WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding the American JOBS Creation Act of 2004, 18446-18447 [05-7143]

Download as PDF 18446 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 68 / Monday, April 11, 2005 / Notices Dated: March 31, 2005. Peggy M. Philbin, Executive Director, Bureau of Administration, Department of State. [FR Doc. 05–7237 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–24–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice: 5044] 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: DS–157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, OMB Control Number 1405–0134 Notice of request for public comments. ACTION: SUMMARY: The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment in the Federal Register preceding submission to OMB. We are conducting this process in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. • Title of Information Collection: Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application. • OMB Control Number: 1405–0134. • Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection. • Originating Office: CA/VO. • Form Number: DS–157. • Respondents: Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants. • Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,500,000 Per Year. • Estimated Number of Responses: 2,500,000 Per Year. • Average Hours Per Response: 1 Hour. • Total Estimated Burden: 2,500,000 Hours Per Year. • Frequency: Once Per Respondent. • Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain or Retain a Benefit. DATES: The Department will accept comments from the public up to 60 days from April 11, 2005. ADDRESSES: Comments and questions should be directed to Charles Robertson at the Department of State, Visa Office, who may be reached on 202–663–3969. You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • E-mail: robertsonCE3@state.gov. You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and OMB control number in the subject line of your message. • Mail (paper, disk, or CD–ROM submissions): Department of State, Visa Office, 2401 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20522–0106. VerDate jul<14>2003 17:45 Apr 08, 2005 Jkt 205001 • Fax: 202–663–3897. U.S. Embassy Managua: Economic Section, Km. 41⁄2 Carretera Sur, Managua, Nicaragua (505) 266–6010; Department of State: Office of Central American Affairs, 2201 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20520, (202) 736–7660. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 584(c)(i) of H.R. 4818, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 amends Section 527 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 in the following manner: (1) Any action of the types set forth in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of subsection (a)(1) that was taken by the Government of Nicaragua during the period beginning on January 1, 1956, and ending on January 9, 2002, shall not be considered in implementing the prohibition under subsection (a) unless the action has been presented in accordance with the procedure set forth in paragraph (2). (2) An action shall be deemed presented for purposes of paragraph (1) if it is— (A) In writing; and (B) Received by the United States Department of State on or before 120 days after the date specified in paragraph (3) at— (i) The headquarters of the United States Department of State in Washington, DC; or (ii) The Embassy of the United States of America to Nicaragua. (3) The date to which paragraph (2) refers is a date after enactment of this subsection that is specified by the Secretary of State, at the Secretary’s discretion, in a notice published in the Federal Register. The Secretary of State has determined April 1, 2005 as the date described in paragraph (3) of Section 584(c)(i) of H.R. 4818, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed information collection and supporting documents, to Charles Robertson of the Office of Visa Services, U.S. Department of State, 2401 E St. NW., L–603, Washington, DC 20522, who may be reached at 202–663– 3969 or robertsonCE3@state.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to: • Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of our functions. • Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used. • Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. • Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of technology. Abstract of proposed collection: The form collects information from aliens applying for nonimmigrant visas to enter the United States. Methodology: Form DS–157 will be submitted to U.S. embassies and consulates overseas. Dated: April 1, 2005. Janice Jacobs, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. 05–7260 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–06–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs [Public Notice 5046] Selection of Date for Purpose of Section 584(c)(i) of H.R. 4818, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 Department of State. ACTION: Notice. Dated: March 25, 2005. David Lindwall, Director, Office of Central American Affairs, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. 05–7238 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–29–P AGENCY: This notice establishes April 1, 2005 as the date from which the 120 day period will be calculated, in accordance with Section 584(c)(i) of H.R. 4818, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005, which amends Section 527 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995. DATES: This notice is effective on April 1, 2005. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE [Docket No. WTO/DS108] WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding the American JOBS Creation Act of 2004 Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 68 / Monday, April 11, 2005 / Notices SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (‘‘USTR’’) is providing notice that the Dispute Settlement Body (‘‘DSB’’) of the World Trade Organization (‘‘WTO’’) has established at the request of the European Communities (‘‘EC’’) a dispute settlement panel under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (‘‘WTO Agreement’’). That request may be found at https://www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/ DS108/29. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute. DATES: Although USTR will accept any comments received during the course of the dispute settlement proceedings, comments should be submitted on or before May 2, 2005, to be assured of timely consideration by USTR. ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted (i) electronically, to FR0503@ustr.eop.gov, Attn: ‘‘JOBS Act (DS108)’’ in the subject line, or (ii) by fax, to Sandy McKinzy, at 202–395– 3640. For documents sent by fax, USTR requests that the submitter provide a confirmation copy to the electronic mail address listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William D. Hunter, Associate General Counsel, Office of the United States Trade Representative, 600 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20508, (202) 395– 3582. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: USTR is providing notice that the DSB has established, at the request of the EC, a dispute settlement panel pursuant to the WTO Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (‘‘DSU’’). The individual panelists are currently being selected. That panel will hold its meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, and would be expected to issue a report on its findings and recommendations within 90 days after its members have been appointed. Major Issues Raised by the EC On February 17, 2005, the DSB established at the EC’s request a dispute settlement panel pursuant to Articles 6 and 21.5 of the DSU, Article 4 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (‘‘SCM Agreement’’), Article 19 of the Agreement on Agriculture, and Article XXIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (‘‘GATT 1994’’) with respect to the American JOBS Creation Act of 2004 (‘‘the JOBS Act’’). According to the EC, the JOBS Act, which was enacted on October 22, 2004, was intended to implement the recommendations and rulings of the VerDate jul<14>2003 17:45 Apr 08, 2005 Jkt 205001 WTO Dispute Settlement Body in case WT/DS108 (United States—Tax Treatment for ‘‘Foreign Sales Corporations’’ and United States—Tax Treatment for ‘‘Foreign Sales Corporations’’—Recourse to Article 21.5 of the DSU by the European Communities), but fails to do so properly and is inconsistent with the same provisions of the WTO Agreement as was the predecessor legislation. In particular, the EC considers that Section 101 of the JOBS Act contains transitional provisions that will allow U.S. exporters to continue to benefit from the FSC Replacement and Extraterritorial Income Exclusion Act as follows: (a) In the years 2005 and 2006 with respect to all export transactions; and (b) for an indefinite period with respect to certain contracts. According to the EC, this results in a failure to withdraw the subsidy and implement the DSB’s recommendations and rulings. The EC considers that the United States has failed to withdraw the subsidies as required by Article 4.7 of the SCM Agreement and has failed to implement the DSB’s recommendations and rulings as required by Articles 19.1 and 21.1 of the DSU. The EC also considers that the United States continues to violate Articles 3.1(a) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement, Articles 10.1, 8 and 3.3 of the Agreement on Agriculture and Article III:4 of the GATT 1994. Public Comment: Requirements for Submissions Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning the issues raised in this dispute. Persons may submit their comments either (i) electronically, to FR0503@ustr.eop.gov, Attn: ‘‘JOBS Act (DS108)’’ in the subject line, or (ii) by fax to Sandy McKinzy, at 202–395–3640. For documents sent by fax, USTR requests that the submitter provide a confirmation copy to the electronic mail address listed above. USTR encourages the submission of documents in Adobe PDF format, as attachments to an electronic mail. Interested persons who make submissions by electronic mail should not provide separate cover letters; information that might appear in a cover letter should be included in the submission itself. Similarly, to the extent possible, any attachments to the submission should be included in the same file as the submission itself, and not as separate files. Comments must be in English. A person requesting that information contained in a comment submitted by that person be treated as confidential business information must certify that PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 18447 such information is business confidential and would not customarily be released to the public by the submitter. Confidential business information must be clearly designated as such and the submission must be marked ‘‘BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL’’ at the top and bottom of the cover page and each succeeding page. Information or advice contained in a comment submitted, other than business confidential information, may be determined by USTR to be confidential in accordance with section 135(g)(2) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2155(g)(2)). If the submitter believes that information or advice may qualify as such, the submitter— (1) Must clearly so designate the information or advice; (2) Must clearly mark the material as ‘‘SUBMITTED IN CONFIDENCE’’ at the top and bottom of the cover page and each succeeding page; and (3) Is encouraged to provide a nonconfidential summary of the information or advice. Pursuant to section 127(e) of the URAA (19 U.S.C. 3537(e)), USTR will maintain a file on this dispute settlement proceeding, accessible to the public, in the USTR Reading Room, which is located at 1724 F Street, NW., Washington, DC 20508. The public file will include non-confidential comments received by USTR from the public with respect to the dispute; if a dispute settlement panel is convened, the U.S. submissions to that panel, the submissions, or non-confidential summaries of submissions, to the panel received from other participants in the dispute, as well as the report of the panel; and, if applicable, the report of the Appellate Body. An appointment to review the public file (Docket WTO/ DS108, JOBS Act dispute) may be made by calling the USTR Reading Room at (202) 395–6186. The USTR Reading Room is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Daniel E. Brinza, Assistant United States Trade Representative for Monitoring and Enforcement. [FR Doc. 05–7143 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3190–W5–P E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 68 (Monday, April 11, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18446-18447]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-7143]


