Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress that— (1) strong security sector governance is the transparent, accountable, management, and oversight of security policy and practice by legitimate and democratic civilian leadership; (2) security partners with well-governed security sectors are more effective, more reliable, better positioned to absorb and protect United States-origin defense articles from misuse or illicit transfer, and conduct military operations in a manner that encourages stability at home and abroad; (3) weak security sector oversight institutions inhibit security sector professionalism, effectiveness, and accountability; (4) effective security sector governance requires a system of checks and balances where vibrant legislatures, engaged civil society, and independent judiciaries provide the necessary oversight to hold authorities accountable to citizens; and (5) improving security sector governance in United States security partners requires predictable, long-term investments.