Law360 Quotes Kevin Wolf on Leadership Void at Bureau of Industry and Security
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Law360, in its article “Crucial Trade Vacancy Worries Former Gov’t Officials,” has quoted Akin Gump international trade partner Kevin Wolf discussing the impact of the unfilled top post at the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
BIS, the article notes, is primarily a technocratic agency, whose chief function is the administration of the nation’s export control laws. Companies must apply to BIS for government licenses to export certain items that may have a military use. Those license requests, according to Law360, can number in the thousands each year.
While much of BIS’s day-to-day work is run by career staffers, Wolf, a former BIS official himself, said that a continued lack of political leadership risks leaving the agency adrift at a time when its expertise is crucial.
“There has never been more activity taking place at BIS in history,” said Wolf. “Getting a lot done in all those complex areas requires leadership. Career staff don’t generally want to make big decisions unless they have clear political guidance.”
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