Reps. Jason Crow, D-Colo., and Tom Kean, Jr., R-N.J., have proposed the BIS IT Modernization Act, a new legislation aimed at preventing foreign adversaries from having access to commercial dual-use U.S. technologies.
Crow’s office said Friday the new bipartisan bill is intended to modernize the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security IT systems. This will enable federal agencies to leverage advanced tools for a more effective and efficient way to monitor the flow or export of sensitive technologies, used for commercial and military applications, including weapons systems. The particular objective is to keep these technologies from getting in the hands of Russia and China.
Remarks From Reps. Crow & Kean
“Protecting the U.S. from foreign threats is not a partisan issue. Our bipartisan bill helps keep us safe by making it harder for critical U.S. technologies, like chips and advanced computer software, from falling into the hands of America’s adversaries,” said Crow.
“As America’s adversaries, like China and Russia, become more brazen and aggressive, it is more important than ever to strengthen our export controls and sanctions enforcement to protect our national security. The bipartisan BIS IT Modernization Act is a critical step to ensure the Bureau of Industry and Security has the modern tools it needs to keep American technology out of the hands of those who seek to use it against us and our allies,” said Kean.
