House Energy & Commerce to Review Supply Chains, CPSIA, Food/Drug Safety
On February 15, 2011, the House Energy and Commerce Committee adopted an oversight plan for the 112th Congress (2011-2012)1. According to the Committee, the plan sets forth some markers on what the Committee intends to do on oversight during the 112th Congress. According to Committee Chairman Upton (R), the plan does not limit in any way the matters that the Committee may decide to look into during the next two years.
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The Committee's oversight functions will focus on: (i) cutting government spending through the elimination of waste, fraud and abuse; (ii) ensuring laws are being implemented in a manner that protects the public interest without stifling economic growth.
Highlights of the trade-related aspects of the Committee’s oversight plan for the 112th Congress include:
Trade and Globalized Supply Chains
The Committee will review the issues presented by the globalization of production and manufacturing networks, including the integrity of products and components assembled overseas and the impact on national security, the competitiveness of U.S. companies, and trade relationships.
CPSIA Implementation
The Committee will examine the intended and unintended consequences of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 and how the Consumer Product Safety Commission is implementing it.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 02/18/11 news, 11021819, for BP summary of House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing to review the CPSIA and resources for the CPSC.)
Food and Drug Safety
The Committee will review whether the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is ensuring that regulated drugs are safe, effective, and available to U.S. patients in an expeditious fashion. The Committee will also explore the interplay between these policies and drug innovation, both in the U.S. and abroad. Further, the Committee will examine FDA’s enforcement of current drug safety laws and the issues involved in protecting the U.S. supply chains against economically motivated and other forms of adulteration.
CBP and DOE Efforts to Prevent Nuclear Smuggling
The Committee will continue to monitor Federal government and private sector efforts at border crossings, seaports, and mail facilities. The Committee's review will analyze and assess Customs' and DOE's efforts and the utility of equipment aimed at detecting and preventing the smuggling of dangerous commerce, particularly nuclear and radiological weapons of mass destruction.
NHTSA Regulations, Enforcement Actions, Etc.
The Committee intends to conduct oversight of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, including the costs and benefits of its regulations, research activities, investigations, and enforcement actions pertaining to motor vehicle safety.
Climate Change
The Committee will continue to monitor international negotiations on efforts to control greenhouse gas emissions in connection with concerns about global climate change. In addition, the Committee will examine the EPA’s efforts to regulate domestic greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act based on its endangerment finding. The Committee will also review the activities undertaken in this area by agencies within the Committee’s jurisdiction, including the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
1Under the rules of the House, the Committees are required to adopt an oversight plan and submit it to the Committees on Government Reform and House Administration by February 15th.