What is the purpose of the Arms Export Control Act?

The purpose of the Arms Export Control Act is to manage military sales and exports. This legislation governs the export of defense articles and services to foreign entities, ensuring that military sales are conducted in a manner that safeguards U.S. national security interests and foreign policy objectives. It establishes a legal framework for the export of arms, thereby allowing the U.S. government to control who receives military equipment and technology, based on criteria like the recipient country's relations with the U.S., human rights records, and regional stability. This ensures that military resources do not end up in the hands of those who may use them in ways that contradict U.S. interests or international norms.

In contrast, the other choices address different regulatory domains; consumer product exports and economic growth are outside the scope of defense-related materials, while dual-use technology pertains to items that can have both civilian and military applications, which is a separate category from strictly military arms. This specificity of the Arms Export Control Act highlights its vital role in national defense and international relations.