WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today in a Ways and Means Committee hearing, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) expressed her frustration with the Biden Administration’s lack of a coherent trade strategy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Congresswoman Miller also highlighted her recent trip with her Congressional colleagues to Cambodia and Singapore, where she witnessed firsthand the urgent need for the U.S. to establish itself as a trade and investment leader in the region in order to combat China’s growing influence.
On Increasing Trade with Taiwan: "I understand the Administration is working on [Indo-Pacific Economic Framework] as well as another separate negotiation with Taiwan. While I am glad that we're beginning to engage in the region, I remain very concerned about the lack of congressional consultation for these agreements. The Constitution grants Congress with the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations. Without Trade Promotion Authority, any agreement led by the Administration lacks the trade tools necessary to provide true market access to these nations. There are many avenues in which the U.S. can strengthen our trade with Taiwan. I think we have a huge opportunity for U.S.-Taiwan energy cooperation. In 2021, Taiwan imported 97.4% of its energy, and while it is working on decarbonizing its economy, we have another opportunity to work together on carbon capture technology."
On Her Trip to Cambodia and Singapore: "I recently returned from heading a [Congressional Delegation trip] with my colleagues where we visited Cambodia and Singapore. These countries are anxious for U.S. trade leadership in the region. They have industries that want increased access to the U.S. markets, and we need to stand ready to work with them. The story that I heard from across the economic spectrum of ASEAN countries is that the U.S. involvement and American investment is critical to create an open and prosperous region. The United States must take a leadership role with these countries or our competitors will. They'll fill the vacuum if we don't. By not including all countries in the ASEAN regional trade negotiations, we are risking splintering the fastest growing trade bloc in the world."
On Her U.S. Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific and China Act: "This bill asserts the United States should play a sustained role in establishing an open, rules-based trading system in the Indo-Pacific, and that the United States should have a long-term strategy for maintaining a balanced trading relationship with China. I think our legislation lays it out in a clear path for the United States trading engagement in the region. Engagement with Taiwan is key in these goals."
Click here to watch Congresswoman Miller’s full remarks
Click here to read more about Congresswoman Miller’s U.S. Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific and China Act
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