zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Supporting America's Manufacturers Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require a recommendation from the International Trade Commission (ITC) before the President can impose increased duties or other import restrictions on an imported Chinese product that causes or threatens market disruption to a like U.S. product. Revises the authority of the President and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to consider an equally divided ITC vote regarding a determination on the question of whether an imported Chinese product causes or threatens market disruption in the United States. Repeals the authority of the President and the TR to consider the determination of either group of equally divided Commissioners to be the ITC's determination. Requires such a deadlocked vote to be considered an affirmative ITC determination. Provides that if the Commissioners voting are equally divided with respect to its determination, then the determination agreed upon by either group of Commissioners may be considered by the President and the Trade Representative as the determination of the Commission. Requires the USTR to make available promptly to the public reports recommending the President to take action, if any, to remedy market disruption. Revises requirements involving ITC determinations of critical circumstances and requests for provisional relief with respect to a Chinese product that causes or threatens market disruption to a like U.S. Product Requires the President to provide import relief from Chinese products that cause or threaten market disruption to a like U.S. product within a specified time if an agreement is not reached with the People's Republic of China (PRC) or if the President determines that an agreement reached with the PRC is not remedying the market disruption. Authorizes the President to provide import relief (including provisional relief in critical circumstances) that differs from that recommended by the ITC, or to deny such import relief only: (1) in extraordinary cases; and (2) if the President determines that providing such relief would have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy (as under current law) or would cause serious harm to U.S. national security. Requires the President's decision on import relief to be reported to specified congressional committees. Requires import relief recommended by the ITC to take effect upon enactment of a congressional joint resolution in the event that the President: (1) takes action that differs from that recommended by the ITC; or (2) declines to provide import relief (including that recommended by the ITC) because it would have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy

Date: 2008-05-05
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade Agreement Benchmarks and Accountability Act - Subjects bills implementing trade agreements to a point of order in both the Senate and the House of Representatives unless certain conditions are met. Withdraws congressional approval of a bill implementing a trade agreement if a report by the International Trade Commission (ITC) indicates that certain benchmarks and predictions made with respect to an agreement are not being met unless a joint resolution waiving such benchmarks and predictions is enacted by Congress. Describes the benchmarks as analyses of the following effects of the agreement: (1) resulting job creation and job losses; (2) resulting improvement in wages for U.S. workers; (3) implementation and enforcement of the labor and environmental standards by each country that is a party to the agreement; and (4) the extent to which the agreement will result in an increase in access by U.S. businesses to the market of each country that is a party to the agreement, particularly those sectors identified by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) as of special importance.

Date: 2008-05-22
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment Act of 2008, or the TRADE Act of 2008 - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to: (1) review biennially certain free trade agreements (including Uruguay Round Agreements) between the United States and foreign countries; and (2) report to the Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee regarding such agreements, including analyses of specified subjects and of each agreement, as well as whether the country has a democratic form of government that respects certain core labor rights and fundamental human rights, protects intellectual property rights, and enforces environmental laws. Declares that implementing bills of new trade agreements shall not be subject to expedited consideration or special procedures limiting amendment,unless such agreements include certain standards with respect to: (1) labor; (2) environment and public safety; (3) food and product health and safety; (4) provision of services; (5) investment; (6) procurement; (7) intellectual property; (8) agriculture; (9) trade remedies and safeguards; (10) rules of origin; (11) dispute resolution and enforcement; (12) technical assistance; (13) national security; and (14) taxation. Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan for the renegotiation of existing trade agreements to bring them into compliance with such standards. Establishes a Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) certain requirements urging the attainment of certain trade goals shall apply to all existing and new trade agreements; and (2) a certain process for U.S. trade negotiations should be followed when Congress considers legislation providing special procedures for implementing bills of trade agreements.

Date: 2008-06-04
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade and Environment Enforcement (Green 301) Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to: (1) identify foreign country trade practices that cause negative impacts on the protection of human, animal, or plant life or health, or the conservation of exhaustible natural resources in the United States, the foreign country, a third country, or internationally; (2) review petitions requesting certain action with respect to such trade practices; and (3) consult with an identified foreign country and seek to negotiate an agreement that mitigates, reduces, or eliminates those negative impacts.

