Democratic Congress Threatens $24.3 Billion Saudi F-35 Sale as Markey's Disapproval Resolution Awaits New Committee

Analysis
The review window closed October 17 without a blocking vote, and the Letter of Offer and Acceptance is still unissued, so the sale's fate hinges on whether the executive finalizes it before Democrats take committee gavels in January 2027. The Senate is unlikely to hold a floor vote on a joint resolution of disapproval of the Saudi F-35 sale between November 7 and December 31, 2026. We hold this judgment with high confidence because the resolutions' filing is documented in a primary Senate release and no vote or leadership commitment is scheduled. The post-election committee outlook rests on a single secondary outlet, so how a Democratic-chaired committee will act is inference. Democratic leverage will come mainly through hearings, classified briefing demands and conditions on the Letter of Offer rather than a binding vote. The administration may also issue the Letter before January, which would moot the resolutions. Riyadh and Lockheed Martin should plan for delay in early 2027 rather than cancellation, and should lobby senators at once only if a floor vote is scheduled.