Representative Ronny Jackson introduced the Strategic Export Control and Border Security Enhancement Act on May 14, a bill designed to enhance America’s trade controls, improve border enforcement, and prevent the diversion of weapons of mass destruction, advanced conventional weapons, and dual-use technologies to foreign actors.
The legislation aims to address national security concerns by codifying the Department of State’s Office of Export Controls and Border Security (EXBS) within the Office of the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. EXBS coordinates with U.S. allies to improve export controls, strengthen border enforcement, combat sanctions evasion, and prevent sensitive American technologies from reaching hostile regimes or criminal networks.
“President Trump has taken decisive action to secure America’s borders and protect our national security, and this legislation builds on that success by strengthening our ability to work with our allies to stop the distribution of dangerous weapons, illicit technology transfers, drug trafficking, and human smuggling before they threaten the United States,” said Representative Jackson. “As China, Iran, North Korea, and transnational criminal networks continue working to exploit weak international enforcement systems, America must lead a coordinated effort to close those gaps and defend our technological and military superiority.”
The proposed act supports efforts by the Department of State in developing a unified strategy for U.S. export control assistance programs. The goals include reducing risks from sanctions evasion or illicit trafficking; preventing adversaries from obtaining sensitive technologies; strengthening global supply chains; promoting U.S. strategic trade standards internationally; and supporting lawful U.S. exporters through diplomatic engagement consistent with national security objectives.
Jackson is currently serving in Congress representing Texas’ 13th district after replacing Mac Thornberry in 2021 according to Ballotpedia. He was born in Levelland in 1967 and lives in Amarillo. In previous elections he defeated Kathleen Brow in 2022 with over 75% of votes as well as Gus Trujillo in 2020 according to Ballotpedia.
