Summary: United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act - Title I: Approval of, and General Provisions Relating to, the Agreement - (Sec. 101) Approves the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (the Agreement) entered into on April 12, 2006 (and amended on June 24 and June 25, 2007) with the government of Peru and the statement of administrative action proposed to implement the Agreement, both submitted to Congress on September 27, 2007. Provides for the Agreement's entry into force upon certain conditions being met on or after January 1, 2008. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the President to proclaim actions, and other appropriate officers of the U.S. government to issue regulations, necessary to ensure appropriate implementation of any provision of this Act that takes effect on the date the Agreement enters into force. Declares that proclaimed actions that are not subject to consultation and layover requirements under this Act shall not take effect before the 15th day after the text of the proclamation is published in the Federal Register. Provides that presidential proclamations calling for action under this Act may be proclaimed only if: (1) the President has obtained advice regarding the proposed action from the appropriate advisory committees and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC); (2) the President has reported to specified congressional committees with respect to such action; (3) a period of 60 days has expired; and (4) the President has consulted with the appropriate congressional committees during such 60-day period. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the President to establish or designate within the Department of Commerce an office to provide administrative assistance to dispute settlement panels established under the Agreement. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 106) Authorizes the United States to resolve any claim against it covered by the Agreement, pursuant to the Investor-State Dispute Settlement procedures set forth in the Agreement. Title II: Customs Provisions - (Sec. 201) Authorizes the President to proclaim necessary or appropriate modifications or continuation of duty, continuation of duty-free or excise treatment, or additional duties to carry out the Agreement. Requires the President to terminate the designation of Peru as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the General System of Preferences program under the Trade Act of 1974 on the date the Agreement enters into force. Authorizes the President, subject to the consultation and layover requirements of this Act, to deem as necessary or appropriate to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions provided for by the Agreement such: (1) modifications or continuation of any duty; (2) modifications as the United States may agree to with Peru regarding the staging of any duty treatment specified in the Agreement; (3) continuation of duty-free or excise treatment; or (4) additional duties. (Sec. 202) Provides for additional duties, under specified conditions, on certain agricultural safeguard goods. (Sec. 203) Prescribes certain rules of origin with respect to the reduction and elimination of duties imposed by the United States and Peru on certain goods wholly obtained or produced entirely in the territory of the other country. Specifies content requirements allowing certain textile and apparel goods to be considered originating goods. Prescribes a special rule for certain automotive goods. (Sec. 204) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to prohibit the charge of a fee for certain customs services with respect to originating goods under the Agreement. Prohibits any service exempted from such fees from being funded with money from the Customs User Fee Account. (Sec. 205) Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to exempt: (1) an importer from penalties for making an incorrect claim that a good qualifies as an originating good under the Agreement if the importer voluntarily and promptly makes a corrected declaration and pays any duties owing; and (2) an exporter or producer from penalties for making false certifications of origin under the Agreement if such person, promptly after issuing such certification, has reason to believe that it contains or is based on incorrect information, and voluntarily provides a written notice to every recipient of it. Exempts persons from penalties if: (1) the information was correct at the time it was provided in a Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) certification of origin but was later rendered incorrect because of a change in circumstances; and (2) the person promptly and voluntarily provides written notice of the change in circumstances to all recipients of such certification. Provides that, if the U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security finds indications of a pattern of conduct by an importer, exporter, or producer of false or unsupported representations that goods qualify under the rules of origin, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection may suspend preferential tariff treatment under the Agreement for entries of identical goods covered by subsequent representations by the individuals until it determines that the representations conform with such rules. (Sec. 206) Authorizes the Customs Service to reliquidate an entry and refund any excess duties (including merchandise processing fees) paid on a good qualifying under the rules of origin for which no claim for preferential treatment was made at the time of importation if the importer takes certain actions within one year after such importation. (Sec. 207) Requires a person who issues a PTPA certification of origin for a good exported from the United States to make, keep for at least five years after such certification is issued, and render for examination and inspection all records and supporting documents related to such certification. (Sec. 208) Authorizes the President to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, during the period of a verification procedure by the government of Peru, to determine: (1) that an exporter or producer in Peru is complying with applicable customs laws, regulations, and procedures regarding trade in textile or apparel goods; or (2) that a claim is accurate that such a good exported or produced by the exporter or producer qualifies as an originating good, or is a good of Peru. Requires the Secretary to: (1) suspend preferential tariff treatment under the Agreement of any textile or apparel good that a person subject to such verification has produced or exported if the Secretary believes there is insufficient information to sustain a claim for such treatment; (2) deny preferential treatment to such goods if the Secretary decides that a person has provided incorrect information to support a claim for such treatment; (3) detain such goods if the