CRS Issue Statement on Arms Sales and Military Exports

Richard F. Grimmett, Coordinator
Specialist in International Security

Christopher M. Blanchard
Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs

Shirley A. Kan
Specialist in Asian Security Affairs

George Mangan
Information Research Specialist

The sale of United States armaments to foreign countries is governed by the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). Whenever the President proposes to sell items on the United States Munitions List and their value exceeds specific dollar thresholds he must notify Congress of the details of these prospective arms sales before he is authorized to make them. During the Congressional review period, which is 30 or 15 days depending on which country is the prospective buyer, Congress can, if it chooses to do so, block an arms sale by passing a joint resolution of disapproval to that end. Should Congress not act to block a sale within the review period, the President is authorized to proceed with the arms sale in question. Sales of non-lethal or dual-use items and equipment are governed by the Export Administration Act (EAA), and are a subject of the CLI entitled Export Policy.


Date of Report: January 11, 2010
Number of Pages: 2
Order Number: IS40302
Price: $7.95

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