Podcasts about footwear association

On this episode of the Trade Guys, we welcome Stephen Lamar, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, for his perspectives on the impacts of tariffs on supply chains and domestic production. 

A sleeve, a collar, soles, or laces — these elements of your wardrobe vary and define your style. But it takes many steps to get them from a factory into your closet.How does something like a t-shirt become a finished product?About 97 percent of clothing and footwear in the U.S. is imported, according to the American Apparel and Footwear Association. Those imports are mostly from Asian countries including China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India.We unpack it in this installment of our series, "How Did This Get Here," where we follow the supply chains and costs associated with some of your favorite products.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

China has vowed to take firm and necessary countermeasures in response to the United States' escalating tariff threats, reaffirming its commitment to defending national interests while upholding the stability of the global trade system.中国发誓将采取坚决必要措施，以应对美国不断升级的关税威胁，重申其维护国家利益和维护全球贸易体系稳定的决心。Analysts said that China's move sent a strong signal to the international community of rejecting unilateralism and joining efforts to safeguard multilateral trade rules.分析人士表示，中国此举向国际社会发出强烈信号，表明中国反对单边主义，携手维护多边贸易规则。They noted that Beijing retains ample policy tools to respond, including raising tariffs on US energy and agricultural imports, as well as further expanding export controls on critical minerals such as rare earth elements. These targeted actions are expected to increase pressure on Washington and could pave the way for a return to rational negotiations, they added.他们指出，北京方面拥有充足的政策工具来应对，包括提高对美国能源和农产品进口的关税，以及进一步扩大对稀土元素等关键矿产的出口管制。他们补充说，这些有针对性的行动预计将加大对华盛顿的压力，并可能为恢复理性谈判铺平道路。"China will resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard its rights and interests, should the United States escalate its tariff measures," the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Tuesday, hours after the US threatened to impose a further 50 percent tariff on China if Beijing does not withdraw its 34 percent counter-tariff.中国商务部周二在一份声明中表示：“如果美国升级关税措施，中方将坚决采取反制措施，维护自身权益。”此前数小时，美国威胁称，如果北京不撤销已加征的34%反制关税，将对中国进一步加征50%的关税。US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 2 regarding the so-called "reciprocal tariffs", imposing a 10 percent "baseline tariff" and higher rates on certain trading partners.美国总统唐纳德·特朗普于4月2日签署了一项关于所谓“对等关税”的行政命令，决定对部分贸易伙伴征收10%的“基准关税”，并提高其税率。Last week, Beijing adopted an array of countermeasures, including an additional 34 percent tariff on US imports, following a decision by the US to impose an additional 34 percent tariff on Chinese imports.上周，继美国决定对中国进口产品加征34%的关税后，北京方面采取了一系列反制措施，包括对美国进口产品加征34%的关税。"The US' tariff escalation threat against China compounds its mistake and further exposes its nature of blackmail, which China will never accept," the ministry said. "China will fight till the end if the US is bent on going down the wrong path."中国商务部表示：“美方对华升级关税威胁加剧了其错误，进一步暴露了其讹诈本质，中方绝不接受。如果美方执意沿着错误的路走下去，中方将坚决斗争到底。”Analysts believe that the set of forceful and targeted countermeasures that Beijing has taken showed that it has ample tools at its disposal, especially against sectors and companies that are priorities for the Trump administration, and where China's dependence is not significant.分析人士认为，北京方面采取的一系列强硬且有针对性的反制措施表明，其拥有充足的反制手段，尤其针对特朗普政府重点关注、而中国对美依赖程度不高的行业和企业。The energy and agricultural sectors that Trump hopes to bolster are also the primary industries in some US states. Intensifying sanctions on these sectors would therefore heighten domestic pressure on the Trump administration, said Luo Zhiheng, chief economist at Yuekai Securities.特朗普希望加强的能源和农业部门，也是美国一些州的主要产业。因此，粤开证券首席经济学家罗志恒表示，加大对这些行业的制裁力度将加剧特朗普政府的国内压力。Luo said that China can consider extending export restrictions to potentially include lighter rare earth elements like lanthanum and cerium, as the US is highly dependent on such Chinese imports.罗志恒表示，中国可以考虑扩大出口限制，可能将镧和铈等较轻的稀土元素也纳入其中，因为美国高度依赖中国进口稀土元素。"The trade war this time is not one that can easily be settled through concessions," Luo said. "China must take firm and resolute countermeasures to defend its interests, which will then compel the US to come back to the negotiating table."“这次的贸易战不是一场能轻易通过让步解决的贸易战，”罗志恒表示，“中国必须采取坚决有力的反制措施，捍卫自身利益，从而迫使美国重返谈判桌。”The US saw widespread protests over the weekend that in part opposed the Trump administration's aggressive tariff policies, which are seen as inflicting real economic pain on households and businesses across the country.上周末，美国爆发了大规模抗议活动，部分原因是抗议特朗普政府激进的关税政策，这些政策被认为给美国各地的家庭和企业带来了实质性经济伤害。Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, said in a statement last week, "To be clear, tariffs are taxes borne by the American companies that import the goods and the hardworking American families that buy those goods."美国服装和鞋类协会主席兼首席执行官史蒂夫·拉马尔上周在一份声明中表示：“明确地说，关税是由进口商品的美国公司和购买这些商品的辛勤工作的美国家庭承担的税款。”"Tariffs will significantly increase the cost of manufacturing in the US, and, when paired with the retaliatory tariffs that will surely come, will undermine US export opportunities as well," Lamar said.“关税将大幅增加美国制造业的成本，再加上必然会采取的报复性关税，还将损害美国的出口机会。”拉马尔说道。China's potent countermeasures don't mean that a trade war is the only way forward, as Beijing stands ready to talk with Washington.中国的强硬反制措施并不意味着贸易战是唯一的出路，北京随时准备与华盛顿对话。China urges the US to immediately correct its wrongdoing, cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China, stop its economic and trade suppression, and settle differences with China properly through dialogue on an equal footing and on the basis of mutual respect, the Commerce Ministry said.中国商务部表示，中方敦促美方立即纠正错误做法，取消所有针对中国的单边关税措施，停止其经贸打压，并在平等和相互尊重的基础上通过对话妥善解决与中方的分歧。Beijing is not alone in facing the Trump administration's "Liberation Day" tariffs. The White House has dragged its own long-standing allies into the fray, including imposing additional tariffs as high as 20 percent on imports from the European Union, 25 percent on imports from South Korea and 24 percent on imports from Japan.北京并非唯一面临特朗普政府“解放日”关税的国家。白宫将其长期盟友拖入战局，包括对欧盟进口产品征收高达20%的额外关税，对韩国进口产品征收高达25%的额外关税，对日本进口产品征收高达24%的额外关税。"By placing massive and disproportionate tariffs on our friends and our enemies alike and thereby launching a global economic war against the whole world at once, we are in the process of destroying confidence in our country as a trading partner, as a place to do business and as a market to invest capital," said Bill Ackman, a hedge fund titan who endorsed Trump's run for president.支持特朗普竞选总统的对冲基金巨头比尔·阿克曼表示：“通过对我们的朋友和敌人征收巨额且不成比例的关税，从而同时向全世界发动一场全球经济战，我们正在摧毁人们对我国作为贸易伙伴、经商环境和投资市场的信心。”"We will severely damage our reputation with the rest of the world that will take years and potentially decades to rehabilitate," Ackman said in a post on social media platform X.阿克曼在社交媒体平台X上发帖称：“这将严重损害我们在世界其他国家的声誉，需要数年甚至数十年才能恢复。”Ma Guangyuan, a senior economist, said the era of the US calling the shots and forcing countries to choose sides is over, as the US-led trade system is falling apart. However, this does not mean the end of free trade itself, as the global community still recognizes the benefits of open economic cooperation, Ma said.资深经济学家马光远表示，美国发号施令、迫使各国选边站队的时代已经结束，美国主导的贸易体系正在崩溃。然而，这并不意味着自由贸易本身的终结，因为国际社会仍然认同开放经济合作的益处。"Economics will triumph over politics and free trade will overcome hegemony," Ma added. "China can seize this chance to broaden its circle of friends and jointly foster a new trade framework on the foundation of equality, freedom and mutual benefits with other economies."“经济将战胜政治，自由贸易将战胜霸权，”马光远补充道。“中国可以抓住这个机会，扩大‘朋友圈'，与其他经济体共同构建一个在平等、自由、互利基础上的新型贸易框架。”High-ranking officials from Italy, Portugal and France, as well as the European commissioner for trade and economic security, visited China in late March. Around the same time, South Korea and Japan agreed to accelerate negotiations with China on the stalled trilateral free trade agreement.意大利、葡萄牙和法国的高级官员以及欧盟贸易和经济安全事务专员于3月底访华。与此同时，韩国和日本同意加快与中国就陷入僵局的三边自由贸易协定进行谈判。"Our championing of free trade is not just a response to US aggression, but a strategic initiative to guide the development of the multilateral system in a direction that benefits all," said Mei Xinyu, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.中国国际贸易经济合作研究院研究员梅新育表示。“中国倡导自由贸易不仅是对美国侵略行为的回应，更是引导多边体系朝着惠及各方方向发展的战略举措，”"The US' blanket, across-the-board imposition of high tariffs this time might end up uniting all the affected economies into a shared marketplace that could potentially dwarf the size of the US market," Mei said.梅新育说：“美国此次全面征收高额关税，最终可能会将所有受影响的经济体联合成一个共享市场，这可能会使美国市场的规模相形见绌。”countermeasuresn.反制措施baseline tariffn.基线关税unilateralismn.单边主义blackmailn.讹诈；威胁disproportionate tariffs不成比例的关税economic coercionn.经济胁迫

