Administration of Reformed Export Controls

2013-03-13Executive Order 13637
Signed by: Barack Obama
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Headline: Delegates Export Control Authority to State and Defense Departments

What it does: Agencies must carry out export-control functions as delegated, with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense given primary responsibility and required to consult with other departments.

Real World Impact:
  • Shifts decision-making on defense export licenses to State and Defense departments.
  • Funds for carrying out export controls are allocated to the Secretary of Defense.
  • Requires new procedures for notifying Congress about certain firearms and major defense exports.
Topics: export controls, national security, foreign policy, government operations

Summary

This order moves many export-control powers from the President to Cabinet departments, mainly the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense. It clarifies who decides on sales, licensing, and enforcement of defense-related exports, requires departments to consult each other, and allocates funds for export functions to the Secretary of Defense.

People affected include foreign policy and defense officials, companies that export defense items, and Congress for certain notification procedures. The order aims to integrate export decisions with U.S. foreign policy and streamline administration.

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