Podcasts about generalized system

Episode 259: In this episode, Lori and Vonda are joined by Bill LaFever, President of the Bill Doran company, to dive into crucial issues impacting the floral industry. Bill sheds light on the recent advocacy efforts in Washington DC, led by the Society of American Florist (SAF), to advocate for the renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). He emphasizes the significance of the GSP in enabling duty-free rose imports from Ecuador and provides valuable insights into its implications.Furthermore, Bill delves into the potential impact of impending tariffs on the industry and shares expert perspectives as Valentine's Day approaches in just two months. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

In a landmark move towards modernising its trade framework, the Mongolia National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) has embarked on an innovative initiative to utilise Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) for issuing Certificates of Origin (COOs). This effort is poised to streamline operations under various trade agreements, including the Generalized System of Preferences for 37 countries, the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) for six countries, and the Mongolia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Mongolia and Blockchain The traditional process of verifying the authenticity of COOs has long been plagued with inefficiencies. Businesses frequently encounter inconsistencies, necessitating direct verification with the MNCCI - a process that incurs additional costs and delays, undermining the advantages of preferential trade arrangements and heightening the risk of fraud. In a decisive response to these challenges, the MNCCI, with support from the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Digital Learning Labs and in collaboration with ADB's East Asia Department (EARD), embarked on an exploratory venture into blockchain technology. The stringent criteria for the project demanded an innovative solution that ensured security, efficiency, and scalability. Morpheus.Network, a firm renowned for its expertise in blockchain services, was selected as the partner for this initiative. Between April and November 2023, Morpheus.Network developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that digitises, tracks, and manages the digital footprints of COOs on the blockchain. This pioneering approach promises to eliminate the inefficiencies of paper-based systems, providing an immutable record of authenticity and enhancing security and trust among all stakeholders. The blockchain solution, aptly branded as "Trust Powered by Blockchain," integrates seamlessly with MNCCI's existing systems, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal operational disruption. Despite the complexities inherent in integrating such advanced technology into established infrastructures, Morpheus.Network delivered the project within the stipulated timeframe and budget. Their adept problem-solving skills, responsiveness to MNCCI and ADB requirements, and ability to navigate challenges were particularly noteworthy. Looking to the future, MNCCI is keen on expanding this solution through partnerships with international donor organisations, underscoring its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhanced transparency and efficiency in international trade. See more breaking stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

The GSP was approved by the Ways & Means Committee last week. Listen to Two Minutes in Trade for more information on HR 7986. 

On this week's episode of Trade Guys, we are discussing China's EV subsidies and the potential renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences.

包括欧盟27个成员国以及英、加、土耳其、乌克兰和列支敦士登在内的32个国家12月1日起将取消给予中国的普惠制关税优惠待遇（the Generalized System of Preferences GSP）。自1978年普惠制实施以来，先后有40个国家给予中国普惠制关税优惠。不过，2014年以来，日本和俄罗斯等5国陆续取消给中国的普惠制待遇。而欧盟等32国取消对中国的普惠制12月1日生效之后，40个国家中仍给予中国这一优惠待遇的国家仅剩挪威、新西兰和澳大利亚。中国失去32个国家的普惠制关税优惠待遇GSP之后要承担的经济代价是什么？

Most of us are unfamiliar with the geometry of thinking and do not think of geometry at all or perhaps we learned of it at school. Whatever the experience is or is not regarding geometry angles are involved to some degree.  Yet, angles are so strange to our everyday communications.  Do we deceive each other because we have no consciously conceptual clarity of what an angle is?  READ THE ENTIRE TRANSCRIPT.  Relevant links are provided therein.

Sobat Cuan, pemerintah Amerika Serikat resmi memperpanjang fasilitas Generalized System of Preferences ( GSP) atau fasilitas bebas bea masuk produk impor asal Indonesia. Keputusan ini diyakini bakal mendorong volume kerja sama dagang antar kedua negara. Tapi, apakah beneran menguntungkan? Terus, kenapa ya kok keputusan ini dilakukan dekat-dekat momentum pilpres AS? Bukannya pemerintahan Trump cukup protektif sama ekonomi dalam negerinya? #USElection #Trump #Biden #GSP

U.S. small businesses are major beneficiaries of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a U.S. program that allows eligible developing countries to export certain products to the U.S. duty-free to spur economic growth in those countries. The program expires on December 31, 2020. Dan Anthony of The Trade Partnership and Coalition for GSP discusses the rationale for GSP, the issues at hand for Congress, and what’s at stake if it expires. Opinions expressed on Trade Matters are solely those of the guest or host and not the Yeutter Institute or the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Show Notes: What Dan Anthony has been reading lately: Rising Import Tariffs, Falling Export Growth: When Modern Supply Chains Meet Old-Style Protectionism by Kyle Handley, Fariha Kamal, and Ryan Monarch

CQ Roll Call's Ellyn Ferguson breaks down what's in the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act and the Generalized System of Preferences and what the outlook is for each of them being renewed.

