On August 3, 2010, Representative Thompson (D), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Representatives Markey (D) and Nadler (D), sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s lack of progress in implementing the 100% maritime cargo scanning requirement, as mandated by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53), which was enacted into law three years ago.
On July 30, 2010, Representative Sherman (D) introduced H.R. 6071, “The Emergency China Trade Act of 2010”, a bill that would revoke Most Favored Nation (MFN) status for China and direct the President to negotiate a new trading relationship with the country that would be designed to eliminate the trade imbalance within four years. The bill would also provide for the expedited consideration of any new trade partnership with China that would bring the trade deficit down to zero within that time period.
On August 3, 2010, Representatives Spratt (D) and Coble (R), co-chairmen the Congressional Textile Caucus, sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Kirk expressing concern about the Free Trade Agreement with Korea (KORUS FTA). In their letter, the Representatives state that they believe the current agreement will place domestic producers at a distinct disadvantage by allowing a massive flow of highly technical industrial textiles from Korea into the U.S. with few opportunities for reciprocal export of U.S. products to Korea. Press release and letter available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com.
On August 2, 2010, S. 3686, making appropriations for the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 (S. Rept. No. 111-243), was reported in the Senate.
On July 29, 2010, the Clean and Sustainable Transportation Coalition sent a letter to members of the House of Representatives urging them not to cosponsor the Clean Ports Act of 2010 (H.R. 5967). According to the letter, the Clean Ports Act of 2010 endorses a controversial, unnecessary and counterproductive change to longstanding federal trucking rules codified in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA). The letter further states that if enacted, H.R. 5967 could unfairly force out of the industry many hard working small businesses responsible for moving much of the nation’s international commerce.
On July 28, 2010, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1796, the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, which would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish mandatory consumer product safety standards for carbon monoxide detectors.
On August 1, 2010, the President signed into law H.R. 5900, the “Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010.” The Act extends through September 30, 2010, authorities to collect taxes that fund the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and make grants to airports under the Airport Improvement Program; and establishes various requirements related to commercial scheduled air carrier safety and pilot training, including requirements related to pilot fatigue and an electronic pilot records database.