Hearing delayed until 10:15 a.m.  ET.

Chairman Poe on the hearing: “Foreign military sales (FMS) represent a key tool in the American foreign policy toolbox. They enable our allies to defend themselves and help forge strong bilateral bonds with the U.S. In 2016 alone, the U.S. sold $33.6 billion in military equipment and training packages and will likely surpass that amount this year. The FMS process, however, can be slow and complex, leaving partner nations and American industry frustrated. This hearing will provide Members and the American public with a better understanding of how the process works, why the FMS process is necessary, and what can be improved.”

Witnesses

The Honorable Tina S. Kaidanow
Acting Assistant Secretary
Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
U.S. Department of State
[full text of statement]

Vice Admiral Joseph Rixey
Director
U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency
[full text of statement]

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Hearing transcript (PDF)