Secretary considers there is insufficient information to determine their country of origin; and (4) deny entry to such goods if the Secretary determines that a person has provided erroneous information of their origin. Authorizes: (1) the President to deny preferential treatment and entry into the United States to such textile and apparel goods, if the Secretary determines that the information obtained from verification is insufficient to make a determination; and (2) the Secretary to publish the name of any person engaged in circumvention of applicable laws, regulations, or procedures affecting trade in such goods, or who has failed to demonstrate that it produces or is capable of producing them. Title III: Relief From Imports - Subtitle A: Relief From Imports Benefiting From the Agreement - (Sec. 311) Authorizes an entity (including a trade association, firm, certified or recognized union, or group of workers) to petition the ITC for an adjustment to U.S. obligations under the Agreement. Requires the ITC, upon the filing of a petition, to investigate promptly whether, as a result of the reduction or elimination of a duty provided for under the Agreement, a Peruvian article is being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause or threat of serious injury to the domestic industry producing an article like, or directly competitive with, the imported article. Exempts from such an investigation any Peruvian articles receiving import relief under the Agreement. (Sec. 313) Requires the President, after receiving an affirmative injury determination from the ITC, to provide (including the extension) in the aggregate up to four-years of import relief to remedy or prevent such injury and to facilitate efforts of the domestic industry to make a positive adjustment to import competition. Includes among such relief measures: (1) suspension of any further reduction provided by the Agreement in the duty imposed on such article; and (2) an increase in the rate of duty imposed on such article to a level that does not exceed an amount determined according to a specified formula. (Sec. 314) Prohibits any import relief 10 years after the Agreement enters into force, except for articles whose period for tariff elimination exceeds 10 years. (Sec. 315) Applies to the four-year import relief provided by the President (see section 313, above) the compensation authority of the Trade Act of 1974 which authorizes the President to grant Peru new concessions as compensation for the imposition of import relief in a bilateral safeguard investigation in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal concessions under the Agreement. (Sec. 316) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to apply to ITC investigations conducted under this Act the procedural requirements of the Tariff Act of 1930 concerning release of confidential business information. Subtitle B: Textile and Apparel Safeguard Measures - (Sec. 321) Authorizes an interested party to request the President to adjust U.S. obligations under the Agreement. Requires the President, pursuant to such a request, to determine whether, as a result of the elimination of a duty under the Agreement, a Peruvian textile or apparel article is being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to constitute a substantial cause or threat of serious damage to a domestic industry producing an article like, or directly competitive with, the imported article. (Sec. 322) Authorizes the President, if an affirmative serious damage determination is made, to provide certain import relief to remedy or prevent the damage and to facilitate adjustment by the domestic industry, including to increase the rate of duty imposed on the article to a level that does not exceed an amount determined according to a specified formula. (Sec. 323) Limits such relief (including the extension) in the aggregate to three years. (Sec. 326) Prohibits any import relief under this subtitle with respect to any article five years after the Agreement enters into force. (Sec. 327) Applies to any import relief provided by the President under this subtitle the compensation authority of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes the President to grant Peru new concessions as compensation for the imposition of import relief in a textile and apparel safeguard proceeding, in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal concessions under the Agreement. (Sec. 328) Prohibits the President from releasing confidential business information received in connection with an investigation or determination under this subtitle unless the submitting party had notice, at the time of submission, that such information would be released, or the party subsequently consents to such release. Requires any party submitting such confidential business information also to provide a nonconfidential version of the information, in which the confidential business information is summarized or, if necessary, deleted. Subtitle C: Cases Under Title II of the Trade Act of 1974 - (Sec. 331) Requires the ITC, whenever it makes an affirmative determination that an imported article constitutes a substantial cause or threat of serious injury to a domestic industry producing an article like or directly competitive with it, also to find (and report to the President) whether imports from Peru that qualify as originating goods are a substantial cause or threat of serious injury to such industry. Authorizes the President to exclude goods of Peru from any import relief action if they are not a substantial cause or threat of serious injury to the domestic industry. Title IV: Procurement - (Sec. 401) Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to make eligible for U.S. government procurement products or services of a foreign country or instrumentality that is a party to the Agreement. Title V: Trade in Timber Products of Peru - (501) Directs the President to establish an Interagency Committee to oversee and obtain verification whether the producer or exporter of Peruvian timber products to the United States has complied with applicable laws of Peru governing the harvest of, and trade in, such products. Authorizes the Committee to direct the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to take certain action including to detain or deny entry of shipments of Peruvian timber products pending verification. (Sec. 502) Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to report to Congress on steps taken by the United States and Peru on carrying out the Agreement with respect to trade in timber products of Peru. Title VI: Offsets - (Sec. 601)Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through December 13, 2014. (Sec. 602) Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase the amount of any corporate estimated tax installment otherwise due by a corporation with assets of not less than $1 billion in July, August, or September of 2012 to 115.75% of such amount.

