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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Senate Adopts Gold, Conflict Minerals Amendment to Fin’l Reform Bill
On May 18-19, 2010, the Senate continued its consideration of S. 3217, the Restoring American Financial Stability Act (the financial reform bill). On May 18, 2010, the Senate adopted an amendment to require annual disclosure by certain persons to the Securities and Exchange Commission if columbite-tantalite, cassiterite, gold, or wolframite from the Democratic Republic of Congo are necessary to the functionality or production of a product manufactured by the person.
The Senate failed to adopt a motion cutting off debate for the bill on May 19, 2010 and is scheduled to continue its consideration of S. 3217 on May 20, 2010.
DHS FY 2011-2012 S&T Authorization Bill Report Filed in House
On May 18, 2010, a report was filed in the House for H.R. 4842, to authorize appropriations for the Directorate of Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal years 2011 and 2012 (H. Rept. 111-486, Pt. 1).
Trade-Related Bill Introduced on May 18, 2010
On May 18, 2010, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
| Patent, trademark fees | H.R. 5322. A bill to provide authority to the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to set or adjust patent and trademark fees, and for other purposes |
| Int’l tax | H.R. 5328. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce international tax avoidance and restore a level playing field for American businesses |
| Houston-Galveston port | H.R. 5329. A bill to modify the project for navigation and environmental restoration, Houston-Galveston Navigation Channels, Texas, authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, and for other purposes |
| Freight rail | H. Res. 1366. A resolution recognizing and honoring the freight rail industry |
Any “Capitol Hill Trade Action” warranting more in-depth coverage will be summarized individually in a future issue of International Trade Today.