Arms Sales Notification

Floor Speech

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Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Hon. James E. Risch Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended. we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. 20-44 concerning the Army's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to the Government of Israel for defense articles and services estimated to cost $3.0 billion. After this letter is delivered to your office, we plan to issue a new release to notify the public of this proposed sale. Sincerely, Charles W. Hooper, Lieutenant General, USA, Director.

Enclosures. Transmittal no 20-44

Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended

(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Israel.

(ii) Total Estimated Value:

Major Defense Equipment* $0.

Other $3.0 billion.

Total $3.0 billion.

(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or Services under Consideration for Purchase:

Major Defense Equipment (MDE):

None.

Non-MDE includes: Approximately 990 million gallons of Petroleum-based products, to include JP-8 Aviation Fuel, Diesel Fuel, and Unleaded Gasoline.

(iv) Military Department: Army (IS-B-ZMI, IS-B-ZMJ).

(v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None.

(vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Offered, or Agreed to be Paid: None.

(vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in the Defense Article or Defense Services Proposed to be Sold: None.

(viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: July 6, 2020.

* As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act. POLICY JUSTIFICATION Israel--JP-8 Aviation Fuel, Diesel Fuel, and Unleaded Gasoline

The Government of Israel has requested to buy approximately 990 million gallons of Petroleum-based products, to include JP-8 Aviation Fuel, Diesel Fuel, and Unleaded Gasoline. The total estimated cost is $3.0 billion.

The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

The proposed sale of the JP-8 aviation fuel will enable Israel to maintain operational aircraft. Diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline will be used for ground vehicles. The proposed sale will improve Israel's ability to meet current and future threats in order to defend its borders.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

U.S. vendors will be selected using a competitive bid process through Defense Logistics Agency Energy for supply source(s). There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Israel.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

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