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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Assocs Warn BPA Ban Amendment Could Delay Sen Food Safety Bill
On April 22, 2010, over 50 trade associations sent a letter to Senators Harkin (D) and Enzi (R), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee regarding the Senate’s upcoming consideration of the Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act (S. 510). The associations state that they are prepared to support S. 510 in its current form; however, they express concern that amendments to ban Bisphenol-A (BPA) would undermine the goals of food safety legislation and delay final passage. (See ITT’s Online Archives or 04/28/10 news, (Ref: 10042810), for detailed summary.)Letter available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com.
Industry Opposes Additional FTC Authority
The United States Chamber of Commerce has sent a letter to Senate leaders opposing a provision in the financial overhaul legislation (H.R. 4173) that would significantly expand the Federal Trade Commission’s rulemaking and enforcement authority.
New Bill Would End Secret Senate “Holds” on Legislation
On April 27, 2010, Senators Grassley (R) and Wyden (D) introduced the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act which would, among other things, eliminate a Senator’s ability to indefinitely hold legislation in secret by requiring Senators to submit their holds to leadership in writing and to publically disclose all holds within two days whether or not the bill or nomination has been brought to the floor for consideration.
DHS Secretary Testifies on SW Border and Law Enforcement Issues
The Department of Homeland Security has posted the written statement of DHS Secretary Napolitano for the Senate Judiciary Committee’s oversight hearing of DHS. In her written hearing statement, the Secretary discussed Southwest border security and law enforcement issues, including manpower, technology, infrastructure, and cooperation with Mexico.
Senate & House Committee Chairs Work on Auto Safety Legislation
Senator Rockefeller, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Representative Waxman, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced their intent to work together on automobile safety legislation in the coming days to address problems highlighted by recent vehicle recalls.
House Passes Resolution on World Intellectual Property Day
On April 27, 2010, the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1208, to support the goals of World Intellectual Property Day.
Trade-Related Bills Introduced on April 27, 2010
On April 27, 2010, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
| DHS Chief Veterinary Officer | S. 3263. A bill to establish a Chief Veterinary Officer in the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes |
| Airport, Airway Trust Fund | H.R. 5147. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes |
Any “Capitol Hill Trade Action” warranting more in-depth coverage will be summarized individually in a future issue of International Trade Today.