NASBP Focal Point – April 25, 2024

Federal/International Report

Congress returns next week: First item on the agenda will likely be reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which is set to expire May 10. Included in the Senate’s version. S. 1939, is a provision, which is potentially contentious, to provide security protection for federal lawmakers as they travel through airports. Senate members are working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on specific costs which range from $11 million up to 1/2 billion, which may delay the process of moving the legislation forward. Meanwhile, the House passed it’s version of the FAA, H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, in July 2023. The House’s bill focuses on supporting pilot mental health by requiring the FAA to establish an Aeromedical Innovation and Modernization Working Group to improve its aeromedical decision-making and ensure alignment with modern medical practices. H.R. 3935 calls significant investment for construction in the nation’s airports as delineated in Title IV, “Airport Improvement Program Modifications.”

International Activity

Canadian Customs Bonds: Last week, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) issued a press release regarding its plans to launch its Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) digital initiative, which will modernize the collection of duties and taxes for goods

imported into Canada. In addition to protecting and growing $40 billion a year in revenue for Canadians, CARM will provide a number of other benefits such as: eliminating cumbersome and time-consuming paper-based processes; providing better tools that will allow the CBSA to focus its compliance and enforcement efforts on potential bad actors; improving functionality for importers through the ability to enroll in commercial programs, while submitting accounting documents, and receiving notifications through their CARM Client Portal account. The internal launch of CARM will start on May 13, to allow the Agency to advance work towards the expected benefit of better compliance.

If you are aware of any bills impacting the industry, please reach out to Larry LeClair, NASBP’s Director of Government Relations, and let us know.