zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Export Promotion Act

This bill establishes the Export Promotion Agency in the Department of Commerce, to be headed by an Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Promotion.

There are transferred to the Agency the functions of each of the following:

 the International Trade Administration, the Office of International Trade of the Small Business Administration, the Trade and Development Agency, the Export Credit Guarantee Program and the Facilities Guarantee Program of the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs of the Department of State. The Under Secretary shall develop:

 an organizational structure for the Agency that consolidates programs and eliminates duplicative programs; and metrics to measure performance with respect to the total U.S. exports and number of U.S. businesses exporting (including exports assisted by the Agency), as well as number of businesses present in key foreign markets.

Date: 2016-09-21
Topic: Foreign Trade (Exports)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Small Business Export Growth Act of 2015

 Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to revise the duties of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC).

Requires the TPCC to: (1) identify opportunities to consolidate or co-locate offices of federal agencies involved in export promotion and export financing activities; (2) assess the use and coordination of electronic databases among federal agencies in support of such activities; and (3) provide a detailed listing of current and future federal and state-led trade missions, trade fairs, and related activities to ensure better delivery of services to U.S. businesses.

Requires the Secretary of Commerce to make available information on federal and state-led trade missions, trade fairs, and related activities on the Export.gov website.

Requires the governmentwide strategic plan for federal trade promotion efforts to: (1) clearly identify and explain the role, goals, and objectives of each agency represented on the TPCC with respect its export promotion and export financing activities; (2) include any recommendations of the Comptroller General relating to coordination of the agencies represented on the TPCC; and (3) reflect the recommendations of the U.S. Travel Association (currently, U.S. National Tourism Organization) to the degree considered appropriate by the TPCC.

Directs the President to establish a State and Federal Export Promotion Coordination Working Group as a subcommittee of the TPCC to develop a strategy for improving coordination of federal and state resources for small business export promotion and export financing activities.

Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce to report annually to Congress on the extent to which the TPCC is successfully carrying out its duties.

Requires the Associate Administrator for International Trade of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to report to Congress on recommendations for improving the experience of the Export.gov website as a comprehensive export information resource and a single website for exporters to submit all federally required information on the exportation of articles from the United States.

Amends the Small Business Act to require that the nationwide marketing effort of the Associate Administrator, in promoting sales opportunities for the export of small business goods and services, to conduct at least one outreach event each fiscal year in each state.

Directs the SBA Administrator, the Secretary of Agriculture, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to establish jointly a Small Business Inter-Agency Task Force on Export Financing.

Date: 2015-01-06
Topic: Foreign Trade (Exports)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
State Trade and Export Promotion Utilization Program for American Small Businesses Act or the STEP UP for American Small Businesses Act

 Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Associate Administrator for International Trade within the Small Business Administration to establish a State Trade and Export Promotion Grant Program.

Authorizes the Associate Administrator to make competitive grants to states to carry out export promotion programs to increase: (1) the number of eligible small businesses that export (including rural small businesses and small businesses owned and controlled by women and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals), as well as (2) the value of their exports.

Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to require the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee to include one or more members appointed by the President who are representatives of state trade promotion agencies.

Date: 2015-04-20
Topic: Foreign Trade (Exports)
Subject: Commerce
Invest in American Jobs Act of 2015

 Revises Buy American requirements with respect to federal-aid highways, capital investment grants to support intercity passenger rail service (rail grants), and Amtrak, particularly the handling of waiver requests.

Revises similar Buy American requirements with respect to public transportation, particularly rolling stock. Requires the cost of rolling stock components and subcomponents produced in the United States to increase from 60% in FY2015 by 10% annual increments up to 100% for FY2019 and ensuing fiscal years. Revises waiver requirements as well to mirror those for federal-aid highways.

Applies the rail grant Buy American requirements under this Act to recipients of rail loans and loan guarantees with respect to railroad rehabilitation and improvement.

Prescribes Buy American requirements for procurement of a facility or equipment under federal aviation programs similar to those for rolling stock.

