Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act
Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary: Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act **What It Does** This bill would require the Department of Commerce to submit annual reports to Congress detailing export license applications and enforcement actions related to sensitive items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Specifically, it focuses on exports to countries subject to U.S. arms embargoes (restrictions on selling weapons and military equipment). The reports would include information about license approvals, denials, and enforcement actions against violations. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects Congress (which would receive the reports), the Department of Commerce (which would prepare them), and companies involved in exporting sensitive dual-use goods. It indirectly impacts countries under U.S.
arms embargoes, as these export controls restrict what technology and equipment they can obtain. The stated goal is to maintain American security and technological superiority. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (S. 744, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Republican Senator Jim Banks of Indiana.
CRS Official Summary
Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency ActThis bill requires the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to annually report to Congress on export control licensing.Under current law, BIS administers and enforces controls on the export of dual-use goods (e.g., items with both civilian and military uses) and certain military parts and components. These export controls are implemented primarily under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (ECRA) through the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).Under this bill, BIS must annually report to Congress on license applications, enforcement actions, and other requests for authorization for the export, reexport, release, and in-country transfer of items subject to the EAR to covered entities. A covered entity is any entity that (1) is located or operating in a country listed in Country Group D:5 (countries that are identified by the Department of State as subject to U.S. arms embargoes), and (2) is included on the Entity List or the Military End-User List (two of the lists published by BIS containing information on the individuals, organizations, and addresses subject to restrictions involving items subject to the EAR).The bill requires this report to include specified information, such as the name of the entity submitting the application, where the item is being exported, the decision with respect to the license application or authorization, and information on related enforcement activities to ensure compliance with U.S. export controls. The information shall be exempt from public disclosure (except for aggregate statistics).
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.