Strong standards have already been set for 2012-2016, which raise the fleet average to 35 miles per gallon. While the NAM is supportive of reasonable standards to improve fuel efficiency, setting unrealistic goals will only increase the cost of doing business here, limiting consumer options, costing jobs and increasing vehicle prices.

Moving forward, it is important that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are pragmatic in their approach, ensuring they are not establishing regulations that require manufactures to speculate what technologies might be available in 2024!

These proposed CAFE standards must be based on current science. It is thought by many that DOT and EPA will propose a standard of 56.5. If this is accurate then clearly these standards will not have been based on science but rather on something else.  It is critical that in proposing new fuel standards, the EPA and DOT make sure that America continues its tradition of a robust manufacturing market for automobiles that help grow our economy and protect jobs.

Chip Yost is vice president for energy resources policy, National Association of Manufacturers

President Obama meets today with the Chinese dialoguists at the White House, including Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and State Councilor Dai Bingguo. (Companies want results, please.) On Tuesday the President travels to El Paso to promote comprehensive immigration reform and then jaunts over to a political fundraiser at the Austin City Limits stage. On Wednesday, the President participates in a CBS Town Hall on the economy at the Newseum. The President may also issue an executive order requiring disclosure of campaign contributions to qualify for federal contracts, a politically motivated attack on the First Amendment.

The House convenes Tuesday at noon and will debate H.R. 1229, the Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act. On Wednesday, the energy debate will continue with H.R. 1231, Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act. On Thursday and Friday, the House will debate the FY2012 intelligence authorization. For more, see the Majority Leader’s report.

The Senate convenes at 2 p.m. today and will debate the nomination of James Cole to be Deputy Attorney General. Senate Democrats are expected to bring a proposal to the floor to discourage domestic energy production by raising taxes on the oil and gas industry. The Senate Budget Committee may also see a budget plan from its chairman, Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND). Or maybe not.

Senate Hearings: TUESDAY — A Senate Judiciary subcommittee holds a hearing on protecting privacy when using mobile devices. Senate Energy and Natural Resources holds a hearing on new developments in upstream oil and gas technologies. Banking reviews the final report of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission. Senate Finance considers deficit reduction and Social Security. WEDNESDAY –Senate Judiciary holds a hearing with the jejune title, “The AT&T/T-Mobile Merger: Is Humpty Dumpty Being Put Back Together Again?” with witnesses including the CEOs, Randall L. Stephenson of AT&T, Philipp Humm of T-Mobile USA, and Daniel R. Hesse of Sprint Nextel Corporation. The Finance Committee holds a hearing on the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. Senate Commerce holds a hearing, “Manufacturing Our Way to a Stronger Economy,” with testimony from Stephanie Burns of Dow-Corning. THURSDAY – Energy and Natural Resources scrutinizes carbon capture and sequestration, including two related bills, S.699 and S.757. The HELP Committee asks, “The Endangered Middle Class: Is the American Dream Slipping Out of Reach for American Families?” Banking holds an oversight hearing on Dodd-Frank implementation, “Monitoring Systemic Risk and Promoting Financial Stability,” with Fed Chairman Bernanke testifying. Senate Judiciary marks up nominations and legislation, including the legally tenebrous S.623, Sunshine in Litigation Act. Senate Finance holds a hearing, “Oil and Gas Tax Incentives and Rising Energy Prices.”

House Hearings: TUESDAY – House Oversight committee holds a hearing, “The Future Of Capital Formation.” WEDNESDAY – A Homeland Security subcommittee discusses law enforcement, drug cartels and border security. Natural Resources holds a hearing,  “American Energy Initiative: Identifying Roadblocks to Wind and Solar Energy on Public Lands and Waters.” House Armed Services marks up H.R. 1540, the DOD authorization bill. An Education and Workforce subcommittee wonders how to go about “Removing Inefficiencies in the Nation’s Job Training Programs.” House Science reviews hydraulic fracturing technology and practices. A Financial Services subcommittee ponders the Federal Reserve, government debt, and the debt ceiling. A Transportation and Infrastructure Committee subcommittee hears from EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson at a hearing, “EPA Mining Policies: Assault on Appalachian Jobs – Part II.”  A Financial Services subcommittee considers proposals to address the negative consequences of the Dodd-Frank whistleblower provisions.  Ways & Means holds a hearing, “Need for Comprehensive Tax Reform to Help American Companies Compete in the Global Market and Create Jobs for American Workers.” Financial Services marks up bills, including an extension of the deadline for Dodd-Frank Act’s derivatives provisions. Foreign Affairs holds a hearing on export controls, arms sales and reforms; administration officials testify. The Agriculture Committee holds a hearing on the pending free trade agreements.   An Oversight subcommittee joins the Small Business Committee to ask the question, “Politicizing Procurement: Will President Obama’s Proposal Curb Free Speech and Hurt Small Business?” FRIDAY — Energy and Commerce holds a hearing on FCC process reform, with the commissioners testifying.  A Science subcommittee holds a hearing on nuclear energy risk management. An Energy and Commerce subcommittee holds a hearing, “The American Energy Initiative: the Jobs and Permitting Act of 2011.”

