WASHINGTON D.C. – Today in a Ways and Means Committee hearing, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) questioned U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai on the Biden Administration's trade agenda in the Indo-Pacific and with China. Specifically, Congresswoman Miller urged the reauthorization of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and underscored the need for the Administration to work with Congress on any trade actions. She also pressed that the United States must swiftly articulate a comprehensive trade strategy with China.
Congresswoman Miller joined Ways and Means Committee Member Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) to introduce the U.S. Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific and China Act. The bill would provide a blueprint for Congress and the Administration to advance U.S. trade leadership in the Indo-Pacific region and with China through the encouragement of swift passage of TPA and directing the Administration to make efforts to lead and modernize key trade agreements in the region. The bill also directs the USTR to articulate a long-term trade plan with China.
Click here to watch Congresswoman Miller's remarks or read them as prepared below:
Thank you Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady, and thank you to Ambassador Tai for being here today. Always great to have you back at Ways and Means!
As you might be aware, in December 2021, my colleague Darin LaHood and I introduced the U.S. Trade Leadership in the Indo Pacific and China Act. This bill has two main objectives. First, the bill states that the U.S. should play a critical role in the Indo-Pacific through establishing an open, rules-based trading system. Second, the bill also directs USTR to submit a report to Congress that outlines America's long-term trade and economic plan with China.
We are at a critical juncture in our relationship with China. We need to ensure that China is fulfilling its commitments made in the Phase One agreement, and, at the same time, chart a path forward for our long-term engagement with this critical trading partner.
I understand the Administration is in the process of crafting the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. I think that this is a step in the right direction to engage in this region, particularly now that China has requested to join CPTPP. However, I remain concerned about the Administration moving forward with this agreement without relying on the trade tools provided by Congress. In my view, the result will be both a less ambitious agreement that does not increase market access for our exporters and a less durable agreement that may be reversed or abandoned by future administrations.
We must reauthorize Trade Promotion Authority to ensure we can open markets for American goods and build truly resilient supply chains.
Ambassador Tai, Commerce Secretary Raimondo has made comments about how the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework would not be a traditional trade agreement, nor would it require approval from Congress. Do you agree with this assessment of the agreement?
As you know, our Constitution vest the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations with the Congress. Given that fact, why does the Administration believe it has the Constitutional authority to bind the country to any Indo-Pacific Economic Framework agreement without presenting it to Congress?
Would you agree that for the strongest agreement possible, with the best outcomes for American workers and businesses, that Congress should not only be consulted on such agreements, but approve any agreement through TPA?
###
Original source can be found here.
