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S 4709 · 119th CongressIntroduced

Easing defense exports to AUKUS partners

The vote
Worked the bill
$37M
3 groups · their total 2025 lobbying
In the distance
Summary

What the bill does

This bill changes a rule in the Arms Export Control Act to make it easier for the United States to share certain defense technology and equipment with Australia and the United Kingdom under the AUKUS partnership. It removes some restrictions that previously required special approval for such transfers. The goal is to speed up cooperation on advanced military projects like submarines and artificial intelligence.

Why it matters

The stakes

This bill affects national security and the ability of the U.S. to work closely with key allies on cutting-edge defense technology. It could mean faster development of new weapons and systems, but also raises questions about how much sensitive technology should be shared.

Major public companies this covers
  • Lockheed MartinLMT
  • General DynamicsGD
  • Northrop GrummanNOC
The debate

What each side says

Supporters
  • It strengthens alliances by allowing quicker sharing of defense technology with trusted partners Australia and the UK.bill
  • It helps the U.S. keep up with China by speeding up joint projects on submarines and other advanced military systems.report
Critics
  • It could weaken oversight of sensitive technology exports, increasing the risk that advanced weapons know-how might spread beyond the intended partners.bill

Each point links to its source. The views are attributed to those sources, not stated as ours.

Follow the money

From this bill outward

The bill

where every tie is measured from
S 4709Easing defense exports to AUKUS partners

Who paid lobbyists to work it

Direct tie3 groups · their total 2025 lobbying
GroupIssues2025 lobbying
(all issues)
Has PAC?
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONNamed in billDefenseOtherBanking$16MLMP
GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPNamed in billDefenseLaborOther$13MGDCPACGDEP
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATIONNamed in billOtherDefenseBanking$8.4MEONGCP

Election money, in the distance

Background · not tied to this bill

The background money view appears when a bill has a recorded vote and matching sector PAC data.

Lobbying filings, contributions, and votes are public records shown side by side. The further down the chain, the further the money is from this bill. This page does not assert that money caused any vote.