Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions
"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.
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Timely, relevant coverage of court proceedings and agency rulings involving tariffs, classification, valuation, origin and antidumping and countervailing duties. Each day, Trade Law Daily subscribers receive a daily headline email, in-depth PDF edition and access to all relevant documents via our trade law source document library and website.
Representatives Urge Administration to Maintain Pressure on Taiwan for U.S. Beef Access
On January 20, 2010, House Ways and Means Committee ouwHHouChairman Rangel (D) and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Levin (D) joined Ranking Member Camp (R) and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Brady (R) in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, expressing frustration with Taiwan's undoing of an October 2009 bilateral protocol regarding market access for U.S. beef and beef product exports to Taiwan. The Members also commended the Administration for suspending talks with Taiwan under the U.S.-Taiwan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and requested consultations before any such discussions reconvened. (Copy of press release available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com.)
Senator Calls on Russia to Ease Trade Barriers
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Lincoln (D) has issued a statement pushing for open-market access for U.S. agricultural producers as she urged the administration to address several recent decisions by the Russian government restricting imports of U.S. meat and poultry.
Administrations' TSA Nominee Withdraws
Senator DeMint has issued a statement regarding the withdrawal of Erroll Southers' nomination as Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration. Senator DeMint expressed hope that the President will quickly put forward a new nominee.
Trade-Related Bills Introduced on January 20, 2010
On January 20, 2010, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
| Imported seafood | S. 2934. A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to ensure the safety of imported seafood |
| Airport security screening | S. 2940. A bill to increase the use of security cameras at airport security screening checkpoints and exits, to impose increased penalties on individuals who circumvent security screening at airports, and for other purposes |
If it is determined that any of the above Congressional actions, hearings, or bills warrant more in-depth coverage, such information will be provided separately in a future issue of International Trade Today.