Executive Branch: The U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue involves Treasury Secretary Geithner, Secretary of State Clinton, Commerce Secretary Locke and U.S. Trade Representative Kirk, among others. Transportation Secretary LaHood heads to NYC and Detroit today to make “major” announcements about high-speed intercity rail involving hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars. On Friday, Commerce Secretary Locke travels to Wilmington, Del., for the fourth stop of the New Markets, New Jobs: National Export Initiative Small Business Tour. See also USTR’s weekly schedule.

Economic Reports: From The New York Times: “Data will include import prices for April and wholesale trade inventories for March (Tuesday); the trade deficit for March (Wednesday); the Producer Price Index for April, retail sales for April, weekly jobless claims and business inventories for March (Thursday); and the Consumer Price Index for April and the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for May (Friday).” See also Neil Irwin’s week-ahead column in The Washington Post.

President Obama welcomes Israeli President Shimon Peres to the White House on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the President travels to Philadelphia to talk about energy and visit wind-turbine manufacturer Gamesa Technology Corp. in Fairless Hills, an event billed by the White House as a “town hall discussion with workers about building a 21st century clean energy economy to win the future.” And to repeat slogans! Also Wednesday, the President travels to NYC to deliver remarks at Al Sharpton’s National Action Network’s 20th Anniversary and National Convention.

The Senate convenes at 2 p.m. today, with a judicial confirmation vote in the evening. A vote is expected Tuesday on an amendment to repeal the 1099 tax reporting requirements imposed by last year’s health care law. Otherwise, uncertainty blooms. A vote on a spending resolution might occur, one awaits a vote on the McConnell amendment to block the EPA from regulating greenhouse gases, and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has confounded leadership with an amendment expressing the sense of the Senate on U.S. military involvement in Libya.

The House convenes at noon today with one scheduled bill on suspension, H.R. 1246, to reduce the DOD’s appropriation on printing and reproduction. The rest of the week pours strong policy brew, H.R. 910, the Energy Tax Prevention Act, to block EPA regulation of greenhouse gases, and H.J.Res. 37, disapproving the FCC’s regulation of the Internet and broadband practices. No Friday session is scheduled, but with a budget shutdown glooming…. For more, see the House Majority Leader’s floor schedule. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) releases a deficit-cutting 2012 budget plan on Tuesday.

Senate Hearings: Tuesday — An Appropriations subcommittee hears from Treasury Secretary Geithner on the department’s budget. Wednesday — The Senate Judiciary Committee holds a hearing on the government’s perspective on protecting privacy in the digital age. EPW hears from state and local officials on transportation issues. An Armed Services subcommittee reviews DOD’s strategic systems. Thursday — HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan testifies before an Appropriations subcommittee. Energy and Natural Resources holds a hearing on biofuels, infrastructure, and S. 187, the Biofuels Market Expansion Act. Senate Judiciary marks up bills, including S.394, the No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act, and votes on judicial nominees. Homeland Security holds a hearing, “Securing the Border: Progress at the Local Level.”

