Summary:
Nepal Trade Preferences Act - Authorizes the President to give preferential treatment to certain articles imported directly from Nepal into the U.S. customs territory if that country meets certain requirements under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, including a market-based economy and the rule of law, the protection of human rights and internationally-recognized worker rights, elimination of trade barriers to the United States, and non-engagement in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests or support acts of international terrorism. Requires Nepal also to meet certain eligibility criteria for designation as a beneficiary developing country under the Trade Act of 1974.

Authorizes certain import-sensitive articles (watches, electronic articles, steel articles, footwear and certain other apparel, and glass products) imported directly from Nepal to enter the U.S. customs territory duty-free if: (1) the article is the growth, product, or manufacture of Nepal; (2) the President determines, after receiving advice from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), that the article is not import-sensitive; and (3) the sum of the cost or value of the materials produced in, and the manufacturing costs performed in, Nepal or the U.S. customs territory is at least 35% of the appraised value of the article at the time it is entered. Limits to 15% of the appraised value of the article at the time it is entered the cost or value of the materials produced in, and the manufacturing costs performed in, the U.S. customs territory, and attributed to the 35% requirement.

Grants duty-free treatment to certain textile or apparel articles: (1) wholly assembled in Nepal, without regard to the country of origin of the yarn or fabric used to make them; and (2) imported directly from Nepal into the U.S. customs territory.

Prescribes requirements for handloomed, handmade, folklore articles or ethnic printed fabrics.

Terminates the extension of preferential treatment to Nepal after December 31, 2023.

nepal trade preferences act authorizes president preferential treatment certain articles imported directly nepal customs territory country meets certain requirements african_growth opportunity act including market based economy rule law protection human rights internationally recognized worker rights elimination trade barriers united_states non engagement activities undermine national security foreign policy interests support acts international terrorism meet certain eligibility criteria designation beneficiary developing country trade act authorizes certain import sensitive articles watches electronic articles steel articles footwear certain apparel glass products imported directly nepal enter customs territory duty free article growth product manufacture nepal president determines receiving advice usitc article import sensitive sum cost value materials produced manufacturing costs performed nepal customs territory appraised value article time entered limits appraised value article time entered cost value materials produced manufacturing costs performed customs territory attributed requirement grants duty free treatment certain textile apparel articles wholly assembled nepal regard country origin yarn fabric imported directly nepal customs territory prescribes requirements articles ethnic printed fabrics terminates extension preferential treatment nepal december


Summary:
Low Value Shipment Regulatory Modernization Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) should encourage other countries, through bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora, to establish commercially meaningful de minimis values for express and postal shipments of articles that are exempt from customs duties and certain entry documentation requirements, as appropriate.

Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to increase from $200 to $800 for 2014, and to $800 adjusted annually for inflation after 2014, the aggregate retail value in the country of shipment of articles that may be imported duty-free into the United States by one person on one day.

low value shipment regulatory modernization act expresses sense congress united_states_trade_representative ustr encourage countries bilateral regional multilateral fora establish commercially meaningful minimis values express postal shipments articles exempt customs duties certain entry documentation requirements appropriate amends tariff act increase adjusted annually inflation aggregate retail value country shipment articles imported duty free united_states person day


Summary: Nicaraguan Tariff Preference Level Extension Act of 2013 - Directs the President to proclaim an extension through December 31, 2024, of the preferential tariff treatment provided certain apparel goods imported into the United States from Nicaragua.

extension act directs president proclaim extension december preferential tariff treatment provided certain apparel goods imported united_states nicaragua


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

All-American Flag Act - Requires any flags of the United States acquired for use by the federal government to be entirely manufactured in the United States from articles, materials, or supplies entirely grown, produced, or manufactured in the United States. Allows the head of an executive agency to waive such requirement upon determining that it would cause unreasonable costs or delays or would adversely affect a U.S. company.

Requires this Act to be applied in a manner consistent with U.S. obligations under international agreements.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated american flag act requires united_states acquired use federal government entirely manufactured united_states articles materials supplies entirely grown produced manufactured united_states allows head executive agency waive requirement determining cause unreasonable costs delays adversely affect company requires act applied manner consistent obligations international agreements


Summary:
Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Textile and Trade Agreements (TTA) division of the Office of International Trade within CBP should ensure that seizures, detentions, special operations, and Textile Product Verification Teams (TPVTs) remain the primary focus of their efforts to enforce U.S. customs laws with respect to imports of textile or apparel articles, particularly as they relate to enforcement of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), and other free trade agreements and trade preference programs to prevent transshipments and origin fraud.

Requires the seizure and forfeiture of an imported textile or apparel article for which a trade preference has been claimed in cases where the importer: (1) has either misdescribed, not verified the article's country of origin, or used accompanying false documentation; or (2) provides false information as to his or her address or does not meet certain documentation or informational requirements upon entry of an article.

Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary), the CBP Commissioner, or the Secretary of the Treasury to use amounts from fines, penalties, and forfeitures of articles due to violations of the U.S. customs laws to pay for expenses directly related to special operations, TPVTs, and other enforcement actions, including expenses related to training and education of certain specialists who participate in the enforcement of such laws. Authorizes the use of such amounts also to pay for a reward of the lesser of at least 20% of that amount, value of property forfeited, or $20,000 to any person who furnishes information that leads to an arrest, conviction, civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of articles due to violations enforced by the Secretary, the Commissioner, or the Secretary of the Treasury.

Directs the Commissioner to ensure specified staffing of the Textile Enforcement Branch, the Textile Policy Branch, and the Quota Branch of TTA.

Requires the Commissioner to certify, with respect to the 15 largest U.S. ports of entry for textile or apparel articles, that a certain number of Import Specialists are trained in preventing textile or apparel importer fraud, trade preference verification, classification, and undervaluation. Requires the Commissioner also to increase the number of dedicated textile and import specialists at such ports by 25%.

Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the Secretary of the Treasury (who is now merely authorized) to publish in the Federal Register: (1) the names of persons located outside of the U.S. customs territories against whom the CBP has issued a penalty claim for violating U.S. customs laws, including for violations of quotas, duties, or trade preferences; and (2) a list of high-risk countries involved in the transshipment of textile or apparel products.

Requires the President, acting through the Commissioner and in coordination with the head of the Office of Textiles and Apparel of the Department of Commerce, to establish an electronic verification system for tracking textile or apparel articles imported or exported under the CAFTA-DR, NAFTA, or any other free trade agreement to which the United States is a party to ensure compliance with such agreements.

Directs the Commissioner to establish a new textile and apparel importer program that requires the CBP to adjust bond amounts for new importers of textile and apparel goods based on the level of assessed risk.

Requires the Commissioner to establish a nonresident importer declaration program for the import of textile or apparel articles.

Directs the President, acting through the Commissioner and in coordination with the head of the Office of Textiles and Apparel of the Department of Commerce, to establish an electronic Textile and Apparel Manufacturing Supplier Registry pilot program.

expresses sense congress cbp division office_of_international_trade cbp ensure seizures detentions special operations textile product verification teams remain primary focus efforts enforce customs laws respect imports textile apparel articles particularly relate enforcement north_american_free_trade_agreement nafta dominican_republic-central_america-united_states_free_trade_agreement cafta free trade agreements trade preference programs prevent origin fraud requires seizure forfeiture imported textile apparel article trade preference claimed cases importer verified article country origin accompanying false documentation provides false information address meet certain documentation informational requirements entry article requires secretary homeland_security secretary cbp commissioner secretary treasury use amounts fines penalties forfeitures articles violations customs laws pay expenses directly related special operations enforcement actions including expenses related training education certain specialists participate enforcement laws authorizes use amounts pay reward lesser value property forfeited person furnishes information leads arrest conviction civil penalty assessment forfeiture articles violations enforced secretary commissioner secretary treasury directs commissioner ensure specified staffing textile policy branch requires commissioner certify respect largest ports entry textile apparel articles certain number trained preventing textile apparel importer fraud trade preference verification classification undervaluation requires commissioner increase number dedicated textile import specialists ports amends tariff act require secretary treasury merely authorized publish federal_register names persons located outside customs territories cbp issued penalty claim violating customs laws including violations quotas duties trade preferences list high risk countries involved transshipment textile apparel products requires president acting commissioner coordination head office_of_textiles apparel_of_the_department_of_commerce establish electronic verification system tracking textile apparel articles imported exported cafta nafta free trade agreement united_states party ensure compliance agreements directs commissioner establish new textile apparel importer program requires cbp adjust bond amounts new importers textile apparel goods based level assessed risk requires commissioner establish nonresident importer declaration program import textile apparel articles directs president acting commissioner coordination head office_of_textiles apparel_of_the_department_of_commerce establish electronic textile apparel manufacturing supplier registry pilot program


Summary: Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on certain footwear, and for other purposes.

amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states suspend temporarily duty certain footwear purposes


Summary:
Level the Playing Field in Global Trade Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty laws provide targeted, effective relief against unfair trade practices and must be protected and enhanced; and (2) the failure to include within antidumping duty calculations the real costs of inadequate wages and insufficient workplace safety conditions and environmental controls has a substantial negative effect on U.S. manufacturing and the U.S. economy and fails to support efforts to improve conditions for working families and the environment in the United States and around the world.

Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to a fair comparison, for purposes of an antidumping investigation or review, between the actual or constructed export price of subject merchandise and its normal value. Requires an increase in the normal value price determination by the difference, if any, between the actual cost of producing the merchandise and the estimated cost of producing that merchandise if the producer paid its employees adequate wages and maintained sustainable production methods.

Requires the administering authority, at the request of an exporter or producer of subject merchandise, to reduce the amount of that increase (credit) by an amount that reflects the extent to which the merchandise was produced under conditions under which all employees receive adequate wages and sustainable production methods are maintained.

Authorizes an exporter or producer seeking to import merchandise into the United States to request the administering authority to issue a precertification that the merchandise is eligible for credits before an investigation is initiated.

Allows the administering authority to issue a precertification for all merchandise imported from a country if that country's government maintains and enforces laws requiring all producers of such merchandise in that country to pay its employees adequate wages and to maintain sustainable production methods.

Authorizes the administering authority, the Secretary of Labor, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish jointly procedures pursuant to which obtaining certification from an independent, third-party, standards-setting organization may demonstrate the eligibility for a precertification of an exporter or producer or of a country.

level playing field expresses sense congress antidumping countervailing duty laws provide targeted effective relief unfair trade practices protected enhanced failure include antidumping duty calculations real costs inadequate wages insufficient workplace safety conditions environmental controls substantial negative effect manufacturing economy fails support efforts improve conditions working families environment united_states world amends tariff act respect fair comparison purposes antidumping investigation review actual constructed export price subject merchandise normal value requires increase normal value price determination difference actual cost producing merchandise estimated cost producing merchandise producer paid employees adequate wages maintained sustainable production methods requires administering authority request exporter producer subject merchandise reduce increase credit reflects extent merchandise produced conditions employees receive adequate wages sustainable production methods maintained authorizes exporter producer seeking import merchandise united_states request administering authority issue merchandise eligible credits investigation initiated allows administering authority issue merchandise imported country country government maintains enforces laws requiring producers merchandise country pay employees adequate wages maintain sustainable production methods authorizes administering authority secretary labor administrator environmental_protection_agency epa establish jointly procedures pursuant obtaining certification independent party standards setting organization demonstrate eligibility exporter producer country


Summary: GSP Update for Production Diversification and Trade Enhancement Act or GSP UPDATE Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to designate certain luggage and travel articles as eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

gsp update act amends trade act authorize president designate certain luggage travel articles eligible duty free treatment generalized_system_of_preferences gsp


Summary:
Extending Incentives for Exporting American Textiles Act of 2013 - Extends duty-free treatment, subject to specified quantitative limitations, for certain imported Nicaraguan woven trousers, breeches, or shorts.

Requires those articles to be accompanied by an earned import allowance certificate indicating the use of fabric and yarns wholly formed in the United States.

Extends such duty-free treatment for 10 years beginning on January 1, 2015.

extending incentives exporting american textiles act extends duty free treatment subject specified quantitative limitations certain imported woven requires articles accompanied earned import allowance certificate indicating use fabric yarns wholly formed united_states extends duty free treatment years beginning january


Summary: Wear American Act of 2014 - Directs the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to require federal agencies to procure textiles and apparel articles, including components for such articles, that are manufactured in the United States wholly from articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced or manufactured in the United States.

wear american act directs amend federal_acquisition_regulation far require federal agencies procure textiles apparel articles including components articles manufactured united_states wholly articles materials supplies mined produced manufactured united_states


Summary:
Buy it in America Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish the America Star Program as a voluntary program under which manufacturers may have products certified as meeting the standards of a label (i.e., America Star label) that indicates to consumers the extent to which such products are manufactured in the United States.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a new tax credit (angel investment tax credit) for up to 25% of equity investment in a small business entity that is located in the United States and engages in a qualified high technology trade or business; (2) make permanent the 100% exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock; and (3) establish tax-exempt small business startup savings accounts to make distributions for small business operating capital, the purchase of equipment or facilities, marketing, training, incorporation, and accounting fees.

buy america act directs secretary commerce establish voluntary program manufacturers products certified meeting standards label label indicates consumers extent products manufactured united_states amends internal revenue code allow new tax credit investment tax credit equity investment small business entity located united_states engages qualified high technology trade business permanent exclusion gross income gain sale exchange qualified small business stock establish tax exempt small business startup savings accounts distributions small business operating capital purchase equipment facilities marketing training incorporation accounting fees


Summary:
United States Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act or the U.S. OUTDOOR Act - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for the duty-free treatment of certain recreational performance outerwear.

Establishes the Sustainable Textile and Apparel Research Fund (STAR Fund).

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to impose and collect, with specified exceptions, a fee of 1.5% of the appraised value of imported recreational performance outerwear and to deposit amounts collected into the STAR Fund.

Requires the Secretary of Commerce to make quarterly distributions from the STAR Fund to one or more appropriate organizations to conduct applied research, development, and education activities to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. businesses in clean, eco-friendly apparel, other textile and apparel products, and sewn-product design and manufacturing.

united_states optimal use trade develop outerwear outdoor recreation act outdoor act amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states provide duty free treatment certain recreational performance outerwear apparel_research_fund star fund requires secretary treasury impose collect specified exceptions fee appraised value imported recreational performance outerwear deposit amounts collected star_fund requires secretary commerce quarterly distributions star_fund appropriate organizations conduct applied research development education activities enhance competitiveness businesses clean eco friendly apparel textile apparel products sewn product design manufacturing


Summary:
GSP Update for Production Diversification and Trade Enhancement Act or the GSP UPDATE Act

 Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to designate certain luggage and travel articles as eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).


Summary:
All-American Flag Act

Requires any flags of the United States acquired for use by the federal government to be entirely manufactured in the United States from articles, materials, or supplies entirely grown, produced, or manufactured in the United States.

american flag act requires united_states acquired use federal government entirely manufactured united_states articles materials supplies entirely grown produced manufactured united_states


Summary:
Elimination of Tariffs on Education for Children's Act or the ETEACH Act

 Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to grant duty-free treatment to electronic educational devices designed or intended primarily for children.

elimination tariffs education children act act amends harmonized tariff schedule united_states grant duty free treatment electronic educational devices designed intended primarily children


Summary: Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend, through July 31, 2026, the duty-free treatment on specified quantities of certain cotton and man-made fiber, fabric, apparel, and made-up goods imported into the United States from Bahrain under the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement.

amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states extend july duty free treatment specified quantities certain cotton man fiber fabric apparel goods imported united_states bahrain


Summary:
Residue Entries and Streamlining Trade Act

This bill amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to exempt from duty treatment the residue of bulk cargo contained in instruments of international traffic previously exported from the United States.

