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:
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President Signs SAFETEA-LU Extension into Law (HIRE Act)
On March 18, 2010, the President signed into law the "Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment" (HIRE) Act (H.R. 2847). H.R. 2847 contains an extension of transportation programs and full funding for SAFETEA-LU through the end of 2010.
President Signs Trademark Act into Law
On March 17, 2010, the President signed into law S. 2968, the "Trademark Technical and Conforming Amendment Act of 2010," which amends trademark law to extend the grace period from 3 months to 6 months for international registrants filing "affidavits of use" to extend trademark registration and to allow international registrants.
House Transport Cmte Held Hearing on Vessel Capacity
On March 17, 2010, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a hearing to examine the issues of a lack of space on vessels, a possible shortage of containers, and how those factors impact U.S. exports. According to the Chairman, these issues are of great concern to Congress as it plays an integral role in U.S. businesses having the ability to have an expanded market and sell their products overseas. Such issues also have a direct impact on achieving the goals set forth in the President's National Export Initiative.
Senate EPW Hearing on Energy Security thru Transportation Policy
On March 24, 2010, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing entitled, "Opportunities to Improve Energy Security and the Environment through Transportation Policy."
House Subcmte Held Hearing on Int'l Worker Rights/Economy
On March 10, 2010, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, and International Organizations held a hearing on International Worker Rights, U.S. Foreign Policy and the International Economy. Witnesses at the hearing discussed the relationship between labor rights and trade agreements.
PACE Expresses Concern About Int'l Tax Aspects of FY 2011 Budget
On March 9, 2010, the American Apparel and Footwear Association and other members of Promote America's Competitive Edge have sent a letter to Congress expressing concerns with the international tax provisions proposed in the Obama Administration's budget for FY 2011.
Rep Manzullo Outlines Plans to Increase Small Business Exports
During testimony at the International Trade Commission's March 18, 2010 hearing on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: U.S. and EU Export Activities, etc., Representative Manzullo outlined a plan to help increase small business exports and put Americans back to work. Manzullo also noted that he looks forward to working with the Administration on its National Export Initiative.
Sens Wyden, Stabenow, and Brown Appointed to Pres Export Council
On March 16, 2010, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) appointed U.S. Senators Wyden (D), Stabenow (D) and Brown (D) to seats on the President's Export Council.
Trade-Related Bills Introduced on March 17, 2010
On March 17, 2010, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
| Beef Exports to Japan | H. Res. 1196. A resolution supporting increased market access for exports of United States beef and beef products to Japan |
| Relations with Honduras | H. Res. 1197. A resolution expressing support for democracy in Honduras and restoring normal relations between Honduras and the United States |
Any "Capitol Hill Trade Action" warranting more in-depth coverage will be summarized individually in a future issue of International Trade Today.