On August 19, 2025, the President signed into law H.R. 1316, known as the ‘Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act.’ This legislation amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 by requiring the Secretary of Commerce to provide Congress with annual reports on dual-use export license applications. The purpose of this law is to enhance transparency in the export control system, ensuring that Congress is informed about exports that may have both civilian and military applications.

The law addresses concerns regarding oversight in the export licensing process, particularly for dual-use items that can be used for both commercial and military purposes. By mandating annual reporting, the legislation aims to improve monitoring and accountability regarding the issuance and management of these licenses. This is seen as a step towards maintaining American competitiveness in a rapidly changing global environment.

Overall, H.R. 1316 reflects an effort to strengthen the regulatory framework surrounding export controls in the United States. The requirement for regular reports is intended to support informed decision-making by Congress on national security and trade matters. This law underscores a commitment to ensuring that U.S. export policies are transparent and rigorous, aligning with broader goals of maintaining American superiority in various technological sectors.

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