[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2697 Introduced in House (IH)]
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2697
To suspend temporarily the duty on certain footwear, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 29, 2011
Ms. Jenkins (for herself, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Brady of Texas, and Mr.
Blumenauer) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Ways and Means
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To suspend temporarily the duty on certain footwear, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Affordable Footwear Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Average collected duties on imported footwear are among
the highest of any product sector, totaling approximately
$2,000,000,000 during 2010.
(2) Duty rates on imported footwear are among the highest
imposed by the United States Government, with some as high as
the equivalent of 67.5 percent ad valorem.
(3) The duties currently imposed by the United States were
set in an era during which high rates of duty were intended to
protect production of footwear in the United States.
(4) Footwear produced in the United States supplies only
about 1 percent of the total United States market for footwear.
This production is concentrated in distinct product groupings,
which are not affected by the provisions of this Act.
(5) Footwear duties, which are higher on lower-price
footwear, serve no purpose and are a hidden, regressive tax on
those people in the United States least able to pay.
(6) Low- and moderate-income families spend a larger share
of their disposable income on footwear than higher-income
families.
(7) The outdoor industry develops innovative and high
performance footwear that promotes healthy and active
lifestyles through outdoor recreation.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) there is no production in the United States of many
footwear articles;
(2) the reduction or elimination of duties on such articles
will not negatively affect manufacturing or employment in the
United States; and
(3) the reduction or elimination of duties on such articles
will result in reduced retail prices for a wide range of
consumers.
SEC. 4. TEMPORARY ELIMINATION OR REDUCTION OF DUTIES ON CERTAIN
FOOTWEAR.
(a) Definitions.--The U.S. Notes to subchapter II of chapter 99 of
the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States are amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(20) For the purposes of headings 9902.64.25 through
9902.64.60:
``(a) The term `footwear for men' means footwear of
American men's size 6 and larger for males, and does
not include footwear commonly worn by both sexes.
``(b) The term `footwear for women' means footwear
of American women's size 4 and larger, whether for
females or of types commonly worn by both sexes.
``(c)(i) The term `work footwear' means, in
addition to footwear for men or footwear for women
having a metal toe-cap, footwear for men or for women
that--
``(A) has outer soles of rubber or
plastics;
``(B) is of a kind designed for use by
persons employed in occupations, such as those
related to the agricultural, construction,
industrial, public safety or transportation
sectors, that are not conducive to the use of
casual, dress, or similar lightweight footwear;
and
``(C) has special features to protect
against hazards in the workplace (such as
resistance to chemicals, compression, grease,
oil, penetration, slippage, or static build-
up).
``(ii) The term `work footwear' does not include--
``(A) sports footwear, tennis shoes,
basketball shoes, gym shoes, training shoes and
the like;
``(B) footwear designed to be worn over
other footwear;
``(C) footwear with open toes or open
heels; or
``(D) footwear (except footwear covered by
heading 6401) of the slip-on type or other
footwear that is held to the foot without the
use of laces or a combination of laces and
hooks or other fasteners.
``(d) The term `house slippers' means footwear of the slip-
on type designed solely for casual indoor use. The term `house
slippers' includes--
``(i) footwear with outer soles not over 3.5 mm in
thickness, consisting of cellular rubber, non-grain
leather, or textile material;
``(ii) footwear with outer soles not over 2 mm in
thickness consisting of polyvinyl chloride, whether or
not backed; and
``(iii) footwear which, when measured at the ball
of the foot, has sole components (including any inner
and mid-soles) with a combined thickness not over 8 mm
as measured from the outer surface of the uppermost
sole component to the bottom surface of the outer sole
and which, when measured in the same manner at the area
of the heel, has a thickness equal to or less than that
at the ball of the foot.
``(e) For purposes of subheadings 9902.64.28, 9902.64.32
and 9902.64.53, the dollar amount specified as the value of a
good shall be as follows:
``(i) In calendar year 2011 through 2013, $22/pair.
``(ii) In calendar year 2014, $24/pair.
