New Bill Introduced to Streamline Defense Acquisitions
In an effort to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for obtaining American-made defense products, a group of Congress members, including Robert Aderholt, Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif), and Ryan Zinke (R-Mont), have introduced a new proposal aimed at accelerating revenue for manufacturing and sales.
This bipartisan initiative seeks to enhance the Special Defense Acquisition Fund, thereby encouraging allies and partners to gain access to vital U.S.-made defense equipment more swiftly.
Aderholt emphasized the importance of the bill, noting that, “This bipartisan bill will help American allies and partners receive critical defense equipment in a timely manner. By strengthening the SDAF, the law not only supports national security interests overseas, but also invests in industrial defense bases in our homes.”
The proposed legislation aims to tackle the inefficiencies and delays that plague the current process for foreign military sales.
Moskowitz added, “The Arms Act is both an advantage for our economic and national security, and we invest in both important manufacturing at home and the defense of our allies overseas. As we continue to face threats from foreign adversaries like Russia and China, this bill will help our allies stay safe while ensuring that we maintain our leadership on the global stage.”
The urgency around reforming foreign military and direct commercial sales has heightened in recent years. As per Aderholt’s release, the value of these sales has exceeded the domestic defense procurement budget significantly, with international demand for American defense products nearly double that of domestic purchases.
Zinke expressed his commitment to addressing bureaucratic delays, stating, “I have made my mission to eliminate bureaucratic delays that prevent America’s life-saving defense capabilities from reaching our allies and partners. This bill will fulfill its mission. The Special Defense Acquisition Fund is a critical but historically lacking tool that will strengthen the defense industry foundation and accelerate the delivery of critical weapons and equipment to allies.”
He also noted, “This law returns the SDAF to its original purpose of supporting our partners and promoting America’s interests around the world without spending any taxpayer dollars. I commend Congressman Aderholt for his leadership in drafting this common-sense, strategic law.”
The Accelerated Revenue for Manufacturing and Sales Act has garnered support from key defense organizations, including the Council of Professional Services, the Association of Defense Industry, and the Association of Aerospace Industry.
