WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) and Jason Crow (D-CO) have reintroduced the Bureau of Industry and Security Information Technology Modernization Act, a bipartisan measure aimed at strengthening U.S. export controls and safeguarding national security.
The legislation would update the Bureau of Industry and Security’s outdated information technology systems within the Department of Commerce, giving the agency better tools to keep American technology from reaching foreign adversaries, such as China and Russia.
Kean said the measure is essential to ensure that U.S. technology is not used to strengthen the military or industrial bases of America’s rivals.
“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,” Kean said. “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.”
Crow emphasized that protecting the nation from foreign threats is a nonpartisan priority.
“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,” Crow said.
If enacted, the BIS IT Modernization Act would bring the bureau’s digital infrastructure in line with modern security needs, amid a rapidly changing global trade and technology landscape.
