Kaine Cosponsors Bill to Strengthen U.S. Military Readiness to Respond to International Conflicts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, cosponsored legislation led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) that would strengthen U.S. military readiness and ensure the U.S. has sufficient critical munition stocks to support allies and partners in a crisis without depleting U.S. military stocks. The Promoting Readiness for Overseas Contingencies and Unexpected Responses to Exigencies (PROCURE) Act would establish a Critical Munitions Acquisition Fund (CMAF) and provide the Department of Defense with more authority to procure and stockpile munitions deemed critical to U.S. national security.

“It’s absolutely critical that we’re able to support our partners and respond to national security threats against the United States,” said Senator Kaine. “This bill provides flexibility so that we can rapidly respond to crisis and maintain military readiness.”

Additionally, the authorities granted in the CMAF would help the Department of Defense better anticipate industry’s supply chain needs and improve the Department’s purchasing power, driving down costs for the government. 

In addition to Kaine, Shaheen, and Tillis, the bill is also cosponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).  The senators also plan to file the bill as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act in the coming days. 

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