Missile Technology Control Reform Bill Introduced

U.S. Representatives Michael McCaul (R-Texas), and Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), have introduced H.R. 3068, the Missile Technology Control Revision Act, aimed at reforming missile technology export rules and to enhance allied defense cooperation.

The legislation seeks to amend the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to expedite defense trade with U.S. allies by authorizing the President to exempt designated countries from certain export restrictions.

It further establishes that the United States shall no longer apply a “presumption of denial” for Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) items when dealing with NATO members, major non-NATO allies, and Five Eyes partners.

“The Chinese Communist Party is working at lightning speed to advance its military apparatus — and it does not play fair,” Rep. McCaul stated. “The Missile Technology Control Revision Act empowers the United States and its allies to meet that generational challenge head-on by removing burdensome red tape that slows down the transfer of critical military technologies."

Rep. Huizenga emphasized the national security rationale behind the measure: “We cannot allow bureaucratic red tape to hinder our national security. By modernizing the Missile Technology Control Regime to meet the security challenges of today, we can strengthen our defense capabilities and increase our cooperation with our allies, especially Australia and the United Kingdom.”

MTCR Background

Established in 1987, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is a voluntary political arrangement among 35 countries designed to curb the proliferation of delivery systems for weapons of mass destruction. However, critics argue that its implementation has hampered U.S. defense trade by imposing restrictions on transfers of dual-use technologies such as unmanned aerial systems and satellite launch platforms, even to close allies. [13644]

The bill responds to growing concerns that adversaries such as China and Russia routinely circumvent MTCR obligations while the U.S. remains bound by rigid enforcement, creating a strategic imbalance. Supporters contend the reform would remove outdated obstacles to defense collaboration with trusted partners and improve interoperability within multilateral defense arrangements.

The bill now awaits committee consideration in the House.