U.S. Rep. Michael Lawler from New York's 17th District | Official U.S. House Headshot
U.S. Rep. Michael Lawler from New York's 17th District | Official U.S. House Headshot
A bipartisan coalition in the House, led by Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), has taken steps to bolster U.S. export control laws by reintroducing the Remote Access Security Act. This legislative move, aimed at preventing companies aligned with the Chinese Communist Party from accessing restricted American technology via cloud services, was unanimously supported in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, earning a 51-0 vote.
The enactment of this bill is intended to fortify the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (ECRA), which was designed to regulate the export of sensitive technology. Congressman Lawler highlighted that while the physical export of technological items has been blocked, adversaries have been accessing these through cloud technologies, exploiting a significant loophole. "Our export controls are only as strong as the weakest link – and right now, China is exploiting us," Lawler stated.
The bill's objective is to modernize ECRA by defining "remote access" and including remote access provisions, aiming to prevent unauthorized users from skirting export restrictions in the era of advanced digital technology. Congressman Lawler emphasized the need for U.S. laws to adapt to current technological realities, asserting, “We cannot allow the CCP to continue to access this technology. This bill ensures our laws reflect the realities of the digital age.”
The bill has attracted a diverse range of sponsors from various states, including Reps. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), and Young Kim (CA-40).
Congressman Lawler, known for his bipartisan endeavors, represents New York’s 17th Congressional District. His district is located north of New York City and includes regions such as Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. Lawler was noted as the most effective freshman legislator in the 118th Congress, a distinction that highlights his legislative prowess.
Full text of the bill can be found HERE.
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