Date: 2008-07-10
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Establishes the Trade Agreement Enforcement Commission to oversee enforcement of worker rights provisions in: (1) trade agreements between the United States and other countries; and (2) trade preference programs.

Date: 2008-07-17
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to terminate, by September 6, 2008, the one-year cross-border pilot project started on September 6, 2007, as part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) cross-border motor carrier provisions, to demonstrate the ability of Mexico-domiciled motor carriers to operate safely in the United States beyond the commercial zones along the U.S.-Mexico border. Prohibits the Secretary, unless expressly authorized by Congress, from granting authority to a motor carrier domiciled in Mexico to operate beyond U.S. municipalities and commercial zones on the United States-Mexico border after September 6, 2008.Requires certain reports to Congress, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, by: (1) the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation; (2) the independent review panel established to monitor the demonstration project; and (3) the Secretary of Transportation on the project's implementation and the participation of motor carriers.

Date: 2008-07-29
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Transportation and public works
NAFTA Modernization Trade Negotiating Authority Act - Requires that any renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) resulting in any new trade agreement with Canada, Mexico, or both to: (1) meet the standards established in the areas of labor and environment, dispute settlement, intellectual property, services, foreign investment, and agriculture of trade agreements negotiated under the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002; and (2) take into account specified U.S. domestic objectives set out in this Act, including protection of health and safety, security, environmental, consumer, and employment opportunity interests. Authorizes the President before August 1, 2009, to enter into a trade agreement with such countries to: (1) reduce or eliminate a duty, restriction, barrier, or other distortion of trade that unduly burdens or restricts U.S. trade or adversely affects the U.S. economy; or (2) prohibit, or limit the imposition of, such barrier or other distortion. Sets forth congressional notification and consultation requirements for implementation of any trade agreement. Directs the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the chairman of the Committee on Finance of the Senate, within 30 days after the convening of each Congress, to convene the Congressional Oversight Group. Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to develop written guidelines to facilitate the useful and timely exchange of information between the USTR and the Group, particularly for the closest practicable coordination between them at all critical periods during NAFTA renegotiations. Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan for implementing and enforcing any agreement.

Date: 2008-09-23
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Amends the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) to extend the ATPA program through December 31, 2009. Extends through FY2010 preferential treatment for apparel articles assembled in one or more beneficiary countries from regional fabrics or regional components, and specified other type apparel (brassieres). Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase by 0.5% the amount in effect on the date of enactment of this Act of any corporate estimated tax installment otherwise due by a corporation with assets of not less than $1 billion in July, August, or September 2013.

Date: 2008-09-29
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Veterans' Mental Health Outreach and Access Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to provide to veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, particularly veterans who served in such Operations while in the National Guard and reserves: (1) peer outreach and support services; (2) readjustment counseling and related services; and (3) mental health services. Directs the Secretary to also provide to immediate family members of such veterans, during the three-year period following the return of the veterans from such a deployment, education, support, counseling, and mental health services to assist in: (1) readjustment to civilian life; (2) recovery from an injury or illness incurred during such deployment; and (3) readjustment of the family following the veteran's return. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with community health centers and other qualified entities to provide such services in areas not adequately served by health care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).Requires the Secretary to: (1) contract for a program to train veterans to provide the peer outreach and support services; and (2) conduct a training program for clinicians of community health centers and entities contracted to provide such services.Extends the eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations from two to five years after their discharge or release from such duty.

Date: 2007-05-23
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
False Travel Documents Prohibition Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the production, transfer, possession, and use of false travel documents.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Australian Wheat Board Accountability Act of 2007 - Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate an investigation in accordance with title III of the Trade Act of 1974 to determine if actions by the Australian Wheat Board with respect to the Board's abuse of the United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme constitutes an act, policy, or practice and justifies taking action against unfair trade practices and to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements. Deems economic damage suffered by U.S. wheat farmers as a result of the practices of the Australian Wheat Board related to the United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme during the period 1999 to 2003 to be such an act, policy, or practice. Requires the USTR to seek a negotiated settlement with the Australian government upon an affirmative determination that the actions of the Australian Wheat Board have resulted in barriers to U.S. wheat exports or meet the requirements for mandatory action. Imposes additional duties upon Australian imports in the event of failure to reach a negotiated settlement.