House Hearings: The House Appropriations Committee and its subcommittees have a heavy week of committee hearing on agency budgets, many of interest to manufacturers. See the full list here. Monday — House Rules meets to formulate a rule on H.J.Res. 37, the FCC disapproval resolution. Tuesday — A House Homeland Security subcommittee holds a hearing on securing ports of entry against illicit money, guns and drugs. A Transportation subcommittee hears from members of Congress on reforming surface transportation. A Natural Resources subcommittee reviews budgets of the BLM and Forest Service’s energy and minerals programs. A separate Natural Resources subcommittee holds a hearing, “Creating Abundant Water and Power Supplies and Job Growth by Restoring Common Sense to Federal Regulations.” Rules prepares the rule for H.R. 910, the Energy Tax Prevention Act, preventing EPA regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. Wednesday — An Agriculture subcommittee considers the state of the beef industry. A Financial Services subcommittee holds hearings on improving the structure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. House Education and Workforce holds a hearing on federal education and workforce programs and the GAO report on government waste. A Natural Resources subcommittee holds hearings on legislation to promote offshore leasing and drilling: H.R.1229, H.R.1230, and H.R. 1231. Foreign Affairs considers export controls and arm sales. The Small Business Committee holds a hearing on free trade agreements and small business; witnesses include Jason Speer of Quality Float Works. An Oversight subcommittee assesses the impact of greenhouse gas regulations on business. A Science subcommittee looks at offshore drilling safety and response technologies. Thursday — A Transportation subcommittee holds a hearing on railroad and hazardous materials transportation plans. An Agriculture subcommittees considers market promotion programs and ag exports. Ed&Workforce holds a hearing on education reforms. A Homeland Security subcommittee considers improving international cooperation on aviation security. The trade subcommittee of Ways & Means holds a hearing that makes the case for the U.S.-South Korea FTA. A Small Business subcommittee reviews the Creating Jobs Through Small Business Innovation Act.

Executive Branch: Transportation Secretary LaHood joins Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and  Rep. Charles Dent (R-PA) in Allentown, Pa., to tour the site of a natural gas pipeline explosion and make an announcement on pipeline safety. (News story.) Energy Secretary Chu is in Dubai Wednesday and Thursday for the Clean Energy Ministerial.  U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk travels to Pittsburgh on Thursday to meet with the Executive Committee of the United Steel Workers. On Saturday, Ambassador Kirk speaks in Dallas at the Society of American Business Editors and Writers conference. (USTR weekly schedule.)

Economic Reports: From The New York Times: “Data will include the Institute for Supply Management’s service sector index for March (Tuesday); retailers’ sales data for March, weekly jobless claims and consumer credit data for February (Thursday); and wholesale trade inventories for February (Friday).” For more, see Neil Irwin’s column, Washington Post.

The Senate convenes at 2 p.m. and moves to consideration of S. 493, SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act. The legislation is the vehicle for Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s amendment to block EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emission, and other related maneuvers.

The House convenes at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Major items on the floor schedule this week include Tuesday’s consideration on suspension of H.R. 1079, the Airport and Airway Extension Act, and H.R. 839, the HAMP Termination Act. The Wednesday schedule features H.R. 471, Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act, and H.R. 872, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act. Debate begins Thursday on H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act, with possible consideration of an amendment to block new regulations governing lithium battery transports. For more, see the Majority Leader’s weekly schedule.

The continuing resolution expires April 8, so machinations continue over the 2011 budget, the 2012 budget, deficits, debt and the fiscal stability of the United States.

President Obama is scheduled to address the nation tonight on the U.S. involvement in Libya. The speech is planned for 7:30 Eastern from the National Defense University. On Thursday, the President travels to New York City to dedicate the Ronald H. Brown Mission to the United Nations Building

Doug Oberhelman, chairman and CEO of Caterpillar and vice chairman of the National Association of Manufacturers, testifies Wednesday at a House Ways and Means subcommittee hearing on the U.S.-Panam Free Trade Agreement. Hearing details.

Senate Hearings: Tuesday — Senate Energy and Natural Resources holds a hearing on recent events at the Fukushima Daiichi reactor complex after the earthquake and tsunami. A Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee examines tools to prevent DOD cost overruns. The Commerce Committee considers the economic ramifications of cyber threats and private-sector vulnerabilities. Wednesday – Senate Finance seeks answers to the question, “How Do Complexity, Uncertainty and Other Factors Impact Responses to Tax Incentives?” An Appropriations subcommittee reviews the HHS budget, with Secretary Sebelius testifying. Another Appropriations subcommittee considers nuclear safety in light of the Japanese disasters. The Agriculture Committee holds a hearing on high gas prices and farming. A Commerce subcommittee holds a hearing on motorcoach safety. Thursday — Energy and Natural Resources holds a hearing on S. 629, to improve hydropower, and S. 640, on marine and hydrokinetic energy. Judiciary marks up bills and votes on nomination of Jack McConnell of Motley Rice to the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island , and Goodwin Liu to the 9th Circuit. Senate HELP holds a hearing on improving safety at dangerous mines. Finance Committee considers Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation. Homeland Security holds a hearing on securing the border.