united_states trade promotion agreement implementation act title approval general_provisions relating agreement sec approves united_states trade promotion agreement agreement entered april amended june june government statement administrative action proposed implement agreement submitted congress september provides agreement entry force certain conditions met january sec authorizes president proclaim actions appropriate officers government issue regulations necessary ensure appropriate implementation provision act takes effect date agreement enters force declares proclaimed actions subject consultation requirements act shall effect 15th day text proclamation published federal_register provides presidential calling action act proclaimed president obtained advice proposed action appropriate advisory committees international_trade_commission itc president reported specified congressional committees respect action period days expired president consulted appropriate congressional committees day period sec authorizes president establish designate department_of_commerce office provide administrative assistance dispute settlement panels established agreement authorizes appropriations sec authorizes united_states resolve claim covered agreement pursuant investor state dispute settlement procedures set forth agreement title customs provisions sec authorizes president proclaim necessary appropriate modifications continuation duty continuation duty free excise treatment additional duties carry agreement requires president terminate designation beneficiary developing country purposes general system preferences program trade act date agreement enters force authorizes president subject consultation requirements act deem necessary appropriate maintain general level reciprocal mutually advantageous concessions provided agreement modifications continuation duty modifications united_states agree duty treatment specified agreement continuation duty free excise treatment additional duties sec provides additional duties specified conditions certain agricultural safeguard goods sec prescribes certain rules origin respect reduction elimination duties imposed united_states certain goods wholly obtained produced entirely territory country specifies content requirements allowing certain textile apparel goods considered originating goods prescribes special rule certain automotive goods sec amends consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act prohibit charge fee certain customs services respect originating goods agreement prohibits service exempted fees funded money customs user fee account sec amends tariff act exempt importer penalties making incorrect claim good qualifies originating good agreement importer voluntarily promptly makes corrected declaration pays duties owing exporter producer penalties making false certifications origin agreement person promptly issuing certification reason believe contains based incorrect information voluntarily provides written notice recipient exempts persons penalties information correct time provided trade promotion agreement certification origin later rendered incorrect change circumstances person promptly voluntarily provides written notice change circumstances recipients certification provides customs border_protection immigration customs enforcement department_of_homeland_security finds indications pattern conduct importer exporter producer false representations goods qualify rules origin customs border_protection suspend preferential tariff treatment agreement entries identical goods covered subsequent representations individuals determines representations conform rules sec authorizes customs service reliquidate entry refund excess duties including merchandise processing fees paid good qualifying rules origin claim preferential treatment time importation importer takes certain actions year importation sec requires person issues certification origin good exported united_states years certification issued render examination inspection records supporting documents related certification sec authorizes president direct secretary treasury period verification procedure government determine exporter producer complying applicable customs laws regulations procedures trade textile apparel goods claim accurate good exported produced exporter producer qualifies originating good good requires secretary suspend preferential tariff treatment agreement textile apparel good person subject verification produced exported secretary believes insufficient information sustain claim treatment deny preferential treatment goods secretary decides person provided incorrect information support claim treatment detain goods secretary considers insufficient information determine country origin deny entry goods secretary determines person provided erroneous information origin authorizes president deny preferential treatment entry united_states textile apparel goods secretary determines information obtained verification insufficient determination secretary publish person engaged circumvention applicable laws regulations procedures affecting trade goods failed demonstrate produces capable producing title iii relief imports subtitle relief imports benefiting agreement sec authorizes entity including trade association firm certified recognized union group workers petition itc adjustment obligations agreement requires itc filing petition investigate promptly result reduction elimination duty provided agreement article imported united_states increased quantities substantial cause threat injury domestic industry producing article like directly competitive imported article exempts investigation articles receiving import relief agreement sec requires president receiving affirmative injury determination itc provide including extension aggregate years import relief remedy prevent injury facilitate efforts domestic industry positive adjustment import competition includes relief measures suspension reduction provided agreement duty imposed article increase rate duty imposed article level exceed determined according specified formula sec prohibits import relief years agreement enters force articles period tariff elimination exceeds years sec applies year import relief provided president section compensation authority trade act authorizes president grant new concessions compensation imposition import relief bilateral safeguard investigation order maintain general level reciprocal concessions agreement sec amends trade act apply itc investigations conducted act procedural requirements tariff act concerning release confidential business information subtitle textile apparel safeguard measures sec authorizes interested party request president adjust obligations agreement requires president pursuant request determine result elimination duty agreement textile apparel article imported united_states increased quantities constitute substantial cause threat damage domestic industry producing article like directly competitive imported article sec authorizes president affirmative damage determination provide certain import relief remedy prevent damage facilitate adjustment domestic industry including increase rate duty imposed article level exceed determined according specified formula sec limits relief including extension aggregate years sec prohibits import relief subtitle respect article years agreement enters force sec applies import relief provided president subtitle compensation authority trade act authorizes president grant new concessions compensation imposition import relief textile apparel safeguard proceeding order maintain general level reciprocal concessions agreement sec prohibits president releasing confidential business information received connection investigation determination subtitle submitting party notice time submission information released party subsequently consents release requires party submitting confidential business information provide version information confidential business information necessary deleted subtitle cases title trade act sec requires itc makes affirmative determination imported article constitutes substantial cause threat injury domestic industry producing article like directly competitive find report president imports qualify originating goods substantial cause threat injury industry authorizes president exclude goods import relief action substantial cause threat injury domestic industry title procurement sec amends trade agreements act eligible government procurement products services foreign country instrumentality party agreement title trade timber products directs president establish interagency_committee oversee obtain verification producer exporter timber products united_states complied applicable laws governing harvest trade products authorizes committee direct customs border_protection certain action including detain deny entry shipments timber products pending verification sec requires united_states_trade_representative ustr report congress steps taken united_states carrying agreement respect trade timber products title offsets sec consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act extend certain customs fees processing merchandise entered united_states december sec amends tax_increase_prevention_and_reconciliation_act increase corporate estimated tax installment corporation assets billion july august september


