Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. President Signs into Law Temporary Extension of Certain Aspects of the 2002 Farm Bill

2. EU Launches Investigation into U.S. Internet Gambling Laws

MSNBC reports that the European Union recently launched an investigation into U.S. laws on Internet gambling. European gambling companies have complained that a U.S. ban that forced them out of the lucrative American market discriminates against them in violation of WTO rules while permitting domestic gambling companies, particularly those offering betting on horse races, to flourish. (MSNBC, dated 03/10/08, available at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23560417/)

3. China's Rising Manufacturing Costs Causing Shift to Vietnam, India, Etc.

The Associated Press reports that Chinese factories are losing their competitive edge as rising manufacturing costs, higher taxes and stricter enforcement of labor and environmental standards are causing some manufacturers to leave for lower-cost markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia and India. (Associated Press, dated 02/21/08, available at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23278830/)

4. FASA/Gemini Respond to FMC Complaint Filed by K Line

An American Shipper article on a K Line complaint filed with the Federal Maritime Commission against the Fashion Accessories Shippers Association and Gemini Shippers Association reports that FASA/Gemini believe that K Line violated a "no back solicitation" clause in their service contracts. Such clauses require shipping lines to pledge they will not go back and solicit association members, which could take volume away from the shippers association. (American Shipper, dated 02/08, www.americanshipper.com )

5. Lieberman Says Independent Panel Confirms DNDO Radiation Testing Is Unreliable

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman has issued a press release stating that he is troubled by the findings of an independent panel that analyzed technology testing practices used by the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO). The conclusions of the Independent Review Team - appointed by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to assess the reliability of DNDO testing of new generation radiation detection monitors - confirm audit findings by the Government Accountability Office that DNDO's approach to testing the Advanced Spectroscopic Portal (ASP) was unreliable. (Committee press release, dated 03/05/08, available at http://hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=1641&Month=3&Year=2008&Affiliation=C)

6. Various Documents on DHS Five Year Anniversary

The Department of Homeland Security has posted a fact sheet on its five-year anniversary highlighting its progress and priorities. DHS has also posted Secretary Michael Chertoff's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on the five-year anniversary. In addition, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has posted a statement from Chairman Joe Lieberman and Ranking Member Susan Collins praising DHS employees on the five-year anniversary. (DHS fact sheet, dated 03/06/08, available at http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1204819171793.shtm; Chertoff testimony, dated 03/05/08, available at http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/testimony/testimony_1204746985090.shtm; Lieberman/Collins statement, dated 03/05/08, available at http://hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=1640&Month=3&Year=2008&Affiliation=C)

7. CBP and DHS Respond to Concerns About the Virtual Fence

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Deputy Commissioner Jayson Ahern answered questions about the Virtual Fence (P-28, the first 28 miles) on February 28, 2008 at a Beat Reporter Pen and Pad event. (02/28/08 Ahern remarks available at http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1204554001449.shtm ) DHS "Just the Facts" response to Wall Street Journal article on P-28 (dated 02/26/08) available at http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1204062259773.shtm )

8. TSA Updates its TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan for FY 2008

The Transportation Security Administration has issued an updated version, as of March 12, 2008, of its Transportation Worker Identification Credential quarterly deployment plan for fiscal year 2008. (TSA's TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan as of 03/12/08, available at http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/twicquarterlydeploymentschedule.pdf)

9. GAO Testimony on DHS Border Security Programs and Operations

The Government Accountability Office has issued testimony entitled, "Homeland Security: DHS Has Taken Actions to Strengthen Border Security Programs and Operations, but Challenges Remain." The GAO made several recommendations to enhance DHS's ability to better secure the border and enhance U.S security. Among them are actions to help address weaknesses in the traveler inspection program and challenges in training officers, etc. (GAO-08-542T, dated 03/06/08, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08542t.pdf)

10. Commerce Dept Testimony on Russia Uranium Import Update

The Commerce Department has issued a press release announcing that Assistant Secretary for Import Administration David Spooner testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, delivering an update on the importation of Russia uranium. (Commerce press release, dated 03/05/08, available at http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_005324)

11. USDA Secretary Names Members to Agricultural Trade Committees

In a press release, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced the appointment of private-sector members to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade and six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees for Trade. (USDA press release, Release No. 0070.08, dated 03/05/08, available at http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2008/03/0070.xml)