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Re: Any news on the crypto export bill?
Apologies if this appeared ealier on this list.
----- Begin Forwarded Message -----
From: "Shabbir J. Safdar" <[email protected]>
Subject: URGENT: House Rules committee postpones vote until week of 7/11/94
Date: Wed, 6 Jul 1994 08:43:58 -0400 (EDT)
Content-Length: 20437
Precedence: list
To: [email protected] (eff-activists mailing list)
[updated July 6, 1994 with Rules Committee information, shabbir]
[My apologies for the errors in the fax numbers. I still am unable to
get the GPO to sell me an electronic copy of the Congressional Directory,
so I end up playing "catchup". If you can help, let me know. I'll
pay for the directory, I just can't navigate the gpo's terrible
interface.. -Shabbir]
[POTENTIAL ACTION SCHEDULED FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 11TH, 1994]
[PLEASE CHECK THE "WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW" SECTION!]
*********************************************************************
DISTRIBUTE WIDELY
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Table of contents:
Introduction & Alert
Status of the bill
What you can do right now
List of legislators supporting HR 3937 (formerly HR 3627)
List of legislators wavering on HR 3937 (formerly HR 3627)
List of legislators opposing HR 3937 (formerly HR 3627)
What is the Cantwell bill?
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INTRODUCTION & ALERT
Voters Telecomm Watch keeps scorecards on legislators' positions on
legislation that affects telecommunications and civil liberties.
If you have updates to a legislator's positions, from either:
-public testimony,
-reply letters from the legislator,
-stated positions from their office,
please send them to [email protected] so they can be added to this list.
General questions: [email protected]
Mailing List Requests: [email protected]
Press Contact: [email protected]
Gopher URL: gopher://gopher.panix.com:70/1/1/vtw
WWW URL: Be patient; we're working on it. :-)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATUS OF THE BILL (updated 7/6/94)
The Cantwell bill, that allows for fewer restrictions exports of
cryptography, has an interesting history. It was rolled into the
General Export Administration Act HR 3937. The House Foreign Affairs
Committee passed the full strength version out of committee after
open, public hearings. The House Intelligence Committee took the
bill and gutted it after a day of closed, secret hearings. The
gutted version is making its way to the House floor.
There is a crucial stop-off point, however. The House Rules Committee
planned to hold a hearing on 6/30/94 to determine if the bill can be
amended on the House floor (an "open" bill) or not (a "closed" bill).
*** The vote was put off, because in one member's words, "all the legislators
*** went home early". This gives us more time to lobby!
If they mark the bill as "open", then the Cantwell bill could be restored
to its previous version, removing the language put in by the House Select
Intelligence Committee which gutted it without a public hearing.
YOUR LOBBYING HAS ALREADY WORKED! A constituent reported back to me
that their legislator (Rep. Quillen) had taken a position on marking
the bill as "open". In a land where legislators are loathe to offend,
this is terrific! Call and urge your legislator to take a position
in favor of "open"!
This may be the last thing you can do for the cryptographic export
legislation. Take the time to make a call!
Chronology of the bill
Jul 11, 94 House Rules Comm. reconvenes; possibly votes again this week
Jun 30, 94 [*** vote postponed, perhaps till the week of 7/11/94]
House Rules Comm. decides whether to allow amendments
on the bill when it reaches the House floor
Jun 14, 94 Gutted by the House Select Committee on Intelligence
May 20, 94 Referred to the House Select Committee on Intelligence
May 18, 94 Passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on May 18
attached to HR 3937, the General Export Administration Act
Dec 6, 93 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Policy, Trade and
Nov 22, 93 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
Estimated time to do this good deed: Two minutes
Show your support for HR 3937 (formerly HR 3627) by contacting a member
of the House Rules Committee and ask them to mark the bill as "open"
(allowing amendments) when it reaches the House floor.
The phone numbers of the members of the House Rules Committee are listed
below. Please pick one from your state and call them. If your state
isn't listed please call the Chairman, Rep. Joe Moakley.
