The Senate Commerce Committee will likely vote on FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel’s renomination next month during a markup session, a GOP committee staffer confirmed Monday. Rosenworcel's renomination hearing was Oct. 28. Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., told us last week he was unsure if Rosenworcel would make it onto the December markup agenda but said she's empowered as commissioner for another year absent congressional action (see 1511190038).
Harmonized Tariff Schedule
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is a reference manual that provides duty rates for almost every item that exists. It is a system of classifying and taxing all goods imported into the United States. The HTS is based on the international Harmonized System, which is a global standard for naming and describing trade products, and consists of a hierarchical structure that assigns a specific code and rate to each type of merchandise for duty, quota, and statistical purposes. The HTS was made effective on January 1, 1989, replacing the former Tariff Schedules of the United States. It is maintained by the U.S. International Trade Commission, but the Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the HTS.
Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn., introduced legislation Wednesday to remove tariffs on a raft of electronic learning devices for children. The Elimination of Tariffs on Education for Children’s Act would insert subheading 8543.70.94 into the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to provide for duty-free import of the learning devices. HR-4748 (http://1.usa.gov/1oOIAlL) would replicate the duty-free status of 8543.70.92, a subheading that addresses electrical machines with translation or dictionary functions, flat-panel displays and other goods. The bill would make the tariff removal on the products permanent, said Black, according to a spokesman. “Electronic learning devices have been used in hundreds of thousands of classrooms and households,” said Black. “Congress has already recognized the importance of eliminating duties on electronic educational devices and has approved three temporary tariff reductions under the Miscellaneous Tariff Bills since 2004.” The Black legislation has four co-sponsors.
GENEVA -- Dealing with telecom fraud and misuse of numbering resources and spurring transmission of certain international calling party numbers dominated developing country proposals for an ITU Council group meeting later this month on preparations for the 2012 World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT). The group is preparing draft proposals for new ITU resolutions, recommendations and opinions and a final report for consideration by the ITU Council and the conference, the ITU website said. The treaty conference on revision or the possible abrogation of the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITR) is scheduled for next autumn.