Date: 2007-01-09
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade Complaint and Litigation Accountability Improvement Measures Act or the Trade CLAIM Act - Amends the federal judicial code to grant the Court of International Trade exclusive jurisdiction of any civil action commenced by a petitioner requesting de novo review of a U.S. Trade Representative (Trade Representative) decision concerning the enforcement of U.S. trade rights. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise requirements concerning the enforcement of U.S. trade rights with respect to presidential authority and the responsibility of the Trade Representative. Permits the Trade Representative to take further action to enforce U.S. rights, based on the Trade Representative's monitoring, when a petitioner considers that the actions of a foreign country in implementing a measure have not been satisfactory.

Date: 2007-01-31
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Repeals provisions of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 requiring federal, state, and local governmental entities to withhold 3% of payments due to vendors providing goods and services to such entities.

Date: 2007-03-06
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Taxation
Controlling the Abuse of Prescriptions Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to add growth hormone, recombinant human growth hormone, or human growth hormone as a schedule III controlled substance; and (2) establish a good faith standard for practitioners in dispensing prescriptions of controlled substances.

Date: 2007-03-14
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Amends the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environment and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 to authorize appropriations for training in tribal leadership, management, and policy.

Date: 2007-03-21
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Native Americans
Furthering the Independence of Federal Prosecutors Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to one year for intentionally coercing, pressuring, or attempting to influence the decision of a U.S. attorney to conduct a criminal investigation or pursue a prosecution of any person based upon that person's race, sex, national origin, political activities, or political beliefs. Requires the appointment of a special prosecutor for enforcement of this Act. Prohibits a federal government attorney, in determining whether to prosecute or take other action against an individual in a criminal matter, from considering: (1) the race, religion, sex, national origin, or political association, activities or beliefs of such individual; (2) the personal feelings of such attorney concerning such individual, the associates of such individual, or the victim; or (3) the possible effect of a decision on the professional or personal circumstances of such attorney.

Date: 2007-03-23
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate, under the Trade Act of 1974, an investigation into Canada's personal exemption allowance scheme (no personal exemption from duty for Canadian residents returning from foreign travel lasting less than 24 hours, but an exemption of $50 Canadian for foreign travel lasting between 24 and 48 hours) to: (1) determine whether U.S. rights under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada are being denied by such scheme, or that such act, policy, or practice of Canada violates or otherwise denies benefits to the United States under such agreement or is unjustifiable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce; and (2) report the results of such investigation to Congress, including action the USTR is taking to remedy such scheme. Waives provisions requiring the USTR to consult with private and non-federal sectors prior to initiating an investigation by means other than petition.

Date: 2007-04-30
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade-Related American National Security Enhancement and Accountability Act - Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR), before commencing negotiations with a foreign country for a free trade agreement, to report to Congress on the national security considerations likely to result from it. Prohibits the United States from entering into a trade agreement unless it authorizes the President to suspend it, or any part of it, whenever necessary to ensure U.S. national security. Establishes the Congressional Executive Commission on Trade Security. Requires transmittal to the Commission of each final report on a presidential decision to suspend part or all of a trade agreement. Requires the Commission to: (1) review the report and in turn report to Congress on whether or not the suspension authority should be exercised; and (2) review on an ongoing basis and report to Congress on the same issue with respect to every existing free trade agreement. Directs the President to exercise the suspension authority if approved by a joint resolution of Congress.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Sudan Disclosure and Enforcement Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should bring before the U.N. Security Council a resolution requiring multilateral sanctions against the government of Sudan in response to its acts of genocide against the people of Darfur and its continued refusal to allow the implementation of a peacekeeping force. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require specified securities issuers who are involved in the petroleum industry in Sudan to disclose to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): (1) such activities if they result in annual gross receipts of $1 million or more; and (2) the geographic area within Sudan where such activities occurred, and specifically if such activities took place solely within Southern Sudan and designated areas. Authorizes a national security waiver. Terminates disclosure requirements if the Secretary of State: (1) determines that Sudan no longer supports acts of international terrorism; and (2) certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Sudan has demonstrated significant improvement in protecting Darfur's civilian population. Amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to increase civil penalties and establish criminal penalties for violations of such Act. Authorizes additional appropriations for the Office of Foreign Assets Control to support intelligence gathering, licensing, compliance, and administrative activities associated with sanctions against Sudan and persons operating in Sudan. Requires the President to publish notice in the Federal Register if specified sanctions have been terminated. Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 to repeal specified reporting requirements respecting companies performing natural resource extraction activities, including oil-related activities and mining of minerals, in Sudan.

