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HR 3937 comes to the floor this wednesday with a "good" amendment!
[updated July 18, 1994 shabbir]
[HR 3937 COMES TO THE FLOOR WEDNESDAY JULY 20TH; YOUR ACTION NEEDED]
[PLEASE CHECK THE "WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW" SECTION!]
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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
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 contact [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. :-)
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STATUS OF THE BILL (updated 7/18/94)
The Cantwell bill HR3627, that allows for fewer restrictions on exports
of cryptography, 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 will come to the House
floor on Wednesday July 20th.
A amendment that reinstates Rep. Maria Cantwell's cryptography export
provisions WILL be offered. It is crucial that you ensure that your
representative knows that you support ONLY the amended version of this
bill.
This may be the last thing you can do for the cryptographic export
legislation. Take the time to make a call!
Schedule/Chronology of the bill
Jul 20, 94 HR3937 comes to House floor; a "good" amendement will be offered
[YOUR ACTION IS NEEDED TO PASS THIS]
Jul 11, 94 House Rules Committee marks HR3937 "open"; allowing amendments
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.
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WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
Estimated time to do this good deed: Six minutes
Your legislator needs to know that you want them to support HR3937
but only with an amendment including Rep. Maria Cantwell's cryptography
export provisions.
If you wish to fax a letter instead of calling, that's fine too.
If you don't know who your representative is, call:
-The League of Women Voters in your area, or
-Any representative from your state. They will tell you which
is yours.
You can obtain a complete copy of all representatives by:
-checking the VTW gopher site:
URL:gopher://gopher.panix.com:70/1/1/vtw
(check under Congress)
-or by dropping a note to [email protected]
[Our directory is a bit out of date. Please check all fax numbers before
sending. People volunteering to obtain a new directory for us are
welcome to help out.]
Feel free to use the following sample communique:
The Honorable ____________
address
Washington DC, 20515
Dear Congressman or Congresswoman,
On Wed. July 20th, HR 3937 (General Export Administration Act)
comes to the floor. Please support HR3937 but only with an
amendment including Rep. Maria Cantwell's cryptography export
provisions. These provisions are crucial to the development of
privacy-enhancing technology as the competitiveness of the
American cryptographic industry.
Sincerely,
_________________________________
A shorter telephone sample communique might be:
Dear Congressman or Congresswoman,
Please support HR3937 but only with an amendment including
Rep. Maria Cantwell's cryptography export provisions.
Thank you.
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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.
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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.
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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 poured vast sums of money into
cryptography. 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)
Today, many companies selling cryptographic technology are producing
their products for the global market. A recent Software Publishers'
Association Report (available from the VTW gopher) identified over 200
non-US companies producing cryptographic technology in the global
marketplace. You can buy the same, high-quality cryptographic
technology from many international firms despite the US export
regulations. 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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