House Hearings: Tuesday — A House Appropriations subcommittee hears from Transportation Secretary LaHood on the DOT’s budget. A Transportation subcommittee starts two days of hearings on improving surface transportation programs. A Judiciary subcommittee considers the quality of agency regulations. Wednesday — Natural Resources reviews the budget and mission of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement. An Appropriations subcommittee holds a hearing on DOE’s budget for energy efficiency, renewables and the like. Homeland Security considers how well public safety communications are serving the needs of first responders. A Science subcommittee ventures into NASA’s exploration programs, “Issues for Congress and Industry.” Ways & Means holds another “Impediments to Job Creation” hearing, this time focusing on budget deficits and federal debt. An Energy and Commerce subcommittee examines the effect of the 2010 health care law on budgets and jobs. A Transportation subcommittee starts two days of hearings on  how to improve the nation’s surface transportation programs. House Small Business holds a hearing, “Reducing Federal Agency Overreach: Modernizing the Regulatory Flexibility Act.” A Judiciary subcommittee examines patent reform legislation. An Oversight subcommittee holds a hearing, “Unfunded Mandates and Regulatory Overreach Part II.” A Financial Services subcommittee holds an oversight hearing on the costs of implementing Dodd-Frank. Thursday -- An Energy and Commerce subcommittee reviews H.R. 908, extending the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program. An Appropriations subcommittees considers the CPSC budget. Natural Resources examines the impact of gas prices on businesses and families. A House Science subcommittee practices skepticism on climate change policy and science. An Education and Workforce subcommittee ponders union transparency and accountability, or the absence thereof. Judiciary’s immigration subcommittee looks at H-1B visas. A Foreign Affairs subcommittee posits “The urgent case for Canadian oil.” An Appropriations subcommittee considers the DOE’s budget for loan guarantees and ARPA-E. A Science subcommittee looks at the SBIR and STTR programs. A Foreign Affairs subcommittee contemplates protecting U.S. interests in China and Asia, with trade one of the issues. Friday — An Appropriations subcommittee hears from Secretary Sebelius on the HHS budget. The Ag subcommittee of Appropriations meets on the budget for the USDA’s food, nutrition and consumer services. A Natural Resources subcommittee holds a hearing on energy development on Indian lands.

Executive Branch: Commerce Secretary Locke gives the keynote address Tuesday at the Asia Pacific Business Outlook conference at the USC Marshall School of Business in Los Angeles. Treasury Secretary Geithner visits Nanjing, China, on Thursday in preparation for the U.S.-China Economic Dialogue.

Judicial Branch: The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments today in CSX v. McBride, “Whether a railroad employee injured on the job must show that his employer’s negligence was the proximate cause (that is, the main cause) of the injury to recover under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, or whether it is enough to show that the employer’s negligence played some part in the injury.” On Tuesday, the Supreme Court hears the largest class-action lawsuit in history, Wal-Mart Stores v. Betty Dukes, dealing with female employees and the proper certification of classses. (Scotusblog entry.)

Economic Reports: The major economic report of the week is the March unemployment figures, released Friday. Otherwise, as The New York Times reports: “Data will include personal income and spending for February (Monday); the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller home price index (Tuesday); initial jobless claims (Thursday); and the Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index (Friday).” For more, see Neil Irwin’s Washington Post column.

President Obama continues his Latin America tour today in Chile and, circumnavigating Colombia, El Salvador on Tuesday.

The Senate reconvenes at 2 p.m. next Monday, March 28, with debate to continue on  S. 493, SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act. Call your Senator urging support for the McConnell amendment to block EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. The House reconvenes at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 29.

Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, speaks Wednesday at the annual meeting of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nashville.