The following terms are defined:

 "residue" means material of bulk cargo, of no or de minimis value, that remains in an instrument of international traffic after a certain amount of the bulk cargo is removed; "bulk cargo" means cargo that is unpackaged and is in either solid, liquid, or gaseous form; and "instruments of international traffic" means certain reusable containers or holders (i.e. lift vans, cargo vans, shipping tanks, skids, pallets, caul boards, and cores for textile fabrics) arriving (whether loaded or empty) for use in the shipment of merchandise in international traffic, as well as any additional articles that the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection designates as instruments of international traffic.

streamlining trade act bill amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states exempt duty treatment residue bulk cargo contained instruments international traffic previously exported united_states following terms defined residue means material bulk cargo minimis value remains instrument international traffic certain bulk cargo removed bulk cargo means cargo solid liquid gaseous form instruments international traffic means certain reusable containers holders lift vans cargo vans shipping tanks boards textile fabrics arriving loaded use shipment merchandise international traffic additional articles commissioner border_protection designates instruments international traffic


Summary:
This bill amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend for 2016 through 2025 duty-free treatment of certain textile goods imported into the United States from Morocco.

Annual quantitative limitations are prescribed for the preferential tariff treatment of such goods imported into the United States during that period.

bill amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states extend duty free treatment certain textile goods imported united_states morocco annual quantitative limitations prescribed preferential tariff treatment goods imported united_states period


Summary: Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to eliminate the consumptive demand exception to the prohibition on the importation of goods made with convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor.

amends tariff act eliminate consumptive demand exception prohibition importation goods convict labor forced labor labor


Summary: Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend through 2027 the production certificate program requiring the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior to jointly issue to producers of watches and watch movements in the U.S. insular possessions production certificates entitling the certificate holders to a refund of duties paid on such articles imported into the United States.

amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states extend production certificate program requiring secretary commerce secretary interior jointly issue producers watches watch movements insular possessions production certificates certificate holders refund duties paid articles imported united_states


Summary:
American Trade Enforcement Effectiveness Act

 This bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to the administration and enforcement of antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders.

Neither the administering authority (the Secretary of Commerce, or another U.S. officer given the responsibility by law) nor the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), as the case may be, is required to determine, or make any adjustments to, a countervailable subsidy rate or weighted average dumping margin based on any assumptions about information the interested party would have provided if it had complied with a request for information.

 The USITC shall not determine that there is no material injury or threat of material injury to a domestic industry from imports merely because that industry is profitable or its performance has recently improved.

This bill includes gross profits, operating profits, net profits, and ability to service debt among the relevant economic factors the USITC must evaluate in examining the impact of imports of merchandise on a domestic industry in material injury determinations.

The administering authority may use another calculation methodology than the ordinary one in determining the constructed value of subject merchandise being imported at less than fair value if a particular market situation exists where the cost of materials and fabrication or other processing of any kind does not accurately reflect the cost production in the ordinary course of trade.

 This bill revises requirements regarding administering authority determinations as to whether there are reasonable grounds to believe or suspect that a foreign like product is being sold at less than cost of production in AD investigations or reviews. The administering authority in making its determinations, however, shall request information necessary to calculate the constructed value and cost of production of subject merchandise in such investigations or reviews.

The administering authority, in valuing the factors of production to determine the normal value of merchandise exported from a nonmarket economy country, may disregard price or cost values without further investigation if it determines that broadly available export subsidies existed or instances of subsidization occurred with respect to those price or cost values or if they were subject to an AD order.

 Certain factors are specified for the administering authority to consider when deciding whether it would be unduly burdensome in CVD or AD investigations and reviews to examine voluntary responses from exporters or producers which are not the subjects of the investigation or review.

bill amends tariff act respect administration enforcement antidumping countervailing duty orders administering authority secretary commerce officer given responsibility law usitc case required determine adjustments countervailable subsidy rate weighted average dumping margin based assumptions information interested party provided complied request information usitc shall determine material injury threat material injury domestic industry imports merely industry performance recently improved bill includes gross profits operating profits net profits ability service debt relevant economic factors usitc evaluate examining impact imports merchandise domestic industry material injury determinations administering authority use calculation methodology ordinary determining constructed value subject merchandise imported fair value particular market situation exists cost materials fabrication processing kind accurately reflect cost production ordinary course trade bill revises requirements administering authority determinations reasonable grounds believe suspect foreign like product sold cost production investigations reviews administering authority making determinations shall request information necessary calculate constructed value cost production subject merchandise investigations reviews administering authority valuing factors production determine normal value merchandise exported nonmarket economy country disregard price cost values investigation determines broadly available export subsidies existed instances subsidization occurred respect price cost values subject order certain factors specified administering authority consider deciding unduly burdensome investigations reviews examine voluntary responses exporters producers subjects investigation review


Summary:
Nepal Trade Preferences Act

It is the sense of Congress that it should be an objective of the United States to use trade policies and trade agreements to reduce poverty and eliminate hunger.

The President may give preferential treatment to certain articles imported directly from Nepal into the U.S. customs territory if that country meets certain requirements under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, including a market-based economy and the rule of law, the protection of human rights and internationally-recognized worker rights, elimination of trade barriers to the United States, and non-engagement in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests or support acts of international terrorism. Nepal must also meet certain eligibility criteria for designation as a beneficiary developing country under the Trade Act of 1974.

Certain leather articles (trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, attache cases, briefcases, school satchels and similar containers) and textile or apparel articles imported directly from Nepal may enter the U.S. customs territory duty-free if:

 the article is the growth, product, or manufacture of Nepal; Nepal is the country of origin of the textile or apparel article; the President determines, after receiving advice from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), that the article is not import-sensitive; and the sum of the cost or value of the materials produced in, and the manufacturing costs performed in, Nepal or the U.S. customs territory is at least 35% of the appraised value of the article at the time it is entered. Limits to 15% of the appraised value of an article at the time it is entered the cost or value of the materials produced in, and the manufacturing costs performed in, the U.S. customs territory and attributed to the 35% requirement. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection must verify annually that textile and apparel articles imported duty-free into the United States from Nepal are not being unlawfully transshipped into the United States.

The President shall establish a trade facilitation and capacity building program to assist Nepal in the export of goods.

The extension of preferential treatment to Nepal shall terminate after December 31, 2025.

nepal trade preferences act sense congress objective united_states use trade policies trade agreements reduce poverty eliminate hunger president preferential treatment certain articles imported directly nepal customs territory country meets certain requirements african_growth opportunity act including market based economy rule law protection human rights internationally recognized worker rights elimination trade barriers united_states non engagement activities undermine national security foreign policy interests support acts international terrorism nepal meet certain eligibility criteria designation beneficiary developing country trade act certain leather articles cases cases school similar containers textile apparel articles imported directly nepal enter customs territory duty free article growth product manufacture nepal nepal country origin textile apparel article president determines receiving advice usitc article import sensitive sum cost value materials produced manufacturing costs performed nepal customs territory appraised value article time entered limits appraised value article time entered cost value materials produced manufacturing costs performed customs territory attributed requirement verify annually textile apparel articles imported duty free united_states nepal unlawfully transshipped united_states president shall establish trade facilitation capacity building program assist nepal export goods extension preferential treatment nepal shall terminate december


Summary:
Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to report to Congress annually on the estimated annual loss of revenue to holders of U.S. intellectual property rights as a result of intellectual property rights violations in China.

Requires the USTR to: (1) impose duties on merchandise from China in an amount equivalent to the estimated annual loss of revenue to holders of U.S. intellectual property rights as a result of such violations, and (2) distribute the proceeds of such duties to such U.S. intellectual property rights holders on a proportional basis.

directs ustr report congress annually estimated annual loss revenue holders intellectual property rights result intellectual property rights violations china requires ustr impose duties merchandise china equivalent estimated annual loss revenue holders intellectual property rights result violations distribute proceeds duties intellectual property rights holders proportional basis


Summary:
Fairness in Respondent Selection Act of 2015

This bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the administering authority (i.e., the Secretary of Commerce, or any other officer of the United States to whom the responsibility for carrying out duties under such Act regarding countervailing and antidumping duties are transferred by law) to determine an individual countervailable subsidy rate for an exporter or producer, upon the request of such exporter or producer, if four or fewer exporters and producers are involved in the investigation or review.

