Reps. Crow and Kean Introduce Bill to Modernize the Bureau of Industry and Security’s IT Systems

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Army veteran and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s (HFAC) Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, and Congressman Tom Kean (R-NJ-07), Chairman of the HFAC Subcommittee on Europe, introduced legislation to strengthen the United States' export controls and protect national security. The Bureau of Industry and Security Information Technology Modernization Act (BIS IT Modernization Act) would modernize the information technology systems and applications of the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) within the US Department of Commerce, keeping the US at the forefront of global trade and security.

Today, the US faces rapidly evolving technological advancements from China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries with far-reaching consequences for our national security and economic prosperity. 

By investing in upgrades to the bureau’s IT systems, the BIS IT Modernization Act addresses an increasingly sophisticated threat environment, bolsters our defenses, and strengthens the effective use of export controls. This includes replacing the BIS’s primary IT systems, adopting cutting-edge data fusion and decision-making capabilities, expanding modern data sharing interfaces, incorporating advanced technological tools, and expediting Entity List deliberations - all advancements that will help the US counter near-peer competitors and protect our national security. 

In practice, these measures will help ensure that American technology is not contributing to the militaries or defense industrial bases of countries like Russia and China. Over time, these investments will make it more difficult for foreign actors to evade US controls and obtain our technology by illicit means, helping to ensure that American technology is not contributing to their militaries or defense industrial bases. 

"The Bureau of Industry and Security Modernization Act will equip BIS with better tools and capabilities to combat 21st century threats,” said Congressman Crow. “I’m glad to lead this proactive step to safeguard national security and maintain our technological edge in the global economy.” 

"Strengthening our export controls and sanctions enforcement abilities are critical to safeguarding national security and our nation's future," said Congressman Kean. "This bill is a crucial step toward ensuring that the BIS has the capabilities it needs to respond to the current threats faced by the United States and our allies."

Congressman Crow continues working to increase American competition across technology sectors and combat foreign adversaries’ growing threats. Last Congress, Crow helped pass theCHIPS and Science Actto boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and alleviate supply chain issues, supported bipartisan legislation to close the foreign adversaries lobbying loophole, and introduced his bill to create the Office of Global Competition Analysis to track emerging technologies around the world. 

Read the full text of the legislation here.