Industry News

Capitol Hill Update: Food Safety & Foreign Manufacturers' Legal Accountability Act Stall

September 18, 2010


With many members anxious to hit the campaign trail well ahead of the November midterm elections, Congress will likely adjourn without addressing a number of trade-related measures, including:

  • FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (S. 510, H.R. 1332): Although the bill enjoys widespread support, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has announced that it will not be brought to the floor due to a hold placed by Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) over concerns about regulatory burdens and inadequate funding.
  • Foreign Manufacturer Legal Accountability Act (H.R. 4678): Although popular with Democrats, fears that the bill would run afoul of U.S. trade commitments and open U.S. firms to reprisals abroad will keep the H.R. 4678 from moving.
  • Safe Chemicals/Toxic Chemicals Safety Act of 2010 (S. 3209, H.R. 5820): Although popular with Democrats, consumer groups, and some industry groups, too much work appears left to do with too little time to do it.
  • Korea, Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements: Politically unpopular among Democrats, especially during a rough economy, has kept serious discussion over these agreements to murmur. However, business groups are planning a series of informative sessions on the Hill supporting the FTAs, perhaps in hopes of taking advantage Republican gains in November.

More information on these topics will be posted to our website as it becomes available.