House Hearings: Monday — The House Education and Workforce Commitee holds a field hearing in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., “Role of Higher Education in Job Growth:  The Role of Higher Education in Job Growth and Development.”  (Media advisory.) Witnesses include Jeffrey Alesson, vice president at Diamond Manufacturing, Exeter, Penn. Tuesday — House Ed&Workforce continues on the theme, “Reviving our Economy: The Role of Higher Education in Job Growth and Development,” in Utica., N.Y.  Wednesday — House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health holds a field hearing in Harrisburg, Pa. , “PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) in Pennsylvania: One Year of Broken Promises.” Witnesses include Ann Daane, vice president of North America Human Resources for Case New Holland. Thursday — The Energy and Power Subcommittee of Energy and Commerce holds a field hearing in Houston, “EPA’s Greenhouse Gas and Clean Air Act Regulations:  A Focus on Texas’ Economy, Energy Prices and Jobs.”

Executive Branch: Monday — Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke is in São Paolo today and will give remarks to the American Chamber of Commerce luncheon followed by a tour of Cummins Inc. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is in Boulder, Colo., to tour the Ball Aerospace Campus and discuss the future of the Landsat program. (Advisory) Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano holds a news conference at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ to make an announcement about E-Verify. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is in Portland, Ore., to visit United Streetcar at an Apollo Alliance event to promote manufacturing in the transit industry. LaHood later meets members of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. Defense Secretary Gates is in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Economic Reports: From The New York Times: “Data will include existing home sales for February (Monday); new home sales for February (Wednesday); durable goods orders for February and initial jobless claims (Thursday); and gross domestic product for the fourth quarter and the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for March (Friday).”

Ray LaHood

Secretary Ray LaHood gave the keynote address Tuesday night at the National Bike Summit. Bicycle Retailer and Industry News has a good report on the evening’s activities at the Grand Hyatt, “Sec. LaHood Calls for Action.” Excerpt:

LaHood, 65, shared his long family history in cycling, which began when he was a young boy riding his Schwinn bike—calling it “the best-looking bike in the neighborhood”—around Peoria, Illinois. He reassured attendees that he continues to be a “full partner” and that cyclists can also continue to count on President Obama’s support.

“Most of you worked hard to get him elected and the president’s budget for 2012 shows that livable communities really is his vision,” he said.

That’s an unusually direct political appeal for a Cabinet secretary to make at an ostensibly non-political event.  

Secretary LaHood elucidated the President’s agenda further in his post at the FastLane blog, “My message to the 2011 National Bike Summit: ‘We have work to do’.”

Now, the transportation budget President Obama proposed to Congress is a big, bold vision for the next generation of American transportation. And walkable, bikeable, livable communities are a central part of that vision.  The President’s 2012 budget would boost funding for pedestrian and bike-friendly communities to $4.1 billion.  And the Administration would like to see these essential resources included in the next six-year transportation legislation.

We thought the Administration was focused on jobs, economic growth and competitiveness, but instead we find that it has made “livable communities” a priority. And how, exactly, is urban development in Sheboygan, Montpelier or Corvallis a federal responsibility?

Bill Graves, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, issued a statement in February on the President’s budget and its lack of vision in the transportation infrastructure: “While very substantial increases in funding are proposed for high-speed passenger rail, transit, an infrastructure bank, and a ‘livability’ initiative, the proposal gives short shrift to our nation’s highways, which Americans overwhelmingly rely on for their daily transportation needs and goods movement.”

Indeed. As ATA reports: “Trucking serves as a barometer of the U.S. economy, representing 68 percent of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation, including manufactured and retail goods. Trucks hauled 8.8 billion tons of freight in 2009.  Motor carriers collected $544.4 billion, or 81.9 percent of total revenue earned by all transport modes.”

You know what really makes all communities more livable? Safe and efficient transportation of freight.

Bicycling advocates will arrive en masse in Washington on Tuesday for the annual National Bike Summit, three days of planning and lobbying that made news last year when Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood climbed onto a table to address the group.

No, that’s not right. While bike bloggers loved LaHood’s table speech, what made news was his bumptious policy pronouncement:

Today, I want to announce a sea change. People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning. This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.

As we then argued in a Shopfloor post, “Embracing Bicycles at Expense of Freight, Jobs, Reality:

Treating bicycles and other non-motorized transportation as equal to motorized transportation would cause an economic catastrophe. If put into effect, the policy would more than undermine any effort the Obama Administration has made toward jobs. You can’t have jobs without the efficient movement of freight.

