Expressing the sense of Congress that all direct and indirect subsidies that benefit the production or export of sugar by all major sugar-producing and -consuming countries should be eliminated.
Impact
If enacted, HCR12 would push the President to pursue the elimination of subsidies from countries exporting significant quantities of sugar. This would require action from the executive branch to negotiate changes in trade practices and report back to Congress on the progress of these negotiations. By advocating for the removal of these subsidies, the bill aims to create a more level playing field in the global sugar market, potentially improving profitability for U.S. sugar producers.
Summary
HCR12 is a concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that all direct and indirect subsidies benefiting the production or export of sugar should be eliminated. This resolution highlights the prevalence of such subsidies across major sugar-producing and consuming countries, including Brazil, India, Thailand, and the European Union. The bill seeks to address the implications of these subsidies on global sugar pricing, emphasizing that they create a market imbalance detrimental to U.S. sugar farmers and processors who cannot compete effectively in an undistorted market.
Contention
During discussions surrounding HCR12, notable contention arose from various stakeholders concerned about the implications of eliminating subsidies. Supporters of the resolution argue that removing subsidies would protect domestic producers from unfair competition, ensuring the longevity of the U.S. sugar industry. However, opponents raise concerns about how such actions may impact sugar availability and prices domestically, along with the ramifications for global trade relations if the U.S. moves unilaterally against subsidies in other nations.
Expressing the sense of Congress that the Federal Government should not impose any restrictions on the export of crude oil or other petroleum products.
Expressing the sense of Congress that there is a climate emergency which demands a massive-scale mobilization to halt, reverse, and address its consequences and causes.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the majority of NATO member countries have failed to meet their defense spending commitment and that the United States should not continue to subsidize the security of countries that choose not to invest in their own defense.
Expressing the sense of Congress that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies have historically provided and continue to provide critical benefits to the people and communities of the United States.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the benefits of global trade improve the lives of Americans and American communities by fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous economy.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that authorities under section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 should be allowed to expire.
A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that there is a climate emergency which demands a massive-scale mobilization to halt, reverse, and address its consequences and causes.
Expressing the sense of Congress to support the case of Beatriz, a young woman from a rural area of El Salvador, living in extreme poverty and with lupus, who fought for her life against the state to allow her to terminate a pregnancy that put her at risk, which exposed the serious consequences of the absolute criminalization of abortion in El Salvador, and urging the Salvadoran state to assume its international obligations in the field of human rights.