Senatorial Backing for U.S.-U.K. Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty

Ted Bromund / June 23, 2009

Last week, the U.S.-U.K. Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty won strong public backing from two important allies: Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). The Treaty, like a similar one between the U.S. and Australia, would permit the U.S. to trade most defense articles with these nations without an export license or other written authorization.

Despite some recent improvements, the export license process remains a cumbersome and lengthy one. This discourages defense suppliers from the U.K. and Australia from participating in U.S. defense acquisition programs, which raises costs and reduces the ability of the U.S. to supply its forces efficiently. At the same time, the license system raises barriers to profitable U.S. exports to its closest allies. (more…)