For more information on pursuing trade policy interests through the legislative process, please contact Nicole Bivens Collinson at (202) 730-4956 or via email.
Tariffs. The Senate will vote April 1 on S.J.Res. 37, which would terminate the national emergency declared Feb. 1 regarding cross-border immigration and shipments of fentanyl that currently provides the legal basis for the 25 percent tariffs (10 percent for energy products) being assessed on imports from Canada that do not qualify for duty-free treatment under the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement.
H.R. 2459 (introduced March 27 by Rep. Panetta, D-Calif.) would amend the Trade Act of 1974 to eliminate the authority to impose certain import surcharges to address balance of payments deficits.
The Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act (H.R. 2464, introduced March 27 by Rep. Schneider, D-Ill.) would repeal section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which gives the president unilateral authority to impose up to 50 percent tariffs in response to discriminatory behavior by U.S. trading partners.
The Protecting Families from Inflation Act (H.R. 2287, introduced March 24 by Rep. Bynum, D-Ore.) would require the Federal Reserve to conduct a study on the impact certain U.S. tariffs have on the cost of goods and services in the U.S.
H.R. 2393 (introduced March 26 by Rep. Stutzman, R-Ind.) would place a duty on imported Australian Wagyu beef and a reciprocal trade agreement between the U.S. and Australia as it concerns Wagyu beef.
De minimis. S. 1185 (introduced March 26 by Sen. Wyden, D-Ore.) would amend section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to enhance transparency with respect to shipments seeking an administrative exemption from duties for low-value entries.
China. S. 1165 (introduced March 27 by Sens. Hassan, D-N.H., and Cassidy, R-La.) would require the U.S. trade representative to regularly monitor industrial subsidies provided by the government of China and report on the risks posed by those subsidies.
Forced labor. More than a dozen House Democrats wrote to USTR Jamieson Greer and Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer March 21 urging them to (1) reinstate recently canceled international labor programs “that are critical to protect American workers and defend U.S. trade” and (2) protect staff and programs of the DOL’s International Labor Affairs Bureau from further cuts. “ILAB’s projects around the globe are key to achieving a level playing field for American workers and ensuring that American consumers are not complicit in buying products tainted by forced or child labor overseas,” the letter asserted. In addition, “ILAB provides essential support to USTR to enforce the rules of the USMCA.”
Exports. S. 1103 (introduced March 25 by Sen. Hassan, D-N.H.) would require (1) a pilot program on the use of big data analytics to identify vessels evading sanctions and export controls and (2) a report on the availability in the U.S. of emerging and foundational technologies subject to export controls.
Uzbekistan. H.R. 2329 (introduced March 25 by Rep. Kelly, R-Miss.) would authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to products of Uzbekistan.
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