Date: 2007-06-07
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Arbitration Fairness Act of 2007 - Declares that no predispute arbitration agreement shall be valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of: (1) an employment, consumer, or franchise dispute, or (2) a dispute arising under any statute intended to protect civil rights or to regulate contracts or transactions between parties of unequal bargaining power. Declares, further, that the validity or enforceability of an agreement to arbitrate shall be determined by a court, under federal law, rather than an arbitrator, irrespective of whether the party resisting arbitration challenges the arbitration agreement specifically or in conjunction with other terms of the contract containing such agreement. Exempts arbitration provisions in collective bargaining agreements from this Act.

Date: 2007-07-12
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Law
Trade Enforcement Act of 2007 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise certain trade provisions to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to identify and report to Congress on: (1) U.S. trade enforcement priorities; (2) U.S. trade enforcement actions taken during the previous year and their impact in addressing foreign trade barriers; and (3) priority foreign country trade practices the USTR will focus U.S. trade enforcement efforts. Requires the USTR to seek satisfactory resolution of any identified priority foreign country trade practice (including elimination or compensatory trade benefits) with the country concerned under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO), pursuant to a bilateral or regional trade agreement to which the United States is a party, or by any other means. Establishes the WTO Dispute Settlement Review Commission. Requires a recommendation from the International Trade Commission (ITC) before the President can impose any duty or other import restriction on an imported Chinese product that causes or threatens market disruption to a like U.S. product. Requires an ITC recommendation to take effect upon enactment of a joint resolution by Congress disapproving presidential action where the President takes action that differs from such recommendation or declines to take action because it would have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to apply countervailing duty provisions to nonmarket economy countries. Establishes: (1) the position of Chief Trade Enforcement Officer in the Office of the USTR; (2) an interagency Trade Enforcement Working Group. Grants the ITC authority to appoint hearing officers (other than administrative law judges) to preside over intellectual property rights infringement cases before the ITC. Defines the role of the interagency trade organization with respect to the performance of the functions of the USTR.

Date: 2007-08-01
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade Agreement Assessment Act - Directs the International Trade Commission (ITC) to report periodically to Congress on each free trade agreement in force with respect to the United States, including: (1) its effect on the U.S. economy and on specific U.S. industry sectors; (2) a summary of how each country that is party to such agreement has changed its labor and environmental laws; and (3) whether the agreement is making progress in achieving the objectives of the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002.

Date: 2007-10-24
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Kazakhstan.

Date: 2008-01-29
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Azerbaijan.

Date: 2008-01-29
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Moldova.

Date: 2008-02-06
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade Agreement Benchmarks and Accountability Act - Subjects bills implementing trade agreements to a point of order unless certain conditions are met.Withdraws congressional approval of a bill implementing a trade agreement only if a report by the International Trade Commission (ITC) indicates that certain benchmarks and predictions made with respect to an agreement are not being met and a joint resolution approving such withdrawal is enacted by Congress. Describes the benchmarks as analyses of the following effects of the agreement: (1) resulting job creation and job losses; (2) resulting improvement in wages for U.S. workers; (3) implementation and enforcement of the labor and environmental standards by each country that is a party to the agreement; and (4) the extent to which the agreement will result in an increase in access by U.S. businesses to the market of each country that is a party to the agreement, particularly those sectors identified by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) as of special importance.

Date: 2008-02-07
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Afghanistan and Pakistan Reconstruction Opportunity Zones Act of 2008 - Declares the purposes of this Act, including to stimulate economic activity and development in Afghanistan and the border region of Pakistan in an effort to combat violent extremism. Authorizes the President to: (1) designate an area within Afghanistan or Pakistan as a Reconstruction Opportunity Zone, provided such country meets certain eligibility requirements; and (2) proclaim duty-free treatment for certain articles (including certain textile and apparel articles as well as non-textile or non-apparel articles) that are imported into the United States from a designated zone within such country, provided certain requirements are met. Specifies rules of origin for such articles.Prohibits duty-free treatment for any such articles unless the country in question adopts certain enforcement measures to prevent their unlawful transshipment and the use of false documents relating to importation into the United States.Authorizes the President to: (1) waive duty-free treatment for such articles if it is inconsistent with the national interests of the United States; and (2) withdraw, suspend, or limit such treatment.

