WASHINGTON - Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, and his colleague Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) today introduced legislation aimed at reducing the waiting period on high speed computer export control thresholds from six months to 30 days, thereby improving the U.S. computer industry’s ability to compete in foreign markets.

"California’s computer industry has been key to our nation’s prosperity and security because of its ability to remain on the forefront of rapidly changing technology," said Congressman Dreier. "Waiting six months for U.S. export controls to be updated threatens this critical industry’s ability to stay out in front of aggressive foreign competitors."

"It doesn't make sense that the bureaucratic review period is longer than the product cycles of the equipment being reviewed," said Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose). "This bill not only brings export policy in line with the 30-day review process for other products that have potential military use, such as aircraft and high-tech weaponry, but also puts it on 'Internet time'."

"I’m pleased to join with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren on this important bipartisan measure," Dreier added. Dreier noted that the real world pace of technological change has shortened to a three month innovation cycle with many computer products. Keeping in place the out-dated six month waiting period is an unreasonable imposition on the computer industry that directly impacts its ability to compete in foreign markets.