Companies Push President On Export-Licensing Reform

ByJohn S. McClenahen CEOs of 39 aerospace and defense companies -- including the Boeing Co. and Raytheon Co. -- are asking President Bush to take up the cause of export-licensing reform. The executives argue that reform is necessary to ensure U.S. technological leadership and maintain consistent export-control practices among the U.S. and its allies. The executives want the Bush Administration to accelerate an on-going review of national security sensitive technologies on the U.S. Munitions List. And, among other actions, they want the White House to direct federal agencies to streamline their regulatory processes and make online licensing possible.