Reaction Of Sen. Patrick Leahy On The Administration's Announcement Of Relaxation Of Export Controls On Encryption Technology

September 16, 1999

[Below is the reaction of Sen. Patrick Leahy, long one of the leading experts on encryption technology in Congress and sponsor of legislation that would loosen export controls on encryption products, on the Administration's new encryption proposal announced today. Leahy (D-Vt.) is the Democratic leader (ranking member) of the Senate Judiciary Committee.]

"Relaxation of export controls on encryption is good news for American companies, American workers and American consumers. Our high-tech companies have been competing in the global encryption market with both hands tied behind their backs by our own government. I have urged since 1994 that we relax that regulation before the market for strong encryption is lost to foreign firms. Our priority should be on keeping encryption expertise and the high-tech jobs that go with it right here in the United States. The Administration's announcement sounds promising, it is the right step and it's about time."