Shaheen Welcomes Progress on Export Control Reform

Press Release

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship , today issued the below statement regarding the Obama Administration's efforts to reform the nation's export control system. The new approach announced today by President Obama will simplify the complex export control system and improve its effectiveness for America's defense industries:

"I welcome the White House's efforts to move forward on a new framework for our country's export control system," said Shaheen. "This move is a good first step to strengthen U.S. national security and increase the competitiveness of American defense-related businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to reform the outdated export control system and put in place a system engineered for the 21st century that will better protect our nation's security and help small and medium-sized businesses compete in new markets abroad."

Senator Shaheen wrote in March 2010 to the Departments of State, Commerce, and Defense calling for increased coordination on export controls, clearer lines of jurisdiction, and increased outreach and support for businesses. In that letter, Senator Shaheen voiced support for export control reform as "critical to strengthening our national security, maintaining our military superiority, preserving America's defense industrial base, and ensuring our economic competitiveness."

According to the White House, the new changes announced today will reduce ambiguity, confusion and jurisdictional disputes that have plagued the export control system in recent years.

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