Values in Arms Exports?

Jordan CohenSenator Patty Murray (D – WA)recently re ‐​introduced legislation called theValues in Arms Export Act. This legislation would amend theArms Export Control Act– originally passed in 1976 – to include the evaluation of “responsible behavior and compliance with human rights and law of war the U.S. demands of states purchasing U.S. weapons.”How This Legislation Would Work:This bill comes in the wake of increasing violence around the world involving U.S. weapons – whether it be in Yemen, the Philippines, Mexico, or Central America. To address this problem Sen. Murray’s legislation would create an Oversight Board made up of a full ‐​time chairperson and four additional members, all of whom would be appointed by the president with consent of the Senate.This board would then evaluate the human rights principles and adherence to the law of conflict and ensure that these are considered before authorizing a sale. The board would issue recommendations based on this analysis and provide it to Congress, the president, or the head of any executive branch agency.This assessment would then be submitted when a sale is notified to Congress. The board would also make its reports available to the public and hold public hearings. After this, the offending country would be unable to receive defense articles and services for a ten ‐​year period. Finally, the president may waive this recommendation if the transfer is for assistance or training...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs