BERMAN DRAFTING BILL TO RETURN SATELLITE LICENSING TO COMMERCE

Rep. Berman (D-Cal.) is drafting legislation that would return U.S. commercial satellite export licensing jurisdiction to Commerce Dept. from State Dept. while incorporating State and Defense Dept. special review process on satellite exports to China. Staffer said Berman was gauging potential co-sponsors’ responses before introducing bill, which he said would be finalized at unspecified date.

Source in satellite manufacturing industry said sector probably would support such legislation, citing continuing concerns that transfer year ago of authority to State from Commerce slowed rather than expedited licensing approval process.

Bill is being drafted with goal of moving it through Congress quickly rather than making symbolic statement on behalf of U.S. satellite industry, which in recent years has been suffering shrinking global market share, congressional staffer said. He said bill would be similar to one introduced last year by then Rep. Gejdendson (D-Conn.) that wasn’t considered before close of 106th Congress. Gejdendson lost reelection bid. Staffer said Berman was hopeful of bipartisan support since legislation would balance desire of industry to improve market edge while maintaining process to ensure protection of national security