November 07,2019
Grassley at the U.S. International Trade Commission Awards Day
Prepared Remarks by U.S.
Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Chairman, Senate Finance
Committee
Thursday, November 7,
2019
Thank
you for inviting me here today. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with the
employees here at the International Trade Commission and help celebrate your
annual awards day.
I
especially appreciate the invite from Chairman Johanson. I’ve known him for
quite a while. David was an excellent staffer for me on the Finance Committee
and I’m glad he has continued his public service here at the commission. He’s
told the Finance Committee at his confirmation hearing something that’s worth
repeating: those charged with applying the law have to do it in a fair and
objective manner – and make their decisions based on the facts. I
wholeheartedly agree. So I have no doubt the Commission is in good hands under
his leadership. However, I bet he had no idea how exciting trade would become
when he came to the ITC. But if there is someone who likes challenges, it’s
David.
Now
the ITC plays a critical role in supporting U.S. trade policy. Since its
creation in 1916 as the U.S. Tariff Commission, the people of this agency have
consistently demonstrated professionalism and integrity in administering our
trade laws and providing impartial analysis. I’m proud that reputation
continues to this day.
The
creation of the original tariff commission was supported by the many business
people and their associations including the National Association of
Manufactures, the Chamber of Commerce, and numerous others who wanted a group
of professionals to review and handle trade policy.
Today,
the ITC focuses on three core responsibilities: 1) adjudication; 2) research
and analysis; and 3) maintaining the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. I understand
that last year you all updated the tariff schedule thirteen times. Keeping that
document up-to-date is very important for our importers and exporters.
Earlier
this year, you finished the congressionally mandated analysis of the USMCA. I
know this was a significant undertaking and that it required a lot of time and
work. As the Chairman of the Finance Committee, I can assure you it is
necessary for congress to have credible, independent trade analysis when
considering the merits of a trade agreement.
In
the 382 page report, you concluded that the USMCA would have a positive impact
on the U.S. economy. In most of my speeches these days, this is the point where
I typically read off the highlights of that report for everyone in the
audience, but since you all wrote it, I assume I can skip that part and just
say to you, well done. The analysis is rigorous, and has been an important
resource in explaining USMCA’s benefits.
I
assume everyone here knows and accepts this, but free and fair trade is
essential to the global economy. Supply chains are more globally integrated now
than they have ever been. By the same token, voters have become more skeptical
of trade because some of our trading partners seem to be playing by a different
set of rules. The ITC plays an important role in addressing that problem
through its reports and trade remedy work.
Applying
trade remedy laws objectively is particularly important. There are workers and
businesses that have legitimate grievances with unfair trade, and there are
also interests that view U.S. trade laws as a means to prevent competition.
That is why I am glad we have hardworking professionals at the ITC to ensure
our laws are applied consistent with congressional intent. .
I
have to say though, it’s quite impressive what the USITC accomplishes. This is
a small agency with a great deal of important work to do. And the impact of
your work reverberates throughout our economy and touches everyone’s daily
life, whether they recognize it or not.
In
fiscal year 2018, the ITC conducted a record number of Section 337
investigations, completed two Section 201 Safeguard Investigations, completed
eight major economic and industry reports, reviewed 3,162 Miscellaneous Tariff
Bill petitions and provided unparalleled technical assistance to those of us on
Capitol Hill who write our trade laws and do oversight.
It
is also worth noting that the agency consistently ranks as one of the greatest
places to work in the federal government.
So
again, I’d like to say thank you for all the good work you do. The ITC has done
a fine job of making impartial determinations and providing Congress and the
American people with independent analysis. Your work is as critical as it has
ever been. It’s particularly important for folks like me. For me, I like my
trade like I like my corn yields – robust.
Thanks
again for inviting me here today, and I think I have time for one or two
questions if you have anything you would like to ask.
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