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Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Subcommittee on Europe Chairman Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific Chairwoman Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), and Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) introduced the Bilateral Resilience in Industry Trade Security (BRITS) Act, legislation that would be a significant step in reinforcing the alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom. This legislation aims to amend the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to create a licensing and approval exemption for the United Kingdom, particularly for the implementation of the AUKUS initiative. Additionally, the BRITS Act will exempt the U.K. from certain certification requirements concerning transfers of U.S. government sales, grants, or commercial exports.

The introduction of the BRITS Act comes at a critical moment when the need for enhanced joint defense capabilities and cooperation in cutting-edge technologies has never been more apparent. By cutting through the bureaucratic red tape that has been hindering the acceleration of vital defense projects, this legislation seeks to expedite the development and implementation of crucial defense technologies, ultimately bolstering the security of both nations.

The bill amends the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to create a licensing and approval exemption under the Arms Export Control Act for the United Kingdom for the implementation of AUKUS. It also exempts the U.K. from meeting certain certification requirements for transfers of U.S. government sales, grants, or commercial exports.

“The BRITS Act is vital now more than ever as the UK and US face shared threats to our national security,” said Chairman McCaul. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this critical piece of legislation to cut outdated red-tape, create high-paying jobs, and immediately make America stronger, more prosperous, and more secure.”

“The Bilateral Resilience in Industry Trade Security (BRITS) Act is a bold move towards strengthening our partnership with the United Kingdom,” said Congressman Kean. “As we face challenges from emerging threats worldwide, it is essential to leverage the expertise and resources of our willing and capable allies like the U.K. This legislation will pave the way for a seamless exchange of critical technologies, facilitating innovation and providing a stronger defense against adversaries.  

If enacted, this legislation will cut through the red tape that is slowing down our efforts to accelerate the development of joint defense capabilities in critical technologies. As we seek to compete with the People’s Republic of China in the development of these technologies, we should look too willing and capable allies, like the U.K., for help. 

The full text of the bill can be found here. 

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