Arms Sales Notification

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. 25-0X. 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 23-54 of July 27, 2023. Sincerely, Michael F. Miller, Director.

Enclosure. Transmittal No. 25-0X Report of Enhancement or Upgrade of Sensitivity of Technology or Capability (Sec. 36(b)(5)(C), AECA)

(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Romania.

(ii) Sec. 36(B)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 23-54; Date: July 27, 2023; Implementing Agency: Navy.

Funding Source: National Funds.

(iii) Description: On July 27, 2023, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 23-54 of the possible sale, under Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, of sixteen (16) Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs), Personnel Variant (AAVP-7A1); three (3) Assault Amphibious Vehicles, Command Variant (AAVC-7A1); two (2) Assault Amphibious Vehicles, Recovery Variant (AAVR-7A1); sixteen (16) 50 Cal Machine Guns (Heavy Barrel); and five (5) 7.62 mm M240B Machine Guns. Also included were MK-19 Grenade Launchers; M36E Tl Thermal Sighting Systems (TSS); supply support (spare parts); support equipment (including special mission kits/Enhanced Applique Kits (EAAK)); training, unclassified technical manuals, technical data package, engineering and technical support and assistance (including Contractor Engineering Technical Services (CETS)); and other related elements of program and logistics support. The estimated total program cost was $120.5 million. Major Defense Equipment (MDE) constituted $75.5 million of this total.

This transmittal notifies the inclusion of the following additional MDE items: thirty-seven (37) Assault Amphibious Vehicles, Personnel variant (AAVP-7A1) Reliability, Availability, Maintainability/Rebuilt to Standard (RAM/RS); five (5) Assault Amphibious Vehicles, Command variant (AAVC- 7A1) RAM/RS; two (2) Assault Amphibious Vehicles, Recovery variant (AAVR-7A1) RAM/RS; thirty-seven (37) .50 caliber machine guns (heavy barrel); and seven (7) 7.62 mm M240B machine guns. The following non-MDE will also be included: MK-19 grenade launchers; M36E Tl thermal sights; supply support and spare parts; support equipment, including special mission kits and Enhanced Applique Kits); training; unclassified technical manuals; technical data package; engineering and technical support and assistance, including contractor engineering technical services); and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost of the new items is $404.0 million. The estimated MDE value will increase by $210.3 million to a revised $285.8 million. The estimated non-MDE value will increase by $193.7 million to a revised $238.7 million. The estimated total case value will increase by $404.0 million to a revised $524.5 million.

(iv) Significance: This notification is being provided as the additional MDE items were not enumerated in the original notification. The inclusion of this MDE represents an increase in capability over what was previously notified. The proposed sale will improve Romania's capability to meet current and future threats by modernizing and ensuring its continued expeditionary capability to counter regional threats.

(v) Justification: This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

(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 SECRET.

(vii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: September 15, 2025.

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