Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Limit Chinese Communist Party Influence on American Technology

"American technologies must be protected from those who threaten our interests," said Senator Marsha Blackburn. "The Export Control Enforcement and Enhancement Act would ensure the Entity List is a fast, decisive, and enforceable tool for denying U.S. adversaries access to our technology."

U.S. Representative Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) introduced companion legislation in the House.

BACKGROUND

• The End-User Review Committee (ERC) is an interagency U.S. government body that identifies foreign entities for export control lists to protect national security and foreign policy interests. This committee is chaired by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

• Any ERC member, including the U.S. Departments of State, War, and Energy, can recommend and propose additions to the Entity List to the U.S. Department of Commerce, but there is currently no statutory timeline that requires prompt action on these proposals. Timely approval of these additions helps prevent Chinese companies and others from accessing sensitive American technologies.

EXPORT CONTROL ENFORCEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT ACT

• The Export Control Enforcement and Enhancement Act would make the Entity List a fast, decisive, and enforceable tool for denying adversaries access to American technology by expediting the Entry List process with a mandatory 30-day vote.

• Under this legislation, the ERC would be required to vote on proposed Entity List changes within 30 days unless the ERC unanimously decides to suspend the vote. This legislation would ensure every member of ERC has an equal voice on which entities pose national security threats.
• Click here for bill text.