ADVISORY

Congressman Philip Crane (R-IL), Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means, today announced that the Subcommittee is requesting that all Members who plan to introduce tariff legislation or miscellaneous corrections to the trade laws do so by March 1, 2000, in order to be included in the next opportunity for public comment on these bills.

BACKGROUND:

The Committee on Ways and Means has jurisdiction over legislation to amend the U.S. tariff schedule and to make corrections to trade legislation. The Subcommittee on Trade has already collected a large number of such bills and received comments on those bills during a comment period identified in an advisory dated August 12, 1999 (TR-15). The Subcommittee would like to provide an opportunity for public comment for bills introduced after that comment period and is, accordingly, asking that bills be introduced by March 1, 2000, for consideration in the next round.

After collecting and reviewing bills introduced by this deadline, the Subcommittee will issue a press release requesting public comment on the bills it identifies to assist it in marking up the legislation. In addition, the Subcommittee will request a review and analysis of each bill from the U.S. Trade Representative, the International Trade Commission, and the U.S. Customs Service.

It is possible that bills which create revenue losses, operate retroactively, or attract significant controversy or opposition will not be included in a comprehensive bill incorporating these measures.

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