John Sarbanes: “Aside from the issue that the Export Administration Act is better than IEEPA, which I think is clear, let me address the…”

“Aside from the issue that the Export Administration Act is better than IEEPA, which I think is clear, let me address the assertions that S. 149 would weaken the national security protections in the previous Export Administration Act. I believe quite strongly that just the opposite is the case, as witnessed by the support the administration and the national security community have extended to this legislation. We have already talked about the increased civil and criminal penalties for violations of the EAA. The penalties are stronger in this legislation, not only with respect to the existing ones in IEEPA but also with respect to the penalties in the previously existing Export Administration Act. Let me mention some other provisions that significantly expand the President's authority to impose export controls on dual-use goods and technology in regard to the EAA. Section 201(c) of this legislation states: Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, controls may be imposed, based on the end use or end user, on the export of any item, that could contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or the means to deliver them. This authority did not exist in the EAA.”