H.R. 1316 · 119th Congress · House
Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act
Introduced 2025-02-13 · Sponsored by Rep. Jackson, Ronny [R-TX-13] (R-TX) · Last updated 2026-03-31
Last action (2025-08-19): Became Public Law No: 119-34.
Summary
Requires the Commerce Department to send Congress a yearly report on export control licensing decisions. The Bureau of Industry and Security controls which dual-use goods (things with both civilian and military applications) and military components can be sold overseas, but Congress has had limited visibility into how those decisions are being made. Annual reporting gives lawmakers a clearer picture of whether sensitive technology is being adequately protected from reaching adversaries.
The Good
Increases congressional oversight of export controls
Requires the Department of Commerce to annually report to Congress on export control licensing decisions for dual-use goods and military parts. This transparency helps lawmakers assess whether export controls are being applied effectively.
Helps ensure sensitive technology does not reach adversaries
Export controls prevent dual-use technology from being transferred to countries that could use it for military purposes. Annual reporting gives Congress the information needed to identify gaps in enforcement.
The Bad
Reporting requirements add to Commerce Department workload
The Bureau of Industry and Security already processes thousands of license applications annually. Additional reporting obligations divert staff time from actual export control enforcement to paperwork.
Transparency could reveal enforcement patterns to adversaries
Detailed public reporting on licensing decisions could help foreign actors identify which technology transfers are likely to be approved, allowing them to structure acquisitions to avoid scrutiny.
All Sources
Everything on this page ties back to one of these. Click through if you want to check.