The Obama administration is seeking to greatly reduce approval processes for arms exports as part of a strategic move to help the U.S. defense industry recover export revenues lost through domestic and foreign cutbacks.
Congressional procedures have come in the way of some defense U.S. exports in recent years and cost U.S. defense businesses contracts that have then gone to competitors.
Although the United States remains the world's largest defense supplier, its defense industry is seen losing out to competitors that have simpler processes for exports.
The administration's efforts are aimed at expanding the U.S. market share, currently less than one-third of the market, defense industry sources said. More overseas orders for the U.S. industry would create jobs and contribute to Obama's aim of doubling defense exports within the next three years.
