Senate Clears Second Hurdle, Now Debating Amendments to GSP/MPF Bill
On September 20, 2011, the Senate began its formal consideration of H.R. 2832, the House-passed bill to reinstate the GSP program retroactive to its expiration date and raise the Merchandise Processing Fee.
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Agreed to "Motion to Proceed" and Began Debate on Sept 20
During this session, the Senate agreed to a “motion to proceed” to consideration of the bill and then began debate on amendments that had been offered to the bill.
Defeated TPA Amendment on Sept 20
On September 20, 2011, the Senate defeated one of the amendments to H.R. 2832 -- an amendment to provide Trade Promotion Authority for the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) and for other trade agreements.
(TPA (also known as Fast Track negotiating authority) for trade agreements is the authority of the President to negotiate agreements that the Congress can approve or disapprove but cannot amend or filibuster.)
More Amendments to be Considered on Sept 21
The Senate is expected to continue consideration of other amendments to H.R. 2832 on September 21, 2011.
(As of the morning of September 21, 2011, there have been 20 amendments filed, including the Trade Adjustment Assistance amendment. Note that not all amendments filed may be considered by the Senate.)
(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 detailing the Generalized System of Preference and MPF increase provisions in the House-passed H.R. 2832.)
List of amendments to H.R. 2832 available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com.
USTR information (guidebooks, overviews, etc.) on GSP, TAA available here