On February 17, 2010, Transportation Secretary LaHood announced Recovery Act awards to fund innovative transportation projects. The TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant Program was included in the Recovery Act to spur transportation projects that promise significant economic and environmental benefits, including improvements to roads, bridges, rail, ports, transit and intermodal facilities. (White House, dated 02/17/10, available for http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/secretary-lahood-announces-funding-over-50-innovative-strategic-transportation-proj.)
Congress has adjourned for the year without passing an Omnibus Miscellaneous Trade Bill (MTB).
The White House has issued a press release announcing the issuance of an Executive Order on the half-day closing of all executive branch departments and agencies of the Federal Government (except as provided in the Executive Order) on December 24, 2009. (Press release, dated 12/11/09, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/executive-order-half-day-closing-executive-departments-and-agencies-thursday-decemb.)
"Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions" is a regular feature of International Trade Today. The following are brief summaries of recent Capitol Hill actions.
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reminds the public that Japan will act as the chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2010 Symposium to be held December 9-10, 2009 in Tokyo. Participants will conduct discussions on APEC free trade goals, regional economic integration, the concept of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), and strategies for prosperity in Asia-Pacific. (Press release, dated 11/27/09, available at http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/data/20091127_01.html)
At a November 17, 2009 hearing to explore the international aspects of global climate change, the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee heard testimony on various countries' emission and climate change goals and trade-related aspects of climate change.
Commerce Secretary Locke issued a statement on the release of the September 2009 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Report, which indicated U.S. exports increased by 2.9 percent since August 2009, while imports increased 5.8 percent. Exports rose for the fifth consecutive month. (Press release, dated 11/13/09, available at http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_008612)
China's Ministry of Commerce has responded to the recent U.S. decision to impose 35-25% additional duties over three years on imports of tires for passenger cars and light trucks from China with two actions: (i) filing a formal complaint to the World Trade Organization through a request for consultations; and (ii) launching anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into certain U.S. automobile and poultry products. (Mofcom press releases, dated 09/15/09 and 09/14/09 available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/newsrelease/commonnews/200909/20090906516774.html and http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/newsrelease/commonnews/200909/20090906514107.html)
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued a press release announcing that the President has decided to impose remedies under Section 4211 of the 1974 Trade Act against imports of tires for passenger cars and light trucks from China.
"Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions" is a regular feature of International Trade Today. The following are brief summaries of recent Capitol Hill actions.