Washington, D.C., May 18, 2012 – The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) applauds the passage of H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (“NDAA”), which includes a provision that would reform the U.S. framework for satellite export controls. The provision was offered as an amendment to the NDAA on May 17, and was endorsed by a strong and bipartisan group of Representatives: Berman (D-CA), Rob Bishop (R-UT), Blumenauer (D-OR), Connolly (D-VA), Heinrich (D-NM), Keating (D-MA), Larsen (D-WA), Manzullo (RIL), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), McKeon (R-CA), Rohrabacher (R-CA), Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Royce (R-CA), Ruppersberger (D-MD), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), and Adam Smith (D-WA).

“The passage of a satellite export control reform provision by the House of Representatives is a vital step for the U.S. satellite industry. We applaud the initiative demonstrated by all the Members of the House of Representatives who have supported the competitiveness of the satellite industry, and worked on this provision, and particularly the leadership of Representatives Berman, McKeon, Ros-Lehtinen, and Adam Smith, who brought this amendment to fruition,” said Patricia Cooper, the President of SIA. “SIA is committed to working with the House, Senate, and Administration to perfect this provision. We continue to encourage the reform of satellite export controls to ensure the competitiveness of the U.S. satellite and space industries.”

ABOUT THE SATELLITE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION:

SIA is a U.S.-based trade association providing worldwide representation of the leading satellite operators, service providers, manufacturers, launch services providers, and ground equipment suppliers. Since its creation more than fifteen years ago, SIA has become the unified voice of the U.S. satellite industry on policy, regulatory, and legislative issues affecting the satellite business.