Requires the Secretary of Transportation to report annually to Congress on: (1) each project for which a waiver of Buy American requirements was issued; and (2) the country of origin and product specifications for steel, iron, or manufactured goods acquired pursuant to each waiver.

Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to prescribe Buy American requirements for steel, iron, and manufactured goods used in the construction of a public water system.

Adds similar Buy American requirements to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, with respect to economic development programs, and to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, with respect to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Amends the Truman-Hobbs Act to prescribe Buy American requirements for steel, iron, and manufactured goods used in the alteration of a bridge over U.S. navigable waters.

Date: 2015-04-22
Topic: Foreign Trade (Exports)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Ensuring Small Businesses Can Export Act of 2015

This bill declares that it is the policy of this Act:

 that, should the statutory authority for the export loan programs administered by the Export-Import Bank of the United States lapse, the Small Business Administration (SBA) shall serve the Bank's small business clients under existing statutory authority of the Small Business Act; to create an SBA Export Credit Insurance Program similar to the Bank's; and to ensure that small business exporters are served by SBA programs. The bill also amends the Small Business Act to require the SBA to establish a program to provide insurance for the exports of small businesses, including insurance against nonpayment by international buyers.

Date: 2015-06-10
Topic: Foreign Trade (Exports)
Subject: Commerce
American Export Promotion Act of 2015

 Authorizes appropriations for the Industry and Analysis unit of the International Trade Administration (ITA) of the Department of Commerce for the ITA's Market Development Cooperator Program.

Requires, in the use of such funds, a preference to be given to activities that will assist small- and medium-sized U.S. businesses and:

 create or sustain the greatest number of jobs, obtain the maximum return on investment, increase U.S. exports to the Asia and Pacific region, increase U.S. exports in services, or address Department export priorities.

Date: 2015-06-11
Topic: Foreign Trade (Exports)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Bring Jobs Home Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) grant business taxpayers a tax credit for up to 20% of insourcing expenses incurred for eliminating a business located outside the United States and  relocating it within the United States, and (2) deny a tax deduction for outsourcing expenses incurred in relocating a U.S. business outside the United States. Requires an increase in the taxpayer's employment of full-time employees in the United States in order to claim the tax credit for insourcing expenses.

Date: 2015-07-09
Topic: Foreign Trade (Exports)
Subject: Taxation
No Ex-Im Financing for Iran Act

This bill amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to prohibit the Export-Import Bank from guaranteeing, insuring, extending credit, or participating in the extension of credit in connection with the export of U.S. goods or services to any entity that does business with or provides credit or a guarantee to any other entity in connection with exports involving:

 the Government of Iran, or an entity in which the Government of Iran participates, an entity created under Iranian law, or an operation in Iran.

Date: 2016-07-07
Topic: Foreign Trade (Exports)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Keeping Aircraft Away from Terrorists Act of 2016

This bill prohibits the President and executive agencies from issuing a license under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or providing other guidance, that allows a person, depository institution, registered securities broker or dealer, or foreign financial institution to conduct a transaction related to the export of aircraft to Iran.

Date: 2016-09-06
Topic: Foreign Trade (Exports)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade Prosecutor Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) a Trade Enforcement Division, headed by a Trade Enforcement Officer, to ensure that U.S. trading partners comply with trade agreements to which the United States is a party. Establishes within the Division the Office of Trade Assistance for Small Businesses. Requires the USTR, after submission of a specified report, to annually identify (and report to Congress on): (1) U.S. trade enforcement priorities; (2) enforcement actions and their impact on foreign trade barriers; and (3) priority foreign country trade practices on which the USTR will focus enforcement efforts.

Date: 2007-03-01
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade Advisory Committee Reform Act or the TAC Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to: (1) revise the selection process for congressional advisers for trade policy and negotiations; and (2) expand the duties of such congressional advisers, including to provide recommendations to executive officials on trade agreement effects and to provide for the appointment of members to a trade advisory committee. Establishes a Public Health Advisory Committee on Trade.

