Satellite Export Control Legislation

On June 10, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for FY 2010-2011. Section 826 of the bill would authorize the President to remove satellites and related components from the U.S. Munitions List, except with respect to exports to China.

The Administration supports H.R. 2410, including the Presidential authority to transfer licensing jurisdiction for commercial communications satellites from the Department of State to the Department of Commerce. The bill is now under consideration by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.