United States Trade Representative News

According to the Internatinal Chamber of Shipping, the United States Congress signaled last week its intention to approve major free trade deals with Asia and Europe. ICS voices serious concern about the potentially protectionist approach being taken by the U.S. with respect to the future transport of energy exports. U.S. energy exports by sea are predicted to expand massively as a consequence of the shale revolution. International ship operators, represented by ICS, are particularly anxious that a regime currently being developed to promote the carriage of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports on U.S. flag ships may set an undesirable precedent should the U.S. decide to lift the current ban on crude oil exports (as is being considered by Congress at the moment).

Striving to grow mutually with other organizations has been a strategies of Shipping Professional Networking (Mumbai) which has seen its membership swell rapidly every since it was established three years ago. This was evident at SPNM's 9th Networking event held on 4th July at the Acres Club, Mumbai the day Americans celebrate their Independence Day. It welcomed the U.S. India Importer’s Council (USIIC) to network with its members and make a presentation of its various activities that could benefit members. Noble Shipping Pvt Ltd., came forward to sponsor the event which was endorsed by the USIIC. The occasion saw a large number of members turning up alongwith some leading lights of the industry whose presence offered members an opportunity to interact on matters of interests.

Representative Ehlers (R-MI) introduced a bill (H.R. 4416) to establish the Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Committee. Representative Crane (R-IL) introduced a bill (H.R. 4418) to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2005 and 2006 for the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security, for the Office of the United States Trade Representative, for the United States International Trade Commission, and for other purposes. Representative Obey (D-WI) introduced a bill (H.R. 4422) making appropriations for the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, and Transportation for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes.

The text of various bills recently introduced in the House of Representatives has now been posted on the Internet. H.R. 4397 would temporarily exempt scrapping of obsolete naval and Maritime Administration (MARAD) vessels from certain environmental laws. H.R. 4416 would establish the Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Committee. H.R. 4418 would authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2005 and 2006 for the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security, for the Office of the United States Trade Representative, for the United States International Trade Commission, and for other purposes. H.R.

Blank Rome LLP announced that Conor T. Warde has joined the as an Associate in the maritime group. Warde brings experience in international maritime law and will be based in Blank Rome’s Washington, D.C. office. Prior to joining Blank Rome, Warde served as Associate General Counsel of International Registries, Inc., which administers the Marshall Islands Maritime Registry. In this capacity, Warde guided the Registry on the interpretation and enforcement of national and international laws and regulations affecting the maritime industry, including International Maritime Organization and International Labor Organization conventions. During this time…