SC Nebraska News

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) has voiced his concerns following the Office of the United States Trade Representative's (USTR) announcement regarding new binding interpretations of key provisions within the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA).

"USTR did not conduct its due diligence before entering this binding agreement during the final moments of a lame duck presidency," stated Smith. He further criticized the Biden administration, saying, "Robust engagement over priorities for negotiating new or improved comprehensive trade agreements would have been welcome earlier in President Biden’s term. Instead, this rushed and performative action is indicative of the Biden administration's failures to consult Congress and American stakeholders while properly engaging on trade matters."

In December 2024, Smith had expressed his disapproval when reports emerged that USTR was attempting to renegotiate provisions of both USMCA and the U.S.-Colombia TPA without consulting Congress or American stakeholders.

On January 10, 2025, Smith led an initiative with several colleagues from the Ways and Means Committee by sending a letter to USTR Ambassador Katherine Tai. The letter urged USTR to avoid finalizing any new terms for the U.S.-Colombia TPA and recommended using President Biden's remaining days in office to seek input from Congress and American stakeholders.

Smith has been actively involved with Colombia-related trade issues as part of his role on the Ways and Means Committee's Subcommittee on Trade since 2011.