Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions
"Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions" is a daily International Trade Today compilation of the most relevant legislation, hearings, and actions by Congress involving international trade. The following are brief summaries of recent Capitol Hill actions:
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Export Compliance Daily combines U.S. export control news, foreign border import regulation and policy developments into a single daily information service that reliably informs its trade professional readers about important current issues affecting their operations.
Over 100 Companies, Assns Urge Immediate Passage of MTB
The National Association of Manufacturers has posted a May 5, 2010 letter signed by over 100 companies and trade associations have signed a letter to House and Senate leaders urging immediate passage of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB, also referred to as the Miscellaneous Trade Bill). The letter states that further delays in the consideration of the MTB will threaten further erosion of U.S. jobs and that enactment of the MTB, including new duty suspensions that have been fully vetted, is vital to the U.S. economy. (Congressional sources have indicated that quick enactment of the MTB is being negatively impacted by the issues of earmarks and limited tariff benefits.)
Senate Passes HELP Act for Haiti on May 6, 2010
On May 6, 2010, the Senate passed H.R. 5160, the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act of 2010, clearing the measure for the President. (The House passed H.R. 5160 on May 5, 2010.) (See ITT’s 05/07/10 news, (Ref: 10050710), for detailed BP summary of H.R. 5160.)
Kerry Urges Passage of Comprehensive Climate, Energy Bill
On May 5, 2010, Senator Kerry urged passage of his comprehensive climate and energy bill in the Senate, stating that this year is perhaps the last, best chance for such legislation. Senator Kerry's remarks were before the Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference.
Constrictor Snake and Carp Bills Reported in Senate
On May 5, 2010, the Senate reported the following:
- S. 373, to amend title 18, United States Code, to include constrictor snakes of the species Python genera as an injurious animal, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 111-180)
- S. 1421, to amend section 42 of title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the importation and shipment of certain species of carp. (S. Rept. No. 111-181)
Three Representatives Appointed to President’s Export Council
On May 5, 2010, the following members of the House of Representatives were appointed to the President’s Export Council: Sanchez, Wu, and Schauer.
Trade-Related Bill Introduced on May 5, 2010
On May 5, 2010, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
| Burma | S.J. Res. 29. A joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 |
| Passenger, crew manifest transmission | H.R. 5221. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to require air carriers and foreign air carriers to transmit a passenger and crew manifest for a flight in foreign air transportation to or from the United States to the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at least 24 hours before the departure of the flight, and for other purposes |
| Transportation security cards | H.R. 5227. A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to require delivery by United States mail of any transportation security card issued to an individual who resides in a remote location |
Trade-Related Bill Introduced on May 6, 2010
On May 6, 2010, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
| SAFETEA-LU | H.R. 5236. A bill to amend SAFETEA-LU to ensure that projects that assist the establishment of aerotropolis transportation systems are eligible for certain grants, and for other purposes |
| U.S.-Taiwan FTA | H. Con. Res. 276. Concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress relating to a free trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan |
Any “Capitol Hill Trade Action” warranting more in-depth coverage will be summarized individually in a future issue of International Trade Today.