Date: 2007-07-27
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers a foreign tax credit for employment taxes paid to the European Union.

Date: 2007-09-19
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Taxation
Enable Divestment from Sudan and Iran Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to promote the divestment of investments in Iran or the Sudan by pemitting the deferral of tax on any gain from the sale of securities in any business that is engaged in certain discouraged activities in Iran or the Sudan if the holder of such securities purchases replacement securities from a business not engaged in such discouraged activities. Includes as discouraged activities in Iran: (1) the sale of munitions to the Iranian government; (2) loans aggregating more than $20 million to the Iranian government; (3) investments of over $20 million in the Iranian energy sector; or (4) conducting business with or making charitable donations to any Iranian person designated as a terrorist. Defines "Sudan discouraged activity" as an investment in any business operation described in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (e.g., businesses engaged in power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment).Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to publish and update every six months a list of business entities engaging in any Sudan or Iran discouraged activities.

Date: 2008-08-01
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Taxation
Trade Prosecutor Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) a Trade Enforcement Division, headed by a Trade Enforcement Officer, to ensure that U.S. trading partners comply with trade agreements to which the United States is a party. Establishes within the Division the Office of Trade Assistance for Small Businesses. Requires the USTR, after submission of a specified report, to annually identify (and report to Congress on): (1) U.S. trade enforcement priorities; (2) enforcement actions and their impact on foreign trade barriers; and (3) priority foreign country trade practices on which the USTR will focus enforcement efforts.

Date: 2007-01-31
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Federal Trade Commission Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to authorize appropriations to carry out the powers and duties of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and to improve technology regarding the FTC's competition and consumer protection missions. Authorizes the FTC to directly handle civil actions under the Act or to request the Attorney General do so. Allows the FTC to give appointment preference to administrative judges with antitrust or trade regulation litigation and related economic analysis experience. Permits the FTC to commence a civil action to recover civil penalties in a district court for any violation of the Act. Permits the FTC to enforce the Act against nonprofit organizations. Authorizes the FTC to operate under general federal law rulemaking and judicial review provisions instead of under rulemaking provisions of the Act. Requires that the FTC, notwithstanding any other provision of law, conduct rulemaking proceedings regarding subprime mortgage lending and nontraditional mortgage loans in accordance with such general rulemaking and judicial review provisions. Transfers to each federal banking agency, with respect to depository institutions, the authority to prescribe regulations governing unfair or deceptive practices by banks and savings and loan institutions currently vested in the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (regarding banks) and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (regarding savings and loan institutions). Allows a state, except during an FTC action, to bring an action to enforce the Act or any other Act enforced by the FTC regarding violation of an FTC subprime mortgage lending or nontraditional mortgage loan rule. Amends the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act to state that more restrictive state laws are not preempted. Provides for an FTC study of alcoholic beverage marketing. Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to remove references to the Communications Act of 1934 from the definition of "Acts to regulate commerce."

Date: 2008-04-08
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Natural Disaster Fairness in Contracting Act of 2008 - Requires agencies, in entering into a contract to procure property or services in connection with natural disaster reconstruction efforts, to use specified competitive procedures.Allows agencies to enter into a contract to procure property or services in connection with such reconstruction efforts using other than full and open competition only upon the written approval of the President or the President's designee. Requires congressional notification when procedures other than full and open competitive procedures are to be used.Instructs agencies that enter into a contract for the procurement of property or services in connection with such reconstruction efforts through the use of other than full and open competitive procedures to publish in the Federal Register or Federal Business Opportunities and otherwise make available to the public specified information concerning the contract.Permits the use of noncompetitive procedures by agencies when: (1) a contract will be performed within a six-month period; and (2) the need for the property or services is of such an unusual and compelling urgency that the government would otherwise be seriously injured.

Date: 2008-11-19
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Emergency management
Establishes the Emergency Trade Deficit Commission to examine, and report to the President and Congress on, the causes of the U.S. trade deficit, together with recommendations on how to address and reduce trade imbalances, such as the U.S. merchandise trade deficit, in order to promote sustainable economic growth that provides broad-based income and employment gains. Authorizes appropriations.