Summary: 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.

trade agreement assessment act_-_directs international_trade_commission itc report periodically congress free trade agreement force respect united_states including effect economy specific industry sectors summary country party agreement changed labor environmental laws agreement making progress achieving objectives bipartisan trade promotion authority act


Summary: Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Kazakhstan.

authorizes president extend nondiscriminatory treatment normal trade relations treatment products kazakhstan


Summary: Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Azerbaijan.

authorizes president extend nondiscriminatory treatment normal trade relations treatment products azerbaijan


Summary: Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Moldova.

authorizes president extend nondiscriminatory treatment normal trade relations treatment products moldova


Summary: 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.

trade agreement benchmarks accountability_act subjects bills implementing trade agreements point order certain conditions met withdraws congressional approval bill implementing trade agreement report international_trade_commission itc indicates certain benchmarks respect agreement met joint resolution approving withdrawal enacted congress describes benchmarks analyses following effects agreement resulting job creation job losses resulting improvement wages workers implementation enforcement labor environmental standards country party agreement extent agreement result increase access businesses market country party agreement particularly sectors identified trade representative ustr special importance


Summary: 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.

afghanistan pakistan reconstruction opportunity zones act declares purposes act including stimulate economic activity development afghanistan border region pakistan effort combat violent extremism authorizes president designate area afghanistan pakistan reconstruction opportunity zone provided country meets certain eligibility requirements proclaim duty free treatment certain articles including certain textile apparel articles non textile non apparel articles imported united_states designated zone country provided certain requirements met specifies rules origin articles prohibits duty free treatment articles country question adopts certain enforcement measures prevent unlawful transshipment use false documents relating importation united_states authorizes president waive duty free treatment articles inconsistent national interests united_states withdraw suspend limit treatment


Summary: United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act - Approves the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (the Agreement) entered into with the government of Colombia. Provides for the Agreement's entry into force upon certain conditions being met on or after January 1, 2009.Authorizes the President to proclaim actions, and other appropriate officers of the U.S. government to issue regulations, necessary to ensure appropriate implementation of any provision of this Act that takes effect on the date the Agreement enters into force.Provides for: (1) administration of dispute settlement proceedings; (2) arbitration of certain claims against the United States; and (3) specified tariff modifications. Prescribes requirements for: (1) enforcement of textile and apparel rules of origin; (2) actions for relief from imports benefiting from the Agreement; and (3) certain textile and apparel safeguard measures.Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to make eligible for U.S. government procurement products or services of a foreign country or instrumentality that is a party to the Agreement.Provides for the following offsets: (1) amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend the authority for the collection of customs user fees for a specified period; and (2) amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase by one percentage point the current increased percentage of any required installment of corporate estimated tax otherwise due in July, August, or September 2012, and by two percentage points the amount of any required installment of corporate estimated tax otherwise due in July, August, or September 2013.

united_states colombia trade promotion agreement implementation act approves united_states colombia trade promotion agreement agreement entered government colombia provides agreement entry force certain conditions met january president proclaim actions appropriate officers government issue regulations necessary ensure appropriate implementation provision act takes effect date agreement enters force provides administration dispute settlement proceedings arbitration certain claims united_states specified tariff modifications prescribes requirements enforcement textile apparel rules origin actions relief imports benefiting agreement certain textile apparel safeguard measures amends trade agreements act eligible government procurement products services foreign country instrumentality party agreement provides following offsets amends consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act extend authority collection customs user fees specified period amends tax_increase_prevention_and_reconciliation_act increase percentage point current increased percentage required installment corporate estimated tax july august september percentage points required installment corporate estimated tax july august september


Summary: 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.

fairness nursing home arbitration act provides pre dispute arbitration agreement long-term_care facility resident acting resident behalf shall valid specifically enforceable


Summary: 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.

agriculture smart trade act_-_requires president initiating negotiations enter free trade agreement foreign country report congress invasive agricultural pests diseases country sanitary measures imposed country government goods country imports


Summary: 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.

united_states olympic committee paralympic program act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs grants olympic committee plan develop manage implement paralympic program disabled veterans disabled members armed_forces directs use grant recruit support encourage schedule facilitate supervise implement paralympic instruction participation competition activities training technical assistance coordination program development specified activities veterans members armed_forces physical disabilities sets forth outreach coordination application memorandum understanding requirements establishes department_of_veterans_affairs office national veterans sports programs special events establish carry provide sponsorship participation disabled veterans qualifying programs events authorizes office director provide monthly assistance allowance disabled veteran invited compete selected paralympic team requires secretary direct secretary health available recreational physical therapists medical staff facilitate veteran participation sporting events conducted allow personnel participate paralympic program requiring use personal leave support similar activities events


Summary: 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.

iraq self sufficiency american_energy_independence act transfers department_of_energy doe office energy efficiency renewable energy office_of_science research development demonstration develop renewable energy improve energy efficiency united_states unexpended amounts iraq relief reconstruction fund iraq_security_forces_fund authorized economic_support_fund available iraq


Summary: Security and Fuel Efficiency Energy Act of 2007 or the SAFE Energy Act of 2007 - Amends corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) provisions to revise the definition of: (1) "automobile" to mean any vehicle that is propelled by fuel, or by alternative fuel, and is manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways (currently, four-wheeled vehicles that are so propelled and manufactured for such use and that are up to 6,000 pounds and certain vehicles between 6,000 and 10,000 pounds); and (2) "passenger automobile" to eliminate the exception for 4-wheel drive automobiles and vehicles weighing more than 6,000 pounds. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) prescribe separate increased minimum CAFE standards for different classes of automobiles manufactured beginning for model year 2012, but adds an increase of 4% per year in such standard for model years 2013 through 2030; and (2) establish CAFE standards for medium-duty trucks that are consistent with hybridization beginning for model year 2012. Revises the calculation of fuel economy standards for dual fueled automobiles and gaseous fuel dual fueled automobiles manufactured in model year 2012 and beyond to require using the same calculation provisions as used for gas or diesel fueled vehicles. Repeals provisions allowing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to extend manufacturing credits for such automobiles.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean burn technology vehicles eligible for the alternative motor vehicle credit; (2) extend, through 2011, the alternative vehicle credit for certain new qualified hybrid motor vehicles; and (3) allow a new qualified fuel-efficient motor vehicle credit and an advanced technology motor vehicles manufacturing credit.Sets forth a special rule setting the maximum allowable gross weight for vehicles with a supplementary sixth axle using the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways at 97,000 pounds, provided highway safety is not negatively impacted.Amends the Clean Air Act to prescribe the volume of renewable fuel and cellulosic biomass ethanol that gasoline sold in the United States must contain in calendar years 2008 through 2020. Increases the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit, with an additional increase for qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property that is a blender pump. Defines blender pump. Expands the types of allowable fuels. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) installation of ethanol-blend fuel pumps at covered gas stations; (2) increase in the percentage of duel-fueled automobiles manufactured in model years 2012 through 2022; and (3) establishment of biofuels incentives.Permits: (1) the exploration for and extraction of hydrocarbon resources from any portion of any foreign exclusive economic zone contiguous to the exclusive economic zone of the United States; and (2) export without license authority all equipment necessary for the exploration for or extraction of such hydrocarbon resources.Establishes within the National Security Council a Bureau of International Energy.

