US Senator Moves to Block Transfer of Diego Garcia Military Base

Legislation introduced to require Senate approval for any changes to long-standing US-UK defense treaty

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:10am

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A US senator has introduced legislation to block any transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, including the strategic Diego Garcia military base, unless the US Senate formally approves changes to the long-standing defense treaty between Washington and London.

Why it matters

Diego Garcia is a key US military installation in the Indian Ocean region, serving as an important logistical and operational hub. The proposed transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has raised concerns in Washington about potential implications for US control and access to the base.

The details

Sen. John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, introduced the Diego Garcia Treaty Oversight Act, which would require Senate approval for any modification to the 1966 agreement between the US and UK concerning the British Indian Ocean Territory. Kennedy has criticized the proposed transfer, arguing that the UK cannot unilaterally change the terms of the treaty without US consent.

  • Sen. Kennedy introduced the legislation on March 13, 2026.

The players

Sen. John Kennedy

A Republican senator from Louisiana and member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Diego Garcia

The largest island in the Chagos archipelago, hosting a major joint US-UK military installation that serves as an important logistical and operational hub for American forces in the Indian Ocean region.

United Kingdom

The country that currently holds sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, and is proposing to cede the territory to Mauritius.

Mauritius

The country that has long claimed sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia.

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What they’re saying

“When two countries shake hands on a treaty, one of them can't start changing the terms without the other country agreeing to it. That's just common sense.”

— Sen. John Kennedy

“That's why I take issue with the United Kingdom trying to give our joint military base on Diego Garcia to a pal of Xi Jinping's—all without getting the US Senate's consent. My bill would make sure that our friends in the UK don't modify our treaty and hand this gift to China without giving the Senate a say.”

— Sen. John Kennedy

What’s next

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