The bill shall apply to any investigation or review initiated by such authority on or after March 1, 2015.

fairness respondent selection act bill amends tariff act require administering authority secretary commerce officer united_states responsibility carrying duties act countervailing antidumping duties transferred law determine individual countervailable subsidy rate exporter producer request exporter producer fewer exporters producers involved investigation review bill shall apply investigation review initiated authority march


Summary:
Cuba Digital and Telecommunications Advancement Act of 2015 or the Cuba DATA Act

This bill authorizes the President to permit any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction to:

 export consumer communication devices and other telecommunications equipment to Cuba; provide telecommunications services involving Cuba or persons in Cuba; establish facilities to provide telecommunications services connecting Cuba with another country, or to provide telecommunications services in Cuba; conduct any transaction incident to carrying out such activities; and enter into, perform, and make and receive payments under a contract with any individual or entity in Cuba regarding the provision of telecommunications services involving Cuba or persons in Cuba. Repeals or amends specified requirements and prohibitions of: (1) the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992, and (2) the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996.

telecommunications advancement act cuba data act bill authorizes president permit person subject jurisdiction export consumer communication devices telecommunications equipment cuba provide telecommunications services involving cuba persons cuba establish facilities provide telecommunications services connecting cuba country provide telecommunications services cuba conduct transaction incident carrying activities enter perform receive payments contract individual entity cuba provision telecommunications services involving cuba persons cuba repeals amends specified requirements prohibitions cuban democracy act cuban_liberty democratic_solidarity libertad act


Summary:
Promote Opportunities With Energy Resources for Cuba Act or the POWER Cuba Act

This bill declares that oil and gas export restrictions under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and the Natural Gas Act shall not apply to Cuba.

The President may permit any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction to: (1) export energy resources, energy technologies, and related services to Cuba; (2) establish energy resource- and technology-related facilities there; (3) conduct related transactions; and (4) enter into and make and receive payments under a contract with any individual or entity in Cuba regarding the provision of energy resources and energy technologies.

cuba act power cuba act bill declares oil gas export restrictions energy_policy_and_conservation_act natural gas act shall apply cuba president permit person subject jurisdiction export energy resources energy technologies related services cuba establish energy technology related facilities conduct related transactions enter receive payments contract individual entity cuba provision energy resources energy technologies


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

authorizes president extend nondiscriminatory treatment normal trade relations treatment products kazakhstan tajikistan uzbekistan


Summary:
21st Century Buy American Act

This bill amends the Buy American Act to define the term "substantially all" to mean that articles, materials, or supplies shall be treated as made substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States if the cost of the domestic components of such articles, materials, or supplies exceeds 60% of the total cost of all such components.

The bill prohibits the use of the overseas exception to Buy American requirements unless one of the following criteria is met: (1) the articles, materials, or supplies are needed urgently for national security reasons; or (2) a cost analysis demonstrates that the articles, materials, or supplies to be acquired would be more than 50% more expensive if made in the United States.

The bill requires the head of a federal agency, in determining whether to apply the public interest exception to Buy American requirements, to: (1) consider the short-term and long-term effects on employment in the United States, and (2) determine that preserving or increasing employment in the United States is consistent with the public interest.

The bill requires each federal agency that applies an exception or grants a waiver to Buy American requirements to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a notification of such exception or waiver and post such notification on the OMB website.

The bill: (1) authorizes the Department of Defense to establish and carry out a program to make or guarantee loans to certain business entities, up to $500,000 per entity, under the Defense Production Act; and (2) sets forth eligibility requirements for such entities, including requirements that such an entity is a manufacturer in the United States, is certified as eligible to apply for trade adjustment assistance, and meets criteria relating to the availability of an item.

21st century buy american act bill amends buy_american_act define term substantially mean articles materials supplies shall treated substantially articles materials supplies mined produced manufactured united_states cost domestic components articles materials supplies exceeds total cost components bill prohibits use overseas exception buy american requirements following criteria met articles materials supplies needed national security reasons cost analysis demonstrates articles materials supplies acquired expensive united_states bill requires head federal agency determining apply public interest exception buy american requirements consider short term long term effects employment united_states determine preserving increasing employment united_states consistent public interest bill requires federal agency applies exception grants waiver buy american requirements submit office_of_management_and_budget omb notification exception waiver post notification omb website bill authorizes department_of_defense establish carry program guarantee loans certain business entities entity defense production act sets forth eligibility requirements entities including requirements entity manufacturer united_states certified eligible apply trade adjustment assistance meets criteria relating availability item


Summary:
This bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to repeal the deferral until sale of the duty on large yachts imported for sale at U.S. boat shows.

Any used yacht with a valid U.S. cruising license, instead, may enter, may be offered for sale in, and may remain in, the U.S. customs territory without the payment of duty, but subject to certain conditions.

If the used yacht, while in the U.S. customs territory, is sold to a U.S. resident:

 entry of the used yacht shall be completed and duty shall be deposited with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within 15 days after completion of the sale, and by the same deadline any yacht broker or dealer involved in the sale must collect and remit that duty to the CBP. The duty on the sale of that yacht shall be:

 calculated at the applicable rate under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, and based upon the yacht's value at the time of sale. No posting of bond for this duty may be required upon the used yacht's entry into the U.S. customs territory.

bill amends tariff act repeal deferral sale duty large imported sale boat shows valid license instead enter offered sale remain customs territory payment duty subject certain conditions customs territory sold resident entry shall completed duty shall deposited cbp days completion sale deadline broker dealer involved sale collect remit duty cbp duty sale shall calculated applicable rate harmonized_tariff schedule united_states based value time sale posting bond duty required entry customs territory


Summary:
Support Our Steelworkers Act of 2015

This bill prohibits, for a specified period, the importation of certain iron and steel articles into the customs territory of the United States.

support act bill prohibits specified period importation certain iron steel articles customs territory united_states


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

bill authorizes president extend nondiscriminatory treatment normal trade relations treatment products kazakhstan


Summary:
Fair Treatment of Israel in Product Labeling Act of 2016

This bill requires that, for goods produced or originating in the areas known as the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, proper markings for country of origin include: (1) Israel, (2) West Bank, (3) Gaza, (4) Gaza Strip, (5) West Bank/Gaza, or (6) West Bank/Gaza Strip.

Neither the Department of the Treasury, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, nor any competent official of another federal department or agency shall prohibit the use of any such markings for purposes of country of origin marking requirements.

israel product labeling act bill requires goods produced originating areas known west_bank gaza_strip proper markings country origin include israel west_bank gaza gaza_strip west_bank gaza west bank gaza_strip department_of_the_treasury department_of_state department_of_homeland_security competent official federal department agency shall prohibit use markings purposes country origin marking requirements


Summary:
Trade Protection Not Troll Protection Act

This bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930, with respect to unfair practices in the import trade, to consider an industry in the United States to exist if there is in the United States substantial investment in licensing activities that leads to the adoption and development of articles that incorporate the patent, copyright, trademark, mask work, or design.

If the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), at the beginning of an investigation of an alleged unfair practice, identifies a domestic industry as the dispositive issue in question, it shall direct the assigned administrative law judge (ALJ) to:

 expedite fact finding on the domestic industry requirement, and issue an initial determination on this matter within 100 days after the investigation begins. Any initial determination by the assigned ALJ shall stay the investigation pending ITC action.

The ITC may determine during an investigation that exclusion of the articles concerned from entry into the United States would not be in the public interest, and terminate the investigation, in whole or in part, without any further determination, after considering the nature of the articles concerned and the effect of exclusion upon:

 the public health and welfare, the U.S. economy (including competitive conditions), the production of like or directly competitive articles by the complainant and its licensees, and U.S. consumers. Any person adversely affected by an ITC ruling that identifies a domestic industry as the dispositive issue in question may appeal that ruling, within 60 days after all administrative remedies are exhausted, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

ITC discretion not to exclude any articles concerned, even though an importer has violated the ban on unfair competition, is repealed. If the ITC also determines that exclusion would be in the public interest, it shall direct exclusion of the articles.

