S.Amdt. 3523

SA 3523, submitted by Mr. Kaine, aims to add a new section titled "SUPPORT FOR AUKUS PARTNERSHIP" to bill S. 2296.

The purpose of this amendment is to establish the following:

• Findings: It identifies the AUKUS partnership as a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States designed to support common security and defense interests. It notes the transfer of naval nuclear propulsion technology to Australia and Australia's contribution of $550,000,000 toward a $3,000,000,000 commitment to expand the United States submarine industrial base.

• Sense of Congress: It states that the partnership is integral to United States national security, helps deter aggression by the People's Republic of China in the Indo-Pacific region, and promotes the development of cutting-edge military capabilities and technology sharing.

• Statement of Policy: It sets a policy for the United States to:

  • Support the transfer of Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.
  • Provide funds to increase the production of these submarines and enhance the domestic industrial base.
  • Require the Department of Defense and Department of State to consult with the Senate Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations before changing the partnership.
  • Require the President to reaffirm the partnership and the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to maintain consultations with the governments of Australia and the United Kingdom.