H.R. 8289 · In committee · Foreign Trade and International Finance

BIS Licensing Efficiency Act of 2026

Sponsor: Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)

What it does

• Directs BIS to make decisions on export license applications and notify applicants within 90 days of submission.
• Requires BIS to notify applicants of application status and reasons for delays if no decision is made within 120 days.
• Mandates quarterly congressional reports from BIS on processing of export license applications and related authorization requests.
• Requires GAO audit and report on BIS export license review processes.

Official summary

BIS Licensing Efficiency Act of 2026 This bill establishes a timeline for the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to make decisions on applications for export licenses and establishes certain reporting requirements. Specifically, the bill directs BIS to make a decision on whether to approve an application for an export license and notify the applicant of the decision within 90 days of receiving the application. If no licensing decision is made within 120 days of submission of the application, BIS must notify the applicant of the status of the application, the reason a decision has not been made, and request any additional information necessary to make a decision. BIS must submit quarterly reports to specified congressional committees on the processing of license applications and other requests for authorization for the export, reexport, release, and in-country transfer of controlled items. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to audit and report to specified congressional committees on the license review process of BIS.

Latest action

Apr 22, 2026: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.

Committee: House Foreign Affairs