Political Donations Rise, While Legislative Expectations Remain Low, NCBFAA Says in 2013 Report
The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America raised and donated more money for political donations through its Political Action Committee than ever before, said the group's in its 2013 report. While expectations remain low for legislative progress on issues of interest to the association, "there are signs that -- gradually -- change is on its way," it said. The group added 92 new members in 2013, up to a total of 896 members, said the NCBFAA.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
The NCBFAA PAC donated $18,500 to 18 candidates in the House or Senate, it said. "Ten were Republicans and eight were Democrats." Senators included: Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Rob Portman R-Ohio, Susan Collins, R-Maine, Mark Warner D-Va., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. Representatives included: Charles Boustany, R-La., Ted Poe, R-Texas, Tom Petri, R-Wisc., Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., Sandy Levin, D-Mich, Peter King, R-N.Y., Janice Hahn, D-Calif., Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y., Dave Camp, R-Mich., and Duncan Hunter, R-Calif.
Customs-related legislation seems largely stuck, as the fate of Trade Promotion Authority, which had been thought of as a potential vehicle for several trade bills, remains uncertain, the report said. "It will surprise us if Congress puts on a legislative burst in 2014 and concludes several matters of interest to the Association," it said. Among bills the NCBFAA is watching are Miscellaneous Tariff Bill, a bill to extend Generalized System of Preferences, renewal of African Growth and Opportunities Act, and a customs reauthorization bill, it said. The elections for 2014 could also slow movement on such bill, said the NCBFAA.
The group's regulatory agencies committee (RAC) will work to engage some other agencies, it said. "The RAC is still challenged with developing a dialog with other regulatory agencies beyond [the Food and Drug Administration] and [Consumer Product Safety Commission]," it said. "This will need to be the committee’s primary goal as we move into 2014 and a new Association management. The committee will continue to pursue our efforts with FDA to implement an 'Advisory Ruling Procedure' and workable and fair national filer review protocol." Membership retention remains a concern as a result of mergers, buyouts and a slow economy, the report said.