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US Lawmakers Seek to Reform Foreign Arms Sales Process

Foreign Military Sales, General News, National Security, North America, Policy Updates
July 24, 2025July 24, 2025By Xavier Dolan
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US lawmakers on foreign arms sales process reform
Photo by Elisa/Adobe Stock

The House Foreign Affairs Committee has advanced six bipartisan bills designed to overhaul the U.S. foreign arms sales process and strengthen the domestic defense industrial base. The legislative action took place Tuesday during the committee’s second markup session of the 119th Congress, led by Chairman Brian Mast.

The measures were introduced by the Foreign Arms Sales Task Force, formed in March and co-led by Chairman Ryan Zinke of Montana and Ranking Member Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania. According to the committee, the task force’s work aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive order issued in April, which called for greater transparency and accountability in defense sales, reduced regulatory barriers and improved cost efficiency.

Since its formation, the task force has consulted with U.S. officials, industry stakeholders and foreign partners to streamline foreign military sales. Below are the six bills passed during the markup:

  • H.R. 3613 – Streamlining Foreign Military Sales Act of 2025
  • H.R. 4233 – AUKUS Reform for Military Optimization & Review Act
  • H.R. 4215 – International Traffic in Arms Regulations Licensing Reform Act
  • H.R. 4216 – Made‑In‑America Defense Act
  • H.R. 3068 – Missile Technology Control Review Act
  • H.R. 4335 – Abraham Accords Defense Against Terror Act
     

Rep. Zinke said the task force aims to eliminate delays that prevent allies from acquiring U.S. defense equipment. The committee expects the legislation to improve partnerships between the private and public sectors and Washington’s relationship with its foreign partners.

According to Mast, a stronger foreign arms sales process encourages innovation while improving America’s manufacturing capabilities and creating jobs. “This is a no-fail mission, and I appreciate the hard work by the task force in getting this legislation before the full committee today,” he said in a statement.

Explore how international partnerships, coalition warfare and cutting-edge technologies are transforming the defense arena at the Potomac Officers Club’s upcoming 2025 GovCon International Summit in Virginia on Oct. 16. Register today.

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