Export Control Proposals welcomed and praised by AIA.
Press Release Summary:
AIA welcomed proposals made by National Security Advisor General James L. Jones concerning export control modernization. Proposals were deigned as breakthroughs for industry, and members of Congress were urged to be supportive. AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey expressed delight that administration had taken advised step of moving away from "one-size-fits-all regime to a capabilities-focused system" that can apply proper level of export controls based on item sensitivity.
Original Press Release:
AIA Welcomes Administration's New Export Control Proposals
Arlington, Va. -National Security Advisor General James L. Jones today announced several robust administration proposals for export control modernization. The Aerospace Industries Association welcomes these proposals as a breakthrough for the industry and strongly urges members of Congress to be supportive.
In his keynote speech at the Senate Aerospace Caucus luncheon, Jones detailed administration plans to create a new, more effective and flexible regime for controlling the export of technology that differentiates between items commonly available commercially and more sensitive items that require greater oversight than possible under today's system.
In addition, the revamped system will create a bright line between military and commercial technologies and will establish a tiered ranking of controls for military technologies. Higher sensitivity military technologies will receive greater scrutiny and tougher controls, while lower sensitivity military technologies will be expedited for transfer to our military allies and partners.
Most importantly, General Jones announced the administration's end goal of a new, single and independent agency that will merge export licensing activities at the State and Commerce departments under a board of directors reporting to the president.
"One of AIA's primary reform recommendations to the Obama administration was to move away from a one-size-fits-all regime to a capabilities-focused system that has the flexibility to apply the right level export controls based on an item's sensitivity," said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. "We are delighted that the administration has taken this step, and we encourage Congress to engage in this effort and to prioritize reforms that directly support the U.S. military, exercise carefully considered oversight and provide the legislation needed for implementation."
Blakey noted that another crucial step is passage of the UK and Australian treaties, which carries broad bipartisan support. "For the sake of the American warfighter, our strategic allies and American aerospace workers - we need to make the system work for everyone," Blakey concluded.
More information, including AIA's new publication, "Ten Key Facts About Export Control Modernization" can be found at AIA's website: www.aia-aerospace.org.
