Michael Baumgartner (R-WA)
International Traffic in Arms Regulations Licensing Reform Act
A Republican bill with 6 Republican cosponsors · See all 6 cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations Licensing Reform Act requires the Secretary of State to create a list of specific countries and end-users for whom expedited defense export decisions are vital to national security. This list must be updated and submitted to Congress annually. Additionally, the Secretary must work with the Secretary of Defense to establish specific timelines for processing export applications. Listed entities would see decisions within 45 days, while all other applications would face a 60-day deadline. The Act also mandates semi-annual reports to Congress regarding any applications that exceed these established deadlines.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The act improves transparency by requiring regular reports on delayed export license decisions.
- Scored +4
Does this make trade with other countries easier?
Establishing fixed timelines for defense export licenses improves predictability for international trade in defense articles.
- Scored +4
Would business owners be better off under this?
The established timelines provide more predictability for defense-related businesses and their export applications.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Expedited timelines for vital national security interests: The Secretary of State must develop a list of countries and end-sues where fast decision-making is vital to national security, which leads to a 45-day deadline for those specific entities (Section 2; Section 3(1)).
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Predictable decision times for all applicants: The Act establishes a fixed 60-day timeline for any country or end-user not on the priority list to have an application approved, returned, or denied (Section 3(2)).
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Increased accountability through reporting: The Secretary of State is required to submit semi-annual reports to Congress identifying applications that exceeded the established deadlines, including a justification for the delay (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Suspension of timelines: The established 45-day and 60-day deadlines can be suspended for certain periods, such as when waiting for a decision from the Secretary of Defense regarding technology security or foreign disclosure release determinations (Section 3(3)(B)).
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Potential for Congressional delays: Deadlines may be suspended during specific time periods when Congress can enact a joint resolution to prohibit the approval of an application (Section 3(3)(A)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Establishing fixed timelines for defense export licenses improves predictability for international trade in defense articles. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The predictable timelines for defense exports can strengthen international defense relationships and alliances. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — Structured timelines provide more predictable diplomatic and trade interactions regarding defense goods.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The act improves transparency by requiring regular reports on delayed export license decisions. Does this give the federal government more power? — The act increases federal administrative control through mandated timelines and reporting requirements.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The established timelines provide more predictability for defense-related businesses and their export applications.
- 9/3/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 9/2/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3726)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3726)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4215.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3726-3727)
- Mr. Baumgartner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 7/22/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 47 - 3.
- 7/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/27/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Sheri BiggsRepublican · South Carolina
Bill HuizengaRepublican · Michigan
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Richard McCormickRepublican · Georgia
James MoylanRepublican · Guam
Ryan ZinkeRepublican · Montana