Washington, D.C. — Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) has expressed his approval of the inclusion of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) Security Partnership provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This partnership, championed by Chairman McCaul and other representatives, aims to counter the increasingly aggressive actions of the Chinese Communist Party in the Indo-Pacific region.
Chairman McCaul highlights the importance of having reliable allies like Australia and the United Kingdom, who have a history of fighting alongside the United States. He states, "Recent events like the atrocities committed by Hamas, Russia's illegal invasion and occupation of Ukraine, and China's threats against Taiwan and in the South China Sea remind us why it is key to have reliable allies like the Australians and British."
The NDAA includes language that authorizes the sale of Virginia-class submarines to Australia and provides a full nation defense trade exemption to both Australia and the United Kingdom. Chairman McCaul emphasizes that this exemption is crucial in supporting the partnership and ensuring efficient implementation. He states, "I am pleased the NDAA includes language to authorize the sale of Virginia-class submarines to Australia and to provide them a full nation defense trade exemption that is not hampered by over-regulation."
The bipartisan compromise on AUKUS within the NDAA encompasses several key provisions. This includes the AUKUS Oversight and Accountability Act, which creates a senior advisor within the State Department and authorizes industry forums with traditional and innovative startup companies. Additionally, the NDAA directs the Secretary of State to provide reporting to Congress on AUKUS implementation and authorizes the sale of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.
Furthermore, the NDAA ensures the investment of 3 billion dollars of Australian investment into the U.S. submarine industrial base. It also streamlines defense trade controls to allow for further cooperation between the Australians and British in joint submarine operations and future manufacturing. The creation of the Submarine Rotational Force – West is also enabled, providing a vital location for the U.S. submarine force.
The NDAA also includes provisions from the Keeping our Allies Leading in Advancement Act and the Bilateral Resilience in Industry Trade Act. These provisions require a determination by President Biden on the export control systems of the United Kingdom and Australia and provide a whole nation defense trade exemption. This exemption aims to save time and resources across government and industry and enhance deterrence against China.
Chairman McCaul's efforts in championing the AUKUS Security Partnership provisions in the NDAA are a significant step forward in strengthening the United States' alliances and countering the aggressive actions of the Chinese Communist Party in the Indo-Pacific region.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/press-release/chairman-mccaul-applauds-inclusion-of-hfac-aukus-provisions-in-the-national-defense-authorization-act/
