Congressional Arms Trade Measures 2023-2024
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During the 118th U.S. Congress session (2023-2024) members of the House and Senate have and will propose a range of legislation addressing the arms trade, security assistance, and military support. Below are a selection of key resolutions on these topics.*
For a much more complete list, please see the Center for International Policy's Legislative Tracker. If there is legislation you believe should be included, please email us at [email protected]. |
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KEY RESOLUTIONS
National Security Reforms and Accountability Act (NSRAA) - H.R. 4928, re-introduced July 27, 2023 (status, text-forthcoming) press release "McGovern, Mace Work to Restore Checks and Balances Between White House and Congress." To provide for clarification and limitations with respect to the exercise of national security powers, and for other purposes. Requires an affirmative vote to approve certain types of arms sales.
- Suggested resources: letter of support from more than 20 organizations. Dan Mahanty and Annie Shiel, "Time to flip the script on congressional arms sales powers," The Hill, March 15, 2020
Safeguarding Human Rights in Arms Exports Act of 2023 - H.R. 1801, S.1025, introduced March 27/29, 2023. House (text, status) S.1025 (text, status) press release "Ranking Member Meeks, Chairman Menendez Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Prevent Arms Sales to Human Rights Abusers." The SAFEGUARD Act seeks to reform the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to guarantee that protection and promotion of human rights is an integral consideration of the export of arms and defense services to foreign countries.
Human Rights Record re: Saudi Arabia using 502B - S.R.109 introduced March 15, 2023 (status, text) press release "Murphy, Lee Introduce Privileged Resolution to Require State Department Examination of Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Record." Requesting information on Saudi Arabia’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
- Suggested resources: "A Long-Forgotten Law Could Force the U.S. to Re-Evaluate its Relationship with Saudi Arabia," Just Security, March 29, 2023; "53 Groups Urge Passage of Senate 502B Resolution on Saudi Arabia," April 3, 2023; How U.S. Congress Can Use Section 502B Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC); Human Rights, Civilian Harm, and Arms Sales: A Primer on U.S. Law and Policy American Bar Association and CIVIC
Stop Arming Human Rights Abusers Act (SAHRAA) - H.R.1471 introduced March 8, 2023 (text) (status) press release "Rep. Omar Introduces the Stop Arming Human Rights Abusers Act (SAHRAA)." To provide for the imposition of sanctions with respect to foreign countries that are in violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law, and for other purposes. Creates a bipartisan, independent commission that will be responsible for making recommendations about countries to list and delist under this law.
Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales (ARMAS) Act- - H.R. 6618, S.4647 re-introduced in the House on December 6, 2093 (text, status), press release "Castro, Torres, Goldman, Cherfilus-Mccormick Lead Introduction of Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales (ARMAS) Act to Curb U.S. Firearms Trafficking to Latin America and Caribbean." To require the transfer of regulatory control of certain munitions exports from the Department of Commerce to the Department of State, and for other purposes. On June 21, 2024, five Senate Democrats announced they would introduce the ARMAS Act in the Senate, which they did on July 9 as S. 4647 (text, status).
* The Forum itself does not take positions. This is a public resource meant to draw attention to select legislation but does not indicate endorsement.