Date: 2008-03-13
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act - Provides that a pre-dispute arbitration agreement between a long-term care facility and a resident (or anyone acting on the resident's behalf) shall not be valid or specifically enforceable.

Date: 2008-04-09
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Law
Agriculture Smart Trade Act - Requires the President, before initiating negotiations to enter into a free trade agreement with a foreign country, to report to Congress on: (1) invasive agricultural pests or diseases in that country; and (2) sanitary or phytosanitary measures imposed by the country's government on goods the country imports.

Date: 2008-04-24
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
United States Olympic Committee Paralympic Program Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to plan, develop, manage, and implement the Paralympic Program for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces.Directs the USOC to use a grant to recruit, support, encourage, schedule, facilitate, supervise, and implement paralympic instruction, participation, and competition activities, training and technical assistance, and coordination, program development, and other specified activities for veterans and members of the Armed Forces with physical disabilities.Sets forth outreach, coordination, application, and memorandum of understanding requirements.Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) an Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events to establish, carry out, and provide for VA sponsorship of and participation by disabled veterans in qualifying programs and events. Authorizes the Office Director to provide a monthly assistance allowance to a disabled veteran invited by the USOC to compete for, or selected for, the Paralympic Team.Requires the Secretary to direct the Under Secretary for Health of the VA to: (1) make available recreational and physical therapists and other medical staff to facilitate veteran participation in sporting events conducted under the auspices of the USOC; (2) allow such personnel to participate in the USOC Paralympic Program without requiring the use of personal leave; and (3) support other similar activities or events.

Date: 2008-07-31
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Iraq Self-Sufficiency and American Energy Independence Act of 2008 - Transfers to the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and to the Office of Science for research, development, and demonstration to develop renewable energy and improve energy efficiency in the United States unexpended amounts: (1) in the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund; (2) in the Iraq Security Forces Fund; and (3) authorized for the Economic Support Fund that are available to Iraq.

Date: 2008-09-09
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Energy
Cuba Reconciliation Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (including other specified laws) to repeal the embargo placed upon all trade with Cuba.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare the denial of foreign tax credit inapplicable to Cuba.Permits: (1) installation and maintenance of telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, including telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba; and (2) travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents.Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: International affairs
Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Kazakhstan.

Date: 2009-02-04
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Afghanistan-Pakistan Security and Prosperity Enhancement Act - Authorizes the President to designate Reconstruction Opportunity Zones within Afghanistan or Pakistan, provided certain eligibility criteria are met, including that: (1) such countries establish, or make progress toward establishing, a market-based economy, instituting rule of law, protecting core labor standards, and eliminating barriers to trade and investment; (2) such countries can be designated as a beneficiary developing country; and (3) the designation of a Reconstruction Opportunity Zone is appropriate taking into account certain qualifying factors. Provides for the duty-free treatment of certain textile and apparel products, as well as nontextile and nonapparel products, from a Reconstruction Opportunity Zone through September 30, 2024. Sets forth requirements to prevent the unlawful transshipment of such products. Continues the duty-free treatment of such products from a Reconstruction Opportunity Zone in Afghanistan or Pakistan only if the President certifies to Congress that such countries have met certain requirements, including: (1) designation of a labor official; and (2) have agreed to require textile or apparel exporting enterprises to participate in a technical assistance, capacity building, compliance assessment, and remediation program. Authorizes the President to withdraw, suspend, or limit the application of duty-free treatment under this Act.

Date: 2009-03-04
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Free Trade With Cuba Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the embargo on trade with Cuba. Prohibits the exercise by the President with respect to Cuba of certain authorities conferred by the Trading With the Enemy Act and exercised on July 1, 1977, as a result of a specified national emergency. Makes ineffective any prohibition on exports to Cuba under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Authorizes the President to impose export controls with respect to Cuba and exercise certain authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act only on account of an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security that did not exist before enactment of this Act. Repeals: (1) the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992; (2) the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996; (3) the prohibition under the Food Security Act of 1985 against allocation of the annual sugar quota to any country unless its officials verify that it does not import for reexport to the United States any sugar produced in Cuba; and (4) the prohibition under the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 on transactions or payments respecting certain U.S. intellectual property. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism subject to agricultural and medical export restrictions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the denial of foreign tax credit with respect to Cuba. Authorizes common carriers to install and repair telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, and otherwise provide telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. Prohibits regulation or banning of travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents, or of any transactions incident to travel. Directs the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Urges the President to take all necessary steps to conduct negotiations with the Government of Cuba to: (1) settle claims of U.S. nationals against Cuba for the taking of property; and (2) secure protection of internationally recognized human rights.

