Arms Sales Notifications
Floor Speech
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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.
In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an 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)(5)(C) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), as amended, we are forwarding Transmittal No. 24-0U. This notification relates to enhancements or upgrades from the level of sensitivity of technology or capability described in the Section 36(b)(1), AECA certification 24-16 of December 29, 2023. Sincerely, Michael F. Miller, Director.
Enclosure. Transmittal No. 24-0U Report of Enhancement or Upgrade of Sensitivity of Technology or Capability (Sec. 36(b)(5)(C), AECA)
(i) Purchaser: Government of Israel.
(ii) Sec. 36(b)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 24-16; Date: December 29, 2023; Implementing Agency: Army.
Funding Source: Foreign Military Financing.
(iii) Description: On December 29, 2023, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 24-16 of the possible sale, under Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, of four thousand seven hundred ninety-two (4,792) M107 155mm High Explosive projectiles. Also included were various 155mm projectiles; propelling charges; 155mm ancillaries; publications; technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost was $147.5 million. Major Defense Equipment (MDE) constituted $7.5 million of this total.
This transmittal notifies the inclusion of an additional ten thousand (10,000) M107 and/or M795 155mm High Explosive projectiles. Also included are the following non-MDE items: various 155mm projectiles; publications; technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total value of the new items and services is $312.5 million. The net cost of MDE will increase by $20.5 million, resulting in a revised MDE value of $28 million. The net cost of non-MDE will increase by $292 million, resulting in a revised non-MDE value of $432 million. The estimated total case value will increase by $312.5 million to $460 million.
(iv) Significance: Israel will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.
(v) Justification: The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.
(vi) Sensitivity of Technology: The Sensitivity of Technology Statement contained in the original notification applies to items reported here.
The highest level of classification of defense articles, components, and services included in this potential sale is UNCLASSIFIED.
(vii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: February 7, 2025.
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