Congress to Consider 'Code of Conduct' for U.S. Arms Transfe

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Over the years, Congress has compiled a poor record in using its authority to shape U.S. arms export policy. In February, however, Senator Mark Hatfield (R-OR) and Representative Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) took a major step to change that by introducing legislation designed to expand congressional responsibility for, and authority over, U.S. arms transfers.

The "Code of Conduct for Arms Transfers Act of 1993," introduced at a news conference on February 1, marks the first legislative effort in a decade to broaden the authority of Congress to check executive branch decisions concerning U.S. weapons exports and military aid.

The code would require states to meet certain minimum …