Re: Administration encryption export policy announcement of Sept. 16, 1999.
Date: September 16, 1999.
Source: Office of Rep. Zoe Lofgren.
| Statement by Rep.
Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). Re: Administration encryption export policy announcement of Sept. 16, 1999. Date: September 16, 1999. Source: Office of Rep. Zoe Lofgren. |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lofgren Encouraged by New White House Encryption Policy
SAN JOSE, CA -- The White House announced today that it would alter encryption policies that have been the object of concern among Congressmembers and high technology experts for many years.
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose, Ca.), the principal Democratic co-sponsor of the Security and Freedom through Encryption Act (the SAFE Act), first introduced in 1995, applauded the Administration's change in export policy. She said, "I believe the dialogue we've enjoyed with industry, my colleagues in Congress, and with the Administration has helped move America forward in encryption policy. I especially appreciate the hard work of the principal Republican co-sponsor, Congressman Bob Goodlatte. Minority Leader Dick Gephardt has exhibited extraordinary leadership on this issue, and I want the world to know that, " she said.
"Obviously all of us will want to review the details of these proposals, but the broad outline revealed today by the Administration seems to be very much in keeping with the goals we have had for American encryption policy. Congressman Goodlatte and I have been strong supporters of a technical center for law enforcement, and I especially welcome the Attorney General's recognition that additional technical expertise for federal law enforcement officials will be positive for our country."
Lofgren said, "I'm not saying that our work is over. There may always be some difficulty in the details. However, I hope that this policy pronouncement reflects the fact that we now share a common goal."
As for the legislative proposal the Administration proposed today, regarding access to encryption keys held by third parties, Lofgren said, "I haven't seen the language and some of these provisions are quite technical and require careful study. But I look forward to reviewing this new proposal in the days ahead, and I expect to be engaged when it's introduced and considered in the Judiciary Committee."
Congresswoman Lofgren is a member of the House Judiciary Committee and of that Committee's Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property that would consider this legislation once it is introduced.