Tariffs and trade talks continue to be the biggest topic of conversation for those in the agricultural sector. According to the latest Almond Board of California’s Global Update, India imposed retaliatory tariffs on a list of 28 U.S. goods in response to the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs which were implemented last year. This also came after the U.S. removed India’s trade privileges under the Generalized System of Preferences. This is of particular interest for Almond farmers in California, who make up 80% of the world’s global supply. India is California’s number one almond market and almonds are the top U.S. agricultural export to India with a value of $657 million in 2017, according to Dan Wheat of the Capital Press. Almond Board vice president Julie Adams says tariffs in China are responsible for the increased business in India. But the question now becomes, what happens to those gains in the wake of these tariffs put in place by India?Michelle Connelly, executive director of the California Walnut Board, says quote, “The additional 20% tariff puts California at a disadvantage to other producers entering the market. We are extremely disappointed we could not reach a resolution on the ongoing tariff issues.”

In Episode 18, Marc examines the Generalized System of Preferences’ (GSP) original aims and origins, shows how the WTO exacerbates the program’s most detrimental elements and harms developing countries in the long-term, and defends USTR’s decision to suspend India’s GSP benefits.

Keynes and Bown discuss the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the program rich countries use to offer lower tariffs to exporters in developing countries. They discuss a variety of programs—the now expired US GSP scheme,...

Keynes and Bown discuss the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the program rich countries use to offer lower tariffs to exporters in developing countries. They discuss a variety of programs—the now expired US GSP scheme,...

Keynes and Bown discuss the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the program rich countries use to offer lower tariffs to exporters in developing countries. They discuss a variety of programs—the now expired US GSP scheme,...

The U.S. ethanol industry is asking U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to suspend Brazil's designated country status under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) due to "protectionist and market distorting actions in implementing a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) that affects imports of U.S. ethanol." RFA president and CEO Bob Dinneen explains.