Footwear Association recently submitted a petition to the Federal Trade Commission seeking an amendment to the Care Labeling Rule to allow for the use of digital labels to deliver care information to consumers. Interested parties may submit comments on this petition by April 18.

The US government's latest move to slap heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, including electric vehicles and solar cells, shows protectionism and industrial policy is the new consensus approach to economic challenges, which is an "unfortunate shift" in US policy, a senior economist said on Tuesday.5月14日，一位高级经济学家表示，美国政府对包括电动汽车和太阳能电池在内的中国进口产品征收重关税的最新举措，表明保护主义和产业政策是应对经济挑战的新共识方式，这是美国政策中的一个“不幸转变”。The United States is increasing tariffs on $18 billion worth of Chinese imports, targeting electric vehicles (EVs), advanced batteries, steel and critical minerals, the White House said on Tuesday.5月14日，白宫表示，美国正在对价值180亿美元的中国进口商品加征关税，目标是电动汽车、先进电池、钢铁和关键矿产。The fresh levies come on top of the already massive tariffs imposed on more than $300 billion worth of Chinese goods, which were introduced during the Trump administration, according to the result of a four-year review of the China Section 301 tariffs, released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on Tuesday.根据美国贸易代表办公室(USTR)5月14日公布的对华301条款关税四年期审查结果，特朗普执政期间已对价值3000多亿美元的中国商品征收了巨额关税，此次新征税是在此基础上增加的。The review was undertaken under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which Trump invoked to first launch the China tariffs in 2018.这项审查是根据1974年《贸易法》第301条进行的，特朗普援引该条款于2018年首次启动中国关税。The centerpiece of the new tariffs is a quadrupling of levies on Chinese EVs to 100 percent starting this year, an attempt analysts said would likely result in thwarting the Biden administration's own efforts to fight climate change by speeding up EV adoption.新关税的核心是从今年开始，对中国电动汽车的征税翻了两番，达到100%，分析师表示，这一尝试可能会阻碍拜登政府通过加速采用电动汽车来应对气候变化的努力。Erica York, a senior economist and research director with the Tax Foundation's Center for Federal Tax Policy, said that at present, consumers are not likely to see an immediate increase in costs because Chinese EVs are already locked out of the US market.税收基金会联邦税收政策中心高级经济学家兼研究主任埃里卡·约克（Erica York）表示，目前，消费者不太可能看到成本的立即增加，因为中国电动汽车已经被美国市场拒之门外。"Longer term though, it means American consumers will lack choices, including competitively priced and innovative Chinese EVs and face higher prices for green tech and green energy at home," York told China Daily on Tuesday.5月14日，约克（York）周二告诉《中国日报》：“但从长远来看，这意味着美国消费者将缺乏选择，包括价格合适且有所创新的中国电动汽车，并在国内面临着更高价格的绿色技术和绿色能源。”York's organization has estimated that the current tariffs and retaliation will reduce long-run US output by about 0.25 percent, costing thousands of jobs and reducing incomes.税收基金会联邦税收政策中心估计，目前的关税和报复措施将使美国的长期产出减少约0.25%，导致数千人失业，收入减少。Maintaining the current tariffs, which have been costly to American consumers and the manufacturing sector, and doubling or quadrupling down on the approach, will further increase costs, insulate US businesses from competitive pressures that lead to long-run improvements, and put US manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage abroad, according to York.约克（York）表示，维持目前的关税对美国消费者和制造业来说代价高昂，如果再加倍或翻两番，将进一步增加成本，使美国企业无法承受竞争压力，从而导致长期改善，并使美国制造商在国外处于竞争劣势。"Protectionism and industrial policy are not a recipe for success; instead, policymakers should pursue reforms that encourage investment, innovation and competition," she added.她补充说：“保护主义和产业政策不是成功的秘诀；相反，政策制定者应该推行鼓励投资、创新和竞争的改革。”The tariffs that take effect this year also cover solar cells, syringes, needles, steel and aluminum products, according to a statement from the USTR.根据美国贸易代表办公室的一份声明，今年生效的关税还包括太阳能电池、注射器、针头、钢铁和铝产品。The tariff rate on semiconductors will surge from 25 percent to 50 percent by next year, while levies on Chinese EV batteries and battery parts will more than triple to 25 percent by 2026.到明年，半导体关税将从25%飙升至50%，而到2026年，中国电动汽车电池和电池部件的关税将增加两倍以上，达到25%。Gary Hufbauer, a senior fellow and trade expert at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, noted that as some tariffs are to be phased in over a couple of years, they won't have an "immediate" effect.华盛顿彼得森国际经济研究所（Peterson Institute for International Economics）高级研究员兼贸易专家加里·胡夫鲍尔（Gary Hufbauer）指出，由于一些关税将在几年内逐步实施，它们不会产生“立竿见影”的效果。"But for sure they will delay the rate of EV adoption and hurt the clean-air agenda," Hufbauer said of Biden's climate agenda, which includes ramping up the adoption of EVs to cut US greenhouse gas emissions.“但肯定的是，他们将推迟电动汽车的采用率，并损害清洁空气议程，”胡夫鲍尔（Hufbauer）谈到拜登的气候议程时说，其中包括增加电动汽车的采用，以减少美国的温室气体排放。The expert said that the tariffs are a "definite negative" for US-China relations.这位专家表示，关税对美中关系“肯定是负面的”。China's Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday that the US tariff hike goes against the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and the promises of President Joe Biden, and will "seriously affect the atmosphere of bilateral cooperation".5月14日，中国商务部表示，美国提高关税违背了两国领导人达成的共识和乔·拜登总统的承诺，并将“严重影响双边合作的氛围”。"I expect China to retaliate in a measured way against iconic US exports," Hufbauer said. "I'm sure Beijing is studying the menu."“我预计中国会对标志性的美国出口产品进行有分寸的报复，”胡夫鲍尔（Hufbauer）说，“我肯定北京正在研究计划。”The Commerce Ministry said China will take "resolute" measures to safeguard its own rights and interests, according to a statement.根据一份声明，商务部表示，中国将采取“坚决”措施维护自身权益。US media reports on Tuesday pointed to the fact that the tariffs in an election year come in the middle of a heated campaign between Biden and his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, where they both resort to China-bashing tactics.美国媒体5月14日的报道指出，拜登和他的共和党前任唐纳德-特朗普之间的竞选活动正处于白热化阶段，双方都采取了抨击中国的策略，而在大选年加征关税正是在这种情况下发生的。A new set of polls show that Trump leads Biden in five of six crucial election battleground states, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia and Pennsylvania.一组新的民调显示，特朗普在六个关键的选举战场州中的五个州领先拜登，即密歇根州、亚利桑那州、内华达州、乔治亚州和宾夕法尼亚州。"The timing is specifically aimed at voters in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan — auto and steel states," Hufbauer said.胡夫鲍尔（Hufbauer）表示：“这个时机是专门针对宾夕法尼亚州、俄亥俄州和密歇根州——汽车和钢铁州——的选民的。”"Since Trump promises equal or higher tariffs, I doubt the announcement will shift many votes toward Biden, but it may avoid further losses to voters who welcome protection," he added.他补充说：“由于特朗普承诺相同或更高的关税，我猜测这一宣布会将许多选票转向拜登，但它可能会避免欢迎保护的选民遭受进一步损失。”Douglas H. Paal, distinguished fellow of the Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Tuesday's announcement of fresh tariffs constituted one form of the US response to the "serious trade issues" with China.卡内基国际和平基金会(Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)亚洲项目杰出研究员道格拉斯·帕尔（Douglas H. Paal）表示，5月14日宣布的新关税措施是美国应对与中国之间“严重贸易问题”的一种形式。"When leaders are weak in election years, they resort to popular measures that may be less effective in reality than in rhetoric. That is where we are," Paal told China Daily.帕尔（Paal）告诉《中国日报》：“当领导人在选举年表现不佳时，他们会采取一些受欢迎的措施，这些措施在现实中可能不如在口头上有效。这就是我们的现状。”Trade bodies 'disappointed'贸易机构“失望”Hours after the release of the results of the review of the China Section 301 tariffs, US trade organizations said they were highly disappointed by the outcome.在对华301条款关税审查结果公布数小时后，美国贸易组织表示，他们对这一结果非常失望。"The decision to extend Section 301 tariffs on a wide range of apparel, footwear, accessories, and textiles — while not unexpected — is a real blow to American consumers and manufacturers alike," said Steve Lamar, president and chief executive officer of the American Apparel & Footwear Association.美国服装鞋类协会总裁兼首席执行官史蒂夫·拉马尔（Steve Lamar）说：“延长对多种服装、鞋类、配饰和纺织品征收301条款关税的决定尽管并不出人意料，但对美国消费者和制造商来说都是一个真正的打击。”"The Biden Administration has had two years to get it right. Unfortunately, they doubled down on a flawed tariff policy, despite the Biden Administration's own acknowledgment that this policy has failed in its goals, and overwhelming public input that supported a different outcome," he said in a statement.他在声明中说：“拜登政府有两年时间来做好这件事。不幸的是，他们在一项有缺陷的关税政策上加倍下注，尽管拜登政府自己承认这项政策未能实现其目标，并且压倒性的公众投入支持不同的结果。”The National Retail Federation also said it was "extremely disappointed" that the USTR and the Biden administration had chosen "to double down on a failed and inflationary strategy by sustaining and expanding the Section 301 China tariffs".美国零售联合会(National Retail Federation)还表示，它对美国贸易代表办公室和拜登政府选择“通过维持和扩大对华301条款关税，在失败和通胀战略上加倍下注”感到“极其失望”。"Maintaining these tariffs on consumer goods will increase costs that consumers pay on everyday products imported from China,"said David French, executive vice-president of government relations.政府关系执行副总裁大卫·弗伦奇(David French)说，“维持这些消费品关税将增加消费者为从中国进口的日常产品支付的成本。”The US-China Business Council, a nongovernmental organization representing many of the world's largest brands doing business in China, also noted that maintenance of the prior tariffs — with no reductions — and imposition of additional tariffs ultimately make it harder for American companies to compete in the US and abroad, cost American jobs, and increase prices for US manufacturers and consumers during a time of ongoing inflation.代表许多在中国做生意的世界大品牌的非政府组织美中贸易全国委员会也指出，维持以前的关税(没有削减)和征收额外关税最终会使美国公司更难在美国和海外竞争，损失美国的就业机会，并在持续通胀时期提高美国制造商和消费者的价格。"Additionally, levying new tariffs invites retaliation from China, which combined could further disadvantage US companies selling goods and services in China's market compared to their foreign competitors," USCBC President Craig Allen said.美中贸易全国委员主席克雷格·艾伦说（Craig Allen）：“此外，征收新关税会招致中国的报复，与外国竞争对手相比，这可能会进一步使在中国市场销售商品和服务的美国公司处于不利地位。”

