SENATE BILL: Arsenal of Democracy Act (Passed)

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

This reminds me of that 'foreign policy review' bill I proposed that passed but was quickly forgotten about by subsequent administrations.

But I agree with the general spirit of this bill, as well as giving Congress more power and oversight with regard to foreign policy.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Arsenal of Democracy Act.

This Congress recognises the outsized and important role that Atlasia plays on events around the world and recognises the importance of promoting democracy, human rights and equality through all aspects of our foreign policy.

1.) This Act hereby requires that before the authoristian and transfer of either 1.) Non-Lethal arms and ammunition 2.) Lethal arms and ammunition 3.) Policing and anti-terror training from the Government of Atlasia that the Secretary of State sends to congress a resolution certifying that the following conditions have been met.

The criteria

A respect for democracy and the rule of law.

Protections and Equality for but not limited to the following groups and individuals: religious groups and faiths, LGBT+ individuals, gender, those with disabilities and those from indingeous backgrounds.

Protections for the natural environment and a proactive plan to reduce carbon emissions.

The freedom of the press and the right to peacefully protest and assemble.

2.) In light of the above criteria the following countries are hereby barred from purchasing either non-lethal or lethal arms from Atlasia or from receiving military or policing training; either in their own country or in Atlasia.

2A.)  Azerbaijan
2B.) Central African Republic
2C.) China
2D.) Brunei
2E.) Belarus
2F.) Egypt
2G.) Iran
2H.) Syria
2I.) Mynamar
2J.) Venezuala
2J.) Zimbabwe

3.) For the above restrictions to be lifted the Secretary of State shall under the terms of this act certify that substantial progress has been made under the provisions in the Criteria and this shall be ratified by both Houses of Congress.

4.) The certification of the provisions in this act shall be reviewed by the Secretary of State every 12 months, with an emergency provision enabling changes, providing that both houses of congress are notified within 10 days.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Should Russia and North Korea be added? Saudi Arabia? There is a number of countries with communist or authoritarian governments that are undemocratic. If we're going to be consistent in our support for democracy and human rights, this list will be a mile long.

And although I personally believe democracy to be the best form of government, the cultural and tribal differences in some countries render democracy unworkable. Democracy would not work, and has never been tried, in countries like China and Saudi Arabia. We need to be humble in recognizing that instituting democracy throughout the world simply isn't feasible, and not the only measure of human rights.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

New amendment:

Arsenal of Democracy Act.

This Congress recognises the outsized and important role that Atlasia plays on events around the world and recognises the importance of promoting democracy, human rights and equality through all aspects of our foreign policy.

1.) This Act hereby requires that before the authoristian and transfer of either 1.) Non-Lethal arms and ammunition 2.) Lethal arms and ammunition 3.) Policing and anti-terror training from the Government of Atlasia that the Secretary of State sends to congress a resolution certifying that the following conditions have been met.

The criteria

A respect for democracy and the rule of law.

Protections and Equality for but not limited to the following groups and individuals: religious groups and faiths, LGBT+ individuals, gender, those with disabilities and those from indingeous backgrounds.

Protections for the natural environment and a proactive plan to reduce carbon emissions.

The freedom of the press and the right to peacefully protest and assemble.

2.) In light of the above criteria the following countries are hereby barred from purchasing either non-lethal or lethal arms from Atlasia or from receiving military or policing training; either in their own country or in Atlasia.

2A.)  Azerbaijan
2B.) Central African Republic
2C.) China
2D.) Brunei
2E.) Belarus
2F.) Egypt
2G.) Iran
2H.) Syria
2I.) Mynamar
2J.) Venezuala
2J.) Zimbabwe
2K.) Saudi Arabia

3.) For the above restrictions to be lifted the Secretary of State shall under the terms of this act certify that substantial progress has been made under the provisions in the Criteria and this shall be ratified by both Houses of Congress.

4.) The certification of the provisions in this act shall be reviewed by the Secretary of State every 12 months, with an emergency provision enabling changes, providing that both houses of congress are notified within 10 days.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Aye