Ways & Means Plans CBP, IPR, Preference Program Proposals, Etc.
The House Ways and Means Committee has posted its oversight plan for the 112th Congress (2011-2012)1. According to the Committee, the plan sets forth the oversight hearings and related activities that the Committee and its Trade and other Subcommittees plan to conduct during the 112th Congress.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
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.
Trade Subcommittee Plans to Consider Pending FTAs
The Trade Subcommittee plans to consider the pending free trade agreements on Korea, Colombia, and Panama in early 2011.
Also Examine Proposals for CBP and Preference Programs
The Subcommittee also plans to consider proposals regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s capacity, resources, and organizational structure, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of the existing trade preference programs (such as GSP, AGOA, ATPA, etc.).
And Proposals for IPR Enforcement, Import Safety, Illegal Transshipment, Etc.
With respect to enforcement, the Subcommittee will also be evaluating proposals to strengthen border enforcement related to U.S. intellectual property rights, import safety, and illegal transshipment; (2) administration of U.S. trade remedy laws, including border enforcement; and (3) whether the U.S. is in compliance with its obligations, particularly where the U.S. is facing retaliation.
The Subcommittee also plans to evaluate prospect for additional trade and investment agreement negotiations.
Oversight of These Areas and Others Listed
The Trade Subcommittee’s 2011-2012 oversight plan covers the areas mentioned above as well as others, including:
China. Oversight of systemic problems of U.S.-China relations, including issues related to China’s lack of protection and enforcement of U.S. intellectual property rights, indigenous innovation requirements, use of industrial subsidies, export restraints on key products such as rare earth minerals, and currency undervaluation.
Miscellaneous Tariff Bill. Continue work concerning noncontroversial bills to eliminate or reduce duties on products not made in sufficient quantities in the U.S., in accordance with Commerce guidelines and House rules.
TPP and other bilateral, regional talks. Oversight of ongoing bilateral and regional negotiations including the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Agreement enforcement. Oversight of U.S. enforcement of WTO rights and rights under trade agreements.
Implemented agreements. Oversight of implemented agreements involving Peru, Central America/the Dominican Republic, Oman, Bahrain, Singapore, Chile, Australia, Morocco, Jordan, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and Israel.
World Trade Organization. Oversight of U.S. goals. Evaluation of reasons for the current stalemate in WTO negotiations and consideration of proposals to break impasse and achieve meaningful outcome in all areas. Oversight of accessions to the WTO, including Russia.
USTR priorities. Oversight hearing with the U.S. Trade Representative to discuss priorities for the 112th Congress and concerns related to the international trade agenda.
ITC priorities. Oversight over the International Trade Commission concerning overall priorities and operations.
Trade Adjustment Assistance. Renew and provide continued oversight concerning the Trade Adjustment Assistance programs for workers, firms, communities, and farmers.
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.