Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
According to Washington Trade Daily, final congressional action on legislation (HR 4520, S 1637) to repeal a US export tax break program remains stalled as lawmakers depart on June 25, 2004 for the Independence Day recess. The article states that Senate majority and minority leaders were unsuccessful in coming to an agreement that would clear the way for the Senate to conference with the House, adding that Congress returns from its recess on July 6. (WTD dated 06/25/04, www.washingtontradedaily.com )
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1. Still No Agreement on Conferencing FSC/ETI Legislation
2. Truckers Calling for Nationwide Strike at Ports
The Journal of Commerce Online (JoC Online) reports that truckers are calling for a nationwide strike to protest high fuel prices and working conditions at U.S. ports. According to the article, the strike is slated for the week of June 28 - July 4, 2004 and coincides with the start of the peak shipping season. (JoC Online Pub 06/23/04, www.joc.com)
3. Treasury Decides to Extend "Make Available" Provisions in Terrorism Risk Insurance Act
The Treasury Department has issued a press release announcing its decision to extend the "make available" provisions of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) through 2005, the third year of the federal Terrorism Risk Insurance Program. (See ITT's Online Archives or 05/10/04 news, 04051035, for BP summary of Treasury's solicitation of comments on this matter.) (Press Release, dated 06/18/04, available at http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/js1734.htm)
4. USDA Signs MOU to Enhance Safety of Meat & Poultry Products in Americas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a press release announcing that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to establish ways to improve the safety of meat and poultry products that are traded among the nations of the Western Hemisphere. (Press Release, dated 06/24/04, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_062404_01/index.asp)
5. APHIS Issues Corrections to Proposed Rule on Mexican Hass Avocados
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued corrections to errors that were contained in its May 24, 2004 proposed rule which would, among other things, expand the number of States in which fresh Hass avocado fruit grown in approved orchards in approved municipalities in Michoacan, Mexico may be distributed. (See ITT's Online Archives or 05/26/04 news, 04052630, for BP summary of proposed rule.) (D/N 03-022-4, FR Pub 06/16/04 available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-13557.pdf)
6. President's Export Council Subcommittee Seeks Private-Sector Members
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued a notice stating that the President's Export Council Subcommittee on Export Administration (PECSEA) is seeking private-sector members with senior export control expertise and direct experience in one or more of the following industries: machine tools, semiconductors, commercial communication satellites, high performance computers, telecommunications, aircraft, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. According to the notice, this request will be open for 15 days from June 25, 2004. (FR Pub 06/25/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-14386.pdf)