Statement by Marion C. Blakey on Secretary Gates' Export Control Reform Speech

ARLINGTON, Va., April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In his speech today, Secretary Gates confirmed the enormous commitment the Administration has made to reform the export control system. His remarks captured, as only deep experience can, the failings of the current system, which has suffered a patchwork of fixes, new requirements and rules added over the years, resulting in inefficiency. As the Secretary noted, our allies have endured non-delivery of promised weapons, equipment and support due to these antiquated rules.

Secretary Gates presented an ambitious agenda for change. And change will require unprecedented support and coordination from multiple government agencies and Congress. I strongly believe these changes, along with short-term improvements to the system, are not only possible, but necessary.

Export control modernization, along with ratification of the defense trade treaties with the UK and Australia and treating commercial satellites as commercial, not defense items, will serve our national security, foreign policy and economic interests well. Ultimately, it is the men and women in uniform who will benefit most. AIA is committed to seeing this important work to its conclusion.  

Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association represents the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, materiel, and related components, equipment services, and information technology.

SOURCE Aerospace Industries Association

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