Reading this jaw-dropping policy announcement, we thought the Secretary had let his enthusiasm get the best of him. Alas, no, his comments were actually reinforced in what he described as a “major policy revision” posted at the Federal Highway Administration website, Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation.”

Secretary LaHood’s remarks showed misguided leadership, an agency askew. Instead of focusing limited federal dollars — they are limited, you know — on interstate commerce and infrastructure, the Secretary talks up “community livability,” i.e., urban planning, bike commuting as the answer to traffic congestion, and he seems to be more interested in his anti-texting campaign than freeways, roads and bridges.

The Examiner calls it “LaHood’s war against cars.” We call it wrong priorities.

President Obama welcomes Prime Minister Julia Gillard of Australia to the White House on Monday; she addresses a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. The President joins Melinda Gates and Education Secretary Duncan on Tuesday in a visit to TechBoston Academy. On Thursday the President keeps the focus on jobs and the economy by hosting the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention. On Friday, the Chicago Blackhawks stop by to celebrate their Stanley Cup victory. For more on the President’s schedule, go here.

The House convenes at 2 p.m. Tuesday. On the suspension calendar are H.R. 570, the Dental Emergency Responder Act, and H.R. 525, the Veterinary Public Health Workforce and Education Act. (Anything for emergency veterinary dentists?) On the regular floor agenda are H.R. 830, the FHA Refinance Program Termination Act, and H.R. 836, the Mortgage Relief Program Termination Act. For more, see the Majority Leader’s weekly schedule.

The Senate convenes at 2 p.m. Monday and moves to U.S. district court nominations. The major issue of the week is H.R. 1, the House-passed FY2011 continuing resolution, with a Tuesday cloture vote. Also on the floor schedule is S. 23, the Patent Reform Act.

If unrest in Libya results in higher oil prices, does turmoil in Wisconsin produce beer-cheese-soup inflation?

Senate Hearings: Monday – The Senate Judiciary Committee holds a field hearing in Colchester, Vt., “Strategies to Protect and Promote Vermont Brands.” Witnesses include Michael Rainville of Maple Landmark, Inc., and president of the Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association. Tuesday – Armed Services reviews the Navy’s FY2012 budget request. Senate Budget Committee hears from the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform on deficits, debt, doom. Energy and Natural Resources holds a hearing on Peter Lyons to be DOE’s assistant secretary for nuclear energy. Senate Finance asks, “Does the Tax System Support Economic Efficiency, Job Creation and Broad-Based Economic Growth?” Economists opine. Appropriations hears from OMB Director Lew on the President’s FY2012 budget request. Transportation Secretary LaHood testifies before the Commerce Committee on DOT’s budget request.  Wednesday – U.S. Trade Representative Kirk presents the President’s 2011 Trade Agenda to the Senate Finance Committee. Senate Budget ponders the “Distribution and Efficiency of Spending in the Tax Code.”  The Small Business Committee marks up the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) reauthorization. EPW hears from Secretary LaHood on the Federal Highway Administration’s budget.  Senate Banking reviews the state of the housing market.  Commerce examines NASA and possible programmatic changes. (Privatization?)  Interior Secretary Salazar testifies before an Appropriations subcommittee on his budget. Energy and Natural Resources holds a hearing on S.398, to improve energy efficiency of certain appliances and equipment; and S.395, the Better Use of Light Bulbs Act; manufacturing trade associations are represented. Thursday – Transportation Secretary LaHood testifies before an Appropriations subcommittee on the DOT budget. Senate Banking considers the SEC’s budget. Senate HELP Committee holds a hearing, “Bridgepoint Education, Inc.: A Case study in For-Profit Education and Oversight.”