During an investigation, if the ITC determines there is reason to believe that an unfair import practice has occurred, and exclusion of the articles concerned would be in the public interest, the ITC may direct the exclusion the articles concerned, after considering the factors mentioned above. (Currently the ITC may not direct an exclusion until an investigation concludes and it determines, as a result of the investigation, that an unfair import trade practice has occurred.)

trade protection protection act bill amends tariff act respect unfair practices import trade consider industry united_states exist united_states substantial investment licensing activities leads adoption development articles incorporate patent copyright trademark work design itc beginning investigation alleged unfair practice identifies domestic industry issue question shall direct assigned administrative law judge expedite fact finding domestic industry requirement issue initial determination matter days investigation begins initial determination assigned shall stay investigation pending itc action itc determine investigation exclusion articles concerned entry united_states public interest terminate investigation determination considering nature articles concerned effect exclusion public health welfare economy including competitive conditions production like directly competitive articles complainant licensees consumers person adversely affected itc ruling identifies domestic industry issue question appeal ruling days administrative remedies exhausted federal_circuit itc discretion exclude articles concerned importer violated ban unfair competition repealed itc determines exclusion public interest shall direct exclusion articles investigation itc determines reason believe unfair import practice occurred exclusion articles concerned public interest itc direct exclusion articles concerned considering factors currently itc direct exclusion investigation concludes determines result investigation unfair import trade practice occurred


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on April 25, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill declares the sense of Congress that it should consider a miscellaneous tariff bill.

(Sec. 3) The U.S. International Trade Commission shall:

 conduct a process, meeting specified requirements, for the submission and consideration of petitions for duty suspensions and reductions; and report to Congress on the effects of duty suspensions and reductions enacted pursuant to this Act on producers, purchasers, and consumers in the United States. (Sec. 5) The bill prescribes requirements for publication by specified congressional committees of a list of limited tariff benefits contained in a miscellaneous tariff bill.

measure amended reported house april summary version repeated sec bill declares sense congress consider miscellaneous tariff bill sec shall conduct process meeting specified requirements submission consideration petitions duty suspensions reductions report congress effects duty suspensions reductions enacted pursuant act producers purchasers consumers united_states sec bill prescribes requirements publication specified congressional committees list limited tariff benefits contained miscellaneous tariff bill


Summary:
China Market Economy Status Congressional Review Act

This bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to bar revocation of a determination by the administering authority (the Secretary of Commerce or any other U.S. officer) that the People's Republic of China is a nonmarket economy country unless:

 the administering authority determines and reports to Congress that China no longer meets the requirements of a nonmarket economy country; and Congress, within 45 days after the receipt of such a report, enacts a joint resolution of approval.

review act bill amends tariff act bar revocation determination administering authority secretary commerce officer nonmarket economy country administering authority determines reports congress china longer meets requirements nonmarket economy country congress days receipt report enacts joint resolution approval


Summary:
American Manufacturing and Worker Protection Act of 2016

 This bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to direct the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to distribute semiannually all funds (including any interest earned) from duties assessed pursuant to a countervailing duty order or antidumping duty order or finding (antidumping and subsidy protection amount) to affected domestic producers for qualifying expenditures and cash to eligible employees.

The term "affected domestic producer" means a currently operating manufacturer or producer that was a petitioner or interested party in support of a petition for which an antidumping duty order, finding, or countervailing duty order has been entered.

The term "eligible employee" of an affected domestic producer means an individual who: (1) has been totally or partially separated from employment with that producer because of dumping or a subsidy for which an antidumping duty order, finding, or countervailing duty order has been entered; or (2) is an employee of the affected domestic producer at the time a distribution is made.

The term "qualifying expenditures" means certain expenditures incurred by an affected domestic producer after the issuance of an antidumping duty order, finding, or countervailing duty order.

The CBP shall establish in the Treasury a special account for each such order or finding and to deposit in those accounts all funds (including any interest earned) from antidumping or countervailing duties assessed on or after October 1, 2016.

The requirements of this bill shall apply with respect to goods from Canada and Mexico.

bill amends tariff act direct cbp distribute semiannually funds including interest earned duties assessed pursuant countervailing duty order antidumping duty order finding antidumping subsidy protection affected domestic producers qualifying expenditures cash eligible employees term affected domestic producer means currently operating manufacturer producer petitioner interested party support petition antidumping duty order finding countervailing duty order entered term eligible employee affected domestic producer means individual totally partially separated employment producer dumping subsidy antidumping duty order finding countervailing duty order entered employee affected domestic producer time distribution term qualifying expenditures means certain expenditures incurred affected domestic producer issuance antidumping duty order finding countervailing duty order cbp shall establish treasury special account order finding deposit accounts funds including interest earned antidumping countervailing duties assessed october requirements bill shall apply respect goods canada mexico


Summary:
Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from 10% to 3% the excise tax rate that applies to the sale of portable, electronically-aerated bait containers by the manufacturer, producer, or importer.

fishing equipment tax relief act bill amends internal_revenue_code reduce excise tax rate applies sale portable electronically containers manufacturer producer importer


Summary:
Nepal Trade Preferences Act

 Authorizes the President to give preferential treatment to certain articles imported directly from Nepal into the U.S. customs territory if that country meets certain requirements under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, including a market-based economy and the rule of law, the protection of human rights and internationally-recognized worker rights, elimination of trade barriers to the United States, and non-engagement in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests or support acts of international terrorism. Requires Nepal also to meet certain eligibility criteria for designation as a beneficiary developing country under the Trade Act of 1974.

Authorizes certain import-sensitive articles (watches, electronic articles, steel articles, footwear and certain other apparel, and glass products) imported directly from Nepal to enter the U.S. customs territory duty-free if: (1) the article is the growth, product, or manufacture of Nepal; (2) the President determines, after receiving advice from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), that the article is not import-sensitive; and (3) the sum of the cost or value of the materials produced in, and the manufacturing costs performed in, Nepal or the U.S. customs territory is at least 35% of the appraised value of the article at the time it is entered. Limits to 15% of the appraised value of the article at the time it is entered the cost or value of the materials produced in, and the manufacturing costs performed in, the U.S. customs territory, and attributed to the 35% requirement.

Grants duty-free treatment to certain textile or apparel articles: (1) wholly assembled in Nepal, without regard to the country of origin of the yarn or fabric used to make them; and (2) imported directly from Nepal into the U.S. customs territory.

Prescribes requirements for handloomed, handmade, folklore articles or ethnic printed fabrics.

Terminates the extension of preferential treatment to Nepal after December 31, 2025.

nepal trade preferences act authorizes president preferential treatment certain articles imported directly nepal customs territory country meets certain requirements african_growth opportunity act including market based economy rule law protection human rights internationally recognized worker rights elimination trade barriers united_states non engagement activities undermine national security foreign policy interests support acts international terrorism meet certain eligibility criteria designation beneficiary developing country trade act authorizes certain import sensitive articles watches electronic articles steel articles footwear certain apparel glass products imported directly nepal enter customs territory duty free article growth product manufacture nepal president determines receiving advice usitc article import sensitive sum cost value materials produced manufacturing costs performed nepal customs territory appraised value article time entered limits appraised value article time entered cost value materials produced manufacturing costs performed customs territory attributed requirement grants duty free treatment certain textile apparel articles wholly assembled nepal regard country origin yarn fabric imported directly nepal customs territory prescribes requirements articles ethnic printed fabrics terminates extension preferential treatment nepal december


Summary:
Temporary Duty Suspension Process Act of 2015

 Directs the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to establish a process in which it will: (1) review each article in which a temporary duty suspension or reduction has been recommended at its own initiative or pursuant to a petition, and (2) submit a draft bill to the appropriate congressional committees containing each duty suspension or reduction that meets certain requirements.

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

temporary duty suspension process act directs usitc establish process review article temporary duty suspension reduction recommended initiative pursuant petition submit draft bill appropriate congressional committees containing duty suspension reduction meets certain requirements requires usitc report congress recommendations respect sectors economy benefit duty suspensions reductions causing harm domestic interests feasibility suspending reducing duties basis individual articles


Summary:
Low Value Shipment Regulatory Modernization Act of 2015

 Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Trade Representative should encourage other countries, through bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora, to establish commercially meaningful de minimis values for express and postal shipments of articles that are exempt from customs duties and certain entry documentation requirements, as appropriate.

Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to increase from $200 to $800 the aggregate retail value in the country of shipment of articles that may be imported duty-free into the United States by one person on one day.

low value shipment regulatory modernization act expresses sense congress united_states_trade_representative encourage countries bilateral regional multilateral fora establish commercially meaningful minimis values express postal shipments articles exempt customs duties certain entry documentation requirements appropriate amends tariff act increase aggregate retail value country shipment articles imported duty free united_states person day


Summary:
Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2015

 Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Textile and Trade Agreements (TTA) division of the Office of International Trade within CBP should ensure that seizures, detentions, special operations, and Textile Product Verification Teams (TPVTs) remain the primary focus of their efforts to enforce U.S. customs laws with respect to imports of textile or apparel articles, particularly as they relate to enforcement of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), and other free trade agreements and trade preference programs to prevent transshipments and origin fraud.

Requires the seizure and forfeiture of an imported textile or apparel article for which a trade preference has been claimed in cases where the importer: (1) has either misdescribed, not verified the article's country of origin, or used accompanying false documentation; or (2) provides false information as to his or her address or does not meet certain documentation or informational requirements upon entry of an article.

Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary), the CBP Commissioner, or the Secretary of the Treasury to use amounts from fines, penalties, and forfeitures of articles due to violations of the U.S. customs laws to pay for expenses directly related to special operations, TPVTs, and other enforcement actions, including expenses related to training and education of certain specialists who participate in the enforcement of such laws. Authorizes the use of such amounts also to pay for a reward of the lesser of at least 20% of that amount, value of property forfeited, or $20,000 to any person who furnishes information that leads to an arrest, conviction, civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of articles due to violations enforced by the Secretary, the Commissioner, or the Secretary of the Treasury.

Directs the Commissioner to ensure specified staffing of the Textile Enforcement Branch, the Textile Policy Branch, and the Quota Branch of TTA.

Requires the Commissioner to certify, with respect to the 15 largest U.S. ports of entry for textile or apparel articles, that a certain number of Import Specialists are trained in preventing textile or apparel importer fraud, trade preference verification, classification, and undervaluation. Requires the Commissioner also to increase the number of dedicated textile and import specialists at such ports by 25%.

Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the Secretary of the Treasury (who is now merely authorized) to publish in the Federal Register: (1) the names of persons located outside of the U.S. customs territories against whom the CBP has issued a penalty claim for violating U.S. customs laws, including for violations of quotas, duties, or trade preferences; and (2) a list of high-risk countries involved in the transshipment of textile or apparel products.

Requires the President, acting through the Commissioner and in coordination with the head of the Office of Textiles and Apparel of the Department of Commerce, to establish an electronic verification system for tracking textile or apparel articles imported or exported under the CAFTA-DR, NAFTA, or any other free trade agreement to which the United States is a party to ensure compliance with such agreements.

Directs the Commissioner to establish a new textile and apparel importer program in which the CBP adjusts bond amounts for new importers of textile and apparel goods based on the level of assessed risk.

Requires the Commissioner to establish a nonresident importer declaration program for the import of textile or apparel articles.

Directs the President, acting through the Commissioner and in coordination with the head of the Office of Textiles and Apparel of the Department of Commerce, to establish an electronic Textile and Apparel Manufacturing Supplier Registry pilot program.

expresses sense congress cbp division office_of_international_trade cbp ensure seizures detentions special operations textile product verification teams remain primary focus efforts enforce customs laws respect imports textile apparel articles particularly relate enforcement north_american_free_trade_agreement nafta dominican_republic-central_america-united_states_free_trade_agreement cafta free trade agreements trade preference programs prevent origin fraud requires seizure forfeiture imported textile apparel article trade preference claimed cases importer verified article country origin accompanying false documentation provides false information address meet certain documentation informational requirements entry article requires secretary homeland_security secretary cbp commissioner secretary treasury use amounts fines penalties forfeitures articles violations customs laws pay expenses directly related special operations enforcement actions including expenses related training education certain specialists participate enforcement laws authorizes use amounts pay reward lesser value property forfeited person furnishes information leads arrest conviction civil penalty assessment forfeiture articles violations enforced secretary commissioner secretary treasury directs commissioner ensure specified staffing textile policy branch requires commissioner certify respect largest ports entry textile apparel articles certain number trained preventing textile apparel importer fraud trade preference verification classification undervaluation requires commissioner increase number dedicated textile import specialists ports amends tariff act require secretary treasury merely authorized publish federal_register names persons located outside customs territories cbp issued penalty claim violating customs laws including violations quotas duties trade preferences list high risk countries involved transshipment textile apparel products requires president acting commissioner coordination head office_of_textiles apparel_of_the_department_of_commerce establish electronic verification system tracking textile apparel articles imported exported cafta nafta free trade agreement united_states party ensure compliance agreements directs commissioner establish new textile apparel importer program cbp adjusts bond amounts new importers textile apparel goods based level assessed risk requires commissioner establish nonresident importer declaration program import textile apparel articles directs president acting commissioner coordination head office_of_textiles apparel_of_the_department_of_commerce establish electronic textile apparel manufacturing supplier registry pilot program


Summary:
United States Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act or the U.S. OUTDOOR Act

 Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for the duty-free treatment of certain recreational performance outerwear.

Establishes the Sustainable Textile and Apparel Research Fund (STAR Fund).

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to impose and collect, with specified exceptions, a fee of 1.5% of the appraised value of imported recreational performance outerwear and to deposit amounts collected into the STAR Fund.

Requires the Secretary of Commerce to make quarterly distributions from the STAR Fund to one or more appropriate organizations to conduct applied research, development, and education activities to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. businesses in clean, eco-friendly apparel, other textile and apparel products, and sewn-product design and manufacturing.

united_states optimal use trade develop outerwear outdoor recreation act outdoor act amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states provide duty free treatment certain recreational performance outerwear apparel_research_fund star fund requires secretary treasury impose collect specified exceptions fee appraised value imported recreational performance outerwear deposit amounts collected star_fund requires secretary commerce quarterly distributions star_fund appropriate organizations conduct applied research development education activities enhance competitiveness businesses clean eco friendly apparel textile apparel products sewn product design manufacturing


Summary:
Residue Entries and Streamlining Trade Act

This bill amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to exempt from duty treatment the residue of bulk cargo contained in instruments of international traffic previously exported from the United States.

The following terms are defined:

 "residue" means material of bulk cargo, of no or de minimis value, that remains in an instrument of international traffic after a certain amount of the bulk cargo is removed; "bulk cargo" means cargo that is unpackaged and is in either solid, liquid, or gaseous form; and "instruments of international traffic" means certain reusable containers or holders (i.e. lift vans, cargo vans, shipping tanks, skids, pallets, caul boards, and cores for textile fabrics) arriving (whether loaded or empty) for use in the shipment of merchandise in international traffic, as well as any additional articles that the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection designates as instruments of international traffic.

streamlining trade act bill amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states exempt duty treatment residue bulk cargo contained instruments international traffic previously exported united_states following terms defined residue means material bulk cargo minimis value remains instrument international traffic certain bulk cargo removed bulk cargo means cargo solid liquid gaseous form instruments international traffic means certain reusable containers holders lift vans cargo vans shipping tanks boards textile fabrics arriving loaded use shipment merchandise international traffic additional articles commissioner border_protection designates instruments international traffic


Summary:
American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2015

 It is the sense of Congress that it should consider a miscellaneous tariff bill not later than 180 days after the USITC and the Department of Commerce issue reports on any proposed duty suspensions and reductions. The appropriate congressional committees shall establish, and publish on their publicly available websites, a process for the submission and consideration of legislation for proposed duty suspensions and reductions as well as a miscellaneous tariff bill including them, consistent with certain requirements. The USITC shall report to Congress, by May 1, 2018, and May 1, 2020, on the effects of such suspensions and reductions on the U.S. economy. The exercise of functions under this title shall not be subject to judicial review.

sense congress consider miscellaneous tariff bill later days usitc department_of_commerce issue reports proposed duty suspensions reductions appropriate congressional committees shall establish publish publicly available websites process submission consideration legislation proposed duty suspensions reductions miscellaneous tariff bill including consistent certain requirements usitc shall report congress effects suspensions reductions economy exercise functions title shall subject judicial review


Summary:
Fairness in Respondent Selection Act of 2015

This bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the administering authority (i.e., the Secretary of Commerce, or any other officer of the United States to whom the responsibility for carrying out duties under such Act regarding countervailing and antidumping duties are transferred by law) to determine an individual countervailable subsidy rate for an exporter or producer, upon the request of such exporter or producer, if four or fewer exporters and producers are involved in the investigation or review.

