A resolution affirming that the underlying purpose of the Foreign Emoluments Clause renders the acceptance and transfer of a plane from the government of Qatar, without the explicit consent of Congress, an illegal emolument, withholding the consent of the Senate to the acceptance and transfer of plane from the government of Qatar, and demanding the transfer of any plane received by President Donald J. Trump or entities under his control from the government of Qatar to the permanent control of the United States Government.

Summary: S. Res. 244 (2025)

A Senate resolution introduced on May 21, 2025, by Senator Richard Blumenthal, labeled as a resolution (SRES) that asserts the Foreign Emoluments Clause prohibits the acceptance or transfer of a plane from the Government of Qatar without explicit congressional consent. The measure withholds Senate consent for any such acceptance or transfer and demands that any plane received by President Donald J. Trump or entities under his control from Qatar be transferred to permanent control of the United States Government.

Purpose and intent

• To affirm that the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the Constitution renders the acceptance and transfer of a Qatar-aircraft without Congress’s explicit consent an illegal emolument.
• To reject the acceptance/transfer of such an aircraft on the grounds of potential taxpayer costs, national security risks, and concerns about foreign corruption.
• To require the permanent transfer of any plane received by President Trump or entities under his control from Qatar to the U.S. Government.

Key provisions

1. Acknowledgment that the underlying purpose of the Foreign Emoluments Clause makes such acceptance/transfer an illegal emolument, regardless of ownership details.
2. Withholding of Senate consent for the acceptance and transfer of any plane from Qatar, citing unacceptable financial costs and national security/foreign corruption concerns.
3. Demand that any plane received by President Trump or entities under his control from Qatar be transferred to permanent control of the United States Government.

Legislative actions and status

• Introduced: May 21, 2025.
• Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (text reference: CR S3065-3066).
• Status: Introduced in the Senate; no further legislative action listed at this time.
• Sponsor: Senator Richard Blumenthal (primary).

Affected parties

• The President (specifically President Donald J. Trump) and entities under his control.
• The Government of Qatar (as the origin of the aircraft).
• The United States Government, which would gain permanent control of any such aircraft per the resolution.
• Taxpayers and national-security considerations, as referenced in the rationale for withholding consent.

Constitutional context

• Centers on the Foreign Emoluments Clause (Article I, Section 9, Clause 8) and its interpretation regarding emoluments from foreign governments.

Potential impact

• Non-binding if enacted as a resolution, but it signals the Senate’s stance on authorization and ownership of aircraft involving foreign emoluments.
• Could influence executive deliberations, congressional oversight, and diplomatic considerations related to aircraft transfers involving Qatar.
• Establishes a formal position on the disposition of any plane linked to President Trump or his affiliates in this context.