House Passes Customs Legislation; ATA Seeks Senate Approval
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 644 on Dec. 11, leaving full congressional approval in the hands of the Senate just days before the expected adjournment for the year.
The bill would reauthorize and modernize U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as streamline customs procedures, enhance protection of intellectual property rights on exports and increase enforcement over countries evading import duties.
“Trucks move the majority of freight between the U.S. and its neighbors Mexico and Canada,” American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves said. “This compromise bill will help move that commerce safely and efficiently across those borders, and we urge not only its quick passage, but urge President Obama to sign it into law.”
The bill includes improvements to Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism as well exempting residue in bulk cargo containers from full duty requirements.
If the Senate approves the legislation, Obama is expected to sign it.
