Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions
“Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions" is a regular feature of International Trade Today. The following are brief summaries of recent Capitol Hill actions.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
TSA Authorization Act Passed in the House
On June 4, 2009, the House passed H.R. 2200, to authorize the Transportation Security Administration's programs relating to the provision of transportation security. Prior to passage, the House adopted an amendment to directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to prohibit states from requiring separate security background checks for transportation security cards, and to waive application of the prohibition if a compelling homeland security reason necessitates a separate background check.
Rail Legislation Compromise Reached
Senate Commerce and Judiciary Committee leaders have issued a letter announcing that they have agreed to work together on comprehensive rail competition legislation and hope to have a bipartisan package available for consideration by the full Senate. The Committee leaders further state that the issue is a high priority and that they are committed to enacting legislation in 2009.
(Prior to this compromise, the Senate Judiciary Committee had been advancing S. 146, the Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009, which would have, among other things, permitted treble damages against railroad common carriers in antitrust suits to parties injured by antitrust violations without regard to whether such railroads have filed rates or whether a complaint challenging rates has been filed.)
FDA Tobacco Bill Still Under Consideration in Senate
On June 4, 2009, the Senate continued consideration of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (H.R. 1256), which would, among other things, provide the Food and Drug Administration with certain authority to regulate tobacco products.
U.S.-China Cooperation on Climate Change Hearing Concluded
On June 4, 2009, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations concluded a hearing to examine challenges and opportunities for U.S.-China cooperation on climate change.
Trade-Related Bills Introduced on June 4, 2009
On June 4, 2009, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
| Energy and climate policy | S. 1189. A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study of the impact of energy and climate policy on the competitiveness of energy-intensive manufacturing and measures to mitigate those effects |
| China climate change | S. 1191. A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to prepare a report on climate change and energy policy in the People's Republic of China and in the Republic of India |
| GSP suspension for Brazil | H.R. 2702. A bill to suspend the application of Generalized System of Preferences for Brazil until such time as Brazil complies with its obligations toward the United States under the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction |
| Freight mobility program | H.R. 2707. A bill to establish a program to improve freight mobility in the United States, to establish the National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Fund, and for other purposes |
| Ceiling fan duty suspension | H.R. 2719. A bill to extend the temporary suspension of duty on certain ceiling fans |
| Transportation objectives | H.R. 2724. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to establish national transportation objectives and performance targets for the purpose of assessing progress toward meeting national transportation objectives |
| Prescription drugs | H.R. 2726. A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase criminal penalties for the sale or trade of prescription drugs knowingly caused to be adulterated or misbranded, to modify requirements for maintaining records of the chain-of-custody of prescription drugs, to establish recall authority regarding drugs, and for other purposes |
| NTR for Azerbaijan | H.R. 2742. A bill to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Azerbaijan |
| Renewal of Burma sanctions | H.J. Res. 56. A joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 |
If it is determined that any of the above Congressional actions, hearings, or bills warrant more in-depth coverage, such information will be provided separately in a future issue of International Trade Today.