Zinke Introduces Allied Defense Sales Act to Boost U.S. Manufacturing and Strengthen Alliances

Washington, D.C. – Today, Western Montana Congressman and Foreign Military Sales Task Force Chairman Ryan Zinke and Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA-06), members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced the Allied Defense Sales Act, legislation aimed at strengthening U.S. manufacturing by making it easier for allies to jointly purchase American-made defense equipment, while deepening strategic partnerships abroad.

The bill is modeled after successful multinational cooperation efforts and focuses on helping groups of allied countries that share similar defense needs coordinate joint purchases. By aligning demand across multiple partners, the legislation would help stabilize production and accelerate delivery timelines for U.S. manufacturers.

"Our allies should be fighting adversaries, not red tape,” said Zinke. “This bipartisan bill helps keep production lines hot, improves our allies’ ability to work together, and ensures the United States remains the security partner of choice for nations in the fight for freedom.”

“Strengthening our partnerships abroad is critical to advancing our national security interests and maintaining a competitive edge in an increasingly complex world,” said Representative Ami Bera, M.D. “This bipartisan legislation will help trusted allies and partners coordinate purchases of U.S. defense equipment, improve interoperability, and deliver capabilities more efficiently. By encouraging these kinds of ‘group buys,’ we can support smaller partners, bolster our domestic industrial base, strengthen our defense relationships, and better meet shared security challenges around the world.” 

Under current systems, many smaller countries face steep barriers when trying to buy U.S. equipment due to the scale and complexity of the process. These hurdles can slow down orders and create uncertainty for American manufacturers. The Allied Defense Sales Act addresses these challenges by creating a more flexible, coordinated approach, especially for partners in regions like Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean, helping generate more consistent demand for U.S.-made systems.

The legislation directs the Department of State to assess interest among allied nations, identify potential lead coordinator countries for joint purchases, recommend ways to streamline approvals and licensing, and increase the exportability of defense articles and services. It also explores ways to expand access to financing tools and speed up sales outside traditional programs, ensuring American defense companies can respond more quickly to allied demand.

The bill now heads to committee for further consideration.

Read the full text of the bill HERE.

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