John is joined by Chelsea Murtha, the Director of Sustainability at the American Apparel & Footwear Association; Jessica K. Ferrell, a partner at Marten Law LLP; and Joseph Paunovich, a partner in Quinn Emanuel's Los Angeles and Salt Lake City offices.  They discuss the legal challenges surrounding PFOS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, including the impact of federal and state regulations, the history of PFOS litigation, and the difficulties of proving harm from their use in consumer products. They also discuss the need for companies to be proactive in managing these chemicals and claims,  engage with policymakers, and ensure bulletproof marketing.Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fmHost: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis HydeMusic and Editing by: Alexander Rossi

Federal and state policies are reshaping how people and goods travel, while cutting harmful greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants from cars and trucks. Vehicle electrification is accelerating thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and state policies. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's newly proposed tailpipe pollution standards for light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles could transform our transportation future. But how will these new policies impact the average consumer and the auto industry? Host Sara Baldwin speaks with clean transportation experts, Thomas Boylan of the Zero Emission Transportation Association, and Trisha DelloIacono of CALSTART to discuss the U.S. electric vehicle market, exciting supply chain developments, and how to ensure a smooth transition.   Guest Bios Thomas Boylan, Regulatory Director, Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA). Thomas joined ZETA after nearly 7 years at the US EPA, working with the Office of Transportation and Air Quality and the Office of Congressional Affairs. His work at EPA covered a range of transportation-related topics including light-duty vehicle emission standards, heavy-duty vehicle emission standards, and implementation of the renewable fuel standard. He also helped facilitate EPA's engagements with Congress during passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. Thomas holds a BS in Geology from Virginia Tech and an MS in Energy Policy and Climate from Johns Hopkins University.Trisha DelloIacono, Federal Policy Director, CALSTART Trisha leads efforts in Congress and at key agencies such as EPA, DOE, and DOT, while providing support to the US EV Battery Leadership Coalition. She also leads the Federal Policy Action Group. Prior to joining CALSTART, she ed the American Apparel & Footwear Association's sustainability and product safety initiatives and was the chief liaison to Product Safety Council and Environmental Committee. DelloIacono spent the previous decade with Moms Clean Air Force/Environmental Defense Fund, working with Members of Congress to advocate for policies that protect children's health, with a special focus on electric vehicle policy. She has an MBA and a BS in Marketing. She serves on the board for the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health in NYC and is a member of the Women of EVs global organization. To dig in deeper, check out these must-read resources: Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) ZETA White PapersCALSTARTEPA's Proposed Rule: Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty VehiclesEPA's Proposed Rule: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3

How many new clothing garments do you buy each year?  Data from the American Apparel & Footwear Association says that the average American bought about 69 items of clothing and 7 and a half pairs of shoes in the year 2020. The days of buying two pairs of jeans and two nice tops for each new season seem to be out of fashion in recent years. It's easier than ever to buy lots of clothes, but what are the consequences of that ease? We look at our fashion consumption habits, the ethical ramifications of "fast fashion," and accessible alternatives with Aja Barber, author of CONSUMED: The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism, and a contributing editor at Elle UK. 

How many new clothing garments do you buy each year?  Data from the American Apparel & Footwear Association says that the average American bought about 69 items of clothing and 7 and a half pairs of shoes in the year 2020. The days of buying two pairs of jeans and two nice tops for each new season seem to be out of fashion in recent years. It's easier than ever to buy lots of clothes, but what are the consequences of that ease? We look at our fashion consumption habits, the ethical ramifications of "fast fashion," and accessible alternatives with Aja Barber, author of CONSUMED: The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism, and a contributing editor at Elle UK. 

