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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House Fails to Pass Food Safety Bill by 2/3 Vote, to Try Again July 30
On July 29, 2009, the House of Representatives failed to pass the amendment in the nature of a substitute for the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2749) under a suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage. The House is scheduled to again take up the measure on July 30, 2009 under different rules that allow amendment and do not require a two-thirds majority vote.
President Signs Renewal of Burma Import Ban, Jadeite/Ruby Sanctions
On July 28, 2009, the President signed into law H.J. Res. 56 (Public Law 111-42), a resolution to approve the renewal of import restrictions on Burma (Myanmar).
Highway Trust Fund Bill Passed by House
On July 29, 2009, the House passed H.R. 3357, amended, to restore sums to the Highway Trust Fund.
House Highway Trust Fund Bill to be Considered by Senate
On July 29, 2009, a unanimous-consent-time agreement was reached providing that on July 30, 2009 the Senate would begin consideration of H.R. 3357, to restore sums to the Highway Trust Fund.
Senate FY 2010 Transportation Appropriations Bill Reported by Committee
On July 29, 2009, the Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies approved for full committee consideration a bill making appropriations for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development for fiscal year 2010.
Bill to Fix REAL ID Act Reported by Senate Homeland Security Committee
On July 29, 2009, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee reported out legislation to fix the REAL ID Act of 2005, which sought to increase the security of drivers' licenses in order to deny terrorists the ability to board airplanes and enter federal buildings.
Letter Urging Administration on Trading Partners' Import Protocols for Agricultural Products
On July 29, 2009, Ways and Means Ranking Member Camp (R), Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Brady (R), Representatives Herger (R), Blunt (R), and Nunes (R) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack urging the Administration to ensure that sound science and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) classifications underpin U.S. trading partners' import protocols for beef, pork, poultry, and other agricultural products.
Senate Burma Sanctions Extension Resolution Report Filed
On July 29, 2009, the report to accompany S.J. Res. 17, approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. (S. Rept. No. 111-63) was filed in the Senate.
Trade-Related Bills Introduced on July 28, 2009
On July 28, 2009, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
| HTF funding | H.R. 3357. A bill to restore sums to the Highway Trust Fund, and for other purposes |
| Meat, poultry recalls | S. 1527. A bill to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to order the recall of meat and poultry that is adulterated, misbranded, or otherwise unsafe |
Trade-Related Bills Introduced on July 29, 2009
On July 29, 2009, the following trade-related bills were introduced:
| Dietary supplement advertising | H.R. 3394. A bill to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act concerning the burden of proof in false advertising cases involving dietary supplements and dietary ingredients |
| Dietary supplement claims | H.R. 3395. A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act concerning claims about the effects of foods and dietary supplements on health-related conditions and disease, and for other purposes |
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.