As the House considers amendments to H.R. 2578, the FY16 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act, NTU urges Representatives to support those amendments that would help to restrain spending and address waste in Congress. To that end, NTU will consider “YES” votes on the following amendment to be the pro-taxpayer position:
McClintock (R-CA) International Trade Administration Amd: This amendment would save taxpayers over $311 million by eliminating the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) market promotion activities. Unauthorized since 1996, the ITA provides resources on goods and services pricing and market conditions – all functions already performed by trade associations, businesses, and chambers of commerce. The ITA has been targeted in the past by former Senator Coburn in his 2013 “Wastebook” as the source of a $285,000 grant used by music label executives to travel to Rio under the auspices of promoting music in foreign markets.
Roll call votes on the above amendment to H.R. 2578 will be included in our annual Rating of Congress and “Yes” votes will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Federal Affairs Manager Nan Swift at (703) 683-5700