Export Controls: Challenges and Changes For Controls on Computer Exports
Abstract
I am pleased to be here today to discuss export controls for high performance computers. My testimony is based on work that we have conducted over the past 3 years, particularly the reports we issued in 1998 and 1999.' U.S. policy with respect to the export of sensitive technology, including computers, is to seek a balance between the U.S. economic interest in promoting exports and its national security interests in both maintaining a military advantage over potential adversaries and denying the spread of technologies used in developing weapons of mass destruction. The United States has long controlled the export of high performance computers to sensitive destinations, such as Russia and China. These computers have both civilian (dual use) and military applications and technological advancements in computing power have been rapid. The Department of Commerce has primary responsibility for managing the licensing of these dual-use items and weighing the promotion of commercial interests in exporting items against the protection of national security interests. For the past several years, there has been continuing congressional concern about and debate over whether our national security is being harmed by relaxing export controls on high performance computers and over the rationale for subsequent revised controls.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 26, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA377861
Entities
People
- Harold J. Johnson
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office