Washington, D.C. – The House Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), today passed four bipartisan measures, including legislation to reform U.S. export controls, strengthen women’s economic empowerment and reauthorize the Global Food Security Act.

On H.R. 5040, as amended, which modernizes U.S. export control regulations, Chairman Royce said: “Crucially, this bill closes gaps in our export controls that could permit transfers of cutting-edge technologies, like artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors, to potential adversaries like China. It also ensures that transfers of sensitive manufacturing know-how are subject to more rigorous export controls. We urgently need to identify and appropriately control critical emerging technologies that are not currently subject to export controls, but that could be essential to U.S. national security.

“Along with other reforms, this bill will enable the U.S. to remain a leader in innovation, strengthen our industrial base and protect technologies essential to national security.”

On H.R. 5480, as amended, which seeks to address gender-related barriers to economic growth and supports women-led enterprises, Chairman Royce said: “Women in developing countries across the globe face serious obstacles to entrepreneurship and economic participation. Over a billion women are left out of the banking system, leaving them without access to savings, credit, insurance and basic property rights. But when women have more control over household finances, their families and local communities benefit – giving a boost to childhood survival rates, food security and education.

“Women and girls around the world should have the right to actively shape their future. By addressing the barriers to women’s economic participation and opportunities, we can make them stronger economic players, which could add trillions to the global economy – benefiting overseas communities and the U.S.”

On H.R. 5129, as amended, which reauthorizes the Global Food Security Act, Chairman Royce said: “Since enactment in 2016, the Global Food Security Strategy has helped 11 million small farmers gain access to new technologies, unlocked $2.7 billion in loans and $830 million in private sector investment, and reduced poverty. These programs have also allowed us to give vital nutrition assistance to more than 27 million children under the age of five. And we did this all without increasing spending. H.R. 5129 continues this good work.”

Additionally, the committee passed, as amended, H.R. 5274, Global Electoral Exchange Act, introduced by Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX), which promotes international exchanges on best election practices and cultivates more secure democratic institutions around the world

A summary of the Committee action, including adopted amendments, will be available HERE.

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