House Passes First Amo Amendment to Support Rhode Island Jobs and Research Institutions

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) delivered remarks on the House Floor in support of his amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Amo amendment encourages the Secretary of Defense to promote and prioritize domestic production of defense articles for theAustralia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) security pact to benefit local economies while also safeguarding national security.

“The Australia, United Kingdom, United States security pact — also known as AUKUS — is one of the most significant security arrangements in generations. It is essential to maintaining free trade and security in the Indo-Pacific [and] is a premier example of the domestic benefits, including good paying jobs and small businesses across Rhode Island,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “My amendment reinforces twin ideas — that AUKUS is critical to protecting national security and that it boosts local economies by enhancing defense production capabilities.”

Congressman Amo’s amendment passed the House of Representatives by voice vote as part of a bipartisan en bloc of amendments.

WATCH THE FULL REMARKS HERE

BACKGROUND

Rhode Island’s First Congressional District is front and center in supporting the Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) security pact. A substantial amount of the domestic production for AUKUS, including submarines and autonomous naval vessels, is either produced in Rhode Island or through subcontractors located in Rhode Island. Furthermore, the trilateral agreement allows Rhode Island the opportunity to export its expertise by establishing long-lasting research collaborations and empowering an expert workforce. Already, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport signed a cooperative research and development agreement with Australia’s Flinders University to foster collaborative research on undersea technology.

As production continues for the AUKUS security pact, the Department of Defense should prioritize domestic manufacturing whenever possible. Congressman Amo’s amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA urges the Department of Defense to promote and prioritize domestic manufacturing, supply chains, and research for defense articles for AUKUS to boost local economies and improve national security.

REMARKS AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY 

Thank you, Ranking Member Smith

The Australia, United Kingdom, United States Security pact — also known as AUKUS — is one of the most significant security arrangements in generations.

It is essential to maintaining free trade and security in the Indo-Pacific.

As we strengthen our coordination of defense article production with our allies, we must continue to prioritize domestic research, producers and procurement.

AUKUS is a premier example of the domestic benefits.

The University of Rhode Island and Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport formed research and education partnerships with Australian partners. AUKUS will also support good paying jobs and small businesses across Rhode Island.

My amendment reinforces twin ideas — that AUKUS is critical to protecting national security AND that it boosts local economies by enhancing defense production capabilities.

Let’s ensure the Pentagon promotes and prioritizes domestic production as we work alongside our allies for a safer and more stable future.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Thank you and I yield back.

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