To extend the Generalized System of Preferences and to make technical changes to the competitive need limitations provision of the program.

Bill: 115-hr-4979
Sponsor: Rep. Reichert, David G. [R-WA-8]
Introduced: 2018-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Subjects: Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits
Congressional oversight
Customs enforcement
Tariffs
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2018-02-08
text: 
This bill extends the Generalized System of Preferences (a U.S. trade preference program that provides duty-free access to imports on products from certain developing countries) through 2020.
 
The Trade Act of 1974 is amended to modify the deadline for the review process for the competitive needs limitation. (The competitive need limitation terminates duty-free treatment with respect to articles from a beneficiary developing country if certain import limits are exceeded.) 
 
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 is amended to extend through June 21, 2026, the authority for customs user fees for the processing of merchandise formally entered or released into the United States.

action_date: 2018-02-13
text: 
(Sec. 1) This bill extends the Generalized System of Preferences (a U.S. trade preference program that provides duty-free access to imports on products from certain developing countries) through 2020.
 
The U.S. Trade Representative, within one year of this bill's enactment and annually thereafter through December 31, 2020, must report to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee on efforts to ensure that countries designated as beneficiary developing countries under the Trade Act of 1974 are meeting the eligibility criteria set forth in that Act.
 
(Sec. 2) The Trade Act of 1974 is amended to modify the deadline for the review process with respect to the competitive needs limitation. (The competitive need limitation terminates duty-free treatment with respect to articles from a beneficiary developing country if certain import limits are exceeded.)
 
(Sec. 3) The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 is amended to extend through August 1, 2027, the authority for customs user fees for the processing of merchandise formally entered or released into the United States.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-02-14
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2018-02-13
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2018-02-13
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 - 2 (Roll no. 71). (text: CR H1100)
action_date: 2018-02-13
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 - 2 (Roll no. 71).(text: CR H1100)
action_date: 2018-02-13
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1104-1105)
action_date: 2018-02-13
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2018-02-13
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4979.
action_date: 2018-02-13
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1100-1103)
action_date: 2018-02-13
text: Mr. Reichert moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2018-02-13
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.
action_date: 2018-02-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2018-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2018-02-08
text: Introduced in House