Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2013

Floor Speech

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Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 1683, the Naval Vessel Transfer Act. This bill includes many of the provisions in H.R. 3470, which the House passed on April 7 and sent to the other body.

I would like to thank Chairman Royce for the bipartisan manner in which the original House bill was drafted, considered by the committee, and passed by the House. With today's action on S. 1683, we finish our work on this important legislation.

In the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States made a commitment to support Taiwan's defensive capability. To that end, this bill authorizes the President to transfer up to four surplus U.S. naval vessels to Taiwan. In light of China's increasingly aggressive actions in the Pacific region, it is more important than ever to bolster Taiwan's security.

This bill also authorizes a transfer of two surplus naval vessels to Mexico, a critical defense partner of the United States. These vessels will strengthen Mexico's ability to function effectively with the U.S. Navy in joint operations.

Finally, the bill strengthens congressional review of the licensing and shipment of U.S. defense exports. These provisions are necessary in light of the significant regulatory changes now being implemented by the Departments of State, Commerce, and Defense.

The President's Export Control Reform initiative will modernize our system of regulating trade and defense and dual-use items, and appropriate congressional review must continue to be an integral part of the system.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for S. 1683 so we can send this legislation to the President for signature into law.

I reserve the balance of my time

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