In this podcast, guest Liz O'Neill, the Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of apparel leader Levi Strauss & Co. joins host Thomas O'Connor to discuss the current disrupted supply chain operating environment.The podcast explores three key areas:Why during periods of rapid change supply chain leaders need to prioritize hiring head office staff based on personality profile, not just subject matter expertise.How progress is often slow and nonlinear, and why this makes communication of wins and progress so critical to the success of change management initiatives.The reality that there is often a tug of war between the needs of innovation and governance within organizations broadly and supply chains specifically.As executive vice president and chief operations officer for Levi Strauss & Co., Liz O'Neill is responsible for all supply chain operations, including sourcing, end-to-end planning, distribution, logistics and sustainability. Liz also leads companywide innovation, managing LS&Co.'s internal startup capabilities and off-site design lab while simultaneously working closely with the company's vendor partners to execute its latest product creations. Liz reports to the president and CEO, Chip Bergh, and is a member of the company's executive leadership team, which guides the strategic direction for LS&Co. Prior to joining LS&Co., Liz spent 13 years at Gap, where she held leadership roles with the Gap brand and Old Navy and oversaw sourcing and production management for Gap's global brands. Liz was named one of the “Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company in 2019 and currently serves on the board of the American Apparel and Footwear Association. Originally from West Point, N.Y., she graduated with a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Tulane.Help shape Gartner's research: Take part in the 2022 Gartner Future of Supply Chain Survey to get a first look at this year's key trends and we'll send you a high-level summary of the key findings as soon as it is available. The survey will be open until October 15th.

This week, we welcome Mark Burstein who is the EVP, Industry & Market Development for Logility. Logility is a supply-chain-focused solution vendor that is accelerating the digital sustainable supply chain by helping retailers seize new opportunities, sense and respond to changing market dynamics, and more profitably manage their complex global businesses.  Mark is also a Contributing Member of the Forbes Technology Council. Joining Mark is Parker Avery Partner Randi Nolan.  The two industry experts recently attended the American Apparel and Footwear Association's Traceability and Sustainability Conference held in beautiful downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.   In this episode, we discuss their key takeaways from the AAFA conference, as well as why retailers need to start now with a clear roadmap that includes sustainability in the supply chain. They also touch on where other retailers are in their sustainability efforts, as well as critical first steps retailers must take to achieve sustainable supply chain maturity.  Learn more about Logility:  https://www.logility.com/ Learn more about the AAFA: https://www.aafaglobal.org/   Featured on the Best 60 Retail Podcasts Introduction music:  On My Way by Kevin MacLeod | Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4163-on-my-way | License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Cover image by Jorge Guillen from Pixabay.

As many as 300 vessels are backed up in Shanghai, waiting to load up or discharge compared to this time last year. We get the latest from the BBC's Monica Millar in Singapore and we also hear about the knock on affects from Steve Lamar, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. Amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, the UN is seeking $4.4bn in aid for Afghanistan. We hear from Mark Malloch-Brown, president of the Open Society Foundations, and former deputy secretary general of the UN, discusses what role western sanctions are playing in the extreme hunger faced by many in Afghanistan. Also in the programme, with just a few days to go before the first round of France's presidential election, the BBC's Theo Leggett reports from the east of the country on how concerns about the rising cost of living are impacting the rival campaigns. Plus, with the current high cost of natural gas, there are renewed calls for countries to move away from the fossil fuel as a way of heating our homes. One alternative is the heat pump, and the BBC's climate editor Justin Rowlatt explains how they work. And joining us throughout the programme are Rachel Cartland, a former Hong Kong government official and the author of Paper Tigress and Alison van Diggelen, host of freshdialogues.com, is with us from Silicon Valley. (Picture: A ship in Shanghai. Picture credit: Getty Images.)

As many as 300 vessels are backed up in Shanghai, waiting to load up or discharge compared to this time last year. We hear about the knock on affects from Steve Lamar, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. Plus Cary Leahey, Adjunct Professor of Economics at Columbia University, brings us the latest news from the financial markets.

We had a special podcast this week as we hosted Steve Lamar, President & CEO of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, for an enlightening discussion about the rapidly changing global apparel industry. We tackled topics including various challenges facing the industry today and tomorrow — such as problems at the ports and ensuing supply chain bottlenecks, trade agreements, environmental sustainability, and working to bring all industry stakeholders together to try and solve these and other problems facing the industry. We also discussed the impact of the Covid pandemic on the industry, and how it has changed the apparel business. We also had a fascinating discussion about near-shoring and re-shoring, or as Mr. Lamar puts it, “new-shoring,” as many of the new textile and apparel businesses launched in the U.S. in recent years are very different from legacy companies that dominated the domestic industry in years past. This is an important and insightful conversation with Mr. Lamar, an accomplished writer, former Peace Corp volunteer, experienced legislative and trade policy expert, who today leads the major apparel and footwear association in Washington. Hosted by Jennifer Crumpler, Fiber Development Manager and Manager of the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program from BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

Thanks to the growth of consumerism and globalization, supply chains have become increasingly sensitive to geopolitical tension, bureaucracy, and transportation disruptions, with the onset of the pandemic playing a crucial role in exposing this. Supply chain leaders are tasked with placing their sourcing, inventory management, and logistics strategies under a microscope, and are under immense pressure to simplify and strengthen their operations. In this episode, we're joined by Former CEO and Chairman of the board of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, Rick Helfenbein, to find out more about the scope of the situation and the implications on the American apparel industry.   About The Speaker Rick Helfenbein is the former Chairman, President, and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, the national trade association representing more than 1,000 brands in the apparel, footwear, and accessories industry. Previously, Rick was president of all USA operations for Luen Thai Holding Limited, the largest publicly listed apparel manufacturing and supply chain services company on the Hong Kong Exchange. Rick often appears on TV networks including CNBC, CNN, Fox Business, Newsy, Yahoo Finance, and the BBC, with industry and political commentary and is a regular Forbes contributor.

Workers at large US companies are to be vaccinated, or face regular mandatory testing. That's one of a slew of measures announced by President Biden, which aim to bring the Delta variant of coronavirus back under control in America. We get business reaction to the move from Stephen Lamar, chief executive of the American Apparel and Footwear Association. Also in the programme, there's a shortage of lorry drivers in the UK. It is having an impact on everything from chicken in restaurants to beer in pubs. We hear from drivers, driving instructors, retailers and the wholesale industry what's causing the shortfall, and what can be done to solve it. Plus, as a face-to-face New York Fashion Week draws to a close for the first time since the start of the pandemic, we find out how the fashion houses are planning for a post-pandemic future from Priya Elan, deputy fashion editor of The Guardian newspaper. Fashion historian Dr Kate Strasdin also joins the programme to explain how historically people have used clothing to re-define themselves after a collective trauma.

It's time for some REAL TALK with Rick Helfenbein! Rick is a Retail & Fashion Industry Consultant, and former Chairman, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. With over 20 years of experience in fashion retail and manufacturing, Rick shares his take on the fashion industry today, and where it's going tomorrow! Listen in as he shares industry trade trends, and the surprising opportunities inflation can bring to fashion retailers.

Democrats have called on the Cabinet to remove the President from office. They want Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th amendment to the US Constitution, certifying the president as unfit to hold office. If he doesn't, they said Congress should move quickly to expel Mr Trump through the impeachment process; we hear from the BBC's Michelle Fleury. Plus, we hear from Steve Lamar, president of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, which represents some of the world's biggest clothes and shoe brands. And social media companies remain under the spotlight over their role in Wednesday’s events. Facebook has blocked Donald Trump from using his account on the platform for at least two weeks, we get analysis from Russell Brandom, policy editor at tech website, The Verge. The US aircraft maker Boeing will pay over $2.5 billion to resolve an investigation by the US Justice Department into two deadly crashes of the company's 737 Max aircraft; Cary Leahey from Decision Economics gives us the details. And the BBC's Ed Butler looks into the future of shopping.

Democrats have called on the Cabinet to remove the President from office. They want Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th amendment to the US Constitution, certifying the president as unfit to hold office. If he doesn't, they said Congress should move quickly to expel Mr Trump through the impeachment process; we hear from the BBC's North America Political Reporter Anthony Zurcher. Plus, we hear from Steve Lamar, president of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, which represents some of the world's biggest clothes and shoe brands. And social media companies remain under the spotlight over their role in Wednesday’s events. Facebook has blocked Donald Trump from using his account on the platform for at least two weeks, we get analysis from Russell Brandom, policy editor at tech website, The Verge and Kimberley Adams, a correspondent for Marketplace, the business news show on US public radio. The US aircraft maker Boeing will pay over $2.5 billion to resolve an investigation by the US Justice Department into two deadly crashes of the company's 737 Max aircraft; the BBC's Theo Leggett brings us the details. The planet has a new richest person, Elon Musk, the founder of the electric carmaker, Tesla. He's worth $195 billion, according to Bloomberg due to the surge in Tesla's share price; we hear more from Daniel Ives, managing director of brokers Wedbush Securities. And joining us throughout the programme are Hayley Woodin, a multi-media reporter for the publication "Business" in Vancouver and in Delhi, Sushma Ramachandran, an independent business journalist and columnist for "The Tribune" newspaper. (Picture: Protesters attempt to enter the US Capitol building. Picture credit: Getty Images.)

