Bipartisan bill strengthens U.S. export oversight to safeguard technology from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
On August 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed into law H.R. 1316, the Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act. Sponsored by Congressman Ronny Jackson of Texas and co-led by Congresswoman Sara Jacobs of California, with Senate champions Jim Banks of Indiana and Mark Warner of Virginia, this bipartisan and bicameral bill amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. The new law requires the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on export control license applications, enforcement actions, and authorizations concerning sensitive technologies.
The reports will detail the name of the applicant, the classification and description of the item, the intended end-user and location, estimated value, decision on the license, submission date, and any compliance checks or enforcement outcomes. While aggregate statistics will be available, individual license details will remain confidential under federal law. Covered entities include companies and organizations in countries classified under Country Group D:5 such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, particularly those on restricted lists maintained under U.S. export regulations.
Lawmakers stressed the significance of this legislation for America’s national security and technological leadership. Congressman Jackson described it as a decisive step to prevent adversaries from obtaining U.S. innovations and to secure the nation’s supply chain. Congresswoman Jacobs emphasized transparency and the protection of American innovation through bipartisan cooperation. Senator Banks called it essential to keeping sensitive technology out of China’s hands, while Senator Warner underlined the importance of modernizing safeguards to preserve America’s competitive edge. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast highlighted the law’s role in the AI arms race, calling export controls critical for maintaining U.S. dominance.
By mandating clear congressional oversight of export control licenses, H.R. 1316 strengthens America’s defenses, protects cutting-edge technologies, and ensures the United States remains a global leader in an increasingly competitive and hostile world.