The bill shall apply to any investigation or review initiated by such authority on or after March 1, 2015.

fairness respondent selection act bill amends tariff act require administering authority secretary commerce officer united_states responsibility carrying duties act countervailing antidumping duties transferred law determine individual countervailable subsidy rate exporter producer request exporter producer fewer exporters producers involved investigation review bill shall apply investigation review initiated authority march


Summary:
American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2016

This bill declares the sense of Congress that it should consider a miscellaneous tariff bill.

The U.S. International Trade Commission shall:

 conduct a process, meeting specified requirements, for the submission and consideration of petitions for duty suspensions and reductions; and report to Congress on the effects of duty suspensions and reductions enacted pursuant to this Act on producers, purchasers, and consumers in the United States. The bill prescribes requirements for publication by specified congressional committees of a list of limited tariff benefits contained in a miscellaneous tariff bill.

bill declares sense congress consider miscellaneous tariff bill shall conduct process meeting specified requirements submission consideration petitions duty suspensions reductions report congress effects duty suspensions reductions enacted pursuant act producers purchasers consumers united_states bill prescribes requirements publication specified congressional committees list limited tariff benefits contained miscellaneous tariff bill


Summary: Informed Choice Act - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to nonprofit community based pregnancy help medical clinics for the purchase of ultrasound equipment. Requires each grantee to: (1) provide free ultrasound examinations to pregnant women; (2) show the visual image of the fetus from the ultrasound examination to each pregnant woman with a general anatomical and physiological description of the fetus; (3) give each pregnant woman the approximate age of the embryo or fetus; (4) provide information on abortion and alternatives to abortion, such as childbirth and adoption, and information concerning public and private agencies that will assist in those alternatives; and (5) obtain medical malpractice insurance. Limits each grant to the lesser of 50% of the purchase price of the ultrasound machine involved or $20,000.

informed choice act allows secretary health_and_human_services grants nonprofit community based pregnancy help medical clinics purchase ultrasound equipment requires grantee provide free ultrasound examinations pregnant women visual image fetus ultrasound examination pregnant woman general physiological description fetus pregnant woman approximate age embryo fetus provide information abortion alternatives abortion childbirth adoption information concerning public private agencies assist alternatives obtain medical malpractice insurance limits grant lesser purchase price ultrasound machine involved


Summary: Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of items and services under a cardiac rehabilitation program and a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

pulmonary cardiac rehabilitation act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide coverage items services cardiac rehabilitation program pulmonary rehabilitation program


Summary: Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards to ensure the safety and accuracy of medical imaging studies and radiation therapy treatments. Imposes such standards on personnel who perform, plan, or evaluate, or verify patient doses for, medical imaging studies and radiation therapy procedures and not on the equipment used. Exempts physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Directs the Secretary to ensure that individuals demonstrate compliance with such standards. Requires the Secretary to provide a method for the recognition of individuals whose training and experience are determined to equal or exceed that of: (1) a graduate of an accredited educational program in that specialty; or (2) an individual who is regularly eligible to take the licensure or certification examination for that discipline. Directs the Secretary to certify qualified nonprofit organizations as approved bodies to provide accreditation to individuals that demonstrate compliance with such standards. Requires individuals who provide medical imaging services relating to mammograms to continue to meet standards under the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992. Deems state standards for licensure or certification of personnel, accreditation of educational programs, or administration of examinations to be in compliance with the standards under this Act unless the Secretary determines otherwise. Requires the Secretary to establish a process by which a state may appeal such a determination. Requires the Secretary to ensure that all programs under the authority of the Secretary meet such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to develop alternative standards for rural areas or health professional shortage areas as appropriate to assure access to quality medical imaging.

consistency accuracy responsibility excellence medical imaging radiation therapy act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services establish standards ensure safety accuracy medical imaging studies radiation therapy treatments imposes standards personnel perform plan evaluate verify patient doses medical imaging studies radiation therapy procedures equipment exempts physicians nurse practitioners physician assistants directs secretary ensure individuals demonstrate compliance standards requires secretary provide method recognition individuals training experience determined equal exceed graduate accredited educational program specialty individual regularly eligible licensure certification examination discipline directs secretary certify qualified nonprofit organizations approved bodies provide accreditation individuals demonstrate compliance standards requires individuals provide medical imaging services relating mammograms continue meet standards mammography quality standards act deems state standards licensure certification personnel accreditation educational programs administration examinations compliance standards act secretary determines requires secretary establish process state appeal determination requires secretary ensure programs authority secretary meet standards authorizes secretary develop alternative standards rural areas health professional shortage areas appropriate assure access quality medical imaging


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct during fiscal years 2007 and 2008 a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of contracting with private memory care facilities to provide services for veterans suffering from Alzheimer's disease as an alternative to the provision by the Secretary of inpatient or home health care for such veterans. Requires the pilot program to be conducted through five medical centers of the Veterans Health Administration selected by the Secretary.

directs secretary veterans_affairs conduct fiscal years pilot program determine effectiveness contracting private memory care facilities provide services veterans suffering alzheimer disease alternative provision secretary inpatient home health care veterans requires pilot program conducted medical centers veterans_health_administration selected secretary


Summary: Midwifery Care Access and Reimbursement Equity Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the coverage of and payment for certified midwife services. (Currently only certified nurse-midwife services are covered.)

reimbursement equity act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide coverage payment certified midwife services currently certified nurse midwife services covered


Summary: Alzheimer's Treatment and Caregiver Support Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to expand treatment services for patients with Alzheimer's disease and training and support services for families and caregivers of such patients.

alzheimer treatment caregiver support act amends public_health_service_act authorize secretary health_and_human_services grants public nonprofit private health care providers expand treatment services patients alzheimer disease training support services families caregivers patients


Summary: Medicare Quality Improvement Organization Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require utilization and quality control peer review organizations to offer quality improvement assistance to providers, practitioners, Medicare Advantage organizations under part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare), and prescription drug sponsors under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of such title. Requires the organization to establish a Medicare quality accountability program. Revises requirements for the quality improvement program (QIO), including program administration, data disclosure, use of evaluation and competition, quality improvement funding, and qualifications for QIOs under part B (Peer Review) of SSA title XI. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to require state medical assitance plans to provide for an alternative quality improvement program.

amends title social security act ssa require utilization quality control peer review organizations offer quality improvement assistance providers practitioners medicare_advantage organizations title xviii medicare prescription drug sponsors voluntary prescription drug benefit program title requires organization establish medicare quality accountability program revises requirements quality improvement program qio including program administration data disclosure use evaluation competition quality improvement funding qualifications peer_review ssa title amends ssa title xix medicaid require state medical plans provide alternative quality improvement program


Summary: Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with regard to a laboratory-furnished technical component of certain physician pathology services, to treat such component as a service for which payment shall be made to the laboratory, and not as an inpatient hospital or hospital outpatient service for which payment is made to the hospital.

physician_pathology_services continuity act amends title xviii medicare social security act require secretary health_and_human_services regard laboratory furnished technical component certain physician pathology services treat component service payment shall laboratory inpatient hospital hospital outpatient service payment hospital