``(f) The term `waterproof footwear' means footwear
designed to protect against penetration by water or other
liquids, whether or not such footwear is primarily designed for
such purposes.''.
(b) Amendments to HTS.--Subchapter II of chapter 99 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by inserting
in numerical sequence the following new headings:
`` 9902.64.25 Vulcanized rubber Free No change No change On or before 12/
lug boot bottoms 31/2014.......
for use in
fishing waders
(provided for in
subheading
6401.92.90)......
9902.64.26 Sports footwear Free No change No change On or before 12/
with outer soles 31/2014.......
and uppers of
rubber or
plastics (other
than golf shoes),
having uppers of
which over 90
percent of the
external surface
area (including
any accessories
or
reinforcements)
is rubber or
plastics (except
footwear having
foxing or a
foxing-like band
applied or molded
at the sole and
overlapping the
upper); the
foregoing not
including
footwear for
women (provided
for in subheading
6402.19.15)......
9902.64.27 Footwear (other Free No change No change On or before 12/
than work 31/2014.......
footwear or
footwear designed
to be worn over
or in lieu of
other footwear as
a protection
against water,
oil, grease, or
chemicals or cold
or inclement
weather) with
outer soles and
uppers of rubber
or plastics,
covering the
ankle, not
incorporating a
protective metal
toe-cap, having
uppers of which
over 90 percent
of the external
surface area is
rubber or
plastics
(provided for in
subheading
6402.91.40)......
9902.64.28 Footwear (other Free No change No change On or before 12/
than vulcanized 31/2014.......
footwear and
footwear with
waterproof molded
bottoms,
including bottoms
comprising an
outer sole and
all or part of
the upper) with
outer soles and
uppers of rubber
or plastics,
valued over the
dollar amount
specified in U.S.
note 20(e) to
this subchapter,
whose height from
the bottom of the
outer sole to the
top of the upper
does not exceed
20.32 cm if for
men or women, or
does not exceed
17.78 cm if for
persons other
than men or
women, designed
to be used in
lieu of, but not
over, other
footwear as a
protection
against water,
oil, grease, or
chemicals or cold
or inclement
weather, and
where protection
against water is
imparted by the
use of a coated
or laminated
fabric (provided
for in subheading
6402.91.50)......
9902.64.29 Footwear (other Free No change No change On or before 12/
than work 31/2014.......
footwear) with
outer soles and
uppers of rubber
or plastics,
covering the
ankle, for men or
women, such
footwear which
from the bottom
of the outer sole
to the top of the
upper does not
exceed 13 cm or
which exceeds 21
cm, or regardless
of height is slip-
on footwear
(provided for in
subheading
6402.91.90)......
9902.64.30 Tennis shoes, Free No change No change On or before 12/
basketball shoes, 31/2014.......
gym shoes,
training shoes
and the like
(provided for in
subheading
6402.91.90)......
9902.64.31 Footwear with Free No change No change On or before 12/
outer soles and 31/2014.......
uppers of rubber
or plastic, not
covering the
ankle, other than
work footwear or
house slippers
(provided for in
subheading
6402.99.31)......
9902.64.32 Footwear (other Free No change No change On or before 12/
than vulcanized 31/2014.......
footwear and
footwear with
waterproof molded
bottoms,
including bottoms
comprising an
outer sole and
all or part of
the upper), with
outer soles and
uppers of rubber
or plastics,
valued over the
dollar amount
specified in U.S.
note 20(e) to
this subchapter,
designed to be
used in lieu of,
but not over,
other footwear,
and where
protection
against water is
imparted by the
use of a coated
or laminated
textile fabric
(provided for in
subheading
6402.99.33)......
9902.64.33 Footwear with Free No change No change On or before 12/
uppers and outer 31/2014.......
soles of rubber
or plastics,
other than house
slippers
(provided for in
subheading
6402.99.40)......
9902.64.34 Footwear with Free No change No change On or before 12/
outer soles and 31/2014.......
uppers of rubber
or plastic, other
than house
slippers
(provided for in
subheading
6402.99.70)......
