It’s been a good 18 or so hours. Early last night, the Senate Finance Committee approved legislation that would renew GSP, along with special preferences for African countries and Haiti. The version approved by the Finance Committee contained several amendments to the original bill, including one that would make travel goods (e.g., luggage, backpacks, purses) eligible for GSP benefits.
This morning, the House Ways and Means Committee also approved legislation that would renew GSP and the other preferences. Ways and Means did not approve any changes to the original bill. Both Senate Finance and House Ways and Means approved the preferences bill by a voice vote.
Differences between the House and Senate bill will need to be resolved before GSP renewal can move ahead.
