The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (RL33436) entitled: "Japan-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress," which states that outside of North America, Japan is the U.S.' second-largest export market and second-largest source of imports. In addition, Japanese firms are the U.S.' second-largest source of foreign direct investment, and Japanese investors are the second-largest foreign holders of U.S. treasuries, helping to finance the U.S. deficit and reduce upward pressure on U.S. interest rates.
The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (R41347) entitled: "Rare Earth Elements: The Global Supply Chain."
On November 18, 2010, 14 retail, textile, and apparel associations1 sent a letter to Congress urging it to renew the Andean Trade Preference Act/Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPA/ATPDEA) as soon as possible during the lame duck session.
On November 18, 2010, the House and Senate agreed that when they adjourn on either November 18, 2010 or November 19, 2010, they will stand adjourned until 2 p.m. on Monday, November 29, 2010, or until the time of any reassembly.
On November 18, 2010, the Senate ordered reported S. 3804, a bill to combat online infringement and counterfeit acts, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. S. 3804 would authorize the Attorney General to begin an action against a domain name used by an Internet site that is "dedicated to infringing activities," even where such a domain name is not located in the U.S.
On November 18, 2010, Representative Michaud (D), Chairman of the House Trade Working Group, brought together fellow members of the group for a meeting at the White House with President Obama on the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA).
On November 18, 2010, the Senate failed to vote on a Senator Harkin amendment in the nature of a substitute of S. 510, a bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the safety of the food supply. However, they agreed to a November 29, 2010 cloture vote on the bill, along with consideration of several other amendments, including one by Senator Coburn with respect to earmarks.
On November 17, 2010, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
The following hearing or markup is scheduled for November 18, 2010:
On Novmeber 17, 2010, the House agreed to H. Con. Res. 332, providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate.