US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB1471

Introduced
5/4/23  

Caption

Truncating Onerous Regulations for Partners and Enhancing Deterrence Operations (TORPEDO) Act of 2023

Impact

The bill proposes critical amendments to existing laws regarding export controls, particularly concerning the export, reexport, and transfer of defense articles and services among AUKUS partners. Notably, it establishes an exemption for defense items transferred to Australia and the United Kingdom from certain certification and congressional notification requirements. This is anticipated to not only speed up military collaboration but also secure a strategic advantage in defense capabilities, particularly in advanced technologies such as hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence.

Summary

SB1471, titled the 'Truncating Onerous Regulations for Partners and Enhancing Deterrence Operations (TORPEDO) Act of 2023', is intended to bolster the AUKUS partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The bill aims to streamline export controls and defense regulations to facilitate cooperation and technology sharing among the partners. By expediting the process for military sales and reducing regulatory burdens, the legislation seeks to enhance national security objectives, particularly in light of escalating military advancements from rival nations like China.

Contention

Several points of contention arise within the legislative discussions surrounding SB1471. Critics argue that easing export controls may compromise national security by potentially allowing sensitive technologies to flow too freely to allies without adequate oversight. There are concerns over the balance between national security interests and the need for robust military cooperation in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The differentiation in regulatory standards among the AUKUS partners also poses questions about compliance and risk management associated with the proposed streamlined processes.

Companion Bills

US HB1093

Related To direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on implementation of the advanced capabilities pillar of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

US SB1006

Related A bill to direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on implementation of the advanced capabilities pillar of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Previously Filed As

US SB2657

STOP China and Russia Act of 2025 Severing Technology Transfer Operations and Partnerships between China and Russia Act of 2025

US HB4233

ARMOR Act AUKUS Reform for Military Optimization and Review Act

US HR152

Reaffirming the deep and steadfast United States-Canada partnership and the ties that bind the two countries in support of economic and national security.

US SB2130

AUKUS Improvement Act of 2025

US HB6309

Cyber Deterrence and Response Act of 2025

US SB1740

Pacific Partnership Act

US SR239

A resolution reaffirming the deep and steadfast partnership between the United States and Canada and the ties that bind the 2 countries in support of economic and national security.

US HB3332

Pacific Partnership Act

US SB2550

Critical Minerals Partnership Act of 2025

US SB3496

United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.