Summary: Kidney Care Quality and Education Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish demonstration projects to: (1) increase public awareness about the factors that lead to chronic kidney disease, how to prevent it, how to treat it, and how to avoid kidney failure, as well as enhance surveillance systems and expand research to better assess the prevalence and incidence of kidney disease; and (2) enable individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) to develop self-management skills. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for Medicare coverage of kidney disease patient education services. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish blood flow monitoring demonstration projects; and (2) arrange with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate the barriers to increasing the number of individuals with ESRD who elect to receive home dialysis services or other treatment modalities under Medicare. Sets forth required training for patient care dialysis technicians.Directs the Secretary to establish an independent, multidisciplinary, nonpartisan End-Stage Renal Disease Advisory Committee. Establishes the annual update framework for the Medicare ESRD composite rate. Directs the Secretary to establish a three-year continuous quality improvement initiative under which quality payments are provided to renal dialysis facilities, providers of services, and physicians that: (1) provide items and services to individuals with ESRD enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); and (2) meet quality benchmarks and demonstrate quality improvements. Requires the Secretary to make quality incentive payments to facilities and providers whose services to individuals with ESRD have substantially improved or exceeded a certain threshold. Extends Medicare as secondary payer with respect to individuals with ESRD.

education act directs secretary health_and_human_services establish demonstration projects increase public awareness factors lead chronic kidney disease prevent treat avoid kidney failure enhance surveillance systems expand research better assess prevalence incidence kidney disease enable individuals end stage renal disease esrd develop self management skills amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa provide medicare coverage kidney disease patient education services directs secretary establish blood flow monitoring demonstration projects arrange institute_of_medicine_of_the_national_academy_of_sciences evaluate barriers increasing number individuals esrd elect receive home dialysis services treatment modalities medicare sets forth required training patient care dialysis technicians directs secretary establish independent multidisciplinary nonpartisan end stage renal disease advisory committee establishes annual update framework composite rate directs secretary establish year continuous quality improvement initiative quality payments provided renal dialysis facilities providers services physicians provide items services individuals esrd enrolled medicare supplementary_medical_insurance meet quality benchmarks demonstrate quality improvements requires secretary quality incentive payments facilities providers services individuals esrd substantially improved exceeded certain threshold extends medicare secondary payer respect individuals esrd


Summary: Medicare Equity and Fairness in Fee-for-Service Reimbursement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a system for making adjustments to the amount of payment made to providers of services and health care professionals for services provided under the original Medicare fee-for-service program, with specified formulae for states whose average per beneficiary amount is: (1) greater than 100% of the national average; or (2) less than 100% of the national average. Provides for a three year phase-in of such rates.

fairness fee service reimbursement act amends title xviii medicare social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services establish system making adjustments payment providers services health care professionals services provided original medicare fee service program specified formulae states average beneficiary greater national average national average provides year phase rates


Summary: Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide funds to States to enable them to increase the wages paid to targeted direct support professionals in providing services to individuals with disabilities under the Medicaid program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, to audit a sample from among the States in order to assess the effectiveness of progress made in reducing or eliminating the wage gap between targeted and reference direct support professionals through funds under this Act.Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the wage equalization and recruitment and retention of direct support professionals who are providing services and supports to individuals with disabilities.

direct support professionals fairness security act amends title xix medicaid social security act provide funds states enable increase wages paid targeted direct support professionals providing services individuals disabilities medicaid program directs secretary health_and_human_services inspector general department health human services audit sample states order assess effectiveness progress reducing eliminating wage gap targeted reference direct support professionals funds act requires comptroller general study report congress wage equalization recruitment retention direct support professionals providing services supports individuals disabilities


Summary: Medigap Access Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for guaranteed issue of replacement Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policies for beneficiaries under age 65 upon first enrolling under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of Medicare.

medigap access improvement act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide guaranteed issue replacement medicare supplemental medigap policies beneficiaries age enrolling medicare


Summary: Access to Medicare Imaging Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to limitations on payments for physicians' imaging services. Renames the imaging services concerned advanced diagnostic imaging services. Eliminates X-ray and ultrasound (including echocardiography) services from payment limitations for such services. Confines existing payment limitations to diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) (all specified under current law), plus nuclear cardiology procedures. Imposes a two-year moratorium, however, on the application of existing payment limitations for such services. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on patient access and service issues relating to the availability and quality of advanced diagnostic imaging services in physician offices and freestanding clinics that would have resulted (but for the moratorium declared by this Act) from payment changes made under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

access medicare imaging act amends title xviii medicare social security act respect limitations payments physicians imaging services renames imaging services concerned advanced diagnostic imaging services ultrasound including services payment limitations services existing payment limitations diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging computed tomography positron emission tomography pet specified current law plus nuclear procedures imposes year moratorium application existing payment limitations services directs comptroller general study report congress secretary health_and_human_services patient access service issues relating availability quality advanced diagnostic imaging services physician offices freestanding clinics resulted moratorium declared act payment changes deficit reduction act


Summary: Medicare Advanced Laboratory Diagnostics Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) correction of erroneous determinations and other changes in fee schedule and national limitation amounts for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests; (2) issuance of regulations on gap-filling methodology in determining the Medicare fee schedule for such tests; (3) increased transparency of the process for determining fee schedule amounts for new tests; and (4) mandatory advance notice of clinical diagnostic laboratory test amounts being considered for adjustment under inherent reasonableness authority. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a demonstration project to evaluate new approaches to coding and payment under the Medicare program for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests; and (2) appoint a standing panel to determine tests to be included in the project and make recommendations derived from project results to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

amends title xviii medicare social security act respect correction erroneous determinations changes fee schedule national limitation amounts clinical diagnostic laboratory tests issuance regulations gap filling methodology determining medicare fee schedule tests increased transparency process determining fee schedule amounts new tests mandatory advance notice clinical diagnostic laboratory test amounts considered adjustment inherent reasonableness authority directs secretary establish demonstration project evaluate new approaches coding payment medicare program clinical diagnostic laboratory tests appoint standing panel determine tests included project recommendations derived project results secretary health_and_human_services


Summary: Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act - Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 to require a program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides chiropractic care and services to veterans through Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and clinics to be carried out at: (1) no fewer than 75 medical centers by December 31, 2009; and (2) all medical centers by December 31, 2011.

chiropractic_care_available veterans act amends department_of_veterans_affairs_health_care_programs_enhancement_act require program secretary veterans_affairs provides chiropractic care services veterans department_of_veterans_affairs medical centers clinics carried fewer medical centers december medical centers december


Summary: Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans). Defines "prompt payment" as within 14 calendar days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 calendar days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest, also, if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days.Makes it unlawful for a PDP sponsor to display on any explanatory prescription drug information and enrollee cards the name, brand, or trademark (co-branding) of any pharmacy.

fair fast amends title xviii social security act require prompt payment clean claims pharmacies prescription drug plans pdps medicare_advantage prescription drug plans ma-pd plans defines prompt payment calendar days submission claims submitted electronically calendar days claims submitted requires payment interest payment issued mailed transmitted applicable number calendar days makes unlawful pdp sponsor display explanatory prescription drug information enrollee cards brand trademark branding pharmacy


Summary: Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and federal civil service law relating to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to cover qualified acupuncturist services.

federal acupuncture coverage act amends supplementary_medical_insurance title xviii medicare social security act federal civil service law relating federal_employees_health_benefits_program cover qualified acupuncturist services


Summary: Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize qualified physical therapists to provide services for Medicare beneficiaries without the requirement of a physician referral. Provides for treatment of outpatient speech-language pathology services separately from outpatient physical therapy services.

medicare_patient_access physical therapists act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa authorize qualified physical therapists provide services medicare beneficiaries requirement physician referral provides treatment outpatient speech language pathology services separately outpatient physical therapy services


Summary: Rural Health Services Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require Medicare Advantage organizations to provide for a payment rate for critical access hospital services and rural health clinic services that is: (1) at least the applicable payment rate established under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for such services; or (2) 103% of the otherwise applicable payment rate, if the critical access hospital or the rural health clinic determines appropriate.

preservation act amends title xviii medicare social security act require medicare_advantage organizations provide payment rate critical access hospital services rural health clinic services applicable payment rate established medicare services applicable payment rate critical access hospital rural health clinic determines appropriate