HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSJM 8016
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 Passed House:
February 27, 2012
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: Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Shin, Chase, Hatfield, Kilmer and Fraser; by request of Lieutenant Governor).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Community & Economic Development & Housing: 2/16/12, 2/20/12 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/27/12, 67-30.
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING |
Majority Report: 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.
Summary of 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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) President Obama and Prime Minister Harper thought it would be a good idea to coordinate more and work together on security, competitiveness, and eliminating the red tape that interferes with moving goods and people across the border. The Canadian Consul General and others met jointly with the Senate and this committee to inform you about this issue. There was a recent conference in Seattle for people interested in this topic. The response to the conference was so great that we had to close off registrations. This memorial goes a step further than making sure we are aware of what is happening, by having us monitor and encourage this effort to move forward. Nothing gives up our sovereignty and security is still maintained by both sides. If we do not agree, we do not allow something to happen. This memorial makes a statement that we think the action plans are a good idea that helps our people.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Brad Owen, Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.