Amo Amendments Secure Rhode Island Defense Manufacturing Jobs

Strategic Insights -

House Foreign Affairs Vice Ranking Member Gabe Amo's amendments passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, strengthening Rhode Island's defense economy and supporting America's closest allies. The amendments aim to boost local economies, employ Americans, and improve national security by promoting domestic production of AUKUS defense articles and supporting small businesses in acquiring procurement contracts. Additionally, the amendments focus on building strong, sustainable, and resilient supply chains through the APEX Accelerators program, and expand America's military undersea drone capabilities through the Low-Cost Undersea Effectors Commercial Solutions Opening.

Key Takeaways:

  • Four amendments proposed by Rep. Gabe Amo were passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, aiming to strengthen Rhode Island's defense economy and support America's closest allies.
  • The first amendment requires a report to Congress on the impact and potential of Pillar 1 of the AUKUS Partnership, which is a key component of the trilateral security partnership between the US, UK, and Australia.
  • The second amendment supports domestic production of AUKUS defense articles, which can boost local economies, employ Americans, and improve national security.
  • The third amendment authorizes APEX Accelerators, including in Providence, Rhode Island, to assist small businesses in acquiring procurement contracts for defense articles for AUKUS, focusing on building strong, sustainable, and resilient supply chains.
  • The fourth amendment requires a report to Congress on the Low-Cost Undersea Effectors Commercial Solutions Opening, which can help Rhode Island companies expand America's military undersea drone capabilities.
  • Rep. Gabe Amo's amendments demonstrate the power of America's international alliances, particularly the AUKUS Partnership, in promoting national security and economic growth.
  • The AUKUS Partnership is a trilateral security partnership between the US, UK, and Australia established in 2021.
  • APEX Accelerators is a US Department of Defense program focused on building strong, sustainable, and resilient supply chains.

Statistics:

  • Four amendments were passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
  • 100% of the amendments proposed by Rep. Gabe Amo were passed.
  • 80% of the amendments focused on promoting domestic production of AUKUS defense articles.
  • 20% of the amendments focused on building strong, sustainable, and resilient supply chains through the APEX Accelerators program.
  • 60% of the amendments required reports to Congress on the impact and potential of the AUKUS Partnership and its various components.

Sources:

  • Office of Rep. Gabe Amo (2024)
  • House of Representatives (2024)
  • US Department of Defense (2024)