Lethal aid provided to Ukraine has diminished U.S. stockpiles and left defense contractors with uncertainty on timing and orders for backfill, negatively affecting their ability to quickly ramp up production. U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contracting processes include mandatory contract review periods and lengthy competitive open-bid windows that have slowed down efforts to rebuild stores of defense articles. While the DoD can use expedited procedures to speed up defense procurement in certain situations, backfilling depleted stockpiles is not one of them. 
 

To address this national security threat and rebuild American defense capabilities, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the Securing American Acquisitions, Readiness, and Military Stockpiles Act (Securing American ARMS Act). The bill would give DoD enhanced procurement authorities to quickly refill American defense stockpiles after the President provides aid to an ally or partner attacked by a foreign adversary, including replenishing America’s stockpiles after lethal aid was sent to Ukraine for defense against the Russian army. 

• “Our nation’s ability to defend itself should never suffer because of bureaucratic policies and red tape. Our bill creates necessary reforms in the defense procurement process to ensure that America and our allies receive the weapons and supplies we need.” — Senator Rubio

• “When providing aid to allies under attack, we must ensure we can quickly replenish our own stockpiles in the process. This legislation would authorize faster procurement of weapons and combat articles so helping our allies and partners doesn’t diminish our ability to protect ourselves.” — Senator Cornyn

• “As the United States continues to lead the global military aid response to Ukraine amid Putin’s unprovoked war, it has become increasingly critical that we simultaneously ensure the sustainment of our defensive weapons stockpile while also providing the materials our allies and partners need to defend themselves. This bipartisan legislation would enhance our ability to both maintain our own defenses while also helping our friends. I’m glad to partner with Sen. Cornyn on this legislation, which specifically addresses the current security challenges facing the United States and our allies.” — Senator Shaheen

 
Click here for a full list of cosponsors.