Feel free to use the following sample communique:
The Honorable ____________
address
Washington DC, 20515
Dear Congressman or Congresswoman,
Please mark the General Export Administration Act (HR 3937) as
"open" (allowing amendments on the House floor).
Recently the House Intelligence Committee removed several provisions
of the General Export Administration Act, HR 3937, dealing with
the export of cryptographic technology.
The House Intelligence Committee did this in a closed, secret hearing
which provided for no public input. The House Foreign Affairs
Committee previously held an open hearing on the same issue and
received a flood of people testifying in favor of the bill, which the
committee then reported out in full.
I urge you to allow the democratic process to take its course
on the House floor and mark the bill as "open".
Sincerely,
_________________________________
Phone/Fax/Addresses of members of the House Rules Committee
103rd United States Congress, 1993-1994
All addresses are Washington, D.C. 20515
Dist ST Name, Address, and Party Phone Fax
==== == ======================== ============== ==============
9 MA Moakley, John Joseph (D) 1-202-225-8273 1-202-225-3984
235 Cannon
UNSPECIFIED POSITION
3 SC Derrick, Butler (D) 1-202-225-5301 1-202-225-5383
221 Cannon
UNSPECIFIED POSITION
24 CA Beilenson, Anthony (D) 1-202-225-5911 no reliable fax
2465 RHOB
UNSPECIFIED POSITION
24 TX Frost, Martin (D) 1-202-225-3605 1-202-225-4951
2459 RHOB
UNSPECIFIED POSITION
10 MI Bonior, David E. (D) 1-202-225-2106 1-202-226-1169
2207 RHOB
UNSPECIFIED POSITION
3 OH Hall, Tony P. (D) 1-202-225-6465 1-202-225-9272
2264 RHOB
UNSPECIFIED POSITION
5 MO Wheat, Alan (D) 1-202-225-4535 1-202-225-5990
2334 RHOB
UNSPECIFIED POSITION
6 TN Gordon, Bart (R) 1-202-225-4231 1-202-225-6887
103 Cannon
UNSPECIFIED POSITION
28 NY Slaughter, Louise M. (D) 1-202-225-3615 1-202-225-7822
2421 RHOB
UNSPECIFIED POSITION
22 NY Solomon, Gerald B. (R) 1-202-225-5614 1-202-225-1168
2265 RHOB
UNSPECIFIED POSITION
1 TN Quillen, James H. (R) 1-202-225-6356 1-202-225-7812
102 Cannon
WILL VOTE FOR "OPEN" - CALL AND THANK HIM
28 CA Dreier, David (R) 1-202-225-2305 no reliable fax
411 Cannon
UNSPECIFIED POSITION
14 FL Goss, Porter J. (R) 1-202-225-2536 1-202-225-6820
330 Cannon
UNSPECIFIED POSITION
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LIST OF LEGISLATORS SUPPORTING CRYPTOGRAPHY EXPORT LEGISLATION
The following legislators have formally registered support for
cryptography export legislation. Call them with your cheers.
All addresses are Washington, D.C. 20515
Dist ST Name, Address, and Party Phone Fax
==== == ======================== ============== ==============
1 WA Cantwell, Maria (D) 1-202-225-6311 1-202-225-2286
1520 LHOB
HR 3627's sponsor; thank her for her work!
