Reformed Export Controls (E.O. 13637)

Summary

Gives the President's powers under the Arms Export Control Act to the Secretaries of State, Defense, and others to make arms export rules easier.

What problem does this solve?

The President had many specific duties for controlling arms sales to other countries, which could slow things down. This order gives those duties to different department heads so they can manage them directly and make the process work better.

What does this order do?

Delegates presidential powers to cabinet secretaries

Assigns the President's duties under the Arms Export Control Act to the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and other agency heads.

Secretary of State to lead foreign policy on arms sales

Makes the Secretary of State responsible for the overall supervision of arms sales and exports to ensure they align with U.S. foreign policy.

Attorney General to control permanent imports

Gives the Attorney General authority over the permanent import of defense items and services, with input from the Secretaries of State and Defense.

Revokes a previous executive order

Cancels Executive Order 11958 from 1977, which previously governed the administration of arms exports, but keeps existing actions under it in effect.

Amends rules for firearms exports

Updates Executive Order 13222 to create procedures for notifying Congress about certain firearms exports managed by the Department of Commerce.

Who does this affect?

U.S. defense contractors
Department of State and Department of Defense
Foreign governments

What is the real world impact?

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Streamlines government operations

Delegates the President's authority over arms exports to department heads. This allows experts at the State and Defense Departments to manage the complex process of arms control, making it more efficient.

When does this start?

This order became effective when it was signed on March 8, 2013.