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 U.S. Commerce Secretary Addresses the
On
January 9, U.S. Commerce Secretary
Carlos Gutierrez provided the keynote during the International
SuperSession at the 2007 International CES. Secretary Gutierrez
emphasized that innovation has reshaped the communications landscape,
noting that "U.S. consumer electronic products are helping to lead the
way." Additionally, Secretary Gutierrez discussed the importance
of creating a pro-growth, pro-competitive environment and allowing
market forces to take their course across the globe. 2007 International CES Additional Links: Remarks of Secretary Gutierrez at CES Contact: Doug Johnson  at the Industry Insider during the 2007 International CES CEA Applauds FCC Action to Promote Competition in Cable Devices Market Earlier this month, the FCC's Media Bureau took action on various cable industry requests to waive rules regarding consumers' ability to obtain at retail a broad array of devices for accessing cable programming. In their waiver requests, the cable companies had asked the FCC to waive the requirement that they make operational the CableCARD, which allows consumers to access programming without the need for a cable-provided set-top box. In a January 10th press release, CEA's President and CEO, Gary Shapiro stated that, "By taking this action, the FCC ensures that consumers will finally realize the benefits of a competitive market for products that can connect to cable systems." Additional Links: Press Release 01/10/07 Contact: Julie KearneyCEA Advocates Adopting Operating and Technical Rules for Unlicensed Devices in the FCC's White Spaces Proceeding Additional Links: Comments 01/31/07 Contact: Julie Kearney Senate Legislation Would Stifle Innovation and Limit Consumers' Home Recording RightsOn January 11th, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced S.256, the Perform Act of 2007. Last year, CEA actively opposed this legislation that would sharply increase the rates paid to the recording industry by satellite radio listeners, and impose strict government technology mandates on the design of satellite radio receivers. If enacted, the bill would prohibit consumers from using devices to record their satellite radio subscription for future listening. This legislation has nothing to do with commercial privacy, but has everything to do with limiting what consumers can do with their legally acquired content. Please contact your Senators and urge them to oppose the Perform Act of 2007. To contact your Senator, please visit http://capwiz.com/ce/home/ and follow the simple instructions on how to send a letter to your Senator. Contact: Veronica O'Connell or Michael Petricone Barton Introduces DTV Education Bill On January 22, Congressman Barton (R-TX) introduced the Digital Television Consumer Education Act of 2007. The legislation outlines DTV outreach and education requirements for retailers, broadcasters, multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) and the FCC. Additionally, the legislation discusses energy standards for digital-to-analog converter boxes. More specifically, the bill calls on the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish "energy consumption standards applicable to digital-to-analog converter boxes [ ] in order for such boxes to qualify for purchase with coupons made available under this section." Additional Links: Text of H.R. 608 Contact: Julie Kearney Congress Tackles the Television White Spaces On January 9, Senator Kerry (D-MA) introduced S.234, the Wireless Innovation Act of 2007, which orders the FCC to issue a final order (Matter of Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands, ET Docket No. 04-186) regarding the television white spaces, no later than 180 days after enactment of the legislation or October 1, 2007. Similarly, on January 18, Senator Sununu (R-NH) introduced his own version, S.337, the White Spaces Act of 2007. S.337 requires that the FCC act no later than 90 days after passage of the legislation or October 1, 2007. Additional Links: Text of S. 234; Text of S.337 Contact: Julie Kearney Harmonized System (HS) 2007 Conversion Information
Effective February 3, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol will begin charging revised tariffs on imported goods based on modifications made to the international tariff classification known as the Harmonized System (HS). Revisions are made to the HS periodically, dependent on the passage of new trade agreements or due to adjustments made by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The WCO makes amendments to the international HS (known as the HS6 because tariffs are classified by six digits at the international level) every five years in light of changes to technology or developments in international trade (like the passage of global trade agreements). As a CEA-member exclusive, CEA staff has compiled an initial analysis and summary of the revisions made to the U.S. HS as it relates to the consumer electronics industry. For a copy, click here. These estimates are unofficial and all members are encouraged to check with their Customs officials regarding specific tariff and classification changes relevant to their organization. Additionally, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has prepared a Q&A document on the timing of the conversion. Contact: Joanne Sonenshine or Sage Chandler
Study Shows Effectiveness of Voluntary Energy Efficiency Program
Contact: Joanne Sonenshine
On January 19, the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act (House Bill 1584) was prefiled in the Oklahoma Legislature by Rep. Lamons. If you live or work in Oklahoma, make your voice heard by sending a letter to your legislator. To contact your member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, please visit: http://www.okhouse.gov/Members/MemberListing.aspx for complete contact information, including email and mailing address. Additional Links: House Bill 1584 State Legislative Tracking Service Now Available Earlier this month, CEA announced the launch of a new state legislative tracking service available exclusively to CEA members. The website can be accessed by visiting: http://members.ce.org/SLSR. The service covers key issues, such as in-vehicle electronics, sound ordinances, warranties and service contracts, recording rights and fair use, and sales tax holidays. Environmental issues will continue to be tracked through the Environmental and Regulatory Monitoring Website. Contact: J. David Grossman CEA Washington Forum and Digital Patriots Dinner Every day, Washington policymakers face decisions that affect the CE industry's bottom line. Whether you are a retailer or a manufacturer, whether your business is big or small, CEA Washington Forum is designed to give you a better understanding of the policy and regulatory issues that will matter to you. Join hundreds of innovators and influencers from all facets of the CE industry and other markets that rely on consumer technology to thrive. Early bird rates end Feb. 9, please register today. The event will also feature the Third Annual Digital Patriots Dinner on March 27, honoring innovation, technology and the leaders of the digital revolution, including special guest Michael Dell of Dell Inc. CEA Releases Updated Policy Papers for 2007 CEA recently released updated policy papers for 2007 on the following subjects: digital television, energy efficiency, home recording rights, in-vehicle electronics, electronics recycling, greater market access for consumer electronics, improving trade facilitation, and devices connecting to IP enabled services. To obtain a copy of these papers, please visit: http://www.ce.org/GovernmentAffairs/default.asp. Contact: J. David Grossman CEA Member? CEA's Member-Only website
offers the latest Government Affairs news, contact information, and
documents. Interested in Joining the GAC? CEA
Government Affairs Staff
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