WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an op-ed for The Hill, U.S. Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Darin LaHood (R-IL), members of the House Ways and Means Committee, highlighted the importance of their legislation, the U.S. Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific and China Act.
In the op-ed, the members write:
"U.S. economic challenges and trade silence mean one thing to China: opportunity. Over the past year, China has maneuvered to establish itself as a superior trade and economic leader on the global stage and most importantly, in the Indo-Pacific region. Comprised of many nations and partners, the Indo-Pacific is home to dynamic economies, crucial supply chains, and critical manufacturing and defense hubs. It represents one of the fastest growing regions in the world.
"Our bill instructs President Biden to assert U.S. trade leadership in the Indo-Pacific, as this will strengthen American competitiveness, putting our workers and businesses in the best position to compete globally and protect global trade norms and standards abroad. The bill establishes congressional intent and support for new or updated trade programs and authorities, as well as consideration of updating and modernizing the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Our bill also ensures Congress has robust and necessary access to information on the progress of the administration's trade and economic negotiations in the Indo-Pacific. Most importantly, it requires American trade leaders to develop a comprehensive, responsible, and long-term trade and economic plan on China, including any further Phase One implementation efforts or consideration for a Phase Two agreement."
"With a new administration, and new realities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the evolving power competition between the United States and China commands swift and decisive American leadership. The Indo-Pacific region will be the primary stage of this economic competition, and it is vital that the Biden administration wake up to this reality and move swiftly to seize this integral moment. With our legislation as a framework, we must solidify U.S. trade and economic superiority in the Indo-Pacific. The time is now to restart and ensure America's lasting trade leadership, and our bill is the first step."
Reps. Miller and LaHood's legislation would provide a blueprint for Congress and the Administration to advance U.S. trade leadership in the Indo-Pacific region and with China through encouragement of swift passage of the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and directing the Administration to make efforts to lead and modernize key trade agreements in the region. The bill also directs the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to articulate a long-term trade plan with China as the initial Phase One Agreement comes to a close.
You can read more about their legislation here. The full op-ed can be read here.
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Original source can be found here.