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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

[Docket No. WTO/DS108]


WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding the American JOBS 
Creation Act of 2004

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

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[[Page 18447]]

SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative 
(``USTR'') is providing notice that the Dispute Settlement Body 
(``DSB'') of the World Trade Organization (``WTO'') has established at 
the request of the European Communities (``EC'') a dispute settlement 
panel under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization (``WTO Agreement''). That request may be found at https://
www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS108/29. USTR 
invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised 
in this dispute.

DATES: Although USTR will accept any comments received during the 
course of the dispute settlement proceedings, comments should be 
submitted on or before May 2, 2005, to be assured of timely 
consideration by USTR.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted (i) electronically, to 
FR0503@ustr.eop.gov, Attn: ``JOBS Act (DS108)'' in the subject line, or 
(ii) by fax, to Sandy McKinzy, at 202-395-3640. For documents sent by 
fax, USTR requests that the submitter provide a confirmation copy to 
the electronic mail address listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William D. Hunter, Associate General 
Counsel, Office of the United States Trade Representative, 600 17th 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20508, (202) 395-3582.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: USTR is providing notice that the DSB has 
established, at the request of the EC, a dispute settlement panel 
pursuant to the WTO Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the 
Settlement of Disputes (``DSU''). The individual panelists are 
currently being selected. That panel will hold its meetings in Geneva, 
Switzerland, and would be expected to issue a report on its findings 
and recommendations within 90 days after its members have been 
appointed.

Major Issues Raised by the EC

    On February 17, 2005, the DSB established at the EC's request a 
dispute settlement panel pursuant to Articles 6 and 21.5 of the DSU, 
Article 4 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures 
(``SCM Agreement''), Article 19 of the Agreement on Agriculture, and 
Article XXIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 
(``GATT 1994'') with respect to the American JOBS Creation Act of 2004 
(``the JOBS Act''). According to the EC, the JOBS Act, which was 
enacted on October 22, 2004, was intended to implement the 
recommendations and rulings of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body in case 
WT/DS108 (United States--Tax Treatment for ``Foreign Sales 
Corporations'' and United States--Tax Treatment for ``Foreign Sales 
Corporations''--Recourse to Article 21.5 of the DSU by the European 
Communities), but fails to do so properly and is inconsistent with the 
same provisions of the WTO Agreement as was the predecessor 
legislation.
    In particular, the EC considers that Section 101 of the JOBS Act 
contains transitional provisions that will allow U.S. exporters to 
continue to benefit from the FSC Replacement and Extraterritorial 
Income Exclusion Act as follows: (a) In the years 2005 and 2006 with 
respect to all export transactions; and (b) for an indefinite period 
with respect to certain contracts. According to the EC, this results in 
a failure to withdraw the subsidy and implement the DSB's 
recommendations and rulings. The EC considers that the United States 
has failed to withdraw the subsidies as required by Article 4.7 of the 
SCM Agreement and has failed to implement the DSB's recommendations and 
rulings as required by Articles 19.1 and 21.1 of the DSU. The EC also 
considers that the United States continues to violate Articles 3.1(a) 
and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement, Articles 10.1, 8 and 3.3 of the Agreement 
on Agriculture and Article III:4 of the GATT 1994.

Public Comment: Requirements for Submissions

    Interested persons are invited to submit written comments 
concerning the issues raised in this dispute. Persons may submit their 
comments either (i) electronically, to FR0503@ustr.eop.gov, Attn: 
``JOBS Act (DS108)'' in the subject line, or (ii) by fax to Sandy 
McKinzy, at 202-395-3640. For documents sent by fax, USTR requests that 
the submitter provide a confirmation copy to the electronic mail 
address listed above.
    USTR encourages the submission of documents in Adobe PDF format, as 
attachments to an electronic mail. Interested persons who make 
submissions by electronic mail should not provide separate cover 
letters; information that might appear in a cover letter should be 
included in the submission itself. Similarly, to the extent possible, 
any attachments to the submission should be included in the same file 
as the submission itself, and not as separate files.
    Comments must be in English. A person requesting that information 
contained in a comment submitted by that person be treated as 
confidential business information must certify that such information is 
business confidential and would not customarily be released to the 
public by the submitter. Confidential business information must be 
clearly designated as such and the submission must be marked ``BUSINESS 
CONFIDENTIAL'' at the top and bottom of the cover page and each 
succeeding page.
    Information or advice contained in a comment submitted, other than 
business confidential information, may be determined by USTR to be 
confidential in accordance with section 135(g)(2) of the Trade Act of 
1974 (19 U.S.C. 2155(g)(2)). If the submitter believes that information 
or advice may qualify as such, the submitter--
    (1) Must clearly so designate the information or advice;
    (2) Must clearly mark the material as ``SUBMITTED IN CONFIDENCE'' 
at the top and bottom of the cover page and each succeeding page; and
    (3) Is encouraged to provide a non-confidential summary of the 
information or advice.
    Pursuant to section 127(e) of the URAA (19 U.S.C. 3537(e)), USTR 
will maintain a file on this dispute settlement proceeding, accessible 
to the public, in the USTR Reading Room, which is located at 1724 F 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20508. The public file will include non-
confidential comments received by USTR from the public with respect to 
the dispute; if a dispute settlement panel is convened, the U.S. 
submissions to that panel, the submissions, or non-confidential 
summaries of submissions, to the panel received from other participants 
in the dispute, as well as the report of the panel; and, if applicable, 
the report of the Appellate Body. An appointment to review the public 
file (Docket WTO/DS108, JOBS Act dispute) may be made by calling the 
USTR Reading Room at (202) 395-6186. The USTR Reading Room is open to 
the public from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday.

Daniel E. Brinza,
Assistant United States Trade Representative for Monitoring and 
Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 05-7143 Filed 4-8-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3190-W5-P
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