To amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to permit the Secretary of State, Defense, or Energy to submit proposed rules to the Export Administration Review Board, to require the Secretary of State to evaluate the military civil fusion strategy of the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would make changes to existing U.S. export control law, which governs what American technologies, products, and information can be sent to other countries. Specifically, it would allow the Secretaries of State, Defense, or Energy to submit proposed rules to a government review board called the Export Administration Review Board. This board helps oversee decisions about what items should be restricted from export for national security reasons. Currently, the process for who can bring proposals to this board may be more limited, and this bill would broaden that access.

The bill also requires the Secretary of State to formally evaluate China's "military-civil fusion" strategy. This is China's government policy of connecting its civilian businesses and research institutions with its military to share technologies and advancements. The evaluation would help U.S. officials better understand how commercial partnerships or technology transfers with Chinese companies might potentially benefit China's military — information that could then inform decisions about what American exports should be restricted.

The people most directly affected by this bill would be U.S. businesses and researchers who export technology, goods, or services — particularly those with connections to China. Depending on how the State Department's evaluation turns out, it could influence which products or technologies face tighter export restrictions, potentially affecting industries like semiconductors, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. The bill is currently in early stages, having been introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.