Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions
"Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions" is a regular feature of International Trade Today. The following are brief summaries of recent Capitol Hill actions.
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DHS Secretary Testified Before Senate Homeland Security Committee
On April 29, 2009, DHS Secretary Napolitano testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on the recent outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus (also referred to as swine flu).
Secretary Napolitano testified that at U.S. land ports of entry and airports, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is continuing to implement protocols to direct incoming travelers who appear sick to separate rooms where they can be evaluated by local public health professionals. Like the CBP, TSA has instituted protocols for passengers who may be exhibiting H1N1 flu symptoms.
Iran Sanctions Bill Passed by House Financial Services Committee
On April 28, 2009, the House Financial Services Committee issued a press release announcing that it passed H.R. 1327, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009, which would empower Americans to apply economic pressure on the Iranian regime. H.R. 1327 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
House, Senate Passes FY 2010 Budget Resolution Conference Report
On April 29, 2009, the House and Senateagreed to the conference report to accompany S. Con. Res. 13, setting forth the congressional budget for the U.S. Government for fiscal year 2010, revising the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2011 through 2014.
TWIC House Homeland Security Committee Briefing
The House Homeland Security Committee held a member briefing on Transportation Worker Identification Card by various Department of Homeland Security officials.
Trade-Related Bills Introduced on April 29, 2009
On April 29, 2009, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
| Contamination of cosmetics, personal care | S. 925. A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study the presence of contaminants and impurities in cosmetics and personal care products marketed to and used by children |
| Truck weights | H.R. 2179. A bill to permit commercial vehicles at weights up to 129,000 pounds to use certain highways of the Interstate System in the State of Idaho, which would provide significant savings in the transportation of goods throughout the United States, and for other purposes |
| Agency efficiency | S. 924. A bill to ensure efficient performance of agency functions |
If it is determined that any of the above Congressional actions, hearings, or bills warrant more in-depth coverage, such information will be provided separately in a future issue of International Trade Today.