Statement by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA). Re: Administration encryption export policy announcement of Sept. 16, 1999. Date: September 16, 1999. Source: Office of Rep. Bob Goodlatte.

"Today's announcement from the Administration represents a major shift in U.S. encryption policy -- changes that are long overdue. I am pleased that the Administration has finally listened to Congress, industry and privacy organizations, and the American people in proposing an encryption export policy that will prevent economic crime, promote our national security, and allow U.S. companies to fully compete in the global marketplace."

"There can be no doubt that today's announcement is a direct result of the 258 bipartisan cosponsors of the Security And Freedom through Encryption (SAFE) Act, and the commitment of the Republican leadership to move this legislation through the House of Representatives. I would also like to thank Americans for Computer Privacy, including its 40 member associations, 100 member companies, and more than 3,000 individuals, which has provided vital support for encryption reform, and the chief cosponsors of the SAFE Act, Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), and Rep. Sam Gejdenson (D-CT)."

"When I first introduced the SAFE Act in 1996, the legislation had one hearing and 45 cosponsors. I then reintroduced the SAFE Act in 1997 with 55 original cosponsors, which grew to 248 cosponsors as the bill moved steadily through the legislative process. During this time, the Administration -- driven by the movement of the legislation -- made minor concessions in its encryption policy but continued to enforce export restrictions that were harmful to U.S. economic and national security. In 1999, the SAFE Act was reintroduced with 205 original cosponsors, including an overwhelming majority of the Republican and Democratic leadership. Currently, the SAFE Act has passed through five committees, is pending before the House Rules Committee, and has 258 bipartisan cosponsors."

"Today's encryption export policy announcement includes most of the principles expressed in the SAFE Act, including a one-time technical review of products prior to export, the denial of exports to terrorist nations and military end-users, and most importantly, the ability of U.S. companies to export mass-market encryption products without significant restriction. Additionally, the Administration is no longer proposing to link key escrow or key recovery encryption to export relief, which is expressly prohibited by the SAFE Act."

"Finally, it remains to be seen whether the Administration will follow through on the implementation of today's encryption export policy announcement. This announcement is long on potential but short on detail, and Congress will be watching carefully to make sure that the regulations issued in December match the policy announced today. Nevertheless, I am pleased that after years of ignoring the importance of strong encryption in fighting crime and protecting our national security, the Administration has finally moved towards adopting a balanced and reasonable encryption export policy."