Washington D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), released the following statement welcoming today’s announcement about the next key steps in rebuilding the nation’s export controls:

“I applaud the Administration’s announcement about the next key steps in rebuilding the nation’s export control system. The new system will help our defense companies compete more effectively abroad while creating more jobs here at home.  

“Our current export control system is still designed to face the challenges of the Cold War environment and controls all items equally, whether a fighter aircraft or a simple part that can be used for that aircraft.  The Administration’s notification to Congress today starts the congressional review process which must occur before the Administration can implement the first set of comprehensive changes in our export control lists. 

“These changes put in place the structure of our new system and will allow us to prioritize our controls, letting items go more easily to our allies, which will sustain and foster growth in the nation’s defense industrial base, while tightening our controls on destinations of concern.  I support these changes as they will improve our national security and urge my colleagues to join me in my support.  I encourage the Administration to move forward expeditiously to put the new system in place.” 

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