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 Countering Economic Coercion Act (S. 4514, introduced July 13 by Sens. Young, R-Ind., and Coons, D-Del.) would provide the president with specific tools to offer economic support to foreign partners targeted by economic coercion, including authorities to (1) decrease duties or modify quotas on imports from the foreign partner to make up for lost exports to other nations due to coercive actions, (2) expedite export licensing decisions and regulatory processes to facilitate trade, (3) seek appropriations to support foreign aid, export financing, and sovereign loan guarantees, and (4) waive certain policy requirements to facilitate export financing. The president would have to consult with Congress in determining whether economic coercion is taking place and deciding whether and how to support the targeted country. Any determination of economic coercion and any authorities exercised under a determination would sunset after two years or upon a joint resolution of Congress.
Food safety. The Food Safety Administration Act (S. 4520, introduced July 13 by Sen. Durbin, D-Ill., and H.R. 8358, introduced July 13 by Rep. DeLauro, D-Conn.) would establish the FSA to take over food safety responsibilities currently housed within the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Center for Veterinary Medicine, and Office of Regulatory Affairs. The FSA would be responsible for ensuring the safety of food, preventing foodborne illness, maintaining safety reviews and reassessments of food additives, enforcing pesticide residue tolerances, and improving the surveillance of foodborne pathogens. The agency would be led by a food safety expert confirmed by the Senate.
Formula. The House of Representatives approved July 15 H.R. 8351, which would suspend import duties on certain infant formula products through Dec. 31, 2022.
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