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Scott Morrison receives ‘overwhelming support’ for AUKUS alliance in Washington

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Lanai ScarrThe West Australian
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison attends a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington given by Mr Lloyd James Austin III, United States Secretary of Defense.
Camera IconPrime Minister Scott Morrison attends a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington given by Mr Lloyd James Austin III, United States Secretary of Defense. Credit: Adam Taylor

Scott Morrison says he has received “overwhelming support” for the AUKUS alliance from congressional leaders in Washington.

Mr Morrison this morning met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell along with other key US politicians.

In order to see the AUKUS alliance between the US, UK and Australia become a reality the American Parliament will need to pass amendments to legislation to make key elements work - including Australia using US intellectual property as part of the deal on nuclear submarines.

“There is great enthusiasm for us going ahead with these projects. Whether it's from the Secretary of Defense, the bipartisan support that was on display today up on Capitol Hill. Both in the House and Senate level. In the Congress, there is an overwhelming sentiment towards Australia,” Mr Morrison said.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits Mrs Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives in her office on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday.
Camera IconPrime Minister Scott Morrison visits Mrs Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives in her office on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday. Credit: Adam Taylor

“It's great to have the strong support of the President and the executive of Government and today it was very clear that Congress and the Senate will be backing this in.”

He said however he could not guarantee there would be roadblocks faced.

“Of course, there are many issues still to work through and we all understand that, but we go forward from a position of great trust and great enthusiasm,” he said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits Mrs Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives in her office on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday.
Camera IconPrime Minister Scott Morrison visits Mrs Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives in her office on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday. Credit: Adam Taylor/Adam Taylor

As part of the AUKUS alliance Australia will need the US to provide exemptions on export controls and intellectual property transfers on sensitive technology, as well as balancing language around nuclear non-proliferation sensitivities and exemptions under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

“President Biden gets it, Congress gets it and the Senate gets it and that is a great encouragement to Australia. They understand the challenges we've been facing and only want to give us messages of support, respect and encouragement. It was a proud day to be Australian,” Mr Morrison said.

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