Date: 2009-04-02
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President to establish a Public Health Advisory Committee on Trade. Requires the composition of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations to include representatives from nonprofit nongovernmental public health organizations or coalitions that promote the public health, increase access to affordable health-related services or products, or prevent and reduce major disease, illness, or a public health problem. Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, Defense, or other executive departments to seek written advisory opinions from the advisory committees established under such Act throughout the trade agreement negotiation process. Requires such committees, each appropriate policy committee, and each appropriate sectoral or functional committee, before the President's notification to Congress of an intention to enter into a trade agreement, to report to the President, Congress, and the USTR on the effects of the trade agreement.

Date: 2009-05-06
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Small Business Export Enhancement Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act to: (1) require the Office of International Trade of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to implement small business export promotion programs that increase the number of small businesses that export as well as the volume of their exports; and (2) establish an Associate Administrator for International Trade as the head of the Office. Grants the SBA Administrator the authority to appoint additional Associate Administrators. Requires Export Assistance Centers (one-stop shops for U.S. exporters) to aid the Associate Administrator in: (1) maintaining a trade distribution network for trade promotion and trade assistance programs for small businesses; (2) aggressively marketing such programs and disseminate information to small businesses on exporting trends and international prospects for exports; (3) promoting export assistance programs through certain conduits; and (4) giving preference to the hiring of employees fluent in English to the Office. Requires the Associate Administrator to establish annual goals to enhance the export capabilities of small businesses and small manufacturers to compete against foreign entities. Directs the Associate Administrator, in order to provide small businesses access to certain export financing programs, to appoint at least one trade financial specialist within the SBA to oversee international loan programs and assist SBA employees with trade finance issues. Directs the SBA Administrator to establish an export and trade counseling certification program for employees of lead small business development centers and lead women's business centers in providing export assistance to small businesses. Requires the Associate Administrator to develop performance measures to support export growth goals for Office activities to promote exports by small businesses. Directs the SBA Administrator to carry out a comprehensive program to help small businesses to resolve international trade disputes. Directs the SBA Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, to ensure that the number of export finance specialists assigned to the Export Assistance Centers is at least the number that were assigned on January 1, 2003. Requires at least three specialists in each SBA region. Requires the SBA Administrator to: (1) study and report on small business exporters and high- and low-export volume areas in each state; and (2) report to Congress on rural export promotion programs for small businesses. Requires a small business development center that counsels a small business concern on international trade issues to: (1) consult with state trade agencies and Export Assistance Centers to provide appropriate services to the small business concern; and (2) refer the small business concern to a State trade agency or an Export Assistance Center, as necessary, for further counseling or assistance.

Date: 2010-07-22
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Commerce
Trade Enforcement Act of 2009 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish: (1) within the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) a Trade Enforcement Division; (2) the position of Deputy USTR for Trade Enforcement to head the Division; and (3) within the Division the Office of Trade Assistance for Small Business. Requires the USTR to identify and report annually to Congress on: (1) U.S. trade enforcement priorities; (2) U.S. trade enforcement actions taken during the previous year and their impact on trade barriers in foreign countries; and (3) priority foreign trade practices on which the USTR will focus U.S. trade enforcement efforts. Requires the USTR, with respect to a priority foreign country trade practice, to initiate: (1) dispute settlement consultations in the World Trade Organization (WTO); (2) dispute settlement consultations under any bilateral or regional trade agreement to which the United States is a party; (3) an investigation to determine whether the priority foreign country trade practice violates the rights of the United States under a trade agreement or is unjustifiable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce; (4) negotiations that seek an agreement for the elimination of the priority foreign country trade practice or, if elimination is not feasible, an agreement that provides for compensatory trade benefits; or (5) any other action to eliminate the priority foreign country trade practice. Establishes within the Office of the USTR the position of Chief Manufacturing Negotiator. Requires the Deputy USTR for Trade Enforcement to submit to Congress a plan to address nontariff barriers to market access by U.S. companies in a country in cases where the United States has entered into, or is negotiating, a bilateral or regional trade agreement with such country. Establishes within the Department of the Treasury the position of Director of Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement, who shall develop an annual strategic plan for the enforcement of intellectual property rights. Directs the Commissioner responsible for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to appoint coordinators of intellectual property rights enforcement activities. Delineates enforcement activities to combat the counterfeiting and piracy of products. Authorizes the Chief Counsel of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to commence and participate in certain civil forfeiture proceedings. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, acting through the Commissioner and the Assistant Secretary, to establish an Advisory Committee on Import Safety and Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement. Authorizes appropriations to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for additional personnel to carry out specified responsibilities.

