International Traffic in Arms Regulations Licensing Reform Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4215. This bill would institute clearer timeframes for the licensing decisions made by the State Department for direct sales of defense items by private firms to foreign buyers.

While large systems, such as aircraft, ships, tanks, and missiles, are principally provided via the foreign military sales, or FMS, process, a number of important items, such as small arms, vehicles, radars, and other equipment, are transferred via direct commercial sales.

These items are often vital for our partners and allies to replenish their military stocks and defensive capabilities. While the vast majority of these sales are processed and licensed in an expeditious manner, foreign partners often seek greater speed and clarity regarding the process.

This bill simply institutes reasonable timeframes of up to 60 days for a licensing decision to be made. This does not preordain an outcome. The State Department can still either return such licenses for adjustment or modification due to additional revisions or controls determined necessary or reject the requested license outright. Crucially, the bill also does not alter or undermine congressional oversight over direct commercial sales.

In short, while I have strong concerns about the arms sales and security assistance policies of the Trump administration, I support efforts to provide our allies and partners with improved timelines and processing for defense articles that they need for our shared national security goals.

Mr. Speaker, the time period limitations on direct foreign commercial sales set forth in this bill will, in fact, provide greater clarity for our allies and a more rapid delivery of necessary items to our partners around the world. Moreover, the bill does so without undermining congressional oversight or predetermining any decisions.

Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source