security fuel efficiency energy act safe energy act amends corporate average fuel economy cafe provisions revise definition automobile mean vehicle propelled fuel alternative fuel manufactured primarily use public streets roads highways currently wheeled vehicles propelled manufactured use pounds certain vehicles pounds passenger automobile eliminate exception wheel drive automobiles vehicles weighing pounds requires secretary transportation prescribe separate increased minimum cafe standards different classes automobiles manufactured beginning model year adds increase year standard model years establish cafe standards medium duty trucks consistent beginning model year revises calculation fuel economy standards dual fueled automobiles gaseous fuel dual fueled automobiles manufactured model year require calculation provisions gas diesel fueled vehicles repeals provisions allowing department_of_transportation dot extend manufacturing credits automobiles amends_the_internal_revenue_code repeal limitation number new qualified hybrid advanced lean burn technology vehicles eligible alternative motor vehicle credit extend alternative vehicle credit certain new qualified hybrid motor vehicles allow new qualified fuel efficient motor vehicle credit advanced technology motor vehicles manufacturing credit sets forth special rule setting maximum allowable gross weight vehicles supplementary sixth national system interstate defense highways pounds provided highway safety negatively impacted amends clean_air act prescribe volume renewable fuel cellulosic biomass ethanol gasoline sold united_states contain calendar years increases alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit additional increase qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property blender pump defines blender pump expands types allowable fuels sets forth requirements installation ethanol blend fuel pumps covered gas stations increase percentage fueled automobiles manufactured model years establishment biofuels incentives permits exploration extraction hydrocarbon resources portion foreign exclusive_economic_zone contiguous exclusive_economic_zone united_states export license authority equipment necessary exploration extraction hydrocarbon resources establishes national_security_council bureau international energy


Summary: 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.

cuba reconciliation act_-_amends foreign assistance_act including specified laws repeal embargo placed trade cuba amends_the_internal_revenue_code declare denial foreign tax credit inapplicable cuba permits installation maintenance telecommunications equipment facilities cuba including telecommunications services united_states cuba travel cuba citizens residents requires postal_service provide direct mail service cuba


Summary: 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.

afghanistan pakistan security prosperity enhancement act_-_authorizes president designate reconstruction opportunity zones afghanistan pakistan provided certain eligibility criteria met including countries establish progress establishing market based economy instituting rule law protecting core labor standards eliminating barriers trade investment countries designated beneficiary developing country designation reconstruction opportunity zone appropriate taking account certain qualifying factors provides duty free treatment certain textile apparel products products reconstruction opportunity zone september sets forth requirements prevent unlawful transshipment products continues duty free treatment products reconstruction opportunity zone afghanistan pakistan president certifies congress countries met certain requirements including designation labor official agreed require textile apparel exporting enterprises participate technical assistance capacity building compliance assessment remediation program authorizes president withdraw suspend limit application duty free treatment act


Summary: 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.

free trade cuba act_-_amends foreign assistance_act repeal embargo trade cuba prohibits exercise president respect cuba certain authorities conferred trading enemy act exercised july result specified national emergency makes ineffective prohibition exports cuba export administration act authorizes president impose export controls respect cuba exercise certain authorities international_emergency_economic_powers_act account unusual extraordinary threat national security exist enactment act repeals cuban democracy act cuban_liberty democratic_solidarity libertad act prohibition food security act allocation annual sugar quota country officials verify import reexport united_states sugar produced cuba prohibition department_of_commerce_and_related_agencies_appropriations_act transactions payments respecting certain intellectual property amends trade sanctions reform export enhancement_act remove cuba list state sponsors terrorism subject agricultural medical export restrictions amends_the_internal_revenue_code terminate denial foreign tax credit respect cuba authorizes common carriers install repair telecommunications equipment facilities cuba provide telecommunications services united_states cuba prohibits regulation banning travel cuba citizens residents transactions incident travel directs postal_service provide direct mail service cuba urges president necessary steps conduct negotiations government cuba settle claims nationals cuba taking property secure protection internationally recognized human rights


Summary: 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.

amends omnibus appropriations act repeal prohibition use funds available act establish cross border motor carrier demonstration program allow mexico domiciled motor carriers operate commercial zones international border united_states mexico


Summary: 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.