Date: 2009-07-16
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Small Business Trade Representation Act of 2009 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish within the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) the position of Assistant USTR for Small Business to promote the trade interests of small businesses.

Date: 2009-12-09
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act of 2010 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to: (1) promulgate rules prohibiting, as unfair and deceptive acts or practices, persons from advertising with the intent to deceptively create the impression that such persons provide abortion services if they do not provide such services; and (2) enforce violations of such rules as unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.

Date: 2010-06-30
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Commerce
Insurance Competition and Transparency Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to authorize the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct studies, prepare reports, and disclose information relating to insurance, without regard to whether the subject of the study, report, or information is for-profit or not-for-profit. Applies such Act to an insurer without regard to its for-profit or not-for-profit status.

Date: 2010-08-02
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Commerce
Establishes the Emergency Trade Deficit Commission to examine, and report to the President and Congress on, the causes of the U.S. trade deficit, together with recommendations to address and reduce trade imbalances, such as the U.S. merchandise trade deficit, in order to promote sustainable economic growth that provides broad-based income and employment gains.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Duty Suspension Facilitation Act of 2010 - Directs the International Trade Commission (ITC) to propose to Congress temporary duty suspensions or duty reductions under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). Prohibits the ITC from recommending any suspension or reduction in duty if: (1) an interested federal agency determines it is not in the U.S. interest and that determination is included in the agency public hearing record; (2) a domestic producer objects to the suspension or reduction, demonstrating that there is domestic production of the article concerned in commercially available quantities; (3) the loss in revenue to the United States from the duty suspension or reduction exceeds $500,000 annually (adjusted for inflation); or (4) the duty suspension or reduction is for more than three years.

Date: 2010-12-02
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Free and Fair Trade Act of 2011 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) through June 30, 2012. Requires the liquidation or reliquidation (refund of duties) on such articles that entered into the United States after December 31, 2010, and before the 15th day after enactment of this Act. Makes ineligible for such treatment certain imported sleeping bags. Amends the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) to extend duty-free treatment or other preferential treatment of the products of Colombia and Ecuador through June 30, 2012. Extends through FY2012 preferential treatment for apparel articles assembled in one or more beneficiary countries from regional fabrics or regional components, and specified other type apparel (brassieres). Requires the liquidation or reliquidation (refund of duties) on such articles that entered into the United States after February 12, 2011, and before the 15th day after enactment of this Act. Extends the President's authority to take bilateral emergency action to grant duty-free treatment of certain apparel articles imported from an ATPDEA beneficiary country. Rescinds $2.3 billion in appropriated discretionary unexpired federal funds.

Date: 2011-03-03
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Establishes the Emergency Trade Deficit Commission to examine, and report to the President and Congress on, the causes of the U.S. trade deficit, together with recommendations to address and reduce trade imbalances, such as the U.S. merchandise trade deficit, in order to promote sustainable economic growth that provides broad-based income and employment gains. Prohibits the President from submitting to Congress any free trade agreement or legislation implementing one until the report has been delivered to Congress and to the President.

Date: 2011-04-15
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to revise the requirement that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), before promulgating a regulation or issuing an order, consider the costs and benefits of the action. Requires the CFTC, through the Office of the Chief Economist, to: (1) assess the costs and benefits, both qualitative and quantitative, of an intended regulation; and (2) propose or adopt a regulation only on a reasoned determination that the benefits justify the costs. Lists additional mandatory considerations for the CFTC to evaluate in making a reasoned determination of the costs and the benefits, including the impact on market liquidity in the futures and swaps markets, as well as alternatives to direct regulation.

