Floor SpeechNeutral2026-09-15

ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION

TaxesEnvironmentForeign PolicyTrade

Context

On 2026-09-15, Senator James E. Risch (R-ID) delivered a floor speech titled "ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION" in the Senate.

Full Text

ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4718-S4719] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act [[Page S4719]] 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. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC. congressional notification transmittal letter Please find enclosed the following notification from the Department of State. Department Notification Number: RSAT 26-0S. 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. 26-0S. 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 16-36 of April 27, 2018. Recipients: Speaker of the House of Representatives House Committee on Foreign Affairs Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Sincerely, Kaitlyn Wolfe, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs. transmittal no. 26-0s Report of Enhancement or Upgrade of Sensitivity of Technology or Capability (Sec. 36(b)(5)(C), AECA) (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Bahrain. (ii) Sec. 36(b)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 16-36; Date: April 27, 2018; Implementing Agency: Navy. Funding Source: National Funds. (iii) Description: On April 27, 2018, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 16-36 of the possible sale, under 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, of (12) AH-1Z Attack Helicopters; twenty-six (26) T-700 GE 401C engines (24 installed and 2 spares); fourteen (14) AGM-114 Hellfire missiles; and fifty-six (56) Advance Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS-II) WGU-59B. The following non-MDE items were also included: Honeywell Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS) (EGI) with standard positioning service; joint mission planning systems; M197 20mm gun systems; tech refresh mission computers; AN/AAQ-30 target sight systems; helmet mounted display system/Optimized Top Owl; communication equipment; electronic warfare systems; APX-117 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF); AN/AAR-47 missile warning systems; AN/ ALE-47 countermeasure dispenser sets; APR-39C(V)2 radar warning receivers; support equipment; spare engine containers; spare and repair parts; tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of program and logistics support. The total estimated value was $911.4 million. Major defense equipment (MDE) constituted $490.9 million of this total. On April 15, 2019, Congress was notified by Congressional certification transmittal number 18-0F, under Section 36(b)(5)(C) of the Arms Export Control Act, of the inclusion of one hundred forty-four (144) AGM-114 Hellfire missiles; twelve (12) M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles; six hundred two (602) APKWS-II WGU-59B Guidance Sections; eight hundred twenty-six (826) MK-66 rocket motors; eight hundred twenty-six (826) MK-152 rocket warheads; fifty-six hundred (5,600) rounds of PGU-27 20mm ammunition; Operational chaff, Decoy Flares, and Impulse Cartridges. The estimated MDE value increased by $42 million to a revised $533 million. The estimated total case value was increased to $960 million. On December 22, 2023, Congress was notified by Congressional certification transmittal number 0B-23, under Section 36(b)(5)(A) of the Arms Export Control Act, of the inclusion of sixty (60) APKWS-II WGU-59B Guidance Sections. The estimated total value of the additional items and services was $2 million. The estimated MDE value increased by $2 million to a revised $535 million. The estimated total case value remained at $960 million. This transmittal reports the addition of twelve (12) AH-1Z Attack Helicopters; twenty-six (26) T-700 GE 401C engines; one thousand six hundred eighty (1,680) APKWS WGU-59A/B; and fourteen (14) Honeywell EGIs. The following non-MDE items will also be included: support and test equipment; weapons and munitions; countermeasures; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; communications equipment; mission planning; software delivery and support; helmet mounted display system/Optimized Top Owl; target sight systems and containers; technical refresh mission computer; ANVIS-9 night vision cueing displays; AN/ARC-210 Generation 6 RT 2036 radio equipment; AN/APX-123A IFF Mode 5 mounting trays and batteries; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices; facilities and construction support; transportation; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; countermeasures to include M299 launchers; LAU-68F/A rocket launchers; LAU-61C/A rocket launchers; M151 high explosive warheads for airborbe 2.75 rockets; MK66 MOD 4, 2.75-inch rocket motors; WTU-1B warheads; M197 20MM armament pod gun assemblies; 20MM PGU- 27A/B target practice; 20MM PGU-28A/B semi armor piercing high explosive incendiary; AN/ALE-47 training and operational flares and chaff; MJU-32A/B decoy flares; MJU-49B pyrophoric decoy flare G6B; SMB875B/ALE flare simulator; RR-129A/AL chaff cartridge; RR-144A/AL training chaff cartridge; CCU- 136A/A impulse cartridge; AN/AAR-47 missile warning system; AN/APR-39C radar warning receiver and conversion kits; KIV- 78A cryptographic appliques; AN/PYQ-10C simple key loader with KOV-21 crypto card; U.S. Government and contractor engineering support; field service representatives and services; technical and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of program and logistics support. The total estimated value of the new MDB articles is $600 million. This results in a net increase in cost of MDE of $600 million and a revised total cost for MDE of $1.135 billion. The total estimated value of the new non- MDE articles is $350 million. This results in a net increase in cost of non-MDE of $350 million and a revised total cost for non-MDE of $777 million. The total case value increases by $950 million, resulting in a total case value of $1.91 billion. (iv) Significance: This notification accounts for requested additional MDE and non-MDE items not included in the original notification. The inclusion of this MDE represents an increase in capability over what was previously notified. The proposed articles and services will support Bahrain's ability to use its AH-1Z Attack Helicopters for its own defense, its participation in coalition operations, and to enhance its interoperability with United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization members. (v) Justification: This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. (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: July 27, 2026. ____________________

