A bill to provide for a ten-year statute of limitations for export control violations under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018.
Term Dictionary
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- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
Sets a 10-year statute of limitations for both civil and criminal export control violations, giving federal prosecutors more time to pursue illegal tech transfers abroad.
Who wins, who loses
Wins: federal prosecutors, national security agencies tracking illegal exports to China, Russia, and Iran.
Loses: exporters and companies facing longer legal exposure for past shipments of controlled goods.
What it does
Amends Section 1760 of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4819).
Gives the government 10 years to file civil penalties from the date of violation.
Gives prosecutors 10 years to bring criminal indictments for export violations.
Counts a charging letter as the official start of an enforcement action.
Why should I care?
Supporters say complex smuggling schemes involving semiconductors and military tech take years to unravel, and the current 5-year limit lets violators run out the clock. Critics argue a decade of legal uncertainty burdens businesses and stale evidence weakens fair defense. Export controls shape the tech industry teens will work in. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.