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:
Oberstar Comments on Failure of Senate to Extend SAFETEA-LU
The Senate's failure to overcome the objections of a single Senator means funding for federal the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) runs out at midnight Saturday, House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Oberstar (D) said. However, a recent agreement on a Senate jobs bill issue may clear the way for a new extension of the surface transportation law.
Kerry Wants Pricing Carbon as Key Fixture of New Climate Bill
In a February 23, 2010 speech on the future of climate change legislation, Senator Kerry (D) stated he was working to craft a new climate proposal with Senators Lieberman (I) and Graham (R) that would include putting a price on carbon.
Senate Chair Opposes Obama's FY 2011 Budget Request for USCG
At a Senate Transportation and Infrastructure's February 25, 2010 Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee hearing, Committee Chairman Oberstar expressed concern about the President's FY 2011 request for $35 million less for the Coast Guard and to reduce its size by 773 personnel, five cutters, and four jets. among other cutbacks.
Senator Announces Withdrawal of CBP/TTB Sub Drawback Proposal
Senator Schumer announced that the 2009 proposed rules by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau are being withdrawn. These agencies had proposed rules to preclude the filing of a substitution drawback claim for Federal excise tax paid on imported merchandise in certain situations.
Senate Ag Chair Urges Reopening of Chinese Market to U.S. Pork
U.S. Senator Lincoln (D), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, urged the Chinese government to reopen its market to American pork exports. China pledged five months ago to reopen its market but this commitment has yet to be honored.
House Passes Bill to Extend Surface Transportation Programs
The House of Representatives on February 25, 2010, passed H.R. 4691, the Temporary Extension Act of 2010, which would extend the Surface Transportation Programs and related authorities to make expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund through March 28, 2010. H.R. 4691 would also extend a number of other programs.
Any "Capitol Hill Trade Action" warranting more in-depth coverage will be summarized individually in a future issue of International Trade Today.