House Hearings: Tuesday – An Energy and Commerce subcommittee holds a hearing, “Climate Science and EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Regulations.” An Appropriations subcommittee reviews Interior’s FY2012 budget, with Secretary Salazar testifying.  A Transportation subcommittee examines the Corps of Engineers and TVA’s budgets. Another Appropriations subcommittee considers the SBA’s budget. A House Judiciary subcommittee considers H.R. 10, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act.  See, if you capitalize the “In” it becomes the REINS Act. An Appropriations subcommittee considers the Customs and Border Protection budget, with Commissioner Bersin testifying.  Wednesday — Transportation Secretary LaHood testifies on the DOT budget before a House  Appropriations subcommittee. An Oversight subcommittee holds a hearing, “Cumulative Impact of Regulation on the Government.”  An Appropriations subcommittee considers Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s budget. The acronym is reason enough to support a budget freeze. A Judiciary subcommittee considers, “Driving American Innovation: Creating Jobs and Boosting our Economy.” An Energy and Commerce subcommittee abjures FCC’s efforts to regulate the Internet, discusses H.J.Res. 37, the resolution of disapproval.  Another Energy & Commerce subcommittee looks at fiscal priorities in health care funding. A Homeland Security subcommittee considers the threat to air commerce from terrorism.  House Ed&Workforce reviews the Department of Education’s budget and policy proposals, with Secretary Duncan testifying. A Foreign Affairs subcommittee considers China’s indigenous innovation policies.  Thursday – An Appropriations subcommittee looks at the National Science Foundation’s budget. Education Secretary Duncan testifies on his budget before an Appropriations subcommittee. An Ed&Workforce subcommittee looks at the rising costs of employer-provided health care. A Judiciary subcommittee reviews which jobs immigrant workers are getting after the recession.  An Appropriations subcommittee eyeshades the Office of Surface Mining’s budget. A Judiciary subcommittee reviews recent judicial decisions on patent law.  The full Agriculture Committee examines the EPA’s impact on agriculture. A Financial Services subcommittee looks at the EximBank’s role in U.S. competitiveness and jobs. Friday – The Customs and Border Protection’s budget gets a review in House Appropriations. The full Science Committee reviews the NSF and NIST budgets. An Appropriations subcommittee examines the FDA’s budget.  A Transportation subcommittee considers how to promote private sector support for passenger rail service. The House Judiciary Constitution Subcommittee holds a hearing on the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act. An Energy and Commerce subcommittee considers the EPA’s budget.

Executive Branch: Vice President Biden is traveling through Finland, Russia and Moldova this week. Secretary Locke deliver the keynote address Tuesday at a meeting of the Regional Dallas Chamber of Commerce. On Wednesday, Locke addresses the Corporation for Travel Promotion, created by the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. The President’s Export Council meets Friday in Washington. For the USTR, Ambassador Punke is in Geneva for a meeting of the WTO’s Trade Negotiations Committee. (USTR’s weekly schedule.)

Economic Reports: The Census Bureau reports the trade balance for January on Thursday. On Friday, we get retail sales for February and manufacturing inventory figures for January.

Australia’s PM, Julia Gillard, has a busy schedule during her eight-day visit to the United States, including meetings related to business. The Australian dollar’s high value is an issue.

To recap, briefly: In the North American Free Trade Agreement, the United States signed on to allow cross-border trucking. As long as they meet U.S. safety and driver standards, Mexican and Canadian trucks under NAFTA should be able to cross the U.S. border, drop cargo and return home with cargo. They can’t engage in domestic deliveries. U.S. trucks are supposed to have the same rights. However, while this is in place between U.S. and Canada, implementation has been blocked for years between the U.S. and Mexico. Mexico won a NAFTA dispute settlement years ago, but declined to impose the retaliatory tariffs allowed by that process.

Until two years ago, that is, when Congress ended a pilot program for cross-border trucking and President Obama signed off on it. As a result of this, Mexico imposed retaliatory tariffs on billions of dollars worth of U.S. manufactured and agricultural exports. It has been nearly two years since this happened, and the Obama Administration has only very recently (January 2011) issued a “Concept Document” that lays out a foundation for discussions on re-establishing cross-border trucking. Little more has happened since that document was released, however, other than some “technical discussions.”

The Mexican government has indicated it is discussing the issue in good faith and that their U.S. counterparts are working hard. This is good news. However, the tariffs remain in place, harming American manufacturers who cannot ship their products to one of their largest markets without a massive markup that prices them out of the market. Many of these exporters are small & medium manufacturers – more than 90 percent of U.S. exporters to Mexico are SMMs. And waiting in the wings is a rotation of products on the retaliation list. We haven’t seen that list, but last time it was rotated, it put the bulls-eye on some major U.S. agricultural products, including pork and apples. Our bet is the next time it rotates, it’s going to focus squarely on manufactured goods instead. There’s not a lot of time left before we see this happen. We urge Secretary LaHood and his interagency team to buckle down and finish up their discussions. Tens of thousands of American jobs are at stake.