Date: 2011-05-11
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Trade Adjustment Assistance Accountability Act of 2011 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend and authorize appropriations for the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) program for workers through FY2014. Requires the Secretary of Labor, with respect to a petition for the certification of eligibility to apply for TAA for a group of workers adversely affected by import competition, to send written or electronic notification of the receipt of the petition, and the initiation of the investigation of such petition, directly to the petitioners. Requires the Secretary to obtain from the workers' firm, a customer of the workers' firm, or the petitioner, through questionnaires and other appropriate means, information that the Secretary determines is necessary to certify a group of workers as eligible to apply for TAA. Authorizes the Secretary to seek additional information by: (1) contacting officials, employees, or customers of the workers' firm, as well as officials of certified or recognized unions or other duly authorized workers' representatives, or one-stop operators or partners; and (2) reviewing all certifications or denials of petitions for TAA within the same industry as the petitioner and considering the impact of trade on such determinations. Requires the Secretary to notify the petitioner of any information submitted or certified as part of an investigation that was adverse to the petitioner's claim, as well as allow the petitioner to review any non-protected documents, in cases where the petition for certification has been denied and the petitioner appeals. Requires the Secretary to provide a written or electronic response to a written request for information from the petitioner regarding the status of the petition at least 60 days after a petition or appeal is filed.

Date: 2011-07-13
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Inclusive Prosperity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a tax on the transfer of ownership in certain securities, including any share of stock in a corporation, any partnership or beneficial interest in a partnership or trust, any note, bond, debenture, or other evidence of indebtedness (excluding tax-exempt municipal bonds), or derivative financial instruments; and (2) allow an individual taxpayer whose modified adjusted gross income does not exceed $50,000 a tax credit for the amount of tax paid on financial transactions under this Act.

Date: 2012-09-14
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Taxation
United States-Brazil Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade Act - Establishes the United States-Brazil Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade to address bilateral trade matters, seek removal of trade barriers, and promote commercial opportunities between the United States and Brazil.

Date: 2012-09-21
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade Extenders Act of 2011 - Amends the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009 to extend trade adjustment assistance (TAA) programs through June 30, 2012. Extends TAA for firms and farmers through June 30, 2013. Amends the Omnibus Trade Act of 2010 to extend the single transition deadline for implementing certain merit-based personnel staffing requirements for state administration of TAA to a date not earlier than June 30, 2012. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to extend through June 30, 2012, the 80% tax credit for health insurance costs (including advance payments) for TAA (as well as Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation [PBGC] pension) recipients. Makes TAA recipients who are in a break in training under a training program, or who are receiving unemployment compensation, eligible for such tax credit for the period through June 30, 2012. Amends the IRC, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to extend through June 30, 2012, the TAA pre-certification period rule disregarding any 63-day lapse in creditable health care coverage for TAA workers. Extends the continued eligibility for the credit for qualifying family members and certain qualified TAA-eligible individuals and PBGC pension recipients for COBRA premium assistance through June 30, 2012. Extends through June 30, 2012, coverage under an employee benefit plan funded by a voluntary employees' beneficiary association established pursuant to an order of a bankruptcy court, or by agreement with an authorized representative. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) through June 30, 2012. Makes ineligible for such treatment certain imported sleeping bags, with specified exceptions. Amends the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), as amended and expanded by Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA), to extend duty-free treatment or other preferential treatment of the products of Colombia and Ecuador through June 30, 2012. Extends through FY2012 preferential treatment for apparel articles assembled in one or more ATPDEA beneficiary countries from regional fabrics or regional components, and specified other type apparel (brassieres). Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to extend certain customs users fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through September 30, 2020, and other specified customs users fees through November 30, 2020. Amends the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act to increase required estimated tax payments of corporations with at least $1 billion in assets in the third quarter of 2015 by 4.5% to 126.0% of such amount.

