Mike Enzi: “the managers' amendment includes a provision that will help solidify the strong friendship that exists between the…”

“the managers' amendment includes a provision that will help solidify the strong friendship that exists between the United States and the United Kingdom. The provision is a result of a great deal of work between the chairman, the ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee, and the Department of State. They are to be commended for helping to strengthen the partnership between our two countries, a partnership we have relied on for many years. The provision will allow the U.S. to finalize a bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom and provide a licensing exception to the UK for certain defense-related items. Such an agreement will pave the way for enhancing both our defense capabilities as it promotes cooperation with our coalition partners, especially on matters of defense. Enhancing our defense capabilities and the industrial and economic cooperation that exists between our two nations is critical if we are to continue to have the ability to promote peace, freedom and democracy throughout the world. As we have seen for many years, and through many international conflicts, the United States and the United Kingdom are steadfast allies who have come to the aid of each other whenever it was necessary to preserve the peace. Our troops fought together in the deserts of Iraq and the United Kingdom has demonstrated time and time again that we can always count on them in a time of crisis.”