Policies

POLICY REGARDING THE FILING OF AMICUS BRIEFS BY CITBA

It is the policy of the Customs and International Trade Bar Association (“CITBA”) to file amicus briefs sparingly. Amicus briefs will typically only be authorized for cases appearing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“CAFC”) and the U.S. Supreme Court. CITBA will consider filing an amicus brief only where the matter is considered to be in the broad interest of the public and the membership of CITBA as a whole. CITBA amicus briefs will not address arguments unlikely to affect the broad interests of the international trade community or factual issues. An amicus brief will be approved for filing only where CITBA has a unique and/or distinct interest and may provide a significant contribution to the court’s consideration of the customs or trade issues involved.



CITBA AND TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE


Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is a federal program that provides financial and other assistance to U.S. workers, farmers, and fishermen who have lost their jobs as a result of the U.S. policy of reducing barriers to trade. The program reflects a broad policy consensus that the United States, as it pursues trade policies that benefit the U.S. economy as a whole, must maintain a strong commitment to helping address the special adjustment problems of individuals adversely affected by increased competition from abroad.



POLICY REGARDING THE FILING OF COMMENTS WITH AN ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY BY CITBA

It is the policy of the Customs and International Trade Bar Association (“CITBA”) to file Comments with Administrative Agencies. Comments by CITBA will typically be authorized for matters concerning the Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”), Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), the International Trade Administration (“ITA”), U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”), and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”).

Michael O’Rourke, CITBA Past President