101st Congress > Senate > Vote 469
Clerk session vote number: 157
Description: An Act to provide for orderly imports of textiles, apparel, and footwear.
Bill summary: Textile, Apparel, and Footwear Trade Act of 1990 - Limits the 1990 imports of textiles and textile products classified under a category to an amount equal to 101 percent of the total 1989 imports classified under such category.
Limits the 1990 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under a nonrubber footwear category to an amount equal to: (1) the total 1989 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under such category; and (2) in the case of high priced nonrubber footwear, the total 1989
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imports of high priced nonrubber footwear classified under such category.
Provides for a one-percent annual growth in the amount of permitted imports of textiles and textile products after 1990.
Exempts from the limitations imposed under this Act imports of textiles and textile products from U.S. possessions if such articles are exempt from duty under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and are manufactured by U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of such a possession. Limits the imports of certain sweaters made in Guam to a specified amount during FY 1990 and to such amount increased by one percent per year in subsequent years. Declares that such limitations shall not apply to Canada or Israel.
Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into trade agreements to grant new concessions as compensation to the extent required under U.S. trade agreements for the import limits imposed by this Act; and (2) proclaim such modification or continuance of any existing duty on textiles and textile products and on nonrubber footwear as necessary to carry out such agreements. Prohibits the President from reducing any rate of duty by more than ten percent. Requires the President, before entering into such trade agreements, to consider whether a country has violated trade concessions of benefit to the United States and the violation has not been adequately offset. Sets forth requirements governing staged rate reductions in the tariffs of articles affected by this Act. Prohibits the President, except as authorized by this Act, from entering into trade negotiations with any country with respect to duties on textiles, textile products, and nonrubber footwear. Prohibits the President, except as provided in this Act, from decreasing or proposing a decrease in any such duty by any means, including an implementing bill or a proclamation.
Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the administration of this Act.
Requires the Secretary of Commerce, ten years after enactment of this Act, to study and report to the Congress on its operation.
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a pilot program for the issuance and sale to U.S. companies at public auction of import licenses applicable to categories of textiles. Terminates such licensing program on December 31, 1991, and requires a report to the Congress on its administration.
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) President Bush and Mexican President Salinas be commended for beginning the process to achieve a free trade agreement between the United States and Mexico; (2) close cooperation with the Congress in the negotiation of such agreement will facilitate its establishment, and that the United States Trade Representative should, throughout negotiations, consult with Members of Congress whose constituents would be affected by such an agreement; and (3) both countries should consider interim steps to improve trade relations between them while consultations proceed for a free trade agreement.
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Bill titles: To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1991 and 1992 for the customs and trade agencies, and for other purposes.; An Act to provide for orderly imports of textiles, apparel, and footwear.
Original source documents: Digest of the Congressional Record vol. 136, p. 9823;
Links for more info on the vote: congress.gov
