For Immediate Release                                                                                    June 16, 1997


JEC Holds Hearing on Economic Espionage,
Technology Transfers and National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Chairman Jim Saxton (R-N.J.) will hold a hearing to address the current safe guards for technology policy of the United States. The proliferation of advanced dual-use technologies has led to security concerns related to hi-tech transfers, and potential problems with weapons being exported out of the United States and being developed by other countries. "We will examine important issues that have seldomly been discussed in an open environment. In addition, we will explore the long-term effects of technology acquisition by potential adversaries and their possible impact on the military and economic security of our country," stated Saxton.

      Important issues will be examined such as nationals who are able to carry home critical military or manufacturing technology as well as the massive unilateral decontrol of supercomputers and supercomputer manufacturing technology. Other aspects of the hearing will include the emerging threat of radio frequency weapons and their ability to diffuse electronics, which could leave the United States vulnerable to electronic warfare.

      The JEC will hear testimony from experts who will address the new and changing challenge of the former Soviet Union and the emergence of Asia, with an emphasis on China and the struggling and unstable Third World. Renowned author Dr. Peter Leitner will testify regarding security concerns related to hi-tech transfers and respond to questions on his 1997 book "Decontrolling Technology: Creating the Military Threat for the 21st Century."

      Retired Lt. General Robert Schweitzer will shed light on new weapons being developed and sold by other countries. Wall Street Journal reporter, John Fialka, will testify as well as discuss his new book "War by Other Means" which chronicles the foreign intelligence services' espionage attempts within the United States and the proliferation of hi-tech transfers. Also testifying is the author of "Mismanaged Trade? Strategic Policy and the Semiconductor Industry," Kenneth Flamm, who will focus on international competition in high technology industries.

      For more information regarding this hearing on June 17th at 10am, 138 Dirksen Senate Office Building, contact the JEC at (202) 224-5171.


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Press Release: #105-56





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