On October 5, 2010, Congressman Dingell (D) appeared before the International Trade Commission to urge that antidumping duties on imported Chinese furniture be continued.
On October 5, 2010, the U.S. Trade Representative sent letters to House Speaker Pelosi (D) and Senate President Pro Tempore Inouye (D) informing Congress that the Administration intends to include Malaysia in the ongoing negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement.
On September 29, 2010, Representative Hare (D) and six cosponsors1 introduced H.R. 6262, the Jobs Through Procurement Act, to stimulate job creation by directing Federal government procurement to domestic sources, to ensure the enforcement of domestic sourcing requirements, to prohibit the procurement of sweatshop goods by the U.S., and for other purposes.
On September 30, 2010, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus (D) announced that he will travel to China the week of October 10 to discuss key economic and trade issues, including China’s currency practices, with top Chinese officials. According to a press release, the trip will provide the opportunity to discuss China’s currency manipulation and other key economic and trade issues with top Chinese officials to find solutions.
On September 29, 2010, Senator Schumer (D) formally requested the Government Accountability Office to investigate the long wait times that New Yorkers must battle in order to cross the border. According to Senator Schumer, current wait times of up three hours slow down economic activity and discourage the type of commerce that New York’s communities need for growth. Senator Schumer asked GAO to identify non-security factors that can be eliminated that are responsible for delays.
On September 29, 2010, the House amended and passed H.R. 2853, to require the purchase of domestically made flags of the U.S. for use by the Federal Government.
On September 29, 2010, the Senate began consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 510, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the safety of the food supply. Subsequently, the motion to proceed was withdrawn.
On September 29, 2010, the Senate passed H. Con. Res. 321, providing for conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and Senate until November 15, 2010.