Grover Norquist, NAM Continue Battle to Enact MTB Legislation
The congressional failure to pass Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) legislation continues to threaten U.S. market competitiveness abroad, said Grover Norquist in The Washington Times on Nov. 12 (here). The bill, which expired on Dec. 31, 2012, saves U.S. industry a quarter-billion dollars a year in tariff exemptions, said Norquist. “Why does our own government impose tariff burdens on us that raise the cost of living for all Americans?” said Norquist in a column. “This self-inflicted wound should be ground zero for bipartisan action.”
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The Senate moratorium on earmarks continues to obstruct MTB legislation in the 2013 legislative year (see 13110801). The duty exemptions are tax cuts, not earmarks, Norquist said. The National Association of Manufacturers reiterated that argument, while pressing for immediate MTB passage, in a Nov. 13 blog post (here). Norquist urged passage of U.S. Jobs Creation and Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2013, the House 2013 MTB legislation (here), in an Oct. 29 letter to members of Congress.