International Military Training Transparency and Accountability Act
Latest action (21 Oct 1998): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 4874, the International Military Training Transparency and Accountability Act, would amend the Arms Export Control Act to bar the U.S. government from providing defense services or training—including Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) programs—to foreign countries that are already barred by other laws from receiving international military education and training (IMET) or other forms of military assistance or arms transfers. The bill includes exceptions: countries limited to "expanded IMET" could still receive training on military justice, human rights, and civilian oversight of armed forces; training unrelated to the prohibited assistance could proceed if the President notifies Congress in advance with specified justifications; and the President could waive the prohibition entirely for national security reasons, again subject to a detailed report to Congress.
The bill primarily affects the executive branch's authority to conduct military training and assistance programs with foreign governments, particularly those already subject to restrictions due to human rights concerns, sanctions, or other legal prohibitions. It would increase congressional oversight by requiring formal certifications before training could proceed under the exceptions or waiver.
The bill was introduced on October 21, 1998, by Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, with Rep. Evans as a cosponsor, and was referred to the House Committee on International Relations. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of the 105th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
International Military Training Transparency and Accountability Act - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to prohibit the sale, lease, loan, or grant of defense services or training (including Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET)) to any foreign country that is prohibited or restricted from receiving international military education and training (IMET), or other military assistance or arms transfers. Permits a foreign country that is eligible to receive only expanded IMET, and is not prohibited from receiving any other military assistance or arms transfers, to receive defense services and training if it provides for training of civilian officials and military officers of the armed forces on military justice, international human rights standards, and the proper role of such forces in a democratic society. Permits a foreign country otherwise prohibited or restricted from receiving IMET or any other military assistance or arms transfers to receive defense services and training substantially unrelated to the prohibited military assistance or arms transfers, provided the President makes a specified certification to the Congress. Authorizes the President to waive any prohibition under this Act with respect to a foreign country upon certification to the Congress that it is important to the national security of the United States.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4874 do?
- H.R. 4874, the International Military Training Transparency and Accountability Act, would amend the Arms Export Control Act to bar the U.S. government from providing defense services or training—including Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) programs—to foreign countries that are already barred by other laws from receiving international military education and training (IMET) or other forms of military assistance or arms transfers. The bill includes exceptions: countries limited to "expanded IMET" could still receive training on military justice, human rights, and civilian oversight of armed forces; training unrelated to the prohibited assistance could proceed if the President notifies Congress in advance with specified justifications; and the President could waive the prohibition entirely for national security reasons, again subject to a detailed report to Congress. The bill primarily affects the executive branch's authority to conduct military training and assistance programs with foreign governments, particularly those already subject to restrictions due to human rights concerns, sanctions, or other legal prohibitions. It would increase congressional oversight by requiring formal certifications before training could proceed under the exceptions or waiver. The bill was introduced on October 21, 1998, by Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, with Rep. Evans as a cosponsor, and was referred to the House Committee on International Relations. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of the 105th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 4874 become law?
- Not yet. As of 21 Oct 1998, H.R. 4874 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4874?
- H.R. 4874 was sponsored by Rep. Christopher “Chris” Smith [R-NJ4] (Republican-NJ), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4874?
- Introduced (21 Oct 1998).
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