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

In this episode, we look at a bill that furthers the "new normal" in Africa, a bill that sanctions Venezuela, a banking bill, a charter school bill, some silly bills that won't become law, and a few Presidential declarations. Presidential Declarations H. Doc. 113-107: Withdrew Russia as a beneficiary country under the Generalized System of Preferences program Russia loses duty-free treatment. On what? State Dept website says: Products that are eligible for duty-free treatment under GSP include: most manufactured items; many types of chemicals, minerals and building stone; jewelry; many types of carpets; and certain agricultural and fishery products. USTR numbers sheet: Top 6 Products: Car parts, metals, tires, oil, precious metal jewelry, corn H. Doc. 113-108: Continued National Emergency in Syria H. Doc 113-109: Proposed agreement for nuclear energy with Vietnam Bills That Passed the House HR 4386: State Supervision of Banks Allows state examinations of banks if the state examines the banks for compliance with federal rules. Became Law on August 8th without any recorded votes. H.R. 3080: Water Project Funding This was the bill that privatized water projects that was the subject of episode CD050: Privatize Water Projects. The version that became law didn't rush environmental reviews. There's no deemed approval of projects and lawsuits against a permit will be barred after 3 years, not five months. The bill keeps the provision that allows natural gas companies and utilities to pay the Army to speed up their permitting process, but added that the authority will expire in seven years and the permits have to be available to the public on the Internet. The House version would have allowed privatization of facility management and emergency water projects but the law allows privatization of the construction of publicly paid-for water projects in the United States. The pilot program to privatize fifteen flood mitigation projects also survived. [caption id="attachment_1556" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Escape from privatized flood control projects in style![/caption] HR 2548: Economic Hitmen to Africa Act of 2014 Passed 297-117 on May 8, 2014 "The Millennium Challenge Corporation's work in the energy sector shows high projected economic rates of return that translate to sustainable economic growth and that the highest returns are projected when infrastructure improvements are coupled with significant legislative, regulatory, institutional, and policy reforms." Orders a report on "Administration policy to support partner country efforts to attract private sector investment and public sector resources." Would be US policy to promote installation of 20,000 megawatts of electricity in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020 and support "the necessary in-country legislative, regulatory and policy reforms to make such expansion of electricity access possible." Electricity would come from new hydroelectric dams "supported" by the private sector. The President needs to establish the policy and funding strategy which includes efforts "to attract private sector investment and public sector resources". It's the sense of Congress that USAID should give loan guarantees to banks in Africa and grants to undefined groups to support this plan. USAID is requesting $1.5 billion from Congress in 2015. Part of the strategy includes providing technical assistance to African governments "to remove unnecessary barriers to investment" in commercial projects. "Trade and development policy: In general, the director of the Trade and Development Agency should promote United States private sector participation in energy sector development projects..." Introduced by Rep. Ed Royce, who represents the hot and dusty parts of Orange County, California. S. 2508, an almost identical bill, was introduced in the Senate in June by a Democrat. The White House has not issued a veto threat. H.R. 4578: Sanction Venezuela Act No Recorded Vote - Passed Unanimously After the former President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, died in 2013, his hand-picked Vice President, Nicholas Maduro, became President. President Maduro continued the policies of Hugo Chavez which are not liked by the multi-national corporations. For example, he recently cracked down on electronics and car dealers for price gauging, making good on an announcement from late last year during which he said he wants limits on business' profit margins. President Nicholas Maduro is not a free-market kind of leader. Since February, there have been protests in the wealthier areas of Venezuela. This is where things get murky. The protests were started by students who were apparently protesting the high crime rate, inflation, and inability to get certain products. People against President Maduro quickly joined. President Maduro has accused the United States of stirring up the protests to attempt what he called a "slow-motion" coup, like the recent successful coup in Ukraine. It's worth remembering that the U.S. was proven to have attempted a coup in Venezuela as recently as 2002. Either way, President Maduro's government has responded with arrests of protestors and expelled three U.S. diplomats from Venezuela whom President Maduro said were responsible recruiting students to lead the protests. H.R. 4578 says that in response to the government's response to the protests - including the intimidation of journalists by the government - the U.S. government will take the following actions: Sanctions against current or former Venezuelan government officials, or anyone acting on behalf of the government, who ordered violence, the arrest of protestors, media censorship, or provided money or support to someone who did. The sanctions include asset blocking of money or property if it comes into the possession of the United States or a United States "person" (corporation). Exception: The importation of goods. The same people eligible for sanctions will be ineligible for visas into the United States. Exception: To let them in for a United Nations event. Sanctions will be applied to people or companies who give Venezuela firearms, ammunition, technology, including telecommunications equipment. The bill also orders a classified report from the Secretary of State on how to improve communications for activists in Venezuela, including activities to "train human rights, civil society, and democracy activists in Venezuela to operate effectively and securely." Gives $5,000,000 to USAID to "provide assistance to civil society in Venezuela" There is currently a hold on the Venezuelan sanctions in the Senate because Senator Mary Landrieu - who has taken at least $1.4 million from the oil & gas industry - put a hold on the bill after Citgo - the wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Venezuela's national oil company - raised concerns that the sanctions would make it harder for the company to import their Venezuelan oil. H.R. 10: Another Charter School Bill Charter School Defined A public school that is exempt from State and local rules about the management of public schools. The schools can not be religious or charge tuition. The purpose of the bill is to use $300 million to expand the number of charter schools in the United States and to divide our education money more equally between public and charter schools. The most significant change to the rules on charter schools is that public money would go towards charter school facilities, which is not currently allowed. The bill would force States to spend 12.5% of their Federal education money on charter school facilities. Creates the "per-pupil facilities aid program" which gives five year grants to States to give to charter schools for facilities. Charter school grants will be valid for five years; currently, the grants are valid for three. States may privatize the application process. Priority for grants will be given to States that don't limit the number of charter schools or the percentage of students that attend charter schools. The application process will include the applicant's ability to get money from the private sector. The vast majority of both Democrats and Republicans voted for it. This bill was authored by Rep. John Kline of Minnesota. He's Chairman of the Education Committee and his #1 campaign contributor for this upcoming election is Apollo Education Group, a multi-billion dollar corporation that makes its money in for-profit education. H.R. 3584: Privately Insured Credit Unions Can Become Members of Federal Home Loan Banks Federal Home Loan Banks Are privately owned cooperatives; they're owned by the member banks They provide money to local banks There are twelve of them around the country Most locals banks are members of at least one Federal Home Loan Bank They get their money from the global credit market. What Would H.R. 3584 Do? Allows privately insured credit unions to become members of Federal Home Loan Banks if they are FDIC eligible or are certified by the State. If the State doesn't get to it in under 6 months, the application is deemed approved. This bill was sponsored by Rep. Steve Stivers of Ohio. His top two contributing industries are Insurance and Commercial Banks. H.R. 4225: Jail for Advertisers Bill Makes advertising the services of prostitutes who are under 18 or are forced into prostitution punishable by ten years in prison. Only nineteen representatives voted against this bill and it now moves into the Senate. Authored by Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Will I get ten years in prison for posting this image?[/caption] H.R. 2527: Therapy for Veteran Sexual Assaults Allows veterans who were sexually assaulted during training to get therapy to deal with the assault included as part of their veterans' health benefit package. Passed without a recorded vote. H.R. 4438: Permanent Business Tax Credits Expands and permanently extends the tax credits businesses receive for research and development expenses. Exempts these tax cuts from being counted by the PAYGO budget scorecard. The bill was written by Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas. The President said he would veto the bill because the tax credits are not paid for. Music Presented in This Episode Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Let Their Heads Roll by Jack Erdie (found on Music Alley by mevio)

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