Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions
"Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions" is a daily International Trade Today compilation of the most relevant legislation, hearings, and actions by Congress involving international trade. The following are brief summaries of recent Capitol Hill actions:
New Bill Introduced on "Private Right of Action" for AD/CV Injury
Senator Specter (D) has introduced legislation that seeks to help domestic manufacturers by enforcing trade remedy laws. The Unfair Foreign Competition Act of 2010 would provide a private right of action for domestic manufacturers injured by illegal subsidization or dumping of foreign products into U.S. markets.
Commerce Secretary Testifies on FY 2011 Budget Request
Commerce Secretary Locke testified before the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies on the fiscal year 2011 budget request for the Commerce Department. According to Locke, the 20% funding increase request for the International Trade Administration will help the ITA strengthen efforts to promote exports from small- and medium-size enterprises, help enforce U.S. trade law, fight to eliminate barriers to sales of U.S. products and services and improve the competitiveness of U.S. firms.
Senators Ask For Info on VEU Suspension, Regulatory Changes
On February 23, 2010, Senators Kyl (D) and Feingold (D) sent a letter to the National Security Advisory expressing concern about the U.S. export control regime and the Administration's efforts to reform that regime. In their letter, the Senators ask for responses to numerous questions, including whether the Commerce Department will commit to suspending the Validated End User (VEU) program until there is more enforcement capability overseas. One press report indicates that Senator Kyl has made the receipt of answers to the questions a condition for lifting his hold on the confirmation on a Commerce Dept nomination. Copy of letter available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com.)
Senator Collins Applauds Federal Data Center Initiative
On March 4, 2010, Senator Collins (R), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, welcomed news of a federal data center consolidation initiative to manage and coordinate the government's ever-expanding technology systems. The announcement follows Senator Collins's request in December that the Government Accountability Office study the feasibility of consolidating federal data centers.
Senate Passes Haiti Recovery Act
On March 5, 2010, the Senate passed the Haiti Recovery Act, legislation that would, among other things, encourage the elimination of Haiti's remaining debt to international financial institutions and call on the Administration to support the creation of an international trust fund for Haiti, to support investment in infrastructure including the development of electric grids, roads, water and sanitation facilities, and reforestation initiatives.
Senator Bingaman Bill Would Strengthen Appliance Energy Efficiency
Senator Bingaman (D), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has introduced bipartisan legislation that would lead to the manufacture and use of more energy efficient everyday appliances. The bill aims to strengthen a 20-year Department of Energy's initiative that establishes, updates and administers energy efficiency standards for over 33 consumer products - everything from dishwashers to ceiling fans.
Trade-Related Bill Introduced on March 5, 2010
On March 5, 2010, the following trade-related bill was introduced:
| Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership | S. 3084. A bill to increase the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, particularly small and medium-sized manufacturing firms, in interstate and global commerce, foster job creation in the U.S., and assist U.S. businesses in developing or expanding commercial activities in interstate and global commerce by expanding the ambit of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program and the Technology Innovation Program to include projects that have potential for commercial exploitation in nondomestic markets, providing for an increase in related resources of the Department of Commerce, and for other purposes |
Any "Capitol Hill Trade Action" warranting more in-depth coverage will be summarized individually in a future issue of International Trade Today.