9902.64.35 Footwear with Free No change No change On or before 12/
outer soles and 31/2014.......
uppers of
leather, covering
the ankle, other
than footwear for
women (provided
for in subheading
6403.51.90)......
9902.64.36 Footwear for men, Free No change No change On or before 12/
and footwear for 31/2014.......
youths and boys,
covering the
ankle, valued
over $12/pair,
such footwear
which from the
bottom of the
outer sole to the
top of the upper
does not exceed
13 cm or which
exceeds 21 cm, or
regardless of
height is
waterproof
footwear, other
than work
footwear, tennis
shoes, basketball
shoes, gym shoes,
training shoes
and the like, and
other than slip-
on footwear
(provided for in
subheading
6403.91.60)......
9902.64.37 Slip-on footwear Free No change No change On or before 12/
for men and 31/2014.......
footwear for
youths and boys
covering the
ankle; such
footwear with
sole components,
including any mid-
soles but
excluding any
inner soles,
which when
measured at the
ball of the foot
have a combined
thickness less
than 13.5 mm, the
foregoing valued
over $20/pair
(provided for in
subheading
6403.91.60)......
9902.64.38 Footwear for men, Free No change No change On or before 12/
other than slip- 31/2014.......
on footwear, work
footwear, tennis
shoes, basketball
shoes, gym shoes,
training shoes
and the like,
valued not over
$12/pair
(provided for in
subheading
6403.91.60)......
9902.64.39 Footwear for youth Free No change No change On or before 12/
and boys, other 31/2014.......
than tennis
shoes, basketball
shoes, gym shoes,
training shoes
and the like
(provided for in
subheading
6403.91.60)......
9902.64.40 Footwear (other Free No change No change On or before 12/
than footwear for 31/2014.......
men or footwear
for youths and
boys) covering
the ankle, valued
over $12/pair,
such footwear of
a height which
from the bottom
of the outer sole
to the top of the
upper does not
exceed 13 cm, or
which exceeds 21
cm, or regardless
of height, is
waterproof
footwear, or
footwear where
the difference in
height between
the bottom of the
sole at the ball
of the foot to
the top of the
midsole and from
the bottom of the
heel to the top
of the midsole is
over 30 mm, other
than work
footwear and
other than slip-
on footwear
(provided for in
subheading
6403.91.90)......
9902.64.41 Slip-on footwear Free No change No change On or before 12/
(other than 31/2014.......
footwear for men
or footwear for
youths or boys)
covering the
ankle; such
footwear with a
heel over 15 mm
in height as
measured from the
bottom of the
sole, or sole
components
(including any
mid-soles but
excluding any
inner soles)
which when
measured at the
ball of the foot
have a combined
thickness less
than 13.5 mm, the
foregoing valued
not over $20/pair
(provided for in
subheading
6403.91.90)......
9902.64.42 Footwear for Free No change No change On or before 12/
women, other than 31/2014.......
slip-on footwear,
work footwear,
tennis shoes,
basketball shoes,
gym shoes,
training shoes
and the like,
valued not over
$12/pair
(provided for in
subheading
6403.91.90)......
9902.64.43 Footwear for Free No change No change On or before 12/
persons other 31/2014.......
than women, other
than slip-on
footwear, tennis
shoes, basketball
shoes, gym shoes,
training shoes
and the like
(provided for in
subheading
6403.91.90)......
9902.64.44 Footwear for men, Free No change No change On or before 12/
valued not over 31/2014.......
$20/pair, having
uppers of leather
other than
pigskin, and
other than house
slippers, work
footwear, tennis
shoes, basketball
shoes, gym shoes,
training shoes
and the like
(provided for in
subheading
6403.99.60)......
9902.64.45 Footwear for men Free No change No change On or before 12/
having uppers of 31/2014.......
pigskin, other
than house
slippers, work
footwear, tennis
shoes, basketball
shoes, gym shoes,
training shoes
and the like
(provided for in
6403.99.60)......
9902.64.46 Tennis shoes, Free No change No change On or before 12/
basketball shoes, 31/2014.......
gym shoes,
training shoes
and the like for
youths and boys
(provided for in
subheading
6403.99.60)......
