[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 102 (Friday, June 24, 2016)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E989] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. JOHN K. DELANEY of maryland in the house of representatives Friday, June 24, 2016 Mr. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, on June 16, 2016 the House voted on 26 amendments to H.R. 5293, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2017. Congressman Conyers offered an amendment, roll call vote number 327, to block funds from being used to transfer or authorize the transfer of cluster munitions to Saudi Arabia. Amendment votes are taken in quick succession, with two minutes allowed for each. I mistakenly voted NO when I meant to vote AYE on Mr. Conyers' amendment. Saudi Arabia is a U.S. ally in the Middle East, supporting our counterterrorism efforts in the region. As with many allies, the United States enters into agreements to sell military equipment to help achieve mutual goals. Included in the sale with Saudi Arabia were cluster munitions. Alarmingly, Saudi Arabia has used cluster munitions contrary to U.S. law which prohibits the use of this weapon in populated areas and those that have a failure rate of above 1 percent. Cluster munitions contain multiple, explosive submunitions that are released mid-air and spread out, making targeting a specific location difficult and may put civilians in harm's way. The weapon is designed to kill enemy personnel and destroy their transportation and infrastructure. When used improperly, the cluster munitions are a danger to innocent civilians. Additionally, unpredictable landings and explosive remnants can put civilians in danger long after the violence had ended. This is a human rights issue. President Obama recently blocked the sale of cluster munitions to Saudi Arabia for use in Yemen amid reports by human rights organizations that have documented killing and wounding of civilians in violation of U.S. law. I support the President's decision to halt the sale of these dangerous weapons and support Congressman Conyers' amendment to prevent the sale of cluster munitions in the Department of Defense Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2017. ____________________