On October 31, 2010, Representative Markey (D), who authored the 2007 law that requires 100% screening of all air cargo transported on domestic passenger planes and all international passenger planes entering the U.S., announced that when Congress reconvenes following the elections, he intends to introduce legislation that would require 100% screening of all cargo on cargo planes. Markey’s announcement comes in the wake of revelations that Al Qaeda terrorists based in Yemen attempted to ship explosives to two synagogues in Chicago.

The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (R41429) entitled, "Trade Preferences: Economic Issues and Policy Options." This report discusses the major U.S. trade preference programs, their possible economic effects, stakeholder interests, and legislative options.

The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (RL34528) entitled, "U.S.-South Korea Beef Dispute: Issues and Status." U.S. beef access to South Korea is one of the outstanding issues in the debate over the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA).

The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (R40126) entitled, "Chile: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations." This report provides a brief historical background of Chile, examines recent political and economic developments, and addresses issues in U.S.-Chilean relations.

The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (R40443) entitled, "Food Safety in the 111th Congress," which states that major portions of a number of the bills pending in the 111th Congress are devoted to more scrutiny of food imports, which account for an increasing share of U.S. consumption;. Under pending legislation, food import shipments would have to be accompanied by documentation that they can meet safety standards that are at least equivalent to U.S. standards. Such certifications might be provided by foreign governments or other so-called third parties accredited in advance. The House and Senate bills differ in how to accomplish this objective. The bills have provisions for certifying or accrediting laboratories, including private laboratories, to conduct sampling and testing of food for various oversight purposes.

The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (R41438) entitled, "North Korea: Legislative Basis for U.S. Economic Sanctions." U.S. economic sanctions imposed on North Korea are instigated by that country’s activities related to weapons proliferation, regional disruptions, anti-terrorism, and undemocratic governance. The sanctions have the following consequences for U.S.-North Korea relations:

The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (RS21625) entitled, "China’s Currency: An Analysis of the Economic Issues." Over the past several years, the Chinese government has maintained a policy of intervening in currency markets to limit or halt the appreciation of its currency, the renminbi (RMB) against other major currencies, especially the U.S. dollar.

The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (R40185) entitled, "The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 111th Congress: Conflicting Values and Difficult Choices." This report discusses oversight issues and legislation introduced in the 111th Congress to address ESA implementation and management of endangered and threatened species.

The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (95-1013) entitled, "Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy." After experiencing serious unrest during the late 1990s, Bahrain undertook several steps to enhance the inclusion of the Shiite majority in governance. However, the Sunni-led government’s efforts to maintain its tight grip on power have stirred new unrest among Bahraini Shiites in advance of October 23, 2010, parliamentary elections.

Representative Michael Arcuri of New York called on President Obama to take immediate action to resolve the ongoing cross-border trucking dispute with Mexico that has resulted in retaliatory tariffs on many U.S. exports to Mexico, including 20-25% retaliatory tariffs on cheese and apples. He states that the tariffs on cheese affect 80% of U.S. cheese exports to Mexico, which represents approximately a fourth of total U.S. cheese exports world-wide. He adds that U.S. apple exports are also hard hit because Mexico is the largest export market for U.S. apples.