09/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/11/2025 16:19
Washington, D.C. - YESTERDAY, House Foreign Affairs Vice Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI) secured the House passage of four amendments as part of the House of Representatives' Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA) to strengthen Rhode Island's defense economy and support America's closest allies.
"Rhode Island workers are leading the way in manufacturing America's 21st century national security by developing and building cutting-edge technology for America and our allies," said Vice Ranking Member Amo. "The amendments I fought to include in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act support good, family-sustaining jobs in Rhode Island, strengthen our national security, and express Congress's steadfast support for the Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) security pact, which underpins America's strategy to counter our adversaries in the Indo-Pacific. I will keep working to ensure these pro-Rhode Island amendments pass the Senate and are included in the final bill. "
Background
The firstof Amo's amendments requires a report to Congress on the impact and potential of Pillar 1 of the AUKUS Partnership.
Amo's secondamendment supports domestic production of AUKUS defense articles, boosting local economies, employing Americans, and improving national security. It also calls for the Department of Defense (DOD) to promote and prioritize domestic manufacturing, supply chains, and research for AUKUS defense materiel.
ThethirdAmo amendment authorizes APEX Accelerators, including in Providence, Rhode Island, to assist small businesses in acquiring procurement contracts for defense articles for AUKUS. This DOD program is focused on building strong, sustainable, and resilient supply chains.
Amo's fourthamendment requires a report to Congress on the Low-Cost Undersea Effectors Commercial Solutions Opening to help Rhode Island companies expand America's military undersea drone capabilities.
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