HOUSE BILL REPORT
HJM 4017
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Community & Economic Development & Housing
Brief Description: Encouraging the beyond the border action plan on perimeter security and economic competitiveness and the action plan on regulatory cooperation between the United States and Canada.
Sponsors: Representatives Kenney, Finn, Santos, Ryu, Maxwell and Sells; by request of Lieutenant Governor.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Community & Economic Development & Housing: 1/30/12 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Kenney, Chair; Finn, Vice Chair; Smith, Ranking Minority Member; Orcutt, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Maxwell, Ryu, Santos and Walsh.
Staff: Jennifer Thornton (786-7147).
Background:
On February 4, 2011, President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the joint declaration, Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness, which articulates a shared approach to security in which both countries work together to address threats within, at, and away from United States and Canadian borders, while expediting lawful trade and travel. They also announced the creation of the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) composed of senior regulatory, trade, and foreign affairs officials from both governments, for the purpose of increasing regulatory transparency and coordination between the two countries.
In December of 2011 the United States and Canada released the Beyond the Border Action Plan that details methods for the United States and Canada to work together to enhance joint security and accelerate the legitimate flow of people, goods, and services through four areas of cooperation: (1) addressing threats early; (2) promoting trade facilitation, economic growth, and jobs; (3) strengthening cross-border law enforcement; and (4) protecting shared critical infrastructure and enhancing cybersecurity.
Also, in December of 2011 the initial Joint Action Plan of the RCC was released. This initial Joint Action Plan seeks to foster new approaches to regulatory alignment and serve as a template for future efforts at coordination between the United States and Canada to help reduce barriers to trade, lower costs for consumers and business, and create economic opportunities on both sides of the border through the alignment of regulatory approaches, while not compromising health, safety, or environmental protection standards.
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Summary of Substitute Bill:
The Washington State Senate and House of Representatives recognize the history of partnership and the economic and trade relationship between the United States and Canada.
A request is made to the President, executive branch agencies, and Congress to: (1) work together to see that the Beyond the Border Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness and the Action Plan on Regulatory Cooperation are carried out; and (2) see that the United States' appointees to the Beyond the Border Working Group, the Regulatory Cooperation Council, and the United States' agencies responsible for implementing the Action Plans have the resources necessary to assist in realizing the goals of the action plans.
The relevant committees of the Washington Legislature are resolved to monitor implementation of the action plans for opportunities for state-level cooperation and participation.
Copies of the memorial must be sent to the President, each member of Congress from the State of Washington, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and specified secretaries of executive branch agencies.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
A provision is added for the relevant committees of the Washington Legislature to monitor implementation of the two action plans for opportunities for state-level cooperation and participation.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This memorial relates to last week's joint work session and acknowledges the long standing partnership between the United States and Canada. Jobs in both the United States and Canada depend on the trade and investment that flow across the border. Canada is not only a good trading partner, but our neighbor and one of our best friends. The action plans will enhance joint security and the flow of people, services, and goods. The intent of this memorial is to make members aware of what is going on, and to monitor that the action plans are followed and encouraged. Canada is Washington's number one import market and number two export market. Our citizens and constituents have so much to gain from this effort. People who try do business and to cross the border run into issues and are not a security risk. There is no plan to diminish security concerns. The language details methods to enhance joint security; not take away from it. We are critically impacted and need to follow the action plans, for this to become more than a meeting between the President and Prime Minister, and actually benefit the people.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Kenney, prime sponsor; and Brad Owen, Office of Lieutenant Governor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.