Two former general counsels from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative disagreed sharply about the need for the current aggressive tariff hikes. But Jennifer Hillman, who is helping to write amicus briefs for members of Congress challenging the legality of International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs, and Steven Vaughn, who served in the first Trump administration, agree what would happen if the current administration loses the case.
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CBP is embarking on a radical restructuring of the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee, directing all COAC subcommittees and workgroups to complete their work by the advisory body’s September meeting as the agency brings “all existing COAC subcommittees and related workgroups to a close,” according to an email obtained by International Trade Today.
The Senate passed the Trump tax bill with a tie-breaking vote from the vice president on July 1. The House of Representatives will vote on whether it will accept the Senate's changes to its bill.
International Trade Today is providing readers with the top stories from last week in case they were missed. All articles can be found by searching on the titles or by clicking on the hyperlinked reference number.
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National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America 2025 Global Trade Educational Conference, Oklahoma City➠
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Coalition of New England Companies for Trade (CONECT) Northeast Trade and Transportation Conference, Newport, R.I.➠
People in the News
June 30, 2025
Former Senate Trade Attorney Joins Hogan as Partner
Mayur Patel, former chief international trade counsel to the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, has joined Hogan Lovells as a partner in the international trade and investment practice, the firm announced. As a Senate staffer, Patel played a key role in overseeing "major Trump-era trade measures," the firm said. Prior to joining the Senate, Patel worked as associate general counsel in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
FMC Chair's Term Ends June 30
Louis Sola, who was chosen earlier this year by President Donald Trump to chair the Federal Maritime Commission, said June 30 "marks the conclusion" of his tenure as chairman of the commission. Trump nominated Sola to the FMC in 2018. Terms for commissioners are five years, with one term ending each year on June 30. A commissioner may serve up to an additional two years until a successor is named.
CBP Deputy Director Joins Sandler Travis as Director of Government Relations
Patrick Spaulding, previously deputy director for trade and field operations at CBP's Office of Congressional Relations, has joined Sandler Travis as director of international trade and government relations, the firm announced. Amadi Anene, formerly an international trade law consultant, also joined the firm, it said.
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