[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Pages S1412-S1413] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. MENENDEZ: section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:  Defense Security  Cooperation Agency,  Washington, DC. Hon. Robert Menendez, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. 23-34, concerning the Air Force's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to the Government of Norway for defense articles and services estimated to cost $166 million. We will issue a news release to notify the public     of this proposed sale upon delivery of this letter to your office. Sincerely, Mike Miller, (for James A. Hursch, Director). Enclosures.  Transmittal No. 23-34  Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(l) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Norway. (ii) Total Estimated Value: Major Defense Equipment * $0 million. Other $166 million. Total $166 million. (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or Services under Consideration for Purchase: Major Defense Equipment (MDE): None. Non-MDE: The Government of Norway has requested continued sustainment and associated services for four (4) C-130J aircraft beyond Block 6 through 2028. Included are Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS); aircraft components, spare parts, consumables, and accessories; repair and return support; aircraft support and support equipment; unclassified publications and technical documentation; software delivery and support; unclassified Computer Program Identification Number (CPIN) systems; telecommunications support; minor modifications, maintenance and maintenance support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. (iv) Military Department: Air Force (NO-D-QBV). (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: NO-D-QAT. (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Offered, or Agreed to be Paid: None known at this time. (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in the Defense Article or Defense Services Proposed to be Sold: None. (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: April 26, 2023. * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act.  POLICY JUSTIFICATION  Norway--C-130J Sustainment  The Government of Norway has requested continued sustainment and associated services for four (4) C-130J aircraft beyond Block 6 through 2028. Included are Joint Mission Planning Systems, (JMPS); aircraft components, spare parts, consumables, and accessories; repair and return support; aircraft support and support equipment; unclassified publications and technical documentation; software delivery and support; unclassified Computer Program Identification Number (CPIN) systems; telecommunications support; minor modifications, maintenance and maintenance support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $166 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Norway's capability to meet current and future threats by bolstering operational readiness while enhancing air and defense capabilities with a modernized fleet. Norway already has C-130Js and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Marietta, GA. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement would be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Norway. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness because of this proposed sale.