Panhandle Times

The bipartisan No Technology for Terror Act, supported by Congressmen Nathaniel Moran, Michael McCaul, and Jared Moskowitz, has been advanced by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. This legislation aims to strengthen existing U.S. export control limitations on the re-export or transfer of U.S.-origin equipment and technology to Iran.

Congressman Moran emphasized the importance of keeping American technology out of the hands of Iran, stating, "The No Technology for Terror Act would make permanent the restrictions on the re-transfer of U.S. technology to Iran who uses this same technology to build weapons systems such as drones and missiles to attack our troops overseas and our key allies." He further highlighted the need to restrain Iran's growing aggression and support to terror groups and authoritarian regimes.

Chairman McCaul expressed his pride in co-leading this bipartisan bill, stating, "This bill would help restrict the regime's access to the American goods and technology it needs to manufacture lethal missiles and drones, including those being used to attack our servicemembers in the Middle East as well as by Putin to wage his illegal war against Ukraine." He emphasized the importance of robust U.S. export controls in countering Iran's malign influence.

Congressman Moskowitz emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to weaken the Iranian regime, stating, "By limiting the types of goods that can enter Iran, we are weakening their ability to fund terror and develop weapons to wreak havoc throughout the region."

The No Technology for Terror Act codifies the "foreign direct product rule" to Iran, which restricts the re-export or transfer of U.S.-origin goods from one foreign country to Iran. This includes technology and equipment such as cameras, lasers, sensors, navigation systems, computers, and propulsion systems.

Iran has been known for building lethal drone fleets and other weapons systems using basic technology, including components from the United States. These weapons are then used by their backed-proxies to attack U.S. servicemembers in the Middle East and by Russia in their relentless attack on Ukraine. The No Technology for Terror Act utilizes U.S. export controls to hinder Iran's ability to manufacture lethal weapons systems for terror.

The advancement of the No Technology for Terror Act by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs marks a significant step towards limiting Iran's access to U.S. technology and equipment that could be used to further their aggressive agenda.