II 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3493 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 13, 2006 Mr. Smith (for himself and Mr. Wyden) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To provide that quantitative restrictions shall not apply with respect to certain knit performance outerwear pants.

1.

Knit performance outerwear pants

(a)

Elimination of quantitative restrictions

(1)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, quantitative restrictions shall not apply to imports of knit performance outerwear pants described in paragraph (2) and classifiable in subheading 6103.43.15, 6104.63.20, 6112.20.10, or 6113.00.90 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to the extent entry of such pants is claimed under the column 1 general rate of duty of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. (2)

Performance outerwear pants

(A)

In general

The term performance outerwear pants means ankle length pants, of water-resistant or coated synthetic fiber fabrics, that have 2 or more of the following: (i)Side openings. (ii)Sealed seams at the front (up to the zipper or other means of closure) and back rise. (iii)Insulation for cold or inclement weather protection. (iv)At least one pocket with a means of closure (zippered or hood and look enclosed pockets, or other type of enclosed pockets). (v)Scuff guards. (vi)Elasticized or draw string weather closure around the waist or ankles. (vii)Articulated knees or reinforcement in the seat or knees. (B)

Ski pants

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term performance outerwear pants includes all pants classifiable as parts of ski suits under heading 6112 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. (C)

Water-resistant fabric

The term water-resistant fabric means fabric, whether knit, woven, or composite, that meets the requirements for water resistance described in Additional U.S. Note 2 to chapter 62 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, whether or not the finished article is classifiable in the subheadings listed in such Note 2. (D)

Coated synthetic fabrics

The term coated synthetic fabrics means fabrics classifiable in heading 5602, 5603, 5903, 5906, or 5907 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, as well as knitted or crocheted pile fabrics impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated with plastics, including composite fabrics where the coating is consistently visible in the cross section. (E)

Sealed seams

The term sealed seams means seams that are sealed by means of taping, gluing, bonding, cementing, or similar processes for the purpose of waterproofing. (b)

Effective Date

Subsection (a) applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 30th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.