LEXIS-NEXIS® Academic Universe-Document

LEXIS-NEXIS® Academic

May 19, 2000, Friday

SECTION: BUSINESS;Pg. C-1

LENGTH: 477 words

HEADLINE: Vote sets terms of computer exports; National security cited for House compromise

BYLINE: Otto Kreisher; COPLEY NEWS SERVICE

BODY:
WASHINGTON -- The House voted overwhelmingly to accelerate the process for exporting high-speed computers, but not so fast as the industry and the Clinton administration wanted.

The compromise provision demanded by national security hawks would cut from 180 days to 60 days the time Congress can review administration proposals to adjust the definition of "super computers," which cannot be exported to countries considered a national security threat.

But the computer industry and the Clinton administration have been pushing for a 30-day review, which is the delay for exporting certain weapons to nations not considered close U.S. allies. A bill authored by Reps. David Dreier, R-San Dimas, and Zoe Lofgren, D-Palo Alto, that would have cut the computer review period to 30 days passed the House International Relations Committee unanimously last month.

But under pressure from members of the House Armed Services Committee, Dreier offered an amendment to the fiscal year 2001 defense authorization bill setting a 60-day review.

The measure passed on a 415-8 vote. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-El Cajon, one of the strongest opponents of any action that could help China or Russia improve their military capabilities, was among the five Republicans and three Democrats voting no.

At issue is the calculating speed of computers at which special approval is required before they can be exported to a list of potentially unfriendly nations, including China. That threshold can be raised by the administration unless Congress adopts a resolution of disapproval within a set time.

Congress imposed the six-month delay in the 1998 defense bill after China attempted to get so-called "super computers."

But the industry complained that the capability of computers increases so rapidly that the six-month delay in raising the limit makes it impossible to compete with foreign suppliers.

Lofgren noted that the newest Sony children's play station falls under the current "super computer" definition.

In arguing for the amendment Wednesday, Dreier said it would "protect our congressional prerogatives" while promoting "sound export controls and the continued global leadership of our computer industry. And it will be good for our national security."

Lofgren, however, asked: "Why should computers require a longer review than tanks and artillery? It makes no sense."

The industry group lobbying for the 30-day delay commended the House "for taking an important step toward letting U.S. computer companies compete in international markets . . . .

"While we would have preferred a 30-day waiting period, today's action is a solid compromise and sets up our best chance for relief on this issue, which we desperately need," the Computer Coalition for Responsible Exports said in a statement.

Legislation setting a 30-day wait is pending in the Senate.

LOAD-DATE: May 22, 2000