Hoeven Votes to Advance Legislation to Enhance U.S. Security Efforts with Allies in the Middle East

Senator John Hoeven Tuesday issued the following statement after voting to advance the Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East (SASME) Act of 2019. This legislation includes a measure Hoeven cosponsored during the previous Congress to enhance security assistance to, and cooperation with, Israel. The bill would also extend U.S. security cooperation arrangements with Jordan and authorize sanctions for entities providing support to the Assad regime in Syria. The Senate was unable to move the legislation forward after Senate Democrats blocked consideration of the bill.

“This legislation would enhance our nation’s security and that of critical allies in the Middle East, while also holding accountable those who enable the crimes of the Assad regime,” Hoeven said. “It is unfortunate that our colleagues across the aisle chose to block this important legislation.”