united_states cuba trade normalization act amends foreign assistance_act repeal embargo trade cuba prohibits exercise president respect cuba certain authorities conferred trading enemy act exercised july result specified national emergency makes ineffective prohibition exports cuba export administration act authorizes president impose export controls respect cuba exercise certain authorities international_emergency_economic_powers_act account unusual extraordinary threat national security exist enactment act repeals cuban democracy act cuban_liberty democratic_solidarity libertad act prohibition food security act allocation annual sugar quota country officials verify import reexport united_states sugar produced cuba prohibition department_of_commerce_and_related_agencies_appropriations_act transactions payments respecting certain intellectual property amends trade sanctions reform export enhancement_act remove cuba list state sponsors terrorism subject agricultural medical export restrictions amends_the_internal_revenue_code terminate denial foreign tax credit respect cuba authorizes common carriers install repair telecommunications equipment facilities cuba provide telecommunications services united_states cuba prohibits regulation banning travel cuba citizens residents transactions incident travel directs postal_service provide direct mail service cuba urges president necessary steps conduct negotiations government cuba settle claims nationals cuba taking property secure protection internationally recognized human rights extends nondiscriminatory treatment normal trade relations products cuba prohibits secretary treasury limiting remittances cuba person subject jurisdiction rescinds determination secretary state cuba repeatedly provided support acts international terrorism


Summary: 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.

united_states china market engagement export promotion act_-_directs secretary commerce provide grants states establish operate state offices people republic china prc promote exports prc establish program create china market advocate positions united_states export assistance centers order provide assistance small- medium sized businesses export goods prc including assistance business related expenses trade missions prc submit congress plan consolidate fees gold key matching services provided businesses export goods services market prc amends small_business_act require office_of_international_trade small_business_administration sba provide guidance small businesses respect export goods services prc establishes office director china program grants directs administrator sba acting director china program grants grants institutions higher education establish operate chinese business education programs


Summary: 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.

trade reform accountability development employment act trade act directs comptroller_general review biennially certain free trade agreements including uruguay round agreements united_states foreign countries evaluate economic environmental national security health safety effects report congressional trade agreement review committee established act including analyses specified aspects agreement certain information agreement parties country democratic form government respects certain core labor rights fundamental human rights protects intellectual property rights enforces environmental laws declares implementing bills new trade agreements shall subject expedited consideration special procedures limiting amendment agreements include certain standards respect labor human rights environment public safety food product health safety provision services investment procurement intellectual property agriculture trade remedies safeguards dispute resolution enforcement technical assistance national security taxation requires president submit congress plan renegotiation existing trade agreements bring compliance standards establishes congressional trade agreement review committee expresses sense congress certain processes trade negotiations followed congress considers legislation providing special procedures implementing bills trade agreements


Summary: 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.

reciprocal market access act prohibits president agreeing reduction elimination existing rate duty product order carry trade agreement entered united_states foreign country president certifies congress united_states obtained reduction elimination tariff nontariff barriers policies practices foreign country respect exports product physical characteristics uses product president seeks modify rate duty violation trade agreement immediately enforceable withdrawal modification existing duty foreign product united_states_trade_representative ustr certifies congress united_states obtained reduction elimination tariff nontariff barrier policy practice foreign government requires withdrawal modification specified circumstances ustr makes certification congress


Summary: 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.

reaffirms congressional opposition trade boycotts israel calls president stronger steps end trade boycotts israel amends trade act direct united_states_trade_representative include annual trade barrier report list country specified boycott related information country participates trade boycott israel national trade estimate report steps taken world_trade_organization wto international fora end trade boycott israel


Summary: Conflict Minerals Trade Act - States that it is U.S. policy to promote peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo by supporting efforts of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, other governments in the Great Lakes Region of Africa, and the international community to: (1) stop commercial activities involving the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that contribute to armed groups and human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and (2) develop stronger governance and economic institutions to improve transparency in the cross-border trade of natural resources in order to reduce exploitation by armed groups and promote local and regional development. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) produce a Congo Conflict Minerals Map of mineral-rich zones and areas under the control of armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and (2) submit a related report to the appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce to provide guidance to commercial entities seeking to exercise due diligence to ensure that conflict minerals used in their products do not finance armed conflict, result in labor or human rights violations, or damage the environment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit a strategy to the appropriate congressional committees addressing linkages between human rights abuses, armed groups, and the mining of conflict minerals; (2) ensure that the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices relating to the Democratic Republic of the Congo or countries that share a border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo include a description of instances where the extraction and cross-border trade in conflict minerals has negatively affected human rights conditions; and (3) include in the annual report to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Investment Committee a description of efforts to ensure that enterprises under U.S. jurisdiction are exercising diligence to ensure that their purchases of minerals or metals are not originating from mines and trading routes that are used to finance armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) should expand programs to assist communities in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo whose livelihoods depend on the mineral trade. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to annually publish in the Federal Register a list of articles specified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States that should be identified as likely containing conflict minerals. Requires importers of articles specified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States that are included on the potential conflict goods list to certify on the importer's Customs declaration that such articles contain conflict minerals or are conflict mineral free. Sets forth: (1) penalties relating to the introduction of goods that contain conflict minerals into the United States; and (2) events that must prior to the expiration of this Act's provisions.