16 IL Manzullo, Donald (R) 1-202-225-5676 1-202-225-5284
506 Cannon
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 11/22/93
3 UT Orton, William H. (D) 1-202-225-7751 1-202-226-1223
1122 LHOB
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
3 OR Wyden, Ronald (D) 1-202-225-4811 1-202-225-8941
1111 LHOB
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
16 CA Edwards, Donald (D) 1-202-225-3072 1-202-225-9460
2307 RHOB
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
19 OH Fingerhut, Eric D. (D) 1-202-225-5731 1-202-225-9114
431 Cannon
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
4 MA Frank, Barney (D) 1-202-225-5931 1-202-225-0182
2404 RHOB
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
2 UT Shepherd, Karen (D) 1-202-225-3011 1-202-226-0354
414 Cannon
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
3 WA Unsoeld, Jolene (D) 1-202-225-3536 1-202-225-9095
1527 LHOB
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
19 FL Johnston II, Harry (D) 1-202-225-3001 1-202-225-8791
204 Cannon
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
9 WA Kreidler, Mike (D) 1-202-225-8901 1-202-226-2361
1535 LHOB
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
4 WA Inslee, Jay (D) 1-202-225-5816 1-202-226-1137
1431 LHOB
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
7 WA McDermott, James A. (D) 1-202-225-3106 1-202-225-9212
1707 LHOB
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
8 IN McCloskey, Frank (D) 1-202-225-4636 1-202-225-4688
306 Cannon
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
14 CA Eshoo, Anna G. (D) 1-202-225-8104 1-202-225-8890
1505 LHOB
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 03/22/94
10 NC Ballenger, Thomas C. (R) 1-202-225-2576 1-202-225-0316
2238 RHOB
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 05/04/94
2 WA Swift, Al (D) 1-202-225-2605 1-202-225-2608
1502 LHOB
Cosponsored HR 3627 on 05/04/94
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LIST OF LEGISLATORS WAVERING ON CRYPTOGRAPHY EXPORT LEGISLATION
[Feel free to use the sample communique at the end of the FAQ when calling
or writing a legislator.]
26 NY Hinchey, Maurice D. (D) 1-202-225-6335 1-202-226-0774
1313 LHOB
Recently told a constituent that he is taking the Cantwell bill
under consideration, but has "national security concerns" about
allowing encryption to be exported outside the United States.
1 IA Leach, James (R) 1-202-225-6576 1-202-226-1278
2186 RHOB
Has yet to answer a constituent letter with a stated position.
13 NY Molinari, Susan (D) 1-202-225-3371 1-202-226-1272
123 Cannon
Has yet to answer a constituent letter with a stated position.
(has taken inordinately long)
8 NY Nadler, Jerrold (D) 1-202-225-5635 1-202-225-6923
424 Cannon
Met with lobbying constituent in April '94; no position taken yet
25 CA McKeon, Howard P. (R) 1-202-225-1956 1-202-226-0683
307 Cannon
Responded to a constituent with a "non-position", May '94
Had a favorable meeting with a constituent and a VTW volunteer
in May '94.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIST OF LEGISLATORS OPPOSING CRYPTOGRAPHY EXPORT LEGISLATION
[Feel free to use the sample communique at the end of the FAQ when calling
or writing a legislator.]
Dist ST Name, Address, and Party Phone Fax
==== == ======================== ============== ==============
5 AL Cramer Jr, Robert E. (D) 1-202-225-4801 1-202-225-4392
1318 LHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
8 CA Pelosi, Nancy (D) 1-202-225-4965 1-202-225-8259
240 Cannon
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
32 CA Dixon, Julian C. (D) 1-202-225-7084 1-202-225-4091
2400 RHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
40 CA Lewis, Jerry (R) 1-202-225-5861 1-202-225-6498
2312 RHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
46 CA Dornan, Robert K. (R) 1-202-225-2965 no reliable fax
2402 RHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
2 CO Skaggs, David E. (D) 1-202-225-2161 1-202-225-9127
1124 LHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
10 FL Young, C. W. (R) 1-202-225-5961 1-202-225-9764
2407 RHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
4 KS Glickman, Daniel (D) 1-202-225-6216 1-202-225-5398
2371 RHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
1 NE Bereuter, Douglas (R) 1-202-225-4806 1-202-226-1148
2348 RHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
9 NJ Torricelli, Robert (D) 1-202-224-5061 1-202-225-0843
2159 RHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
3 NM Richardson, William (D) 1-202-225-6190 no reliable fax
2349 RHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
1 NV Bilbray, James H. (D) 1-202-225-5965 1-202-225-8808
2431 RHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
17 PA Gekas, George W. (R) 1-202-225-4315 1-202-225-8440
2410 RHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
2 RI Reed, John F. (D) 1-202-225-2735 1-202-225-9580
1510 LHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
14 TX Laughlin, Gregory H. (D) 1-202-225-2831 1-202-225-1108
236 Cannon
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
16 TX Coleman, Ronald D. (D) 1-202-225-4831 None
440 Cannon
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
19 TX Combest, Larry (R) 1-202-225-4005 1-202-225-9615
1511 LHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
1 UT Hansen, James V. (R) 1-202-225-0453 1-202-225-5857
2466 RHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
6 WA Dicks, Norman D. (D) 1-202-225-5916 1-202-226-1176
2467 RHOB
FAILED Cryptography exports:
Voted to kill Rep. Cantwell's export provisions in the
House Intelligence Committee on 6/15/94.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is the Cantwell bill?
