USTR Seeking Comments on Korea and Colombia Free Trade Agreements Federal Register notices were issued seeking comments on the pending trade agreements with Korea and Colombia by September 15. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is requesting comments on how the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement will benefit the U.S. economy and U.S. workers, businesses, farmers, ranchers, and consumers.
USTR is also seeking comments on labor right concerns with regard to the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.
The California Chamber of Commerce Council for International Trade and our Coalition for Free Trade urge you to submit comments in support of both agreements.
Congress is currently on Summer District Work Period.
They will return to Washington on September 8.
The “Small Business Export Opportunity Act of 2009” (S. 1208 – Senator Olympia Snowe R-ME ) , which would create a new Office of Small business Export Development and Promotion at the Small Business Administration. It would also increase the maximum export loan amount and create a grant program that matches funds for expenses incurred by small businesses that are actively working to start or expand export activities.
The “Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment (TRADE) Act” (H.R. 3012 - Congressman Mike Michaud D-ME), which would generate additional bureaucratic reporting requirements relating to international trade agreements on top of those that already exist, was introduced in the House on June 24, 2009. This legislation would place new roadblocks to future trade agreements intended to lower foreign taxes on U.S. exports and require the renegotiation of existing trade agreements. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is expected to introduce companion legislation in the Senate in July. The TRADE Act: A Blow Against the Economy and Workers U.S.Chamber Article
International Tax Proposal The proposal would raise taxes on U.S. companies doing business overseas. The limitation or repeal of deferral, as proposed by the Obama administration, would impose a unilateral tax on the foreign earnings of American companies, upsetting the competitive balance between U.S. and foreign companies. This will result in a loss of jobs for Americans and serious negative impacts on the U.S. economy. Oppose.
The following bills are related to international trade and have been introduced in the California State Legislature in the 2009-2010 Legislative Session.
Any CalChamber position is noted on the CalChamber Legislative website:
AB 961 (Krekorian) Public contracts: genocidal regimes
This bill would prohibit a scrutinized company that was engaged in business with perpetrators of genocide, from entering into a contract with a state agency for goods or services.
AB 1276 (Skinner) International Trade
This bill would prohibit the Governor from binding the State to an international trade agreement without specific legislation authorizing the action.
AB 1431 (Hill) Air quality: Port of Oakland
This bill would require the Port of Oakland to establish emission reduction strategies that are no less stringent than that which are employed at the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach.
SB 657 (Steinberg) Human Trafficking
This bill would require businesses to actively engage to eliminate human trafficking from the supply chain down to raw materials.
California Coalition For Free Trade The CalChamber Council for International Trade (CIT) is urging members of the business community to join (click here to download membership form) its coalition working to secure congressional approval of the free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. Companies .or associations that join the California Coalition for Free Trade will be included on the rapidly growing list of FTA supporters. There is no cost to join the coalition, which will keep members apprised of its activities and how to be supportive of the FTAs. For more information on the FTAs or to join the coalition, visit www.calchamber.com/international
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