conflict minerals trade act states policy promote peace eastern democratic republic supporting efforts government democratic republic governments great_lakes region africa international community stop commercial activities involving natural resources democratic republic contribute armed groups human rights violations democratic republic develop stronger governance economic institutions improve transparency cross border trade natural resources order reduce exploitation armed groups promote local regional development directs secretary state produce conflict minerals map mineral rich zones areas control armed groups democratic republic submit related report appropriate congressional committees directs secretary secretary commerce provide guidance commercial entities seeking exercise diligence ensure conflict minerals products finance armed conflict result labor human rights violations damage environment directs secretary submit strategy appropriate congressional committees addressing linkages human rights abuses armed groups mining conflict minerals ensure annual country reports human rights practices relating democratic republic countries share border democratic republic include description instances extraction cross border trade conflict minerals negatively affected human rights conditions include annual report organization economic operation development investment committee description efforts ensure enterprises jurisdiction exercising diligence ensure purchases minerals metals originating mines trading routes finance armed groups democratic republic expresses sense congress administrator united_states_agency international_development usaid expand programs assist communities eastern democratic republic depend mineral trade directs secretary commerce annually publish federal_register list articles specified harmonized_tariff schedule united_states identified likely containing conflict minerals requires importers articles specified harmonized_tariff schedule united_states included potential conflict goods list certify importer customs declaration articles contain conflict minerals conflict mineral free sets forth penalties relating introduction goods contain conflict minerals united_states events prior expiration act provisions


Summary: 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.

withdraws congress approval north_american_free_trade_agreement nafta directs president provide written notice withdrawal governments canada mexico


Summary: 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.

overseas contractor reform act_-_requires person found violation foreign corrupt practices act proposed debarment federal contract grant days final judgment violation authorizes head federal agency waive provision federal contract grant report waiver congress days justification declares government policy government contracts grants awarded individuals companies violate act


Summary: 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.

trade enforcement priorities act_-_amends trade act revise requirements investigations united_states_trade_representative ustr priority foreign country practices eliminated likely significant potential increase exports urges ustr initiating investigation seek consultations foreign country identified engaging priority foreign country trade practices order reach satisfactory resolution practices requires ustr initiate investigation satisfactory resolution reached days report practices appropriate congressional committees


Summary: 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.

vote trade time act vote act prohibits president entering trade agreement foreign countries electors authorize president action requires united_states_trade_representative ustr hold series public hearings united_states receive input effects trade agreement economic growth employment president enters negotiations enter trade agreement countries


Summary: 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.

united_states africa trade development diaspora relations promotion act_-_directs president appoint special representative united_states africa trade development diaspora affairs department_of_state states special representative person distinction culturally sensitive underserved african diaspora united_states substantial experience matters trade economic development matters relating african diaspora relations africa directs secretary state establish department_of_state office united_states africa trade development diaspora affairs special representative head directs special representative establish regional united_states africa trade development diaspora affairs public outreach education liaison centers requires special representative office promote trade investment relations foster socioeconomic development economic growth design implement public outreach education liaison programs activities intended foster economic technical social cultural ties facilitate increase number international learning exchange professional training educational programs africa united_states establish publicly accessible database african businesses academics organizations communicate establish ties consult african governments african union african intergovernmental organizations public private partnership entities private businesses foundations nongovernmental organizations united_nations agencies respect matters africa related trade economic development african african diaspora relations


Summary: Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Kazakhstan.

authorizes president extend nondiscriminatory treatment normal trade relations treatment products kazakhstan


Summary: Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Moldova.

authorizes president extend nondiscriminatory treatment normal trade relations treatment products moldova


Summary: 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 (USTR) 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 USTR. Permits the USTR to take further action to enforce U.S. rights, based on the USTR's monitoring, when a petitioner considers that the actions of a foreign country in implementing a measure have not been satisfactory.

trade complaint litigation accountability improvement measures act trade claim act_-_amends federal judicial code grant court international_trade exclusive jurisdiction civil action commenced petitioner requesting novo review trade representative ustr decision concerning enforcement trade rights amends trade act revise requirements concerning enforcement trade rights respect presidential authority responsibility ustr permits ustr action enforce rights based ustr monitoring petitioner considers actions foreign country implementing measure satisfactory


Summary: Tariff Relief Assistance for Developing Economies Act of 2009 or the TRADE Act of 2009 - Authorizes the President to designate Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Maldives, Nepal, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Yemen, and Sri Lanka or their successor political entities as beneficiary TRADE Act of 2009 countries eligible to receive duty-free treatment for certain articles that are the growth, product, or manufacture of such countries, if after receiving the advice of the International Trade Commission (ITC) the President determines that such articles are not import-sensitive in the context of imports from such countries. Conditions such designation upon eligibility requirements of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Trade Act of 1974. Prescribes the rule of origin for the articles for the duty-free treatment. Applies duty-free treatment, without any quantitative limitations, granted to textile and apparel articles under AGOA to articles imported directly into the U.S. customs territory from a beneficiary TRADE Act of 2009 country if their assembly meet specified U.S. origin requirements. Grants AGOA preferential treatment for apparel articles assembled in one or more beneficiary TRADE Act of 2009 countries or such former countries, or both, from regional fabric from yarn originating either in the United States or one or more of such countries. Establishes: (1) limitations on such preferential treatment; and (2) special rules for apparel articles wholly assembled in one or more beneficiary TRADE Act of 2009 countries or former beneficiary countries, or both, regardless of the country of origin of the yarn or fabric used to make such articles; and (3) applicable percentages of such benefits.

tariff relief assistance developing economies act trade act authorizes president designate afghanistan cambodia people democratic republic nepal islands east yemen successor political entities beneficiary trade act countries eligible receive duty free treatment certain articles growth product manufacture countries receiving advice international_trade_commission itc president determines articles import sensitive context imports countries conditions designation eligibility requirements african_growth opportunity act trade act prescribes rule origin articles duty free treatment applies duty free treatment quantitative limitations granted textile apparel articles articles imported directly customs territory beneficiary trade act country assembly meet specified origin requirements grants preferential treatment apparel articles assembled beneficiary trade act countries countries regional fabric yarn originating united_states countries establishes limitations preferential treatment special rules apparel articles wholly assembled beneficiary trade act countries beneficiary countries regardless country origin yarn fabric articles applicable percentages benefits


