Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) will introduce today the International Security Assistance Act of 2018. The legislation, which will be marked by the full committee later this week, ensures U.S. diplomats have the tools they need to counter violent extremists and bolster regional and global security.

Chairman Royce said: “In the face of ongoing threats from Iran and terrorist groups such as ISIS and Hezbollah, it is critical that we strengthen our partners’ ability to defend themselves. While I had hoped to move a broader State Department authorization bill two weeks ago, this security assistance provision is a top priority. This bill will bolster the work of our diplomats in the field. I hope it will move quickly with strong bipartisan support.”

This bill:

  • Modernizes the Secretary of State’s ability to exercise continuous oversight and supervision over U.S. security assistance programs;
  • Strengthens Congressional oversight over delistings of countries as state sponsors of terrorism;
  • Improves defense trade licensing, and continues strong support for our partner Israel by extending the War Reserve Stockpile; and
  • Allows the sale of an excess Navy frigate to Bahrain.

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