Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. Senate Finance Objects to Certain Trade Provisions in FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill and Statement

2. Senate Continues its Consideration of FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations

On March 5, 2009, the Senate continued its consideration of the fiscal year 2009 omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 1105). Among other things, a motion to close debate (i.e., invoke cloture) was withdrawn. The Senate is expected to continue its consideration of H.R. 1105 on March 6, 2009. (Public Law 110-329 continued appropriations for most government agencies until March 6, 2009 or the enactment of an appropriations bill, whichever occurs first.) (Congressional Record, dated 03/05/09, available at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/B?r111:@FIELD(FLD003d)@FIELD(DDATE20090305).)

3. House to Consider FY 2009 Appropriations Continuing Resolution

On March 6, 2009, the House of Representatives is expected to consider a resolution making further continuing FY 2009 appropriations. (The provision that previously continued appropriations (H.R. 2638) expires on March 6, 2009.) (House schedule available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com.)

4. Ways and Means Hearing on FY 2010 Budget Overview

On March 4, 2009, the House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing to review President Obama's Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Overview with Office of Management and Budget Director Orszag. The hearing focused on a number of economic policy issues under the Committee's jurisdiction. (Ways and Means press release available at http://waysandmeans.house.gov/News.asp?FormMode=release&ID=871.)

5. DHS and Agriculture Department Announce Cost-Saving Measures

The White House has issued a press release announcing that the Departments of Agriculture and Homeland Security have announced efforts to cut costs and make government more efficient and effective. None of the cuts listed for DHS are specific to commercial trade. (Press release, dated 03/04/09, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Reform-Agendas-at-the-Departments-of-Agriculture-and-Homeland-Security/)

6. Export-Import Bank Newsletter on Liquidity Issue for Exports

Export.gov has posted the Export-Import Bank's Winter 2009 newsletter, which focuses on the assistance it offers in financing exports. (Newsletter, updated 02/13/09, available at http://www.exim.gov/marketing/enewswinter2009.cfm)

7. Nature's Path Corrects/Expands Recall of Certain Goods

The Food and Drug Administration has posted a firm recall press release stating that Nature's Path Organic Foods of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada is recalling certain granola bars and granola cereal, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. (Press release, dated 03/04/09, available at http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/naturepath203_09.html)

8. President Continues National Emergency for Zimbabwe

President Obama has issued notice that he is continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe's democratic processes or institutions. (FR Pub, 03/05/09, http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-4870.pdf)

9. President Certifies to Congress Certain Exports are Not Detrimental to U.S. Space Launch Industry

President Obama has certified to Congress that the export of two environmental chambers to be used to test automotive parts is not detrimental to the U.S. space launch industry, and that the material and equipment, including any indirect technical benefit that could be derived from this export, will not measurably improve the missile or space launch capabilities of the People's Republic of China. (Press release, dated 03/04/09, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Message-to-Congress-from-the-President-Regarding-Export-Certification/)

10. Treasury Designates 5 Individuals for Contributing to Congo Conflict

The Treasury Department has designated five individuals pursuant to Executive Order 13413, which targets, among others, political or military leaders of foreign armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Office of Foreign Assets Control has also updated its Specially Designated Nationals list. (Press release, dated 03/04/09, available at http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg49.htm)

11. ITA and Interior Announce 2009 Watch Duty Exemptions for Virgin Islands

The International Trade Administration and the Department of Interior have issued a notice announcing the allocation of calendar year 2009 duty exemptions for watch assembly producers located in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (FR Pub, 03/05/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-4744.pdf)

12. FDA Posts Enforcement Report for March 4th

The Food and Drug Administration has posted its Enforcement Report for the week of March 4, 2009. The report contains information on actions taken in connection with agency Regulatory activities. (Report, dated 03/04/09, available at http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ENFORCE/2009/ENF01097.html)

13. FMC Meeting Scheduled for March 11, 2009

The Federal Maritime Commission is announcing that its next meeting will be held on March 11, 2009. There are no trade-related agenda items of interest. (Information available at http://www.fmc.gov/home/March112009Meeting.asp)

14. Canada Posts 2009 Egg and Egg Products Quota Holders List

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has posted its 2009 Egg and Egg Products Quota Holders List. (List, dated 03/05/09, available at http://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/prod/agri/eggs-oeufs/list-09-liste.aspx?lang=eng)

15. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recalls

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recalls:

16. FMC Lists OTI Applications

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice that lists those applying for OTI licenses as a non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC), ocean freight forwarder (FF) or NVOCC/FF OTI, as follows:

FMC notice (FR Pub 02/25/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-4059.pdf

17. Various Agencies Seek Comments on Information Collections

Various U.S. government agencies are seeking comments on the following information collections for which they have requested or intend to request Office of Management and Budget approval or extension of approval (see notices for specific details):

CBP 1 Information Collection (FR Pub 02/20/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-3636.pdf

CBP 2 Information Collection (FR Pub 02/20/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-3637.pdf

CBP 3 Information Collection (FR Pub 02/20/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-3638.pdf

FDA Information Collection (FR Pub 02/24/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-3603.pdf