale, as it must pass the U.S. Senate. Omar’s actions highlight the continuing concern about arms sales to Riyadh by some legislators, in spite of the Biden administration’s intent to restrict weapons sales to the Kingdom to “defensive” items.

Although Saudi Arabia has been a key partner in the Middle East for many years, U.S. legislators have refused to authorize military sales to the country without ensuring that U.S. equipment wouldn’t be used to murder civilians.