Senate Passes 1st Hurdle, Set to Consider GSP/MPF Bill, Etc. on Sept 20
On September 19, 2011, the Senate took an initial procedural step to move forward with H.R. 2832, the House-passed bill to reinstate the GSP program retroactive to its expiration date and raise the Merchandise Processing Fee. A second procedural step is scheduled for September 20; consideration of the actual bill is scheduled to begin on the 20th also.
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Voted to End Debate on "Motion to Proceed" on September 19
By a vote of 84 yeas to 8 nays, the Senate adopted a motion on September 19 to close debate (invoke cloture) on a “motion to proceed” to consideration of H.R. 2832.
Scheduled to Vote on "Motion to Proceed," Start Considering Bill Itself on Sept 20
The Senate floor schedule states that the Senate is scheduled to vote on the “motion to proceed” to H.R. 2832 on September 20, 2011 and then begin consideration of H.R. 2832, the Generalized System of Preferences Act.
Amendment to Renew TAA to be Offered, TPA and Other Amendments Possible
During his September 19, 2011 floor speech on H.R. 2832, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus (D-MT) announced that he would offer an amendment to H.R. 2832 which would renew Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).
(The TAA amendment being offered is based on the agreement reached between Senator Baucus and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Camp (R-MI) in July 2011.)
Various sources have noted that other amendments to H.R. 2832 could be offered, including a Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) amendment.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 09/14/11 and 09/15/11 news, 11091421 and 11091516, for BP summaries on these issues. See ITT’s Online Archives or 09/08/11 news, 11090818, for BP summary on the House-passed H.R. 2832.)
Senator Baucus’ floor statement available here