Date: 2009-03-16
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: International affairs
Amends the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 to repeal the prohibition against the use of funds made available under the Act to establish a cross-border motor carrier demonstration program to allow Mexico-domiciled motor carriers to operate beyond the commercial zones along the international border between the United States and Mexico.

Date: 2009-03-19
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Transportation and public works
United States-Cuba Trade Normalization Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the embargo on trade with Cuba. Prohibits the exercise by the President with respect to Cuba of certain authorities conferred by the Trading With the Enemy Act and exercised on July 1, 1977, as a result of a specified national emergency. Makes ineffective any prohibition on exports to Cuba under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Authorizes the President to impose export controls with respect to Cuba and exercise certain authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act only on account of an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security that did not exist before enactment of this Act. Repeals: (1) the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992; (2) the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996; (3) the prohibition under the Food Security Act of 1985 against allocation of the annual sugar quota to any country unless its officials verify that it does not import for reexport to the United States any sugar produced in Cuba; and (4) the prohibition under the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 on transactions or payments respecting certain U.S. intellectual property. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism subject to agricultural and medical export restrictions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the denial of the foreign tax credit with respect to Cuba. Authorizes common carriers to install and repair telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, and otherwise provide telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. Prohibits regulation or banning of travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents, or of any transactions incident to travel. Directs the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Urges the President to take all necessary steps to conduct negotiations with the Government of Cuba to: (1) settle claims of U.S. nationals against Cuba for the taking of property; and (2) secure protection of internationally recognized human rights. Extends nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations) to the products of Cuba. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from limiting the amount of remittances to Cuba that may be made by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Rescinds any determination by the Secretary of State that Cuba has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.

Date: 2009-05-06
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: International affairs
United States-China Market Engagement and Export Promotion Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) provide grants to states to establish and operate state offices in the People's Republic of China (PRC) to promote U.S. exports to the PRC; (2) establish a program to create China market advocate positions in United States Export Assistance Centers in order to provide assistance to small- and medium-sized U.S. businesses in the export of U.S. goods to the PRC, including assistance for business-related expenses for trade missions to the PRC; and (3) submit to Congress a plan to consolidate fees for Gold Key matching services provided to such U.S. businesses that export U.S. goods or services to more than one market in the PRC. Amends the Small Business Act to require the Office of International Trade of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide guidance to U.S. small businesses with respect to the export of U.S. goods and services to the PRC. Establishes in the Office a Director of China Program Grants. Directs the Administrator of SBA, acting through the Director of China Program Grants, to make grants to institutions of higher education to establish and operate Chinese business education programs.

Date: 2009-05-07
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Azerbaijan.

Date: 2009-06-04
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment Act of 2009 or the TRADE Act of 2009 - Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) review biennially certain free trade agreements (including Uruguay Round Agreements) between the United States and foreign countries to evaluate their economic, environmental, national security, health, safety, and other effects; and (2) report on them to the Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee (established by this Act), including analyses of specified aspects of each agreement and certain information about agreement parties, such as whether the country has a democratic form of government, respects certain core labor rights and fundamental human rights, protects intellectual property rights, and enforces environmental laws. Declares that implementing bills of new trade agreements shall not be subject to expedited consideration or special procedures limiting amendment, unless such agreements include certain standards with respect to: (1) labor; (2) human rights; (3) environment and public safety; (4) food and product health and safety; (5) provision of services; (6) investment; (7) procurement; (8) intellectual property; (9) agriculture; (10) trade remedies and safeguards; (11) dispute resolution and enforcement; (12) technical assistance; (13) national security; and (14) taxation. Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan for the renegotiation of existing trade agreements to bring them into compliance with such standards. Establishes a Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee. Expresses the sense of Congress that certain processes for U.S. trade negotiations should be followed when Congress considers legislation providing special procedures for implementing bills of trade agreements.

