U.S. Weapons Falling into Wrong Hands: State Department Fails to Inform Congress

State Department Fails to Inform Congress on U.S. Weapons Falling into Wrong Hands A new Government Accountability Office report has revealed that the State Department is not adequately informing Congress about instances where U.S.-supplied weapons have fallen into the wrong hands, sparking concerns over the effectiveness of the current system. According to the report, since 2019, the Pentagon has flagged more than 150 incidents that could be violations of end-use agreements, which require partner governments to use U.S. supplied weapons only for authorized purposes, keep them secure, and not transfer them to third parties. However, the State Department has reported only three such instances to Congress. "We're concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability in this process," said Senator Marco Rubio, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who was present at a roundtable discussion with President Donald Trump on October 8, 2025, where the issue was discussed. "It's essential that we have a clear understanding of how our military aid is being used and whether it's falling into the wrong hands." The State Department relies heavily on overseas Defense Department officials for tips about potential end-use violations, but the report found that this system is ad hoc, with little guidance or follow-through. "The current process is inconsistent and lacks clear guidelines," said a senior congressional aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "It's not surprising that we're seeing such a low number of reported incidents." The report also highlighted inconsistencies in how the State Department investigates end-use violations. In some cases, investigations are launched immediately, while in others, they may take months or even years to begin. Background checks and monitoring are essential components of the U.S. foreign military aid program, which has been in place since the 1950s. The program aims to provide military assistance to partner countries while ensuring that U.S.-supplied weapons do not contribute to human rights abuses or fuel conflicts. Critics argue that the lack of transparency and accountability undermines the effectiveness of the program and puts U.S. national security at risk. "This is a classic case of 'out of sight, out of mind,'" said Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "If we're not keeping track of where our military aid is going, how can we ensure that it's being used for its intended purpose?" The State Department has yet to comment on the report or provide clarification on why only three end-use violations have been reported to Congress. As the issue continues to spark debate in Washington, lawmakers are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the U.S. foreign military aid program. "We need a more robust system of oversight and monitoring," said Senator Rubio. "The American people deserve to know that their tax dollars are being used effectively and responsibly." Additional Perspectives The State Department has defended its handling of end-use agreements, saying that it takes all allegations seriously and investigates them thoroughly. A senior Defense Department official acknowledged the need for greater transparency but emphasized that the current system is working as intended. Current Status and Next Developments The Government Accountability Office report is expected to be discussed at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing next week. Lawmakers are likely to press the State Department for answers on why it has not reported more end-use violations to Congress. *Reporting by Theintercept.*