Torres, Porter Amendment Ensuring Congressional Oversight of Munitions Exports Passes

Press Release

Today, U.S. House Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Katie Porter (CA-45), announced that their Oversight of Munitions Exports Amendment passed the House of Representatives as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The amendment passed by a vote of 215-213.

The Trump Administration moved the licensing of munitions exports from the State Department to the Department of Commerce. As part of that change, they removed previously existing Congressional notification requirements, as well as a congressional disapproval process. The Oversight of Munitions Exports Amendment restores those congressional notification requirements for the export of certain firearms on the U.S. Munitions List abroad to help prevent exporting weapons of war to terrorists and reestablishes Congress' oversight role over licensing decisions.

"This amendment helps protect our national security and ensure that deadly weapons do not fall into the wrong hands," said Rep. Norma J. Torres. "The Trump administration had undermined transparency and congressional oversight when they changed the export license review process, but this amendment restores Congress' proper role in this process. I thank Congresswoman Porter for her partnership, and I will continue to work to ensure that our government is being careful in how and to whom they issue munitions export licenses."

"Congressional oversight of arms sales wasn't undermined by accident," said Rep. Katie Porter. "The gun lobby, backed by the Trump Administration, fought tooth and nail to block Congress from knowing about large scale exports of AR-15s, handguns, and sniper rifles. It's essential we restore Congress' ability to hold the administration -- regardless of which party controls the White House -- accountable for arms exports."

The Amendment was supported by Brady: United Against Gun Violence and Giffords: Courage to Fight Gun Violence.

"In 2020, the Trump Administration shifted oversight of the licensing of firearms exports from the State Department to the Commerce Department, which subjected firearms exports to less-stringent controls and removed congressional oversight. Congress must have the ability to intervene and prevent firearms from being sold to bad actors overseas, and this crucial amendment restores that power. We thank Congresswoman Torres for her unwavering commitment to this issue." - Adzi Vokhiwa, Federal Affairs Director, Giffords

"This common-sense amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act restores Congress' longstanding and appropriate oversight authority over arms exports. This amendment will reestablish Congress' ability to act as a responsible check on future administrations, to prevent the export of gun violence abroad, and to ensure that we defend our interests overseas while promoting responsible commerce. Brady thanks Rep. Torres for championing this important amendment." - Kris Brown, President, Brady

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