Us Congress House Bill HB1809

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/23
• Refer: 3/27/23
• Report Pass: 10/19/23

Caption

Block the Use of Transatlantic Technology in Iranian Made Drones Act

Impact

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Department of State and the Secretary of Defense, creates a strategy to thwart the export of U.S. technologies that are utilized in the design and production of unmanned aircraft systems by Iran. The strategy will also involve identifying not only U.S. manufacturers of these technologies but also third-party distributors that may help circumvent existing sanctions. Furthermore, the Secretary of State is required to engage with allies and partner nations to synchronize efforts against technology exports to Iran.

Summary

House Bill 1809, titled the 'Block the Use of Transatlantic Technology in Iranian Made Drones Act', seeks to develop strategies to prevent the export of certain technologies related to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to Iran. The bill stems from concerns about Iran supplying UAS to Russia for use in its aggression against Ukraine. Recognizing the intricate global supply chains, the bill emphasizes the need for robust export control measures, particularly for components that might be dual-use or widely available in the market.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB1809 lies in the intricacies of enforcing export controls on technology characteristics. Legislators may debate the feasibility of identifying and restricting access to components that are also prevalent in civilian uses, thus complicating enforcement. Additionally, some may argue that stricter export controls could hinder legitimate business operations and collaborations in the defense and tech sectors, raising questions about the balance between national security and economic interests.