Arms Sales Notification

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 29, 2020
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Hon. James E. Risch, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(b)(l) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. 20-76 concerning the Air Force's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to the Government of the United Kingdom for defense articles and services estimated to cost $401.3 million. After this letter is delivered to your office, we plan to issue a news release to notify the public of this proposed sale. Sincerely, Heidi H. Grant, Director.

Enclosures. Transmittal No. 20-76 Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended

(i) Prospective Purchaser: The Government of the United Kingdom

(ii) Total Estimated Value:

Major Defense Equipment* $0.0 million.

Other $401.3 million.

Total $401.3 million.

(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or Services under Consideration for Purchase:

Major Defense Equipment (MDE):

None.

Non-MDE: Follow-on C-17 aircraft Contractor Logistical Support (CLS) to include aircraft component spare and repair parts; accessories; publications and technical documentation; software and software support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.

(iv) Military Department: Air Force (UK-D-QDQ).

(v) Prior Related Cases, if any: UK-D-QDD.

(vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid Offered, or Agreed to be Paid: None.

(vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in the Defense Article or Defense Services Proposed to be Sold: None.

(viii) Date Report Delivery to Congress: September 24, 2020.

*As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Exports Control Act. POLICY JUSTIFICATION United Kingdom--Follow-on Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for C-17 Aircraft

The Government of the United Kingdom has requested to buy follow-on C-17 aircraft Contractor Logistical Support (CLS) to include aircraft component spare and repair parts; accessories; publications and technical documentation; software and software support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $401.3 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a key NATO Ally, which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

This proposed sale will improve the United Kingdom's capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring the operational readiness of the Royal Air Force. Its C-17 aircraft fleet provides strategic airlift capabilities that directly support U.S. and coalition operations around the world. The United Kingdom will have no difficulty absorbing these services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company of Chicago, IL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of the proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the United Kingdom.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

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