Securing the Future: Arms Control and International Security for the Modern Age

The House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans held a hearing on March 26, 2026, focused on arms control and international security, with Undersecretary Thomas Donato testifying about the State Department's reorganization and efforts in arms control, nonproliferation, counterterrorism, and international narcotics enforcement. Key procurement-related topics included oversight of arms sales licensing through the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, the modernization of arms control agreements such as the expired New START treaty, and the implementation of the AUKUS security pact to facilitate defense technology collaboration with the UK and Australia. The committee discussed challenges in export controls, particularly regarding AI chips and missile technology, and efforts to streamline arms sales to allies like Taiwan and Saudi Arabia. Members raised concerns about the administration's transparency and strategy regarding the ongoing war in Iran, including requests for public hearings and subpoenas for senior officials involved in the conflict's negotiations and management. The committee voted on a motion to subpoena key administration officials for testimony on the Iran war, which was ultimately not agreed to. The hearing also covered the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs' role in combating drug trafficking and transnational crime, with discussions on program reviews and interagency coordination. Overall, the hearing emphasized the need for effective arms control policies, streamlined procurement processes, and congressional oversight of security assistance and arms sales programs.