Broad-Based Coalition Proposes a Modernized Export Control System

The Coalition for Security and Competitiveness (CSC) - released detailed policy recommendations for a 21st Century Technology Control Regime that will enhance both national security and U.S. competitiveness. The Coalition of leading industry and trade associations recommended a series of steps the Administration should take to modernize the export control system.

Specifically, the group proposes reform achieving the following objectives:

• Establish clear lines of responsibility in the commodity jurisdiction process;
• Promote effective compliance and enforcement; 
• Improve outreach to and resources for U.S. industry, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises; 
• Promote greater multilateral cooperation with allies and partners; and 
• Improve the licensing system and increase transparency. 

The Hill (Tiron) reports, "Industry groups on Tuesday released a list of recommendations to overhaul the system that controls the export of sensitive technologies." Detractors of the system "say sensitive technologies sometimes slip through, while restrictions on the trade of some goods widely available only have the effect of hurting U.S. companies." The Coalition for Security and Competitiveness, which released the recommendations, includes the NAM. The recommendations "highlight the need for drawing clear lines of agency responsibility to properly safeguard technologies." On Tuesday, association officials "expressed confidence that unlike previous efforts this year's push for reform is likely to be successful." Catherine Robinson, director of high-tech policy at the NAM, said, "The administration, the Hill and industry all pretty much are on the same page. ... We are all in agreement as to what the problems are and generally what the fixes to the system need to be." Frank Vargo, the NAM's vice president for international economic affairs, said "export controls 'impair' the defense industrial base from growing rapidly in the future."  Hat Tip: NAM