A bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) that would bolster and streamline the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) trilateral security partnership passed the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on July 22 with a 49-2 vote.
The AUKUS Reform for Military Optimization and Review Act (ARMOR) Act, H.R. 4233, would modify provisions related to defense trade and cooperation among Australia, the UK, and the U.S., according to the text of the bill.
“Bureaucratic delays to the AUKUS agreement weaken our ability to counter threats and protect our national security,” Rep. Kim said. “The ARMOR Act expedites backlogs so that AUKUS can promote peace through strength and meet 21st century threats head-on.”
The AUKUS trilateral security pact was formed in 2021 to foster collaboration on advanced technologies like nuclear-powered submarines, AI, and hypersonic capabilities.
The agreement has two pillars: Pillar I is focused on helping Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines, while Pillar II focuses on joint development and sharing of advanced technologies to boost military and defense capabilities.
If enacted, H.R. 4233 would relate to Pillar II to strengthen the expedited review process for AUKUS transfers, exports, and other activities involving advanced technologies and defense articles and services, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Kim’s office.
The measure, which Rep. Kim sponsored on June 27 alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA), now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for action.