The President also can set aside for reasons of national security any mass market or foreign availability determination. A third important feature of the bill is the time limit provision for government decisions. The bill requires decisions on license applications within 39 days of submission unless the application requires higher level review. Historically, only about 5 percent of license applications require such review. The bill also establishes short time limits for the government to respond to formal classification requests and opinions from exporters.
Prompt responses are essential for doing business abroad.
In conclusion, we believe that S. 149 provides the authority necessary for an effective export control system. It provides broad control authority and appropriate enforcement authority in order to protect our national security. And it provides transparency, predictability, and time limits for the benefit of our exporters. Passage of the Export Administration Act of 2001 is a vital step in the Administration's effort to meet the new challenges that today's global environment presents for U.S. national security and economic health. In particular, this legislation will help strengthen the Commerce Department's administration of national security and nonproliferation controls.