Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, have introduced a bill aimed at providing the Department of Defense with stronger buying powers to expedite replenishment of U.S. defense stockpiles following delivery of aid to ally or partner targeted by a foreign adversary.
In a press release on Monday, Shaheen said the Securing American Acquisitions, Readiness and Military Stockpiles Act would also cover refilling American stockpiles after the U.S. sent lethal aid to Ukraine to support its defense against Russia.
“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,” Shaheen remarked.
If passed, the legislation would allow DOD to employ non-competitive procedures for accelerated contract award by amending the emergency acquisition authorities of the department.
“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,” said Cornyn.
Aside from the current bill, Shaheen and Cornyn earlier introduced the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act, which was signed into law in May, to develop a military lend-lease program aimed at boosting security assistance to Ukraine.