Bill · S. 5082· Senate(119-S-5082)
Values in Arms Export Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/22/2026
- Last activity
- 7/22/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- Patty Murray
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Values in Arms Export Act of 2026 seeks to amend the Arms Export Control Act to improve the monitoring of defense articles and services. It establishes that a foreign government's compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law is a deciding factor for eligibility to purchase U.S. defense items. The bill creates a "country of concern" designation for governments that exhibit inconsistent behaviors, such as gross human rights violations or harm to civilians. To oversee these efforts, the Act establishes the Human Rights and Law of War Oversight Board as an independent agency. This Board will analyze recipient conduct and ensure human rights concerns are considered during arms transfers. Additionally, the bill mandates specific assessments of whether exported items are likely to be used to violate international laws.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill creates an independent Oversight Board and requires regular reports to Congress and the public.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+5
The bill establishes stricter oversight and monitoring of how defense articles are used globally.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+4
The bill emphasizes human rights compliance, which aligns U.S. military exports with the values of many democratic allies.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Oversight of Defense Articles: The bill establishes a monitoring and verification program to observe how countries use acquired defense articles, including the targeting process and post-use assessment of damage (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Increased Accountability for Human Rights: By making respect for human rights and international humanitarian law a "central and deciding factor" for eligibility, the bill aims to ensure U.S. military sales are not used to facilitate gross violations (Section 2(a) and Section 2(c)).
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Enhanced Information Gathering: The bill creates procedures for the Department of State to receive credible information from individuals outside the U.S. Government regarding inconsistent behaviors (Section 2(a)(3)(B)).
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Creation of Independent Oversight: The establishment of the Human Rights and Law of War Oversight Board provides an independent agency to review the actions of recipient governments and ensure human rights are a central focus in the arms transfer process (Section 4(b)).
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Mandatory Risk Assessments: The Act requires the Secretary of State to assess whether defense articles or services are more likely than not to be used to violate internationally recognized human rights or international humanitarian law (Section 3(a) and Section 3(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Ineligibility Burdens for Foreign Governments: A foreign government designated as a "country of concern" faces an immediate three-year ineligibility for the sale or transfer of covered defense articles (Section 2(e)(1)).
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Long-term Economic and Military Restrictions: If a country fails to show improvement or engages in inconsistent behavior during a designation period, it may face a 10-year ineligibility period for defense articles, services, or credit (Section 2(e)(2)).
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Strict Requirements for Restoration: To regain eligibility early, a foreign government must undertake significant actions, such as enacting new laws, providing substantial remedial training, and fully investigating and holding individuals accountable (Section 2(e)(3)(A)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6Improves Privacy Rights+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+4Improves Veterans Benefits+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+2Good For People With Disabilities+2Good For Women+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+3
- 7/22/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Introduced in Senate