Once the Executive Branch ratifies the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with New Zealand, we expect it to be sent to the Senate for concurrence.
My colleagues and I in the upper chamber will carefully review and deliberate on its provisions. Like other SOVFAs with different countries, this agreement with the government of New Zealand is based on a 2017 memorandum of agreement that focuses on defense cooperation and strengthening military ties between our two nations.
Given our shared commitment to peace, stability, and mutual defense, I believe the Senate will recognize the strategic benefits of this partnership and approve it in due course.