[House Document 108-89] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] 108th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - - - - House Document 108-89 NOTIFICATION OF THE REQUIRED CHANGES TO THE UNITED STATES-SINGAPORE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT __________ COMMUNICATION from THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES transmitting NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES TO EXISTING LAW REQUIRED TO BRING THE UNITED STATES INTO COMPLIANCE WITH OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES- SINGAPORE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT, PURSUANT TO PUB. L. 107-210, SEC. 2105(a)(1)(B)July 7, 2003.--Referred jointly to the Committees on Ways and Means and the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed The White House, Washington, July 3, 2003. Hon. J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker: On May 6, 2003, I signed the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. Consistent with section 2105(a)(1)(B) of the Trade Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-210), I am submitting a description of the changes to existing laws, prepared by my Administration, that would be required to bring the United States into compliance with that Agreement. I look forward to working with the Congress in developing legislation to implement this important Free Trade Agreement. Sincerely, George W. Bush. Changes to Existing Law Required To Bring the United States Into Compliance With Obligations Under the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement The United States must amend section 13031(b) of the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985 (19 U.S.C. Sec. 58c(b)). The amendment will exempt imports qualifying as ``originating goods'' under the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (``the Agreement'') from certain customs user fees, as required by Article 2.8 of the Agreement. The United States must amend section 592(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. Sec. 1592(c)). The amendment will exempt an importer from penalties for an improper claim that a good qualifies as an originating good under the Agreement, provided that the importer voluntarily corrects the improper claim within one year of making it. This amendment is necessary to comply with Article 3.14.4(b) of the Agreement. The United States must amend sections 101(a)(15) and 214(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Sec. Sec. 1101(a)(15) & 1184(g)). The amendments will permit Singaporean nationals qualifying as ``professionals'' under the Agreement to enter the United States temporarily, as required by Section IV of Annex 11A of the Agreement.