AIA Welcomes Administration's New Export Control Proposals

ARLINGTON, Va., June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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.

Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association represents the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, materiel, and related components, equipment services, and information technology.

SOURCE Aerospace Industries Association