“Selling sensitive
technology to China? That’s a bold-faced lie.” – John Douglass, NBC 29
Interview, Wednesday September 26, 2012
Washington DC lobbyist and
insider John Douglass called allegations that he lobbied to sell sensitive
satellite technology to the Chinese a “bold-faced lie.” Unfortunately for
Mr. Douglass, his past is on the record and well documented. As you can
see from press releases by the DC lobbying firm he ran, news articles, and in
his own words during testimony to Congress – he is simply not telling the
truth. As a
lobbyist, Douglass advocated for selling sensitive satellite technology to the
Chinese and used his position as head of a special interest group to lobby
Congress to oppose “Buy American” provisions for our armed forces.
Here are the real facts on
DC insider John Douglass’ record as a lobbyist:
Lobbyist John Douglass
Facts:
· Lobbying
o John
Douglass was the head of a top lobbying organization, Aerospace Industries
Association, which represents dozens of corporate clients.
· Selling
Satellites to China
o In
1999, Congress made it illegal to sell satellites to China to protect National
Security
· Amid
mounting allegations that launches of U.S. commercial satellites in China have
aided that country's missile program, Congress this fall tightened government
controls on satellite exports. And a Pentagon study completed on Dec. 7
concluded that in 1995, Hughes Electronics Corp.—without appropriate government
approval--provided Chinese scientists with valuable information critical to
both commercial satellite and ballistic-missile-launch technologies. – National
Journal December 12, 1998
· However,
lobbyist John Douglass opposed this because his clients could lose money
· We
are extremely disappointed that the language agreed to by the House and Senate
conferees to the Defense Department Authorization Bill transfers legal
authority… by the Commerce Department, to… the State Department…. What it
will do is preclude US companies from selling communications satellites to any
country to which the law prohibits the sale of weapons systems, even if a US
launcher is used. –Aerospace Industries Association Press Release September
24, 1998, John Douglass CEO of Aerospace Industries Association
· “We
estimate that China plans to purchase at least $3 billion in communications
satellites and related equipment over the next ten years…there is even more
potential for future sales and launches as China is brought into the global
community” – John Douglass testimony before U.S. China
Commission August 2, 2001, John Douglass CEO of Aerospace Industries
Association
· “the
practice of denying American manufacturers participation in satellite sales and
launches in China has… hurt our aerospace business” – John
Douglass testimony before U.S. China Commission August 2, 2001
· Opposed
“Buy America” Provisions
· The
Aerospace Industries Association is lobbying Congress to reject the "Buy
American" plan, a provision included in a House-approved defense
authorization bill. It would require critical weapons components to be made in
America. – AP Article July 13, 2003 John Douglass CEO
of Aerospace Industries Association
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