Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-22

ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION

TaxesEnvironmentForeign PolicyDefenseTrade

Context

On 2026-04-22, Senator James E. Risch (R-ID) delivered a floor speech titled "ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, foreign policy. It referenced legislation including S1928, S1929.

Full Text

ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S1928-S1929] 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 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 26-40 Pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), as amended, we are forwarding Transmittal No. 26-40 concerning the Navy's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to the Government of Lithuania for defense articles and services estimated to cost $214 million. We will issue a news release to notify the public of this proposed sale upon delivery of this letter to your office. Recipients: Speaker of the House of Representatives House Committee on Foreign Affairs Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Sincerely, Paul D. Guaglianone, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs. Transmittal No. 26-40 Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Lithuania. (ii) Total Estimated Value: Major Defense Equipment* $174 million. Other $40 million. Total $214 million. Funding Source: National Funds. (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or Services under Consideration for Purchase: Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case LH-B-LAV was below congressional notification threshold at $19.5 million ($10.5 million in major defense equipment (MDE)) and included sixteen (16) AIM- 9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; two (2) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units; training; weapon system support; training aids and devices; spare parts; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The Government of Lithuania has requested that the case be amended to include [[Page S1929]] one hundred fifty-two (152) AIM 9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; eight (8) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units; and six (6) AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles. The following non-MDE items will also be included: U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. This amendment will cause the case to exceed the notification threshold, and thus notification of the entire program is required. The above notification requirements are combined as follows: Major Defense Equipment (MDE): One hundred sixty-eight (168) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles. Ten (10) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units. Six (6) AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles. Non-Major Defense Equipment: The following non-MDE items will be included: training; weapon system support; training aids and devices; spare parts; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. (iv) Military Department: Navy (LH-P-LAV). (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None. (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Offered, or Agreed to be Paid: None known at this time. (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in the Defense Article or Defense Services Proposed to be Sold: See Attached Annex. (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: April 22, 2026. * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act. POLICY JUSTIFICATION Lithuania--AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles The Government of Lithuania has requested to buy an additional one hundred fifty-two (152) AIM 9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; eight (8) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units; six (6) AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original Foreign Military Sales case, valued at $19.5 million ($10.5 million in major defense equipment (MDE)), included sixteen (16) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; two (2) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units; training; weapon system support; training aids and devices; spare parts; and other related elements of logistics and program support. This notification is for a combined total of the following MDE items: one hundred sixty-eight (168) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; ten (10) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units; and six (6) AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles. The following non-MDE items will also be included: training; weapon system support; training aids and devices; spare parts; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $214 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for ensuring peace and stability in Europe. The proposed sale will help improve the security of Lithuania and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region. Lithuania will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Lithuania. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. Transmittal No. 26-40 Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act Annex Item No. vii (vii) Sensitivity of Technology: 1. The AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missile represents a substantial increase in performance over the AIM-9M and replaces the AIM-9X Block I missile configuration. The missile includes a high off-boresight seeker, enhanced countermeasure rejection capability, low drag and high angle of attack airframe, and the ability to integrate the helmet mounted cueing system. The most current AIM-9X Block II operational flight software provides fifth-generation infrared missile capabilities such as lock-on-after-launch, weapons data link, and surface launch. 2. The highest level of classification of defense articles, components, and services included in this potential sale is SECRET. 3. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain knowledge of the specific hardware and software elements, the information could be used to develop countermeasures that might reduce system effectiveness or be used in the development of a system with similar or advanced capabilities. 4. A determination has been made that Lithuania can provide substantially the same degree of protection for the sensitive technology being released as the U.S, Government. This proposed sale is necessary in furtherance of the U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives outlined in the Policy Justification. 5. All defense articles and services listed in this transmittal have been authorized for release and export to the Government of Lithuania. ____________________

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ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S1928-S1929] 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 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 26-40 Pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), as amended, we are forwarding Transmittal No. 26-40 concerning the Navy's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to the Government of Lithuania for defense articles and services estimated to cost $214 million. We will issue a news release to notify the public of this proposed sale upon delivery of this letter to your office. Recipients: Speaker of the House of Representatives House Committee on Foreign Affairs Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Sincerely, Paul D. Guaglianone, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs. Transmittal No. 26-40 Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Lithuania. (ii) Total Estimated Value: Major Defense Equipment* $174 million. Other $40 million. Total $214 million. Funding Source: National Funds. (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or Services under Consideration for Purchase: Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case LH-B-LAV was below congressional notification threshold at $19.5 million ($10.5 million in major defense equipment (MDE)) and included sixteen (16) AIM- 9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; two (2) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units; training; weapon system support; training aids and devices; spare parts; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The Government of Lithuania has requested that the case be amended to include [[Page S1929]] one hundred fifty-two (152) AIM 9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; eight (8) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units; and six (6) AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles. The following non-MDE items will also be included: U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. This amendment will cause the case to exceed the notification threshold, and thus notification of the entire program is required. The above notification requirements are combined as follows: Major Defense Equipment (MDE): One hundred sixty-eight (168) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles. Ten (10) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units. Six (6) AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles. Non-Major Defense Equipment: The following non-MDE items will be included: training; weapon system support; training aids and devices; spare parts; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. (iv) Military Department: Navy (LH-P-LAV). (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None. (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Offered, or Agreed to be Paid: None known at this time. (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in the Defense Article or Defense Services Proposed to be Sold: See Attached Annex. (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: April 22, 2026. * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act. POLICY JUSTIFICATION Lithuania--AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles The Government of Lithuania has requested to buy an additional one hundred fifty-two (152) AIM 9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; eight (8) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units; six (6) AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original Foreign Military Sales case, valued at $19.5 million ($10.5 million in major defense equipment (MDE)), included sixteen (16) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; two (2) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units; training; weapon system support; training aids and devices; spare parts; and other related elements of logistics and program support. This notification is for a combined total of the following MDE items: one hundred sixty-eight (168) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; ten (10) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units; and six (6) AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles. The following non-MDE items will also be included: training; weapon system support; training aids and devices; spare parts; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $214 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for ensuring peace and stability in Europe. The proposed sale will help improve the security of Lithuania and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region. Lithuania will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Lithuania. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. Transmittal No. 26-40 Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act Annex Item No. vii (vii) Sensitivity of Technology: 1. The AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missile represents a substantial increase in performance over the AIM-9M and replaces the AIM-9X Block I missile configuration. The missile includes a high off-boresight seeker, enhanced countermeasure rejection capability, low drag and high angle of attack airframe, and the ability to integrate the helmet mounted cueing system. The most current AIM-9X Block II operational flight software provides fifth-generation infrared missile capabilities such as lock-on-after-launch, weapons data link, and surface launch. 2. The highest level of classification of defense articles, components, and services included in this potential sale is SECRET. 3. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain knowledge of the specific hardware and software elements, the information could be used to develop countermeasures that might reduce system effectiveness or be used in the development of a system with similar or advanced capabilities. 4. A determination has been made that Lithuania can provide substantially the same degree of protection for the sensitive technology being released as the U.S, Government. This proposed sale is necessary in furtherance of the U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives outlined in the Policy Justification. 5. All defense articles and services listed in this transmittal have been authorized for release and export to the Government of Lithuania. ____________________