U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) has re-introduced the Values in Arms Export Act of 2022, which seeks to restore Congressional authority over international arms sales.
Additionally, the legislation would prevent domestic arms from being used to violate the laws of war and human rights.
“Simply put, U.S. weapons should not be being used to commit war crimes, and it’s time Congress reasserted its authority over international arms sales to prevent that,” Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Defense subcommittee, said. “The American people don’t want to see U.S. weapons used to commit war crimes against kids or innocent civilians. It’s time we strengthen the role of Congress in future arms deals and keep our weapons out of the wrong hands.”
The bill was presented in the aftermath of a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, killing hundreds of civilians, including 40 children on a school bus, 155 people in a funeral hall, and 97 in a market.
Under the legislation, the Executive Branch, Congress, or a newly created Human Rights and Law of War Oversight Board would be empowered to designate a country as a country of concern if the country is violating principles – outlining a designation would last for three years, and the country would be required to submit to a program of enhanced monitoring.