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.

Section 301. The Combatting Attacks on our National Alcoholic Drinks by Allies Act (H.R. 9601, introduced July 6 by Rep. Tenney, R-N.Y.) would direct the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate within 30 days investigations to determine whether foreign countries, including Canada, have ceased importation and distribution of U.S. alcoholic beverage exports in a manner that is actionable under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Tariffs. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., sent a letter to USTR Jamieson Greer July 9 expressing “strong concerns” with USTR’s proposal to impose Section 301 tariffs on 60 U.S. trading partners due to concerns about forced labor. Wyden acknowledged that forced labor is “a serious problem” but said the proposed tariffs “appear ill-designed to accomplish a legitimate objective” on this issue. Instead, Wyden said, USTR should focus on remedying the Trump administration’s “disappointing” record of enforcement of U.S. laws prohibiting imports made with forced labor, sufficiently funding organizations that support capacity-building abroad, and formalizing technical assistance and cooperation with trading partners.

Chemicals. The Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act (H.R. 9593, introduced July 6 by Reps. Dingell, D-Mich., and Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.) would prohibit the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of food packaging containing intentionally-added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (also known as “forever chemicals”). A press release from Dingell’s office said PFAS are frequently used to greaseproof, waterproof, and give non-stick properties to food containers, cookware, and consumer products. 

The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act (H.R. 9594, introduced July 6 by Reps. Dingell, D-Mich., and Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.) would ban the use of intentionally-added PFAS in cosmetics.

ITC. The Senate Finance Committee will hold an executive session July 14 to mark up the nominations of Brett Doyle, David Foley, Jr., Samuel Negatu, Peter-Anthony Pappas, and Bartholomew Thanhauser to be members of the International Trade Commission.

Imports. H.R. 9631 (introduced July 9 by Rep. McCaul, R-Texas) would prohibit the importation, exportation, and interstate trade of bear viscera and bear viscera products.

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