Date: 2009-06-24
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Reciprocal Market Access Act of 2009 - Prohibits the President from agreeing to the reduction or elimination of the existing rate of duty on any product in order to carry out a trade agreement entered into between the United States and a foreign country until the President certifies to Congress that: (1) the United States has obtained the reduction or elimination of tariff and nontariff barriers and policies and practices of such foreign country with respect to U.S. exports of any product that has the same physical characteristics and uses as the product for which the President seeks to modify its rate of duty; and (2) any violation of the trade agreement is immediately enforceable by withdrawal of the modification of the existing duty on such foreign product until the United States Trade Representative (USTR) certifies to Congress that the United States has obtained the reduction or elimination of the tariff or nontariff barrier or policy or practice of such foreign government. Requires the withdrawal of such a modification in specified circumstances until the USTR makes such a certification to Congress.

Date: 2009-10-08
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Reaffirms congressional opposition to trade boycotts of Israel and calls on the President to take stronger steps to end all trade boycotts of Israel. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the United States Trade Representative to include in: (1) the annual trade barrier report a list of each country (and specified boycott-related information about such country) that participates in any trade boycott of Israel; and (2) the National Trade Estimate a report on U.S. steps taken at the World Trade Organization (WTO) or other international fora to end the trade boycott of Israel.

Date: 2009-11-06
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Withdraws Congress' approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Directs the President to provide written notice of the withdrawal to the governments of Canada and Mexico.

Date: 2010-03-04
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Overseas Contractor Reform Act - Requires any person found to be in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to be proposed for debarment from any federal contract or grant within 30 days after final judgment of such violation. Authorizes the head of a federal agency to waive this provision for a federal contract or grant and to report such waiver to Congress within 30 days with a justification. Declares that it is U.S. government policy that no government contracts or grants should be awarded to individuals or companies who violate that Act.

Date: 2010-05-20
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Trade Enforcement Priorities Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise requirements for investigations by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) of priority foreign country practices which if eliminated will likely have the most significant potential to increase U.S. exports. Urges the USTR, before initiating an investigation, to seek consultations with each foreign country identified as engaging in priority foreign country trade practices in order to reach a satisfactory resolution of such practices. Requires the USTR to initiate an investigation only if a satisfactory resolution has not been reached within 90 days after a report on the practices to the appropriate congressional committees.

Date: 2010-07-30
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Vote On Trade Every time Act or VOTE Act - Prohibits the President from entering into a trade agreement with one or more foreign countries unless U.S. electors authorize the President to take such action. Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to hold a series of public hearings throughout the United States to receive input on the effects of the trade agreement on U.S. economic growth and employment before the President enters into negotiations to enter into a trade agreement with such countries.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
United States-Africa Trade, Development, and Diaspora Relations Promotion Act - Directs the President to appoint a Special Representative for United States-Africa Trade, Development, and Diaspora Affairs within the Department of State. States that the Special Representative should be a person of distinction, culturally sensitive to the underserved African Diaspora in the United States, with substantial experience in matters of trade or economic development and in matters relating to African Diaspora relations with Africa. Directs the Secretary of State to establish, within the Department of State, the Office of United States-Africa Trade, Development, and Diaspora Affairs, with the Special Representative as its head. Directs the Special Representative to establish five regional United States-Africa Trade, Development, and Diaspora Affairs public outreach, education, and liaison centers. Requires the Special Representative and the Office to: (1) promote U.S.-African trade and investment relations and foster socioeconomic development and economic growth; (2) design and implement public outreach, education, and liaison programs and activities intended to foster U.S.-African economic, technical, social, and cultural ties; (3) facilitate and increase the number of international learning exchange, professional, training, and educational programs between Africa and the United States; (4) establish a publicly accessible database through which U.S. and African businesses, academics, and organizations can communicate and establish ties; and (5) consult with African governments, the African Union, African intergovernmental subregional organizations, public-private partnership entities, private businesses and foundations, nongovernmental organizations, and United Nations (U.N.) agencies with respect to matters of Africa-related trade, economic development, and African-African Diaspora relations.

Date: 2010-12-16
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: International affairs
Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Kazakhstan.

Date: 2009-01-21
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Moldova.

Date: 2009-01-27
Topic: Foreign Trade (Trade Agreements)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance