Administration of Export Controls

The government does not have an effective policymaking structure to reconcile the conflicting goals of export promotion and export control. The decisionmaking apparatus for determining what technology or products should be controlled is unwieldly and time consuming. The export licensing system is characterized by delay, uncertainty, and lack of accountability. Congress should provide for realignment of export policy structure, centralization of export licensing management, and certain other processes to facilitate the efficient and timely administration of export controls. A number of developments are occurring which parallel the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, International Economic Policy and Trade Subcommittee's deliberations to extend and amend the Export Administration Act. Design and manufacturing know how, as opposed to the products of technology should be the principle focus of current strategic technology control. The Export Control Coordinating Committee is revising the international control list. The President recently announced a number of steps to reduce barriers which impede exports. The Department of Commerce is reviewing a number of proposals to change aspects of export control administration. Current concern with export control lies with the so-called dual-use commodities, the barrier to trade expansion export administration causes, the use of controls for foreign policy purposes, and the availability of commodities for other countries. Export control administration is so complex that Congress should direct its reform. GAO has recommended a reorganization plan for congressional consideration. The export licensing administration needs to be centralized and export policy making structure needs to be established. The proposed bill addresses most of the problems noted in GAO reviews of export administration and the bill prescribes new administrative procedures which contribute substantially to the lessening of both costs and the time needed to process licenses.