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Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W. Va., waits for a television news interview on Capitol
Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 6, 2017. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Joe Manchin Was One of Five Democrats Who Saved Saudi Arms Sales. His
Primary Opponent Is Furious.
Zaid Jilani
June 19 2017, 9:03 a.m.
A Senate resolution disapproving of a portion of arms sales to Saudi Arabia
- which has been waging a long, bloody war in Yemen that has sparked
multiple humanitarian crises - narrowly failed along a 47-53 vote on
Tuesday. Five Democrats voted against the measure, ensuring that it did not
pass.
One of those Democrats was Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who is facing a
challenge from environmental activist Paula Jean Swearengin in next year's
primary. In an interview with The Intercept, Swearengin reacted harshly to
Manchin's vote in favor of the arms sale - which provides equipment
necessary to conduct airstrikes in Yemen - and even suggested the
conservative West Virginia Democrat is a Trump ally.
"I'm not surprised because of his history of voting in favor of President
Trump, like a Republican," Swearengin said.
She then went on a tear suggesting that the weapons would end up in
terrorist hands rather than focusing on how the arms could be used in the
war against Yemen. "Sen. Manchin voting against the provision to stop the
sale. That tells me that Sen. Manchin supports giving weapons to a country
that is known for harboring terrorists," Swearengin said. "The weapons could
possibly end up in the hands of terrorists."
She also linked the vote to Manchin's voting record on domestic matters,
saying that both are evidence that Manchin doesn't respect human rights.
"He's showing us he doesn't value human life, in Appalachia, in America, or
other countries," she said. "People are dying in the streets and starving in
Yemen. How does he sleep at night? West Virginians are tired of dying and
starving as a result of his poor leadership, too."
Manchin, who did not reply to a request for comment, may face more votes on
Saudi arms sales before the election next year.
In an interview with The Intercept, Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who
co-sponsored the resolution of disapproval, said he anticipates further
votes on other parts of the arms deal. "This may very well not be the last
time they have to ask again for permission for more arms," Paul said. "And I
think as the famine gets more desperate, as the blockade continues, maybe we
can convert a few Republicans who may care about the famine and the deaths."
It remains to be seen whether Manchin does.
Top photo: Sen. Joe Manchin waits for a television news interview on Capitol
Hill in Washington on June 6, 2017.