In Part 2 of their discussion, Seth and Nate take a look at the U.S./China trade relationship, the forced labor issues surrounding the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), and how governments and the industry are engaging on this matter, what the new U.S. presidential administration means for the apparel and footwear sector, as well as other hot-button topics.

Seth sits down with Nate Herman, one of the most respected voices in the apparel space on issues of social compliance and trade. In part 1 of their 2 part conversation, Seth and Nate discuss AAFA's mission, the history of social compliance (specifically looking at WRAP's origin's), and how COVID-19 has impacted our industry.

China's President Xi Jinping has used a virtual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to call for global solidarity to build trade and defeat the pandemic. We get the latest from the BBC's Karishma Vaswani. The US has passed the grim figure of a quarter of a million covid-19 deaths, as record case numbers continue to be recorded across the country. We hear from a doctor in New York and, in the southern hemisphere, the governor of South Australia, where a six day lockdown has been announced. As a result of the pandemic, the cost of global shipping has risen sharply. We speak to Lori Ann LaRocco, author of Trade War: Containers Don't Lie and Nate Herman from the American Apparel and Footwear Association discusses the potential impact on shoppers in the run-up to Christmas. The BBC's Laura Heighton-Ginns examines the growth of fake designer goods, which have become so readily available that they have generated a fashion trend of their own,. Plus, as the outcome of this year's Booker prize for fiction is announced, we ask Claire Armitstead, associate editor for culture at The Guardian, how much of an impact it can have on a winner's career. All this and more discussed with our two guests throughout the show: Paddy Hirsch, contributing editor at National Public Radio, in Los Angeles. And Karen Percy, a former senior multi-platform journalist at the ABC, now working freelance, in Melbourne. Picture:a giant screen showing China's President Xi Jinping's speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) virtual forum in Malaysia, outside a shopping mall in Beijing. Picture credit: Getty Images.)

As a result of the pandemic, the cost of global shipping has risen sharply. Nate Herman from the American Apparel and Footwear Association represents some of the world's biggest brands in clothing and shoes, and discusses the potential impact on shoppers in the run-up to Christmas. And Peter Wilson, managing director of Cory Brothers, which has been arranging sea shipping for more than 170 years, tells us what's behind the recent price hikes. Also in the programme, the BBC's Laura Heighton-Ginns examines the growth of fake designer goods, or "dupes", which have become so readily available that they have generated a fashion trend of their own, and are being showcased by social media influencers. Plus, as the outcome of this year's Booker Prize for fiction is announced, we ask Claire Armitstead, associate editor for culture at The Guardian, how much of an impact it can have on a winner's career.

The BoF team and industry experts Sharifa Murdock and Stephen Lamar discuss what the close vote means for the future of fashion.   LONDON, United Kingdom — Election night ended in the US without a clear answer as to who will lead the country for the next four years. And though former Vice President Joe Biden appeared to have established a small lead over President Donald Trump in several key states as of Thursday afternoon, many questions remain about what will happen next.  Sharifa Murdock, co-owner of Liberty Fashion & Lifestyle Fairs, and Stephen Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel and Footwear Association joined BoF’s Lauren Sherman, Brian Baskin and Imran Amed to discuss what’s at stake for tariffs, trade agreements and corporate activism whatever the outcome.  Trade policies have changed under the current administration. Trump renegotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement and levied tariffs on goods imported from China and some European countries. Biden may not have implemented these polices given the choice, but his administration will be cautious about retreating from Trump’s trade positions, Lamar said. “They don’t want to be seen as the new government immediately going soft on China,” he said.  Trump campaigned in 2016 on bringing manufacturing jobs back to the US, but in the fashion industry at least, American factories cannot compete directly with overseas rivals on price, said Murdock of Liberty Fashion & Lifestyle Fairs. “News flash, stuff that left isn’t coming back,” said Lamar, who added that a Trump or Biden administration should focus instead on creating new kinds of apparel production jobs in the US.  Sales of luxury goods are holding up relatively well in the US as the wealthy redirect money that normally would be used on trips and hotels toward handbags and apparel. Trump’s tax cut has also played a role, giving wealthy consumers more disposable income. Biden campaigned on raising corporate taxes and reversing some of Trump’s tax policies. However, his ability to implement his vision depends on Democratic control of the Senate, which appeared unlikely as of Wednesday afternoon.  Corporate activism has flourished under the Trump presidency, as brands and retailers that previously remained neutral on political issues came under increased pressure by consumers to take a stance. The panelists predicted that activism was likely to continue, no matter who wins the election. “One thing that Trump did do was bring out… views that haven’t been looked at previously,” said Murdock. “No matter who wins [diversity and inclusion] is going to be on people’s minds.” Related Articles:
The US Election: What’s at Stake for Fashion?
American Fashion Executives on What Happens Now

 Watch and listen to more #BoFLIVE conversations here.   To contact The Business of Fashion with comments, questions or speaker ideas please email podcast@businessoffashion.com.   Sign up for BoF’s Daily Digest newsletter. Ready to become a BoF Professional? For a limited time, enjoy 25% discount on an annual membership, exclusively for podcast listeners. Simply, click here, select the Annual Package and use code PODCASTPRO at the checkout. For all sponsorship enquiries, it’s: advertising@businessoffashion.com.

In this episode, we look at how to stop impulse buying. Ad: http://blinkist.com/tinyleaps The Problem In 2017, Americans spent $240 billion—twice as much as they’d spent in 2002—on goods like jewelry, watches, books, luggage, and telephones, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Spending on personal care products also doubled over that time period. Americans spent, on average, $971.87 on clothes last year, buying nearly 66 garments, according to the American Apparel and Footwear Association. That’s 20 percent more money than they spent in 2000 adjusted for inflation. At the same time, Americans are taking up more space. Last year, the average size of a single-family house in America was 2,426 square feet, a 23 percent increase in size from two decades ago, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. The number of self-storage units is rapidly increasing as well. There are around 52,000 such facilities nationally; two decades ago, there were half that number. Digging Deeper Why do we buy so much stuff anyway? Research shows there are many reasons why we feel compelled to buy what we really don’t need. Buying provides a sense of security of the unknown. We get a rush of dopamine over the initial purchase. We feel the need to impress – Keeping up with the Joneses. Having a kingdom of stuff makes us feel important. And the one we will talk about today – advertising and its effect on us. The Solution So how do we deal with this? Here are a few ways to get your buying impulse under control. · Push the pause button in your mind, instead of the buy now button. Logically contemplate what draws you to that product in the first place. Was it the lure of the ad, or do you really need it? · Quiet your consumer brain. Take a deep breath and let the moment of absolutely having to have this shiny new thing pass. · Make sure you know and understand that you cannot buy happiness. Happiness does not come from an item. If you are not happy now, nothing you will buy can change that. · Do the things that will really make you happy. Much of our purchases are done to make us feel better – find another way to feel better. Get up and go for a walk, call a friend, or read a book, or learn a new recipe. One tangible step: Implement a two day rule. If you are making a purchase that isn’t an absolute necessity, wait two days before purchasing. Doing so can remove you from the initial impulse and allow logic to take over. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Lucy Reece-Raybould, CEO of the British Footwear Association, the shoe industry's trade body based in Northamptonshire and representing over 100 manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and brands, talks about her role and career, the challenges of Covid, internationalisation and how she supports the county's leading shoe brands famous around the world. Originally Broadcast on NLive Radio on Tuesday 16th June 2020

Speaking in Washington, US President Donald Trump said the pact would be "transformartive" for the US economy. Chinese leaders called it a "win-win" deal that would help foster better relations between the two countries. We hear from Greg Gilligan who chairs the American Chamber of Commerce in China and Steve Lamar, head of the American Apparel and Footwear Association. Russia's government has resigned, hours after President Vladimir Putin proposed sweeping constitutional changes. We explore the implications. Also, we take an in-depth look at the meat and dairy industry and ask whether it is sustainable. Will diets have to change? How fast will the food industry have to adapt? Plus, a familiar name in Japanese politics is again making waves - but for reasons outside of politics. The environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi - son of the former PM Junichiro Koizumi - has caused a sensation by taking paternity leave. Why is that still such a controversial move in Japan? Presenter Fergus Nicoll is joined by guests Christine Spadafor in Boston and Stefanie Yuen Thio in Singapore PHOTO: Getty Images

Lananh Nguyen, finance reporter for Bloomberg, on the end of the bonus culture on Wall Street. Rick Helfenbein, former Chairman, President & CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, on why the Phase 1 China trade deal is bad for retailers. Kristina Hooper, Chief Market Strategist at Invesco, on how the accommodative central banking environment will boost 2020 investing. Don Steinbrugge, Founder and CEO of Agecroft Partners, LLC, discusses the shifting nature of hedge funds. Hosted by Lisa Abramowicz and Paul Sweeney.

Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, discusses why the Trump's administration tariff delay won't mitigate its destructive impact. Axel Merk, President and Chief Investment Officer of Merk Investments, on how President Trump is inducing an economic slowdown. Ellen Huet, Startups reporter for Bloomberg, and Jeff Langbaum, Senior REIT/CRE Equity Analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence, on the WeWork IPO and whether it deserves a tech valuation. Bob Sutor, Vice IBM Q Strategy & Ecosystem, on building public and commercial universal quantum systems for business and science applications. Hosted by Lisa Abramowicz and Paul Sweeney. 

This episode features Rick Helfenbein who's the CEO and President of the AAFA, the American Apparel and Footwear Association. They represent world famous brands and they fight for them on the hill everyday. They talk about public policy and the political voice of the Apparel and Footwear industry.

The wool market has enjoyed a very strong run over the last 12 months with the benchmark eastern market indicator up about 25% year on year. But in recent weeks, uncertainty has crept into the market. Today we examine, in some detail, both the short and the long-term drivers in the wool market. We speak with AWI Trade Consultant Scott Carmody about the factors driving the wool price and then we head to the US to hear from the President of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, Steve Lamar who reveals the ins and outs of the trade war between China and the US and how it could potentially affect the Australian wool market.

Patrick Chovanec, Chief Strategist of Silvercrest Asset Management, on how US-China trade issues can impact global markets. Rick Helfenbein, American Apparel & Footwear Association president and CEO, on the new round of tariffs and impact to the apparel industry. IndyCar CEO Mark Miles on capturing the millennial audience, and why they're growing when other leagues are losing support. Gerrit de Vynck, Bloomberg technology reporter, on Trump using the international mail system to step up the pressure against China over its exports to the U.S. Hosted by Pimm Fox and Lisa Abramowicz.

Tim Adams, President and CEO of the IIF and Former Under Secretary of Treasury for International Affairs, on Trump’s new $500 billion tariffs threat to China, and how trade risks and global debt are threats to the global economy. Toby Harshaw, Bloomberg Opinion editor covering national security, on Dan Coats being unaware of Trump inviting Vladimir Putin to the White House, following the disastrous summit in Helsinki. Rick Helfenbein, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, on the impact of tariffs on American consumers and manufacturers. Karen Ubelhart, Industrials analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence, on GE and Honeywell earnings.

Rick Helfenbein, the president and CEO of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, discusses retail earnings, Nafta negotiations and the impact of White House actions on the corporate community. Anurag Rana, a senior analyst of software and IT services at Bloomberg Intelligence, talks about Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka resigning amid acrimony between the board and a cohort of founders led by ex-chairman Narayana Murthy. Mike Buchanan, the deputy chief investment officer at Western Asset Management, gives his current outlook for the bond market and yield spreads. Finally, John Streur, the CEO of Calvert Research and Management, talks about responsible investing and ESG trends in 2017.

