Commerce Secretary Announces Advisory Committee to Protect National Security and Increase American Competitiveness and Innovation (12 Business and Academic Leaders Appointed)

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today announced the appointment of 12 business and academic leaders to the newly formed Deemed Export Advisory Committee.

The Advisory Committee will address the complex issues surrounding sensitive technology transfers which involve the release of closely monitored dual-use technology to foreign nationals in the United States, known as “deemed exports.” Unauthorized release of tightly monitored technology to parties of concern could contribute to the development of weapons of mass destruction.

Secretary Gutierrez named Norman Augustine, Retired Chairman & CEO, Lockheed Martin Corporation and Robert Gates, PhD, President of Texas A&M, to be Co-Chairs of the Advisory Group.

"This committee will address evolving export policies to strike a balance between protecting national security and ensuring that the United States continues to build upon its position as a leading innovator of technology," said Secretary Gutierrez. "This is an important issue at a vital time in our nation, and I appreciate the service of our Co-Chairs Norm Augustine and Bob Gates, and all members of the Committee."

The formation of the Committee is a direct result of President Bush’s challenge to expand competitiveness while protecting U.S. national security. The Administration has undertaken a comprehensive review of deemed export policy, based on extensive dialogue over the last two years with industry, academia and the research community.

The Co-Chairs will be joined by 10 other distinguished members serving on the Committee, representing the highest levels of business, government and academia to the Deemed Export Advisory Committee:

Albert Carnesale, PhD, Former Chancellor of the University of California at Los Angeles; Ruth David, PhD, President & CEO, Analytic Services, Inc.; The Honorable John Engler, President, National Association of Manufacturers; Anthony Frank, PhD, Provost and Senior Vice President, Colorado State University; General John A. Gordon, Former Deputy Director, Central Intelligence Agency; Sean O'Keefe, Chancellor, Louisiana State University; Eva Pell, PhD, Senior Vice President and Dean of the Graduate School, Penn State University; Michael Splinter, CEO, Applied Materials; James Siedow, Vice Provost for Research and Professor of Biology, Duke University; William A. Wulf, PhD, President, National Academy of Engineering and Professor of Computer Science and University Professor, University of Virginia.