President Obama meets with governors at the White House today and then with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. On Thursday, he welcomes President Calderón of Mexico for bilateral discussions. Finally, the White House schedule avers, “On Friday, the President will travel to Miami, Florida to discuss his plan for winning the future. While in Miami, the President will also attend a DSCC fundraiser.”

The House convenes at 2 p.m. today. Major items on the floor schedule this week are the new continuing resolution, H.R.662, the Surface Transportation Extension Act, and H.R. 4, the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act. See. the Majority Leader’s schedule for more.

The Senate convenes at 2 p.m. for a reading of Washington’s Farewell Address. The Senate then begins consideration of S. 23, Patent Reform Act, and judicial nominations.

House Hearings: Monday – A House Judiciary subcommittee holds a hearing on reforming the Administrative Procedures Act to promote economic growth. Tuesday – An Appropriations subcommittee contemplates major management challenges at the Department of Interior. The House Foreign Affairs Committee holds a hearing, “Assessing U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities and Needs Amidst Economic Challenges,” with Secretary of State Clinton testifying. In America, we say “amid,” you know.  House Ed&Workforce considers the impact of education regulations on students. Armed Services reviews the Navy’s FY2012 budget. A House Judiciary subcommittee commits oversight of the Office of the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator. The Natural Resources Committee reviews the impact of the Administration’s “wild lands order” on jobs and economic growth. An Appropriations subcommittee looks at the EPA’s major management challenges. Might it be doing too much? Wednesday – Defense Secretary Gates testifies before the Defense Subcommittee of House Appropriations on the DOD’s FY2012 budget.  Fed Chairman Bernanke provides the monetary report to the House Financial Services Committee. House Science holds a hearing on NASA’s budget. An Appropriations subcommittee reviews the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s budget. EPA Administrator Jackson testifies before a House Appropriations subcommittee. Thursday – Secretary Salazar testifies on Interior’s FY2012 budget proposal to the House Natural Resources Committee. House Science reviews the Energy Department’s FY2012 R&D budget, with Secretary Chu testifying. An Ed&Workforce subcommittee examines recent activities of the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Another Approps subcommittee looks at NASA’s budget. A House Transportation subcommittee holds a hearing, “Review of the FY2012 Budget and Priorities of the Environmental Protection Agency: Impacts on Jobs, Liberty, and the Economy,” focusing on clean water, brownfields and Superfund.  Liberty!

Senate Hearings: Tuesday – Senate Budget Committee reviews the President’s FY2012 education budget. The Banking Committee hears from Fed Chairman Bernanke for the semiannual monetary policy report. Senate EPW assesses the FY2012 budget for the Federal Highway Administration, with Transportation Secretary LaHood testifying. The Finance Committee reviews changes in the law and tax environment since the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The Commerce Committee reviews the FY2012 DOT budget, with Secretary LaHood appearing. Wednesday – Energy and Natural Resources hears from Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Interior’s FY2012 budget. What’s the price of oil again? The Budget Committee asks Secretary Chu about the Energy Department budget.  The full Commerce Committee holds a hearing, “The Future of American Manufacturing: Maintaining America’s Competitive Edge.” Senate EPW reviews EPA’s budget, with Administrator Jackson testifying. Senate Judiciary hears from judicial nominees, including the controversial 9th Circuit nominee, Goodwin Liu. Thursday – Energy and Natural Resources reviews the U.S. Forest Service’s proposed budget. Senate Budget hears from Transportation Secretary LaHood. Foreign Relations holds a hearing, “Navigating a Turbulent Global Economy – Implications for the United States,” with Treasury Secretary Geithner before the mast. Senate Agriculture examines regulation of OTC swaps, hearing from CFTC Commissioner Gensler and SEC Chairman Schapiro.

Executive Branch: The U.S. International Trade Commission has scheduled a special 301 public hearing for Thursday, with many industry issues on the agenda. The week’s USTR schedule is here.

Economic Reports: From The New York Times: “Scheduled this week are personal income for January, Chicago purchasing managers’ index for February, and pending home sales for December (Monday); construction spending for January (Tuesday); the Federal Reserve beige book (Wednesday); and unemployment for February and factory orders for January (Friday).”