Topic: Sovereign Bonds

Saudi Arabia has issued its first sovereign bond, raising $17.5 billion to offset falling oil revenues and a massive budget deficit. A former New York banker explains that the kingdom is slashing investment projects while continuing to spend heavily on U.S. military hardware, including F-35 fighter jets. The hosts discuss how this debt will be used to fund the ongoing war in Yemen.

A detailed reading of Senate Bill 2040 reveals the legal framework for holding foreign nations accountable for terrorist acts. Saudi Arabia has reportedly threatened to sell $750 billion in U.S. Treasury bonds if the bill is enacted, a move that could disrupt global financial markets.

Vice President Joe Biden announced a $20 million aid package for Ukrainian law enforcement and $3 million for food rations. The US has also guaranteed a $1 billion sovereign bond for Ukraine as part of an IMF-led effort to stabilize the country's financial sector following the 2014 change in government.