Background

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 Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 8666, introduced Aug. 5 by Reps. Kind, D-Wis., and Gallagher, R-Wis.) would require the president to provide evidence of national security threats and secure congressional approval before imposing Section 232 tariffs. This requirement would apply to all future Section 232 actions as well as those taken within the last four years.

Buy American. The Returning American Manufacturing Potential Act (S. 4758, introduced Aug. 4 by Sen. Kennedy, R-La.) would expand on the Buy American Act by requiring that at least 60 percent of the value of the components of products the federal government purchases be made in the U.S., up from 55 percent currently. That figure would increase to 65 percent by 2024 and 75 percent by 2029. The bill would also establish price preferences for domestic goods the federal government designates as critical to U.S. supply chains.

Cargo Screening. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs reported favorably Aug. 3 the Non-Intrusive Inspection Expansion Act (S. 4572), which would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to use NII systems to scan at least 40 percent of passenger vehicles and 90 percent of commercial vehicles entering the U.S. at land ports of entry by the end of fiscal year 2024.

Forced Labor. The Sanctioning Supporters of Slave Labor Act (S. 4714, introduced Aug. 2 by Sens. Rubio, R-Fla., and Menendez, D-N.J.) would impose secondary sanctions on those that do business with and provide support for foreign entities that have been sanctioned for human rights abuse of Uyghur Muslims in China.

CBP. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government affairs reported favorably Aug. 3 S. 4460, which would require CBP to regularly review and update policies and manuals related to inspections at ports of entry.

Balkans. The Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act (S. 4741, introduced Aug. 2 by Sens. Shaheen, D-N.H., and Wicker, R-Miss.) would encourage increased trade and investment between the U.S. and countries in the Western Balkans, including by establishing a regional trade and economic competitiveness initiative and an anti-corruption initiative and codifying two executive orders granting authority for sanctions against those who threaten peace and stability in the region and are engaged in corrupt behavior.

Foreign Investment. S. 4786 (introduced Aug. 6 by Sen. Rounds, R-S.D.) would include the secretary of agriculture on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. and require CFIUS review of certain agricultural transactions.

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