9902.64.47 Footwear valued Free No change No change On or before 12/
over $2.50/pair 31/2014.......
(other than
footwear for men,
youths, and boys,
footwear for
women, house
slippers, and
other than tennis
shoes, basketball
shoes, gym shoes,
training shoes
and the like)
(provided for in
subheading
6403.99.90)......
9902.64.48 Sports footwear, Free No change No change On or before 12/
tennis shoes, 31/2014.......
basketball shoes,
gym shoes,
training shoes
and the like,
with outer soles
of rubber or
plastics and
uppers of textile
materials
(provided for in
subheading
6404.11.50,
6404.11.60,
6404.11.70 or
6404.11.80)......
9902.64.49 Sports footwear Free No change No change On or before 12/
(other than ski 31/2014.......
boots, cross
country ski
footwear, and
snowboard boots)
for persons other
than men or women
(provided for in
subheading
6404.11.90)......
9902.64.50 Ski boots, cross Free No change No change On or before 12/
country ski 31/2014.......
footwear, and
snowboard boots
for men or women
(provided for in
subheading
6404.11.90)......
9902.64.51 Tennis shoes, Free No change No change On or before 12/
basketball shoes, 31/2014.......
gym shoes,
training shoes
and the like,
covering the
ankle, for men
and women
(provided for in
subheading
6404.11.90)......
9902.64.52 Footwear with Free No change No change On or before 12/
outer soles of 31/2014.......
rubber or
plastics, and
uppers of textile
materials, having
uppers of which
over 50 percent
of the external
surface area is
leather (provided
for in subheading
6404.19.15)......
9902.64.53 Footwear (except Free No change No change On or before 12/
vulcanized 31/2014.......
footwear and
footwear with
waterproof molded
bottoms,
including bottoms
comprising an
outer sole and
all or part of
the upper) with
outer soles of
rubber or
plastics and
uppers of textile
materials, valued
over the dollar
amount specified
in U.S. note
20(e) to this
subchapter, whose
height from the
bottom of the
outer sole to the
top of the upper
does not exceed
20.32 cm if for
men or women or
does not exceed
17.78 cm for
persons other
than men or
women, designed
to be used in
lieu of, but not
over, other
footwear as a
protection
against water,
oil, grease, or
chemicals or cold
or inclement
weather, and
where protection
against water is
imparted by the
use of a coated
or laminated
textile fabric
(provided for in
subheading
6404.19.20)......
9902.64.54 Footwear for men Free No change No change On or before 12/
with outer soles 31/2014.......
of rubber or
plastics and
uppers of
vegetable fibers,
other than house
slippers
(provided for in
subheading
6404.19.25)......
9902.64.55 Footwear with Free No change No change On or before 12/
outer soles of 31/2014.......
rubber or
plastics and
uppers of textile
materials
(provided for in
subheading
6404.19.35)......
9902.64.56 Footwear for Free No change No change On or before 12/
women, with outer 31/2014.......
soles of rubber
or plastics and
uppers of textile
materials, other
than house
slippers
(provided for in
subheading
6404.19.50)......
9902.64.57 Footwear with Free No change No change On or before 12/
outer soles of 31/2014.......
rubber or
plastics and
uppers of textile
materials
(provided for in
subheading
6404.19.60,
6404.19.70,
6404.19.80 or
6404.19.90)......
9902.64.58 Footwear with Free No change No change On or before 12/
uppers of leather 31/2014.......
or composition
leather for men
(provided for in
subheading
6405.10.00)......
9902.64.59 Footwear with Free No change No change On or before 12/
uppers of textile 31/2014.......
materials, other
than with soles
and uppers of
wool felt
(provided for in
subheading
6405.20.90)......
9902.64.60 Footwear not Free No change No change On or before 12/ ''.
elsewhere 31/2014.......
provided for in
chapter 64
(provided for in
subheading
6405.90.90)......
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall--
(1) take effect on the 15th day after the date of the
enactment of this Act; and
(2) apply to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse
for consumption, on or after such 15th day.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.
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