Overview

Title

To improve defense cooperation between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

ELI5 AI

The bill wants to help the United States and Jordan work better together to keep each other safe. It talks about making it easier for Jordan to get defense tools and working together on defense projects until 2028.

Summary AI

The bill S. 4563, titled the “United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2024,” aims to strengthen defense cooperation between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It proposes expedited processes for defense sales to Jordan and efforts to enhance Jordan's capabilities against threats from Iran, including joint participation in a regional air and missile defense system. The legislation also authorizes the Secretary of State to engage in agreements for increased economic and military cooperation with Jordan, such as joint military exercises and strategic dialogue. The provisions are set to expire on December 31, 2028.

Published

2024-06-18
Congress: 118
Session: 2
Chamber: SENATE
Status: Introduced in Senate
Date: 2024-06-18
Package ID: BILLS-118s4563is

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
4
Words:
1,181
Pages:
7
Sentences:
22

Language

Nouns: 386
Verbs: 70
Adjectives: 42
Adverbs: 5
Numbers: 53
Entities: 89

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.44
Average Sentence Length:
53.68
Token Entropy:
4.91
Readability (ARI):
29.82

AnalysisAI

The United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2024 aims to improve defense collaboration between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Introduced in the Senate by Mr. Rubio and Ms. Rosen, the legislation is designed to streamline processes surrounding the sale of military hardware and services to Jordan, enhance joint defense initiatives, and foster overall military cooperation between the two nations.

General Summary of the Bill

The legislation is structured to strengthen defense ties with Jordan by treating the country with enhanced status under the Arms Export Control Act for three years, thereby facilitating easier military sales. It emphasizes the importance of countering regional threats, particularly those posed by Iran, through cooperation to develop air and missile defense capabilities. The bill also sets the groundwork for Jordan's participation in a broader, regional defense network. A key provision is the mandate for a Memorandum of Understanding, potentially increasing economic support and military cooperation, such as joint exercises and strategic dialogues.

Summary of Significant Issues

Several issues emerge from the legislation's text:

  1. Ambiguity in Terminology and Scope: The bill uses vague terminology such as "expeditious consideration" and "other allies and partners," which could be interpreted differently, leading to uncertainty about the bill's precise obligations and commitments.

  2. Cost-Sharing Details: While the bill requires cost-sharing for defense capabilities development, it lacks specificity on the proportions and responsibilities, potentially leading to unequal financial burdens.

  3. Protection of Sensitive Information: There is a call for protecting sensitive technology, but without detailed guidelines, this poses a risk of technology being mishandled or misappropriated.

  4. Public Understanding and Transparency: The technical language, relying on familiarity with existing laws, can make the bill difficult for the general public to grasp, impacting transparency and accountability.

  5. Potential Unlimited Financial Commitments: The lack of specific funding sources or budgetary constraints in the defense plans could imply an open-ended financial commitment.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broad Public Impact: The general public might view this bill as part of wider U.S. efforts to stabilize the Middle East and enhance security through international alliances. However, concerns may arise about the financial implications and whether taxpayer money is appropriately overseen and utilized.

Specific Stakeholder Impact:

  • U.S. Defense Industry: The bill could positively impact the U.S. defense industry by potentially increasing sales of military equipment to Jordan, given the streamlined process for approvals.

  • Jordan: The Hashemite Kingdom stands to benefit from improved defensive measures and increased military and economic support, enhancing its defense capabilities against regional threats.

  • U.S. Government Oversight: There could be challenges ensuring proper oversight and accountability, especially given the vagueness in cost-sharing arrangements and the protection of sensitive technology.

  • International Relations: The bill may also influence broader U.S. foreign relations by strengthening ties with Jordan, a critical partner in Middle Eastern politics. This could, however, also risk escalating tensions with adversaries like Iran.

In conclusion, while the United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2024 is set to bolster military bonds and enhance regional security, its successful implementation hinges on resolving issues around vague language, clear fiscal responsibilities, and robust oversight mechanisms.

Issues

  • The provision in Section 3 regarding Jordan being treated as if it were listed under certain provisions of the Arms Export Control Act for three years lacks clarity on the criteria or conditions for potentially extending this status, leading to ambiguity about future U.S. obligations.

  • Section 3(b)(1)(A) uses vague language concerning threats to 'other allies and partners of the United States,' which could be broadly interpreted and lead to an overextension of U.S. commitments.

  • The memorandum of agreement requirement in Section 3(b)(2) does not specify cost-sharing proportions, potentially leading to unequal burden-sharing and perceptions of favoritism.

  • In Section 3(b)(1)(B), the bill demands protection of sensitive technology but lacks detailed guidelines or procedures, posing potential security risks.

  • The bill's language is technical and assumes familiarity with related laws, making it difficult for the general public to understand and limiting transparency and accountability across Sections 3 and 4.

  • Section 3(c)(1) outlines the development of a defense plan for Jordan without specifying funding sources or budgetary constraints, risking unlimited financial commitments.

  • The term 'expeditious consideration' in Section 2 is vague and could lead to differing interpretations regarding the speed and thoroughness of the approval process for defense sales.

  • The legislative text in Section 4 lacks detailed criteria for determining the availability of appropriations, leading to potential ambiguity in funding allocation.

  • Section 4 mentions 'support for international peacekeeping missions' without specifying the nature or extent of the support, which could lead to misinterpretation or misuse.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2024 is the title of the bill, making it the official name by which the act can be referred.

2. Sense of Congress Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Congress believes it is important to quickly review and approve offers to sell military items and services to Jordan because it fits with U.S. security goals and supports worldwide peace and security.

3. Enhanced defense cooperation Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section authorizes enhanced defense cooperation between the United States and Jordan for a three-year period, including treating Jordan as a preferred country under specific laws for arms exports, developing capabilities to counter threats from Iran, and integrating Jordan into a regional defense system. It mandates reports and agreements on cost-sharing and intellectual property and sets a sunset date for these activities on December 31, 2028.

4. Memorandum of Understanding Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Secretary of State can make an agreement with Jordan to provide more economic aid, work together on military activities like exercises and personnel exchanges, support international peacekeeping, and have more discussions on strategic matters, depending on the budget available.