Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions
"Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions" is a daily International Trade Today compilation of the most relevant legislation, hearings, and actions by Congress involving international trade. The following are brief summaries of recent Capitol Hill actions:
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Rep Markey Urges Removal of Triclosan from Consumer Soaps, Etc.
On April 13, 2010, Representative Markey (D), Chairman of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released letters written to thirteen major manufacturers urging them to voluntarily stop using triclosan—a common substance estimated to be in approximately 50% of all consumer soaps as well as a wide variety of other consumer products - including some marketed specifically for children. Markey sent the letters one week after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consumer advisory about the use of the chemical, stating that “triclosan added to soaps and body washes provide no more health benefits than plain soap and water” - and one week after Markey called on the federal government to ban the chemical in consumer soaps, products intended to come into contact with food, and products marketed to children.
New Bill Would Overhaul TSCA, Require Safety Testing for Chemicals
On April 15, 2010, Senator Lautenberg introduced the “Safe Chemicals Act” (S. 3209), a bill to overhaul the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA). S. 3209 would require safety testing of all industrial chemicals, and put the burden on industry to prove that chemicals are safe in order to stay on the market.
Trade-Related Bills Introduced on April 15, 2010
On April 15, 2010, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
| TSCA reform | S. 3209. A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to ensure that risks from chemicals are adequately understood and managed, and for other purposes |
| Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund | S. 3213. A bill to ensure that amounts credited to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund are used for harbor maintenance |
Any “Capitol Hill Trade Action” warranting more in-depth coverage will be summarized individually in a future issue of International Trade Today.