Arms Sales Notification
Floor Speech
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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.
Hon. Mike Johnson, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Speaker: 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. 25-1K. 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 24-62 of July 25, 2024. Sincerely, Mary Beth Morgan (for Michael F. Miller, Director).
Enclosure. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Washington, DC. Hon. James E. Risch, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: 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. 25-1K. 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 24-62 of July 25, 2024. Sincerely, Mary Beth Morgan (for Michael F. Miller, Director).
Enclosure. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Washington, DC. Hon. Brian Mast, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: 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. 25-1K. 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 24-62 of July 25. 2024. Sincerely, Mary Beth Morgan (for Michael F. Miller, Director).
Enclosure. Transmittal No. 25-1K Report of Enhancement or Upgrade of Sensitivity of Technology or Capability (Sec. 36(b)(5)(C) AECA)
(i) Purchaser: Government of Belgium.
(ii) Sec. 36(b)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 24-62; Date: July 25, 2024; Implementing Agency: Air Force.
(iii) Description: On July 25, 2024, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 24-62 of the possible sale, under Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, of the Government of Belgium's request to buy one hundred ninety-six (196) Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-53/B Small Diameter Bombs Increment II (SDB-II) All Up-Rounds (AURs). Also included were SDB-II Weapons Load Crew Trainers (WLCT); training aids and devices; spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; unclassified software delivery and support; unclassified publications and technical documentation; major modifications and maintenance support; training and training equipment; munitions support and support equipment; transportation support; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost was $115 million. Major Defense Equipment (MDE) constituted $78 million of this total.
This transmittal notifies the inclusion of the following additional MDE items: two hundred eighty-eight (288) GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bombs Increment II (SDB-II). The following non-MDE items will also be included: major and minor modifications; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total value of the new items is $124 million. The estimated non-MDE value will increase by $19 million to a revised $56 million. The estimated total case value will increase by $124 million to a revised $239 million. MDE constitutes $183 million of this total.
(iv) Significance: This notification is being provided because the additional MDE items were not enumerated in the original notification. The proposed sale is an essential component of F-35 advanced capabilities and will enhance the effectiveness of Belgian tactical air operations.
(v) Justification: This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.
(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: December 8, 2025.
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