Rep. Berman (D-Cal.) is working on 2nd draft of bill that would r...

Rep. Berman (D-Cal.) is working on 2nd draft of bill that would return satellite export licensing jurisdiction to Commerce Dept. from State Dept. and expects to introduce legislation after April recess, staffer said. Revision reportedly bolsters security protections found in first draft, though staffer wouldn’t elaborate. But he acknowledged that initial proposal to incorporate State and Defense Dept. special review process for satellite exports to China remains integral part of bill. Rep. Cox (R-Cal.), staunch national security proponent, recently said (CD March 7 p4) he'd oppose Berman bill. Berman aide said he was hopeful Cox would reconsider after reviewing revised draft. Bill has several cosponsors and Berman expects more to come on board, particularly other members from Cal. who are concerned about impact of slow State Dept. export license review and its negative impact on state’s high tech industry, according to staffer.