SC Nebraska News

Congressman Adrian Smith, representing Nebraska, along with 11 colleagues from the Ways and Means Committee, has formally requested that United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai halt ongoing negotiations related to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. The lawmakers have expressed their concerns in a letter sent to Tai, highlighting issues surrounding transparency and congressional consultation.

The signatories of the letter include Representatives Claudia Tenney, Lloyd Smucker, Aaron Bean, Carol Miller, Jodey Arrington, Beth Van Duyne, Ron Estes, Mike Kelly, Rudy Yakym, Max Miller, and David Schweikert. They emphasized that it is "unacceptable for USTR to attempt to change provisions of both trade agreements through lame-duck revisions or binding interpretations without adequately consulting Congress." The letter also noted the lack of communication during these negotiations as raising "significant doubts about whether the proposals align with congressional intent and our national interest."

The group has urged the USTR to cease negotiations immediately as the 119th Congress begins its session and as preparations are made for a new presidential administration. They have also requested timely updates on any developments related to these trade agreements.

This move follows reports in December 2024 that indicated attempts by the USTR to renegotiate provisions of these agreements without input from Congress or American stakeholders. Congressman Smith has been actively involved in trade discussions since his participation in USMCA negotiations in 2018 and has supported engagement with Colombia through his role on the Ways and Means Committee's Subcommittee on Trade since 2011.

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