Lots of new laws! Hear all about the final version of fast track and other trade related dingleberries, new measures to combat human trafficking, and new benefits for veterans. In this episode, you'll also learn about the bills that passed at least one branch of Congress in May, which include a poisonous scientific research funding bill, an anti-abortion bill, lots of bills to funnel taxpayer money into private pockets, bills that benefit veterans' families, and more. After the break, get the details for the Chicago and Miami meet-ups, an update on the Congressional Dish Arms Race, and hear a indisputable argument for why train travel is superior to plane travel. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Meet Up Times & Locations Chicago: Wednesday, August 5th 6:30pm: Sweetwater Tavern & Grille 225 Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 698-7111 Co-Hosted by Kevin and Loren, hosts of Political Discontent Radio Miami: Tuesday, August 18th 7pm: Emerge Miami Meeting 6pm: Meet and Greet 7pm: Meeting begins Sweat Records 5505 NE 2nd Ave. Miami, FL 33137 (786) 693-9309 8:30pm: Elwoods Gastro Pub 188 NE 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 33132 (305) 358-5222 Laws H.R. 2146: Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act Became the vehicle for Trade Promotion Authority to become law Allows Federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, and air traffic controllers with 20 years experience to avoid a 10% tax penalty if they withdraw from their retirement plans after age 50, instead of 59.5 years old. The effects of this on the budget will not be counted. Passed 407-5 Sponsored by Rep. David Reichert of Washington 43 pages Did Your Rep & Senators Vote for Fast Track? Check your Senators' Votes on H.R. 1314 Check your Representative's Vote on H.R. 2146 H.R. 1295: Trade Preferences Extension Act Title I: Extension of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Background Original African Growth and Opportunity Act was signed into law by President Clinton in 2000. Allows certain products from some African countries to be imported tax-free. Oil accounted for 68% of these imports in 2014; "despite remaining the top U.S. import under AGOA, U.S. oil imports from the region have fallen by 80% or nearly $40 billion since 2011." Clothes and vehicles from South Africa are the other main products imported tax-free under this law The law was going to expire on September 30, 2015. The assistance is intended to "encourage governments to Liberalize trade policy Harmonize laws and regulations with WTO membership commitments Engage in financial and fiscal restructuring Promote greater agribusiness linkages. Reauthorization Highlights Extends the AGOA until September 30, 2025 Eliminates the President's ability to terminate an African country's eligibility for the program without notifying Congress and the country 60 days before. Creates an annual public comment period regarding whether the African countries are meeting their eligibility requirements. Increases the number of people employed full time to make sure African food exports meet U.S. food safety standards from 20 to 30. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that extending this program will cost us $2.8 billion in lost tax revenue by 2025 Title II: Extension of Generalized System of Preferences Background A bigger program for allowing products to be imported tax-free into the United States, which was first created in 1974. President Obama terminated Russia's status as a Generalized System of Preferences country in October 2014, after the invasion of Crimea. Extension Highlights Extends the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program until December, 2017. Backdates the effective date to July 31, 2013, when the program expired. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this extension will cost us over $2.5 billion in lost tax revenue. Limits the types of cotton that are eligible for tax-free import Makes some luggage and travel products eligible for tax-free import Title III: Extension of preferential duty treatment program for Haiti Extends tax-free import status for products from Haiti until December 19, 2025. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this will cost us $520 million in lost tax revenue Title IV: Extension of trade adjustment assistance Extends trade adjustment assistance until June 30, 2021 Specifically mentions farmers. Brings back a tax credit for health insurance for workers who lose their jobs due to trade agreements or due to failed pension plans until the end of 2019, which are higher than the subsidies we get for health insurance on the ObamaCare exchange websites. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this will cost us $2.8 billion, with the most money needed from 2017 to 2021. Title VI: Tariff classification of recreational performance outerwear Contains a modified version of the Affordable Footwear Act, which reduces tariffs on some athletic footwear. Contains part of the OUTDOORS Act, which was introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell of Washington and Senator Kelly Ayote of New Hampshire, which lowers or eliminates tariffs that average 14% for "recreational performance outerwear" Washington is home to headquarters of REI, Amazon, Nordstrom, Brooks Sports, and Eddie Bauer. New Hampshire is home to the headquarters of Timberland The American Apparel and Footwear Association, the Outdoor Industry Association, Eastern Mountain Sports, Kamik Boots, NEMO Equipment, and New Balance, and the Washington Council on International Trade have all voiced support for this language, with the Washington Council on International Trade saying it's because it "would save consumers money while improving profits for our retailers and apparel companies that do their manufacturing overseas". The Outdoor Industry Association spent a record $360,000 lobbying Congress on the US OUTDOOR ACT and the Affordable Footwear Act in 2014. Title VI: Offsets Extends customs charges for some imports from September 30, 2024 to July 7, 2025 and then increases the fees for two and a half months in the Summer 2025, after the expiration. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this will cause the revenue from those fees to spike from a little under a billion in 2024, to $4.6 billion in 2025. This is the biggest single source of money that will pay for this law. Increases taxes on corporations that make more than $1 billion in 2019 by 8% for the months of July, August, or September of 2020. The corporation's next payment will then be reduced by the same amount. On the Congressional Budget Office estimate, this makes it seem as though there is much more revenue for the 2015-2020 period than there actually is. If the numbers weren't cooked like this, the report would show an additional $5.7 billion budget deficit from 2015-2020. Beginning in 2016, the law forbids college education tax credits from students who don't receive an accounting "statement" from their school. CBO estimates this will save almost half a billion dollars. Increases the fines for failing to file tax returns on time or including incorrect information on a return, for example from $100 to $250 and raises the caps on these kinds of fees, effective in fiscal year 2016. CBO estimates this will bring in an additional $136 million by 2025. Disqualifies people who choose to exclude foreign earned income from their tax returns from claiming the child tax credit, effective this year. CBO estimates this will save $293 million by 2025. Somehow changes the way Medicare pays for dialysis services in a way that will cut direct spending by $250 million. Passed the Senate 97-1 and the House of Representatives 286-138 Sponsored by Rep. George Holding of North Carolina 58 pages S. 178: Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act Through September 30, 2019, a person convicted of a human trafficking related offense will have to pay an extra $5,000 fine. The money will go to a "Domestic Trafficking Victims' Fund, controlled by the Attorney General. The money will be used for law enforcement, grants to States, tribes, local government and non-profit NGO's, and local children's advocacy centers. Authorizes grant money specifically for victims of child pornography. Expands the property that can been seized by the government from people convicted of human trafficking crimes. Expands the "range of conduct punished as sex trafficking." "Section 108: Reducing demand for sex trafficking" adds "patronized, or solicited" to the list of of things punishable by a fine and at least 10 years in prison. The crime: "Whoever knowingly" in the United States "recruits, entices, harbors, transports, provides, obtains, patronizes, or solicits" anything of value that arises out of forcing someone under 18 to "engage in a commercial sex act", which means "any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by any person." Gives crime victims the right to be informed of any plea bargains or deferred prosecution agreements. Mandates that officers in anti-human trafficking programs operated by the Justice Department will have training on methods for investigating and prosecuting human traffickers and for getting proper physical and mental health care for the victims. Mandates that Federal prosecutors request restitution for the victims whether or not the victims request it. Creates an advisory council made up of human trafficking victims to analyze human trafficking laws every year until September 30, 2020. The members will not be paid except for travel reimbursement and per diem allowances. Requires missing children reports to include a recent photo Requires audits of human trafficking grants Prohibits the Attorney General from giving a grant to a nonprofit that has offshore tax havens. Includes the SAVE Act which makes advertising the services of prostitutes who are under 18 or are forced into prostitution punishable by ten years in prison. Creates a website for accessing victims' services Expands the statute of limitations on civil actions by child trafficking survivors to 10 years after they turn 18. Creates a "cyber crimes center" within the Customs and Immigration section of the Department of Homeland Security to "provide investigative assistance, training, and equipment to support United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement's domestic and international investigations of cyber-related crimes." The cyber crimes center will have a "Child Exploitation Investigations Unit" in it. The cyber crimes center will have a "Computer Forensics Unit" which will train and support Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and help "Federal, State, local, tribal, military, and foreign law enforcement agency personnel engaged in the investigation of crimes" The cyber crimes center will have a "Cyber Crimes Unit" , which will "enhance" Immigration and Customs ability to "combat criminal enterprises operating on or through the Internet, with specific focus in the areas of cyber economic crime, digital theft of intellectual property, illicit e-e-commerce (including hidden marketplaces), Internet- facilitated proliferation of arms and strategic technology, and cyber enable smuggling and money laundering" and will also help "Federal, State, local, tribal, military, and foreign law enforcement agency personnel engaged in the investigation of crimes" The cyber crimes center will be allowed to coordinate with the Defense Department to hire war veterans. Temporarily increases by 10% the amount of money a State can get from Federal grants if the State has a law that allows the mother of a child to eliminate the parental rights of her rapist and authorizes $5 million for the increases (only 10 states currently have such laws). Adds people convicted in the military justice system to the National Sex Offender Registry. Creates a hotline for sex trafficking victims to speak with service providers starting in 2017. Makes sex trafficking victims automatically eligible for the jobs corps. Allows human trafficking survivors to move to vacate any arrest or conviction records for crimes that they committed as a direct result of human trafficking. Passed the Senate 99-0 and the House 420-3 Sponsored by Senator John Cornyn of Texas 41 pages S. 802: Girls Count Act Authorizes the Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID to coordinate with the World Bank, UN nations agencies and "relevant organizations" to "enact, implement, and enforce laws" in other countries to register births of baby girls. Sunsets in June 2020. Passed the House and the Senate by voice vote Sponsored by Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida 3 pages H.R. 2252: Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act Clarifies the effective date of a new overtime system for border patrol agents, which will effectively pay them less, as January 1, 2016. Passed the House of Representatives and the Senate by voice votes Sponsored by Rep Will Hurd of Texas 1 page H.R. 2496: Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act Authorizes and additional $900 million for a Department of Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in Denver, CO. Passed the House and the Senate by voice votes Sponsored by Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado 2 pages H.R. 606: Don't Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act Excludes money paid to the families of law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty from counting as taxable income. Passed the House of Representatives 413-0 and the Senate by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Erik Paulsen of Minnesota 1 page H.R. 1191: Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act Requires the President to give Congress any agreements with Iran within 5 days of reaching the agreement, along with a report by the Secretary of State on the effectiveness of the agreement. Requires the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee to hold hearings on the agreement within 30 days - 60 days if it would interfere with their August vacation. Prohibits the President from altering sanctions on Iran during the Congressional review period. Prohibits the President from altering sanctions on Iran if a joint resolution of disapproval passes both the House and the Senate for 12 days after passage. If