While people are most familiar with communication satellites and their growing importance to our information economy, other commercial space markets are already underway or are being developed. Some of those include remote sensing, geographic information systems and low-cost launch systems. It is important that our export control system not discourage innovation and the development of these revolutionary technologies. We can do this while ensuring the protection of our national security interests. Export controls should not merely exist to make us feel good, otherwise they foster a false sense of security.
Space commerce represents a new frontier with countless commercial opportunities.
We must make sure our policies do not kill new industries as this before they even get off the ground. It is the job of Congress to develop an effective common sense export control policy - one that protects our national security interests while at the same time allows U.S. industries to compete globally and remain on the cutting edge of research and development. The reauthorization of the EAA will go a long ways toward reaching that end. It is my hope that the discussion here today will help us take at least one step toward solving these real challenges. Thank you for being a part of today's discussion.