A New Technology Transfer Fiasco Demands A Time-Out On Decontrol Decisions

The Center for Security Policy today sharply criticized the most recent in a series of decisions made by the Bush Administration to decontrol militarily sensitive high technology. In an analysis entitled, Fire Sale on National Security: Commerce’s Latest Technology Decontrol Fiasco, the Center revealed that the Commerce Department was today communicating its decision to decontrol wire bonders, devices essential to the efficient manufacture of sophisticated microelectronic components.

Frank J. Gaffney, Jr., the Center’s director said, "The decision to decontrol wire bonding technology is further evidence of a frightening trend in recent U.S. policy in this area. As with the earlier relaxation of constraints on the sale of sophisticated ‘personal’ computers to the Soviet Union and its allies, the Commerce decision to facilitate the USSR’s acquisition of critical wire bonding capabilities suggests a wanton disregard for Western security interests."

Gaffney added, "Unfortunately, the process whereby decisions are being made on decontrolling sensitive dual-use technology is seriously flawed. The Commerce Department is ignoring evidence provided by the Defense Department and the U.S. intelligence community that contradicts the fanciful claims of ‘foreign availability’ Commerce uses to justify its dismantling of existing controls."

The Center’s paper notes that this continuing problem with the decision-making process is directly contrary to the spirit of commitments made to the Senate by Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Dennis Kloske prior to his confirmation. The Center calls for an immediate moratorium on further decontrol actions pending thorough executive and legislative branch reviews of the present procedures and consideration of statutorily mandated safeguards needed to protect against ill-advised initiatives in this area.

Gaffney will testify in connection with one such review at a hearing before the International Economic Policy and Trade Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday, 25 January, at 2:00 p.m. Copies of Fire Sale on National Security can be obtained by contacting the Center.