the President vetoes the joint resolution of disapproval, the law prohibits him from altering Iran's sanctions within 10 days of the veto. Allows the agreement to go into effect if Congress does nothing Creates an expedited process for Congress to bring back the sanctions if Iran violates the agreement. Passed the Senate 98-1 and the House of Representatives 400-25. Sponsored by Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania 12 pages H.R. 2353: Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015 Clean extension of Federal transportation programs until July 31, 2015. Passed the House of Representatives 387-35 and the Senate by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Bill Schuster of Pennsylvania 9 pages H.R. 91: Veteran's I.D. Card Act Allows veterans who have honorably completed their service but who didn't "retire" or receive a medically-related discharge to request and pay for an ID card proving their veteran status. The fee for the card will be reassessed every five years. The cards would be available 60 days after the bill would be signed into law. Final version passed the Senate by a voice vote and the House of Representatives 411-0 Sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan 3 pages Bills H.R. 1806: America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015 Funds the National Science Foundation, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Institute f Standards and Technology, the Department of Energy - Science, the Department of Energy - Applied Research and Development, and the Department of Energy - Technology Transfer. Contains a program that transfers taxpayer funded research to manufacturers in the U.S. - including the legal rights to the new inventions - as long as the company pays for 50%+ of the upgrades to their systems. Continues to invest tax money in research for coal, oil, and natural gas It would extend the life of current nuclear power plants instead of design new ones Creates a "nuclear energy enabling technologies program" which, in part, develops "small modular reactors". According to the Department of Energy, small modular reactors are factory-made mini-nuclear power plants that can be shipped to places that don't have the infrastructure or money for large nuclear power plants. The idea is to create these for "U.S. companies" to sell around the world. So far, none of these have been designed, licensed, or constructed and DOE wants them deployed within the next decade. Eliminates research into hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle technology and on-site renewable energy generation for buildings. Eliminates research into fish friendly turbines for hydropower Allows "energy efficiency" money to be used for research into renewable power combined with any fossil fuel (currently only wind-coal combo allowed). Makes the Secretary perform extra market analysis for renewable energy projects. Eliminates a program for taxpayer funded installation of solar and other renewable power on State or local government buildings. Eliminates the objective of "Improving United States energy security" from energy research, prohibits research money from being used for Fossil Energy Environmental Restoration, limits the amount of fossil fuel research money that can be used in universities, and prohibits government research into fossil fuels from being used for regulatory assessments by the government. Invests more taxpayer money in coal energy research. Passed the House of Representatives 217-205 President Obama would veto the bill. The veto threat is because the bill funds much less than requested for many areas of research; for example, it provides less than half of what was requested for clean energy research and grid modernizations. Sponsored by Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas 203 pages H.R. 1735: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Passed the House 269-151 and the Senate (with changes) 71-25 Sponsored by Rep. Mac Thorneberry of Texas 994 pages S. 136: Gold Star Fathers Act Extends hiring advantages for Federal jobs to fathers of people killed in military service (currently, it's only available to mothers). Passed the Senate by voice vote Sponsored by Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon 3 pages H.R. 1732: Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015 Forces the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA to withdraw a proposed rule that would expand protection of waterways in the United States. Orders a new proposed rule to be crafted using studies - including an economic impact study - hand picked by the bill authors. Forces the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA to consult with "public and private stakeholders" that would be effected by the rule Prohibits any additional money for the extra work. Prohibits the Federal government's classification of waterways from voiding State permits for two years. Passed the House of Representatives 261-155 President Obama would veto the bill. Sponsored by Rep. Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, who has taken almost $400,000 from the Oil and Gas industry, with over half of that for the most recent election. 13 pages H.R. 723: Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2015 An immediate family member of a deceased fire fighter, law enforcement officer, member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew who died in the line of duty can request and be sent a Capitol-flown flag free of charge by their Congressional Representative. Caps the amount to be spent on this at $30,000 per year. Passed the House of Representatives by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Peter King of New York 4 pages H.R. 36: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act Makes it illegal for someone to perform an abortion unless: The fetus is 19 weeks or younger The abortion is performed in a way that gives the fetus the best opportunity to survive Exceptions: If the mother's life is in danger due to a physical illness or injury Incest that has been reported to the government The pregnancy is the result of a rape The mother must have gotten rape counseling or medical treatment for the rape, which must be documented in the mother's medical file The rape counseling or report can not be provided by a non-hospital facility that performs abortions. The penalty for performing an abortion illegally can be a fine and 5 years in prison The mother or parents of the mother (if she is a minor) can seek civil damages from the doctor who performed her abortion illegally The mother can not be prosecuted Passed the House of Representatives 242-184 President Obama would veto the bill Sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona 24 pages H.R. 2297: Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 Orders the Secretary of State to report to Congress "the activities of all satellite, broadcast, Internet, or other providers that knowingly provide material support to al-Manar TV and any affiliates" and the status of sanctions against them as ordered by President W. Bush on September 23, 2001. Prohibits financial institutions that process transactions for Hezbollah from opening or maintaining accounts in the United States. Penalties for facilitating Hezbollah transactions will be the greater of $250,000 or twice the transaction amount in addition to a criminal penalty of up to $1 million and up to 20 years in prison. This can be waived in 180 day intervals if the Treasury Secretary says it's in the "national security interests of the United States" These rules will not apply to intelligence activities Passed by 423-0 Sponsored by Rep. Ed Royce of California 20 pages H.R. 474: Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2015 Reauthorized a program for homeless veterans for five years. Clarifies that veterans being released from prison are eligible for benefits. Passed the House by a voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio 3 pages H.R. 1038: Ensuring VA Employee Accountability Act Forces the Department of Veterans Affairs to keep a copy of all official reprimands or admonishments in the employee's permanent record as long as they work at the Department of Veteran's Affairs. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Costello 3 pages H.R. 1313: Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Relief Act Allows the business that was owned by a disabled veteran to keep it's veteran perks if the spouse takes over the business for three years, if the veterans did not die as a result of a service related disability (if the veteran did die of service related injuries, the spouse can keep the benefits for 10 years or until she remarries). Passed the House of Representatives 403-0 Sponsored by Rep. Jerry McNerney 3 pages H.R. 1382: BRAVE Act Authorizes the Secretary of Veteran's Affairs to give preferential treatment to companies that hire veterans in their choice in awarding procurement contracts. A company that lies about the veteran status of its employees will be prohibited from contracting with the Department of Veteran's Affairs for five years. Passed the House of Representatives 404-0 Sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Rice 3 pages H.R. 1816: Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2015 Excludes monthly pension payments from counting as income for veterans who become permanently or totally disabled from non-service related injuries. Limits the total amount of bonus money allowed to be issued to employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Joe Heck of Nevada 3 pages H.R. 874: American Super Computing Leadership Act Broadens the definition of "institution of higher learning" to include organizations that exist to benefit institutions of higher education Orders the Department of Energy to partner with universities, National Laboratories, and industry. Eliminates the Department of Energy's High End Software Development Center and replaces it with a partnerships with universities, National Laboratories, and industry to do research. Part of this program will include outreach to domestic industries, including manufacturing so they can use the technology developed. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Randy Hultgren of Illinois 8 pages H.R. 1162: Science Prize Competitions Act Allows private for-profit entities to be given grants and contract so administer government prize competitions. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Donald Beyer of Virginia 6 pages H.R. 1119: Research and Development Efficiency Act Creates a working group to make recommendations on how to streamline Federal regulations and to "minimize the regulatory burden" on universities performing federally funded research. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Barbara Comstock of Virginia 4 pages H.R. 1156: International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2015 Creates a working group to coordinate international science and technology cooperation, designed in part to "support United States foreign policy goals". Will be co-chaired by officials from the Office of Science and Technology and the Department of State. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Daniel Lipinski of Illinois 4 pages H.R. 1561: Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2015 Creates a program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association to improving weather knowledge, understand how the public reacts to warnings, and develop radar and other weather forecasting technologies. At least 30%) of the money for the program will go to universities, private entities, and NGO's to further their research. Creates a tornado warning improvement program with the goal of predicting tornadoes more than an hour in advance. No budget listed. Creates a Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program with the goal of extending hurricane forecasts. No budget listed. Allows the government to pay commercial providers up to $9 million for weather data Creates a pilot contract which makes NOAA contract with a private sector entity for weather data by October 1, 2016. Authorizes (but doesn't appropriate) about $100 million per year through 2017. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma 25 pages H.R. 1158: Department of Energy Laboratory Modernization and Technology Transfer Act of 2015 Orders an assessment and report on the Department of Energy's ability to host and oversee "privately funded fusion and non-light water reactor prototypes and related demonstration facilities at Department-owned sites" Orders the Energy Department to carry out a pilot program designed to "commercialize" research at National Laboratories. Projects can not directly compete with the private sector. Extends the pilot program until October 31, 2017. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Randy Hultgren of Illinois 16 pages H.R. 880: American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2015 Makes permanent a corporate tax credit for research and development the expired at the end of 2014 The effects of this on the budget will not be counted The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates this would increase the Federal deficits by $182 billion in the next ten years. President Obama would veto the bill. Passed the House of Representatives 274-145 President Obama would veto the bill. Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas 9 pages Hearings Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Hearing: "Border Security: Examining the Implications of S. 1691, the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2013", June 9, 2014. House Committee on Science, Space and Techonology Markup Hearing: "H.R. 1806, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015", April 22, 2015 Additional Information Federation of American Scientists: Status of World Nuclear Forces Federaation of American Scientists/Washington and Lee University Study: The Future of Nuclear Power in the United States U.S. Department of Transportation Factsheet: Deficient Bridges by States and Highway System: Current Data Associated Press Article: House votes to provide for highway aid, plug hole in veterans' health care budget by Joan Lowy, July 29, 2015 Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Fast Track by Terry Quiett Band On the Road Again by Willie Nelson