On April 1, 2011, the House passed H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011. H.R. 658 would authorize appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2011 through 2014; streamline programs; provide funding for the national aviation system; prevent FAA from exceeding international standards on the air transportation of lithium batteries1, etc.
On April 5, 2011, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
The following hearings, markups, or meetings are scheduled for April 6, 2011:
On April 1, 2011, the New Democrat Coalition sent a letter to President Obama applauding the Administration’s commitment to passage of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) and saying that they look forward to working with the Administration to ensure its passage. The NDC letter also urges the Administration to move forward toward passage in 2011 of the pending FTAs with Colombia and Panama. Letter available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com.
On April 5, 2011, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works ordered favorably reported the nomination of Daniel M. Ashe to be Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.
On March 31, 2011, Senator Wyden and 5 co-sponsors1 introduced S. 704, the U.S. Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation (U.S. OUTDOOR) Act. S. 704 would eliminate the import duty for qualifying recreational performance outerwear and establish the Sustainable Textile and Apparel Research (STAR) fund to invest in U.S. technologies and jobs that focus on sustainable, environmentally conscious manufacturing.
On March 31, 2011, 11 Representatives from textile states sent a letter to the trade leadership of the House Ways and Means Committee2 urging the renewal of the Andean Trade Preference Act/Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPA/ATPDEA).
Despite a morning meeting at the White House on April 5, 2011 and additional negotiations later in the day, House and Senate leaders failed to reach an agreement on a fiscal year 2011 funding bill. Budget negotiations are expected to continue on April 6, 2011 and may include another meeting at the White House. Given the short amount of time left before government funding expires, chances of a government shut down at midnight on April 8, 2011 are increasing.
The following are trade-related highlights of the Executive Communications sent to Congress on April 1, 2011:
The following are trade-related highlights of the Executive Communications sent to Congress on April 4, 2011: