The House of Representatives approved bipartisan legislation on Wednesday that was co-authored by U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) to fortify military and economic ties between the U.S. and Jordan.
Under the United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act, H.R. 907, the Arms Export Control Act would be amended to include Jordan on a list of trusted allies. That would allow Congress to expedite approval of military equipment for Jordan to use in the fight against ISIS.
Granger, the chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, said that Jordan is an important partner and the U.S. must do everything possible to support King Abdullah II and the Kingdom.
“The United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015 is key to that support and ensuring Jordan will have the resources they need to protect the Kingdom and to fight ISIS and other extremist organizations,” Granger said. “Jordan continues to provide stability in a turbulent region. It is vital that the United States maintain the closest possible relations with Jordan, and I believe this legislation is a strong step forward.”
The bill also supports a memorandum of understanding that outlines increased military cooperation between the U.S. and Jordan, including joint military exercises and personnel exchanges.
U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), the chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, said the bill would strengthen the U.S.’s relationship with Jordan.
“By passing this legislation and sending it to the president’s desk, Congress is sending an important message to our ally Jordan that we will continue to support the Kingdom as it faces potential threats by ISIL, and a serious strain on its resources and its economy as a result of the challenges stemming from an influx of Syrian refugees,” Ros-Lehtinen said. “Jordan has been on the front lines in the coalition fight against ISIL and in the response to the Syrian humanitarian crisis, but we must ensure that Jordan has the resources and support it needs to remain stable and secure.”
Joining Reps. Granger and Ros-Lehtinen in cosponsoring the bill were Reps. Nita Lowey (D-NY), ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, and Ted Deutch (D-FL), ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa.