As per the US Arms Export Control Act, Congress must be formally notified 30 days before the administration can take the final steps to conclude a government-to-government foreign military sale of major defence equipment.

This report reviews the process and procedures that currently apply to US congressional consideration of foreign arms sales proposed by the president, including consideration of proposals to sell major defence equipment valued at $14m or more, defence articles and services valued at $50m or more, or the retransfer to third party nations of such military items at $200m or more.

The report also provides detailed procedures on how Congress must overcome two fundamental obstacles to block or modify a presidential sale of military equipment.