PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Oct 5, 1998
Directs the Secretary of Commerce, if the Secretary determines that there is sufficient manufacturer interest and that manufacturers will provide fees so the program will operate without Federal Government cost, to establish a toll-free number pilot program solely to help inform consumers whether a product with a retail value of at least $250 is made in America. Requires the Secretary to contract for the establishment and operation of such pilot program. Requires consumers to be informed that registration does not mean that: (1) the product is endorsed or approved by the Government; (2) the Secretary has conducted any investigation to confirm that the product meets the definition of this Act of American made; or (3) the product contains 100 percent U.S. content. (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary to propose regulations to: (1) establish a voluntary product registration procedure; (2) establish and collect a fee to cover registration costs; (3) establish the pilot program; and (4) assess manufacturer interest in the program. Imposes civil monetary penalties for knowingly registering a product that is not American made.
People & committees
Rep. Traficant, James A., Jr. [D-OH-17] · D–OH
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9472-9474)
Mr. Bliley moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 435.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Commerce. H. Rept. 105-759.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Commerce. H. Rept. 105-759.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
Referred to the House Committee on Commerce.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E134)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.563 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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