For more information on pursuing trade policy interests through the legislative process, please contact Nicole Bivens Collinson at (202) 730-4956 or via email.
Trade policy. The U.S. Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific Act (H.R. 953, introduced Feb. 4 by Reps. Miller, R-W.V., and Panetta, D-Calif.) would (1) require the International Trade Commission to conduct an investigation of the impact of regional trade agreements on U.S. competitiveness and (2) establish a bipartisan Indo-Pacific Trade Strategy Commission that would deliver recommendations for a comprehensive trade strategy for the region.
Apparel. The Protect Our Clothes from PFAS Act (introduced Feb. 4 by Reps. Pingree, D-Maine, and Moore, R-Utah) would amend chapter 62 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. to remove the requirement that water-resistant garments be the result of a rubber or plastics application to qualify for lower duty rates. A press release from Pingree’s office explains that such applications often contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (also known as “forever chemicals”) and that by eliminating this requirement the bill seeks to encourage the use of PFAS-free waterproofing technologies.
Labeling. H.R. 914 (introduced Feb. 4 by Rep. Harder, D-Calif.) would amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that required country-of-origin labeling for any agricultural product packaged in a can shall be on the front label or top of such can.
The American Beef Labeling Act (S. 421, introduced Feb. 5 by Sens. Thune, R-S.D., and Booker, D-N.J.) would require the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Agriculture to develop within one year a World Trade Organization-compliant means of reinstating mandatory country of origin labeling for beef.
Origin. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved Feb. 5 the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act (S. 283), which would require the Department of Commerce to develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of seafood to support enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Exports. The China Technology Transfer Control Act (H.R. 1122, introduced Feb. 7 by Rep. Green, R-Tenn.) would control exports to China of certain technology and intellectual property important to U.S. national interests, including items that (1) would contribute significantly to the Chinese military to the detriment of U.S. national security, (2) are included in a designated list of product components compiled by USTR, and (3) are used by China to violate human rights or religious liberties.
Supply Chains. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved Feb. 5 the following bills.
- the Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act (S. 99), which would require the DOC to produce a report that provides recommendations to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of DOC programs related to supply chain resilience and manufacturing and industrial innovation
- the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act (S. 257), which would (1) establish a supply chain resiliency program within the DOC to map, monitor, and promote U.S. supply chains in critical industries and emerging technologies, (2) encourage private-public partnerships to promote resilient supply chains and respond to supply chain shocks among critical industries and emerging technologies, and (3) encourage the development and competitiveness of U.S. productive capacities and manufacturing in the U.S.
The Securing Trade and Resources for Advanced Technology, Economic Growth, and International Commerce in Minerals Act (S. 429, introduced Feb. 5 by Sens. Young, R-Ind., and Coons, D-Del.) would empower the president to negotiate and enforce sector-specific free trade agreements exclusively focused on critical minerals and rare earth elements with trusted partners and allies.
Taiwan. H.Con.Res. 8 (introduced Feb. 6 by Rep. Tiffany, R-Wis.) expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. should resume normal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement with Taiwan, and support Taiwan’s membership in international organizations.
Kazakhstan. The U.S.-Kazakhstan Trade Modernization Act (H.R. 1024, introduced Feb. 5 by Rep. Panetta, D-Calif.) would authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Kazakhstan.
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