Date: 2011-02-08
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Commercial Privacy Bill of Rights Act of 2011 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to initiate a rulemaking requiring security measures to be carried out by any person (defined in this Act as a "covered entity") collecting, using, transferring, or storing certain personal information (defined in this Act as "covered information") concerning over 5,000 individuals during any consecutive 12-month period who is also: (1) a person whom the FTC is directed to prevent from using unfair methods of competition or deceptive practices in or affecting commerce under specified provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act; (2) a common carrier subject to the Communications Act of 1934, notwithstanding specified terms and exceptions; or (3) a nonprofit organization, including certain tax-exempt organizations. Requires each such entity to implement a comprehensive information privacy program. Applies the requirements of this Act to: (1) personally identifiable information; (2) unique identifier information; and (3) any information that is collected, used, or stored in connection with such information in a manner that may reasonably be used to identify a specific individual. Excludes from such measures certain information obtained from public records, shared voluntarily in a forum, reported in the media, or dedicated as workplace contact information. Requires an FTC rulemaking to require each covered entity to: (1) notify individuals of its information use, storage, transfer, and collection practices, and the purposes of such practices; (2) offer mechanisms for opt-out or opt-in consent, as specified, under various circumstances including for unauthorized information use and use by third parties for behavioral advertising or marketing; (3) provide methods to correct inaccuracies; and (4) permit requests to render information personally unidentifiable or to cease unauthorized or marketing use after the entity's bankruptcy or a termination of service. Lists the restricted purposes for which collected information must be reasonably necessary. Limits the retention of such information. Sets forth the contract provisions necessary to use a service provider or to transfer such information to a third party. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) enforcement by the FTC and state attorneys general, (2) civil penalties, and (3) safe harbor programs to be administered by nongovernmental organizations. Prohibits any private right of action under this Act.

Date: 2011-04-12
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Commerce
Strengthening America's Trade Laws Act - Allows, under specified conditions, certain U.S. persons supportive of the government's position before a dispute settlement panel or Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to participate in consultations and panel or Appellate Body proceedings. Establishes the Congressional Advisory Commission on WTO Dispute Settlement to provide advice to Congress on the operation of the WTO dispute settlement system. Amends the Uruguay Round Agreements Act to require congressional approval before any modification of an agency regulation or practice that has been adversely affected by a WTO decision. Directs the United States to negotiate with the WTO to determine clarification of its obligations under the Uruguay Round Agreement due to an adverse WTO decision if the United States, Congress, or Commission finds that such decision created obligations never agreed to by the United States. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to make specified changes to strengthen the Act's antidumping and countervailing duty provisions. Requires congressional approval for revocation of nonmarket economy country determinations made by the administering authority. Expands the authority of the administering authority or the International Trade Commission (ITC) to impose countervailing duties on products from a nonmarket economy country that have been provided a countervailable subsidy. Includes exchange-rate manipulation by a country as a countervailable subsidy. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require a recommendation from the ITC before the President can impose a duty on an imported Chinese product that causes or threatens market disruption to a like U.S. product. Applies the amendments made by this Act to goods from Canada and Mexico.

Date: 2011-05-26
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2011 - Amends the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009 to repeal the December 31, 2011, termination date for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) programs. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend TAA programs through December 31, 2016. Extends TAA through December 31, 2016, for: (1) workers, (2) firms, (3) farmers, and (4) communities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2016, the 80% tax credit for health insurance costs (including advance payments) for TAA (as well as Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation [PBGC] pension) recipients. Makes TAA recipients who are in a break in training under a training program, or who are receiving unemployment compensation, eligible for such tax credit for the period through December 31, 2016. Amends the IRC, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to extend through December 31, 2016, the TAA pre-certification period rule disregarding any 63-day lapse in creditable health care coverage for TAA workers. Extends the continued eligibility for the credit for qualifying family members and certain qualified TAA-eligible individuals and PBGC pension recipients for COBRA premium assistance through December 31, 2016. Extends through December 31, 2016, coverage under an employee benefit plan funded by a voluntary employees' beneficiary association established pursuant to an order of a bankruptcy court, or by agreement with an authorized representative. Expands rules for valuing assets in grantor retained annuity trusts to require: (1) that the right to receive fixed amounts from an annuity last for a term of not less than 10 years and that such fixed amounts not decrease during the first 10 years of the annuity term, and (2) that the remainder interest have a value greater than zero when transferred.