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ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4718-S4719] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act [[Page S4719]] 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. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC. congressional notification transmittal letter Please find enclosed the following notification from the Department of State. Department Notification Number: RSAT 26-0S. 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. 26-0S. 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 16-36 of April 27, 2018. Recipients: Speaker of the House of Representatives House Committee on Foreign Affairs Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Sincerely, Kaitlyn Wolfe, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs. transmittal no. 26-0s Report of Enhancement or Upgrade of Sensitivity of Technology or Capability (Sec. 36(b)(5)(C), AECA) (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Bahrain. (ii) Sec. 36(b)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 16-36; Date: April 27, 2018; Implementing Agency: Navy. Funding Source: National Funds. (iii) Description: On April 27, 2018, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 16-36 of the possible sale, under 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, of (12) AH-1Z Attack Helicopters; twenty-six (26) T-700 GE 401C engines (24 installed and 2 spares); fourteen (14) AGM-114 Hellfire missiles; and fifty-six (56) Advance Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS-II) WGU-59B. The following non-MDE items were also included: Honeywell Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS) (EGI) with standard positioning service; joint mission planning systems; M197 20mm gun systems; tech refresh mission computers; AN/AAQ-30 target sight systems; helmet mounted display system/Optimized Top Owl; communication equipment; electronic warfare systems; APX-117 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF); AN/AAR-47 missile warning systems; AN/ ALE-47 countermeasure dispenser sets; APR-39C(V)2 radar warning receivers; support equipment; spare engine containers; spare and repair parts; tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of program and logistics support. The total estimated value was $911.4 million. Major defense equipment (MDE) constituted $490.9 million of this total. On April 15, 2019, Congress was notified by Congressional certification transmittal number 18-0F, under Section 36(b)(5)(C) of the Arms Export Control Act, of the inclusion of one hundred forty-four (144) AGM-114 Hellfire missiles; twelve (12) M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles; six hundred two (602) APKWS-II WGU-59B Guidance Sections; eight hundred twenty-six (826) MK-66 rocket motors; eight hundred twenty-six (826) MK-152 rocket warheads; fifty-six hundred (5,600) rounds of PGU-27 20mm ammunition; Operational chaff, Decoy Flares, and Impulse Cartridges. The estimated MDE value increased by $42 million to a revised $533 million. The estimated total case value was increased to $960 million. On December 22, 2023, Congress was notified by Congressional certification transmittal number 0B-23, under Section 36(b)(5)(A) of the Arms Export Control Act, of the inclusion of sixty (60) APKWS-II WGU-59B Guidance Sections. The estimated total value of the additional items and services was $2 million. The estimated MDE value increased by $2 million to a revised $535 million. The estimated total case value remained at $960 million. This transmittal reports the addition of twelve (12) AH-1Z Attack Helicopters; twenty-six (26) T-700 GE 401C engines; one thousand six hundred eighty (1,680) APKWS WGU-59A/B; and fourteen (14) Honeywell EGIs. The following non-MDE items will also be included: support and test equipment; weapons and munitions; countermeasures; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; communications equipment; mission planning; software delivery and support; helmet mounted display system/Optimized Top Owl; target sight systems and containers; technical refresh mission computer; ANVIS-9 night vision cueing displays; AN/ARC-210 Generation 6 RT 2036 radio equipment; AN/APX-123A IFF Mode 5 mounting trays and batteries; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices; facilities and construction support; transportation; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; countermeasures to include M299 launchers; LAU-68F/A rocket launchers; LAU-61C/A rocket launchers; M151 high explosive warheads for airborbe 2.75 rockets; MK66 MOD 4, 2.75-inch rocket motors; WTU-1B warheads; M197 20MM armament pod gun assemblies; 20MM PGU- 27A/B target practice; 20MM PGU-28A/B semi armor piercing high explosive incendiary; AN/ALE-47 training and operational flares and chaff; MJU-32A/B decoy flares; MJU-49B pyrophoric decoy flare G6B; SMB875B/ALE flare simulator; RR-129A/AL chaff cartridge; RR-144A/AL training chaff cartridge; CCU- 136A/A impulse cartridge; AN/AAR-47 missile warning system; AN/APR-39C radar warning receiver and conversion kits; KIV- 78A cryptographic appliques; AN/PYQ-10C simple key loader with KOV-21 crypto card; U.S. Government and contractor engineering support; field service representatives and services; technical and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of program and logistics support. The total estimated value of the new MDB articles is $600 million. This results in a net increase in cost of MDE of $600 million and a revised total cost for MDE of $1.135 billion. The total estimated value of the new non- MDE articles is $350 million. This results in a net increase in cost of non-MDE of $350 million and a revised total cost for non-MDE of $777 million. The total case value increases by $950 million, resulting in a total case value of $1.91 billion. (iv) Significance: This notification accounts for requested additional MDE and non-MDE items not included in the original notification. The inclusion of this MDE represents an increase in capability over what was previously notified. The proposed articles and services will support Bahrain's ability to use its AH-1Z Attack Helicopters for its own defense, its participation in coalition operations, and to enhance its interoperability with United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization members. (v) Justification: This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. (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: July 27, 2026. ____________________