AIA News 2010
Statement on Secretary Gates’ Export Control Reform Speech
Statement by AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey
April 20, 2010
Arlington, VA -In his speech today, Secretary Gates confirmed the enormous commitment the Administration has made to reform the export control system. His remarks captured, as only deep experience can, the failings of the current system, which has suffered a patchwork of fixes, new requirements and rules added over the years, resulting in inefficiency. As the Secretary noted, our allies have endured non-delivery of promised weapons, equipment and support due to these antiquated rules.
Secretary Gates presented an ambitious agenda for change. And change will require unprecedented support and coordination from multiple government agencies and Congress. I strongly believe these changes, along with short-term improvements to the system, are not only possible, but necessary.
Export control modernization, along with ratification of the defense trade treaties with the UK and Australia and treating commercial satellites as commercial, not defense items, will serve our national security, foreign policy and economic interests well. Ultimately, it is the men and women in uniform who will benefit most. AIA is committed to seeing this important work to its conclusion.