The Cantwell bill would permit companies to export products with
encryption technology in them. US companies are currently
not permitted to export products (hardware or software) with this
technology in them.
What is encryption technology?
Encryption technology, or cryptography, is the art of scrambling
a conversation so that only the people communicating can decode
it. Other people (such as eavesdroppers) cannot learn about
the conversation.
Where is cryptography being used?
Cryptography is used to encrypt electronic mail to protect its confidentiality
in transit. It's used by bank automatic teller machines to protect
sensitive data (such as your account number, your Personal Identification
Number, and your bank balance). It can be implemented into software
(such as electronic mail programs and word processors) as well as hardware
(such as telephones and "walkie-talkies") to ensure your privacy.
Why is there a restriction on exporting products with technology
in them?
For many years the United States was a leading researcher in
cryptography. High quality cryptographic technology was available only
within the United States. The US government thought that if they did
not let this technology be exported, foreign individuals would not be able
to obtain it and use it against us (by keeping US intelligence agencies
from eavesdropping on their communications)
Since then, cryptography research has been published in international
journals. Companies have been created throughout the world who
export cryptographic technology from countries that do not have
these restrictions. You can now buy the same, high-quality cryptographic
technology from many international firms. Although the marketplace
has changed, the regulations have not.
Why should the regulations be changed?
US companies compete in a global marketplace. Because of the export
regulations, they often compete alongside products with superior
cryptographic capabilities built into them.
The result is that US companies build their products with
an inferior encryption technology. The result of this is that
you, as an American consumer, have great difficulty obtaining
products with strong encryption in them.
Because US products cannot compete against products with better
privacy features, and because the laws are outdated, the regulations
should be changed. The Cantwell bill fixes these regulations to more
accurately resemble the current situation of the world marketplace.
How can I help encourage more privacy-enhanced products and
pass the Cantwell bill?
Call or write your representative and ask them to support or cosponsor
Rep. Cantwell's export provisions (formerly HR 3627) in the General
Export Administration Act, HR 3937. You can base your letter on the
sample communication below.
SAMPLE LETTER OR PHONE CALL
The Honorable ____________
address
Washington DC, 20515
Dear Congressman or Congresswoman,
As a citizen concerned for my privacy, as well as a supporter of
American business, I urge you to cosponsor the Rep. Cantwell's
cryptographic export provisions (formerly HR 3627) in the General
Export Administration Act, HR 3937.
The bill would allow US companies to produce and export products with
cryptographic privacy-enhancing technology in them. These products
are already available from firms throughout the world. US companies
lose nearly $100 million per year in exports to them.
By encouraging this industry, ordinary citizens like you and me would
be able to purchase products with better privacy features.
Please support or co-sponsor HR 3937.
Sincerely,
___________________________________
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----- End Forwarded Message -----
Jose M. daLuz
KnowledgeQuest Online Research
[email protected]
(508) 996-6101 (vox)
(508) 996-6215 (fax)