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Representative
Heinrich Introduces Legislation to Ease Export Restrictions on New Mexico
High-Tech Companies; Create Quality Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 2, 2011) – U.S.
Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1), along with a bipartisan coalition of
co-sponsors, introduced legislation to eliminate unnecessary controls on U.S.
satellite and satellite-component manufacturers. H.R. 3288, the Safeguarding
United States Satellite Leadership and Security Act of 2011, would increase
American competitiveness, create quality jobs, and boost exports.
“For over a decade, burdensome export
controls have prevented New Mexico’s aerospace industry from reaching its full
potential,” said Rep. Heinrich. “By removing those barriers we will create
quality jobs without costing taxpayers a single dime. This common-sense change
in policy will enable New Mexico’s aerospace companies to compete on a level
playing field, broaden their customer base, and help regain America’s high-tech
leadership in the world.”
The Safeguarding United States
Satellite Leadership and Security Act of 2011 would restore the President’s
ability to determine what export restrictions should apply to commercial
satellites and related components. It would also prohibit outright any
such exports to China, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, or Cuba.
In 1999, in the wake of revelations
about unlicensed technical assistance to China’s space launch program by two
U.S. companies, Congress mandated that all U.S. satellites and components were
to be subject to licensing as weapons under the United States Munitions List by
the Department of State. This structure applied regardless of whether the
proposed export was to China or a NATO ally.
This action was intended to safeguard
U.S. satellite technology from reaching China and to deny them the ability to
launch foreign commercial satellites. In 1999, all foreign commercial
satellites had U.S. components, which allowed the U.S. to forbid their launch
by Chinese rockets. Now, however, this Congressional action is causing
unintended consequences that completely undermine this goal.
U.S. satellite and satellite-component
manufacturers are currently in danger of having their products “designed-out”
of foreign satellite systems.
According to an independent study
conducted by the Aerospace Industries Association, the United States’ share of
worldwide satellite manufacturing has dropped from approximately 70 percent in 1995
to approximately 30 percent in 2008. Further, more than 60 nations and
government consortia currently operate satellites.
The Safeguarding United States
Satellite Leadership and Security Act of 2011 was introduced yesterday by
Congressman Howard L. Berman (D-CA). In addition to Rep. Heinrich, original
cosponsors include Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL), Congressman Adam Smith
(D-WA), Congressman Mike Coffman (R-CO), Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger
(D-MD), Congressman Rob Bishop (R-UT), Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA),
and Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT).
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