Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) have successfully passed the Securing American Acquisitions, Readiness, and Military Stockpiles (ARMS) Act. This bill, which was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, aims to enhance the Department of Defense's (DoD) procurement authorities and enable the speedy replenishment of American defense stockpiles after providing aid to allies or partners attacked by foreign adversaries.

Sen. Cornyn expressed his satisfaction with the legislation, stating, "Providing aid to our allies shouldn’t jeopardize our own ability to defend our nation...This legislation will make sure the Defense Department can quickly replenish American defense stockpiles whenever we supply aid to our partners, and I’m glad to see it signed into law."

Sen. Shaheen emphasized the importance of maintaining both the United States' defensive weapons stockpile and providing materials to allies and partners. She stated, "This bipartisan legislation will enhance our ability to both maintain our own defenses while also helping our allies...I’m glad to partner with Senator Cornyn to help address the ongoing security challenges facing the United States and our allies."

Sen. Durbin highlighted the need to support Ukraine in the face of aggression from Russia, stating, "While we must continue to supply Ukraine with the arms to defend itself, the U.S. must be able to sustain its own stockpile...I’m pleased to see the bipartisan ARMS Act signed into law as part of the NDAA to ensure that the U.S. can meet its own security needs while supporting our allies."

Sen. Rubio emphasized the need for efficient defense procurement processes, stating, "Our nation’s ability to defend itself should never suffer because of bureaucratic policies and red tape...Our bill creates necessary reforms in the defense procurement process to ensure that America and our allies receive the weapons and supplies we need."

The ARMS Act addresses the need to strengthen U.S. stockpiles and provide defense contractors increased certainty to meet demand, particularly in light of lethal aid provided to Ukraine. The legislation allows the DoD to use non-competitive procedures to quickly award contracts for replenishing defense article stocks sent to allies or partners after an attack by a foreign adversary. This amendment is crucial in expediting the acquisitions process and ensuring a rapid response in emergency situations.

However, it is important to note that this authority can only be utilized when the U.S. is not a party to hostilities, and the hostile foreign adversary is one as defined by the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956. This includes countries such as Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba. The DoD is also required to report to Congress within one week after deciding to use this authority.

The ARMS Act addresses a critical need in safeguarding U.S. defense capabilities while supporting allies and partners. It ensures that the United States can swiftly replenish defense stockpiles following the provision of aid, protecting national security interests and maintaining the ability to respond effectively to potential threats.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-colleagues-bill-to-quickly-replenish-u-s-defense-stockpiles-after-providing-aid-to-allies-signed-into-law/