Date: 2011-06-28
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade Prosecutor Act of 2011 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish within the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) a Trade Enforcement Division. Establishes the position of Deputy United States Trade Representative for Trade Enforcement to head the Trade Enforcement Division. Requires the Deputy to ensure that our trading partners comply with trade agreements to which this country is a party. Establishes within the Trade Enforcement Division an Office of Trade Assistance for Small Business to provide technical and legal assistance and advice to certain small businesses that enables them to prepare and file petitions for a USTR response to violations of trade agreements by foreign governments. Establishes within the Office of the USTR the position of Chief Manufacturing Negotiator. Requires the Chief Manufacturing Negotiator to act as a vigorous advocate on behalf of this country's manufacturing interests.

Date: 2011-11-08
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Temporary Duty Suspension Process Act of 2012 - Directs the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to establish a process in which it will: (1) review each article in which a temporary duty suspension or reduction has been recommended at its own initiative or pusuant to a petition, and (2) submit a draft bill to the appropriate congressional committees containing each duty suspension or reduction that meets certain requirements. Requires the USITC to report to appropriate congressional committees on: (1) recommendations with respect to sectors of the U.S. economy that could benefit from duty suspensions or reductions without causing harm to other domestic interests, and (2) the feasibility of suspending or reducing duties on a sectoral basis rather than on individual articles.

Date: 2012-06-13
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
American Export Promotion Act of 2013 - Authorizes appropriations for the Manufacturing and Services unit of the International Trade Administration (ITA) of the Department of Commerce for the ITA's Market Development Cooperator Program.

Requires, in the use of such funds, a preference to be given to activities that: (1) assist small- and medium-sized U.S. businesses, and (2) will create or sustain the greatest number of jobs or obtain the maximum return on investment.

Date: 2013-04-09
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Trade and Environment Enforcement Act or Green 301 Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to take certain discretionary trade action against foreign countries that engage in unreasonable acts, policies, or practices that fail to enforce their environmental laws effectively.

Directs the USTR to identify foreign country trade practices that affect negatively the environment of the United States, the foreign country, a third country, or internationally.

Date: 2013-12-12
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Temporary Duty Suspension Process Act of 2013 - Directs the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to establish a process in which it will: (1) review each article in which a temporary duty suspension or reduction has been recommended at its own initiative or pursuant to a petition, and (2) submit a draft bill to the appropriate congressional committees containing each duty suspension or reduction that meets certain requirements.

Requires the USITC to report to Congress on: (1) recommendations with respect to sectors of the U.S. economy that could benefit from duty suspensions or reductions without causing harm to other domestic interests, and (2) the feasibility of suspending or reducing duties on a sectoral basis rather than on individual articles.

Date: 2013-04-23
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
American Export Promotion Act of 2013 - Authorizes appropriations for the Industry and Analysis unit of the International Trade Administration (ITA) of the Department of Commerce for the ITA's Market Development Cooperator Program.

Requires, in the use of such funds, a preference to be given to activities that will assist small- and medium-sized U.S. businesses and: (1) create or sustain the greatest number of jobs, (2) obtain the maximum return on investment, (3) increase U.S. exports to the Asia and Pacific region, (4) increase U.S. exports in services, or (5) address Department export priorities.

Date: 2013-11-20
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
This bill designates the U.S. exclusive economic zone (as established by Presidential Proclamation Numbered 5030, dated March 10, 1983) as the "Ronald Wilson Reagan Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States."

Date: 2015-01-06
Topic: Foreign Trade (General)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources