Bill > HR4505

This bill aims to strengthen U.S. export controls by establishing a new Export Control Officer Program within the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the Department of Commerce. The program will station at least 20 export control officers at U.S. diplomatic or consular posts worldwide over a five-year period, addressing a current gap where only 11 officers are stationed across 60 countries. These officers will have critical responsibilities including conducting end-use checks to verify that exported U.S. technologies are used according to regulations, performing industry outreach, liaising with foreign governments, and identifying potential targets for additional scrutiny. The bill recognizes that export controls are essential for preventing unauthorized use or diversion of sensitive U.S. technologies, and notes that in 2024, BIS processed over 45,000 license applications valued at more than $500 billion. Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary of Commerce must appoint a Program Director to oversee hiring and coordinate strategic placement of officers to ensure comprehensive global coverage, with the ultimate goal of improving the effectiveness of U.S. export control enforcement and preventing illegal technology transfers.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4505/all-info