Summary: Small Business International Trade Enhancements Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish an Associate Administrator for International Trade as the head of the Office of International Trade of the Small Business Administration (SBA), who shall be responsible for international trade policy. 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 maintaining a trade distribution network for trade promotion and trade assistance for small businesses. 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 ensure that the number of full -time equivalent Office employees assigned to the Export Assistance Centers for U.S. exporters is at least the number that were assigned on January 1, 2003. Increases: (1) the total outstanding amount of an international trade loan guaranteed by the SBA under the Export Working Capital Program; (2) the maximum amount of an international trade loan; and (3) the maximum amount available for export working capital, supplies, or financing. Allows such loan to be secured by a second lien position on the property or equipment financed by the loan or on other assets of the small business concern. (Currently, a first lien position or first mortgage on the property, equipment, or other business assets is required.) Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) should establish the position of Assistant USTR for Small Business to promote the trade interests of small businesses.

small business international_trade enhancements act amends small_business_act establish associate_administrator international_trade head office_of_international_trade small_business_administration sba shall responsible international_trade policy grants sba administrator authority appoint additional associate administrators requires export assistance centers stop exporters aid associate_administrator maintaining trade distribution network trade promotion trade assistance small businesses requires associate_administrator establish annual goals enhance export capabilities small businesses small manufacturers compete foreign entities directs associate_administrator order provide small businesses access certain export financing programs appoint trade financial specialist sba oversee international loan programs assist sba employees trade finance issues directs sba administrator ensure number equivalent office employees assigned export assistance centers exporters number assigned january increases total outstanding international_trade loan guaranteed sba export working capital program maximum international_trade loan maximum available export working capital supplies financing allows loan secured second lien position property equipment financed loan assets small business concern currently lien position mortgage property equipment business assets required expresses sense congress united_states_trade_representative ustr establish position assistant ustr small business promote trade interests small businesses


Summary: Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to prohibit U.S. courts from recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating any assertion of rights by an individual (under current law, by a designated Cuban national) of a mark, trade name, or commercial name that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated by the Cuban government unless the original owner of such mark or name, or such owner's bona fide successor, has expressly consented. Applies such prohibition only if the individual asserting the rights knew or had reason to know at the time of acquiring the rights asserted that the mark or name was the same or substantially similar to the mark or name used in connection with the business or assets that were confiscated.

amends department_of_commerce_and_related_agencies_appropriations_act prohibit courts recognizing enforcing validating assertion rights individual current law designated cuban national mark trade commercial connection business assets confiscated cuban government original owner mark owner bona fide successor expressly consented applies prohibition individual asserting rights knew reason know time acquiring rights asserted mark substantially similar mark connection business assets confiscated


Summary: 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.

amends trade act require president establish public health advisory_committee trade requires composition advisory_committee trade policy negotiations include representatives nonprofit nongovernmental public health organizations coalitions promote public health increase access affordable health related services products prevent reduce major disease illness public health problem requires united_states_trade_representative ustr secretaries_of_agriculture commerce health_and_human_services hhs labor defense executive departments seek written advisory opinions advisory committees established act trade agreement negotiation process requires committees appropriate policy committee appropriate functional committee president notification congress intention enter trade agreement report president congress ustr effects trade agreement


Summary: Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment Act of 2009 or the TRADE Act of 2009 - Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) review certain free trade agreements (including Uruguay Round Agreements) between the United States and a trade agreement country to evaluate their economic, employment, environmental, national security, health, safety, and other effects; and (2) report on them to the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Ways and Means, including analyses of specified aspects of each trade agreement and certain information about agreement parties, such as whether the country has a democratic form of government, adopted and enforces certain core labor rights, respects fundamental human rights, enforces rights under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), complies with environmental laws, and poses a potential national security concern. Requires implementing bills of new trade agreements between the United States and another country to include certain standards with respect to: (1) labor; (2) environment and public safety; (3) food and product health and safety; (4) services; (5) investment; (6) procurement; (7) intellectual property; (8) agriculture; (9) trade remedies and safeguards; (10) dispute resolution and enforcement; and (11) technical assistance. Sets forth a point of order to consideration of bills implementing new trade agreements. Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan for the renegotiation of existing trade agreements to bring them into compliance with such standards. Expresses the sense of Congress that certain processes for U.S. trade negotiations should be followed when Congress considers legislation providing special procedures for bills implementing trade agreements.

trade reform accountability development employment act trade act directs comptroller_general review certain free trade agreements including uruguay round agreements united_states trade agreement country evaluate economic employment environmental national security health safety effects report senate_committee_on_finance house_committee ways_and_means including analyses specified aspects trade agreement certain information agreement parties country democratic form government adopted enforces certain core labor rights respects fundamental human rights enforces rights agreement trade related aspects intellectual property rights trips complies environmental laws poses potential national security concern requires implementing bills new trade agreements united_states country include certain standards respect labor environment public safety food product health safety services investment procurement intellectual property agriculture trade remedies safeguards dispute resolution enforcement technical assistance sets forth point order consideration bills implementing new trade agreements requires president submit congress plan renegotiation existing trade agreements bring compliance standards expresses sense congress certain processes trade negotiations followed congress considers legislation providing special procedures bills implementing trade agreements