Middle East Allies to get FMS Special Treatment

– Yesterday, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) joined Rep. John James (R-MI) to introduce the Enhance Cooperation Against Terrorism Act.

This legislation will help improve security cooperation between countries in the Middle East and North Africa region by expediting congressional review of arms sales to U.S. partners and allies if the Secretary of State determines they are taking steps to combat the threat posed by Iran and its proxies and promoting normalization efforts with Israel. 

“From Yemen to Ukraine, Iran is wreaking havoc around the globe. We must do all we can to ensure our partners and allies are working together – with the U.S. and each other – to address these shared threats. This bill will create a pathway for Middle Eastern countries to receive special consideration for arms sales if they are taking steps to normalize relations with Israel and engage in efforts to counter the threat posed by Iran and its proxies," said Chairman McCaul. 

“October 7th and the continued attacks by Iran-backed proxies including the Houthis in the Red Sea have exposed President Biden’s failed foreign policy. Iran, its proxies, and every American adversary are more emboldened under Biden’s leadership, and Israel is now fighting a war to determine their future safety, security, and existence," said Rep. James. 

"In order for America to lead in this moment, we cannot allow self-deterrence to be our standing policy when confronting the threat from Iran. The Enhance Cooperation Against Terrorism Act creates an incentive to enhance security in the Middle East against threats from Iran, while also furthering cooperation with Israel. This legislation also serves communities like Michigan’s 10 Congressional District by helping expedite the work to improve and modernize our foreign military sales, in turn strengthening our defense industrial base.”

This legislation would:

1. Expedite defense transfers with countries that the U.S. Department of State identifies have taken steps toward normalizing diplomatic relationships with Israel and are engaged in regional security cooperation against Iran and its proxies. 
2. Mandate a strategy outlining security threats and the main obstacles to addressing said threats, including with respect to the arms sales process.  
3. Provide safeguards against transferring defense articles that could be acquired by China, Russia, or any related entities. 

Click here to read the full text of this legislation.