Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3939

Introduced
6/9/23  

Caption

AUKUS Undersea Defense Act

Impact

The AUKUS Undersea Defense Act is expected to significantly strengthen the military capabilities of Australia and enhance its role in undersea operations within the Indo-Pacific region. By providing Australia with advanced submarine technology, the bill aims to improve stability and security in a region that is increasingly under geopolitical strain. Furthermore, it enhances collaborative efforts in defense technology sharing, ensuring that the interconnected security architecture among the three nations is fortified.

Summary

House Bill 3939, known as the AUKUS Undersea Defense Act, authorizes the transfer of up to two Virginia-class submarines from the United States Navy to the government of Australia on a sale basis. This legislation is part of a broader trilateral security partnership involving Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aimed at enhancing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. The bill outlines provisions for the transfer of these submarines under the Arms Export Control Act, ensuring that Australian compliance with nuclear non-proliferation standards is upheld throughout the process.

Contention

While the bill has garnered bipartisan support due to its implications for security and operational cooperation, there remain concerns regarding the financial costs and the potential for escalating military presence in the Indo-Pacific. Critics argue that the focus on military solutions may overshadow diplomatic efforts, and questions regarding long-term sustainability and maintenance of military assets have been raised. Additionally, logistics related to the training and integration of these submarines into the Australian Navy could present challenges, stirring debate among policymakers about the balance between defense readiness and escalation.

Companion Bills

US SB2403

Related Payroll Account Guarantee Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US HB4619

AUKUS Submarine Transfer Authorization Act

US SB1471

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

US HB4725

AUKUS Oversight and Accountability Act

US HB1093

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

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.

US SB2043

Department of State Authorization Act of 2023

US SB4279

Coordinating AUKUS Engagement with Japan Act of 2024

US HB4715

BRITS Act Bilateral Resilience in Industry Trade Security Act

US HB4716

KOALA Act Keeping our Allies Leading in Advancement Act

US HB4485

Rings of Fire Act of 2023

Similar Bills

US SB1471

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

US SB2043

Department of State Authorization Act of 2023

US HB4619

AUKUS Submarine Transfer Authorization Act

US HB3479

SECURE American Telecommunications Act Safeguarding Essential Cables through Undersea Risk Elimination American Telecommunications Act

VT HCR056

House concurrent resolution designating April 18, 2025 as USS VERMONT (SSN 792) Day in Vermont

US HB3385

DiasporaLink Act

US HB3472

Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

US HB4506

TEAM TELECOM Act Timely Evaluation of Acquisitions, Mergers, or Transactions with External, Lawful Entities to Clear Owners and Management Act