Scoop: Schumer to seek vote on blocking Qatar's gift to Trump

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is planning to seek a vote on legislation he's introducing Monday to prevent foreign planes from being used as Air Force One, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Democrats have latched on to the offer from Qatar to give a $400 million jet to President Trump, arguing it reeks of corruption.Schumer's bill could find sympathy from some Senate Republicans, who this month have raised concerns about the Qatari offer. Trump argued this weekend that the jet is a gift to the U.S. and not him personally, lashing out at news organizations who have suggested the gift is for the president.Congressional Democrats have called for investigations into the proposed arrangement.Between the lines: Schumer plans to force a vote on the legislation during this year's government funding fight. The vote would likely come in the form of an amendment to GOP spending bills.Schumer called the Qatari plane a security risk, saying there are no modifications that would make the plane secure enough to serve as Air Force One."It is now on the Senate to prioritize our national security, protect Americans, and ensure that a foreign-owned plane never gets the call sign 'Air Force One,'" Schumer said in a statement.The $400 million jet would be worth 100 times more than every other presidential gift from a foreign nation combined since 2001, according to an Axios analysis of State Department data.Go deeper: The foreign emoluments clause: What it is and how it relates to Qatar's jet offerEditor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.

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