Hatch on Administration’s 2018 Trade Policy Agenda

WASHINGTON – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) today issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s 2018 Trade Policy Agenda:

“With historic tax reform successfully on the books, it’s clear the president is committed to advancing an aggressive pro-growth, pro-jobs economic agenda for America. The president’s trade policy must be consistent with that vision. As that policy develops, I will look for an agenda that seeks to move forward with new trade deals that will open markets around the globe to American-made goods and services, increase access to new customers, and continue to grow our economy here at home. The administration’s announcement of its intention to seek an extension of bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) is welcome news. I look forward to reviewing the administration’s conduct of trade policy over the next several months and its explanation of how it would use the authority to achieve the TPA negotiating objectives, if extended.”

Background: As one of the chief architects of the 2015 TPA law, Hatch fought to secure provisions that would strengthen the role of Congress and require proper consultation between the legislative and executive branches during trade negotiations. A longtime advocate of breaking down trade barriers, Hatch has supported initiatives to enhance America’s competitiveness and increase access to international markets, having worked to successfully navigate several trade agreements through Congress, including agreements with South Korea, Colombia, Panama, Central America and the Dominican Republic (CAFTA), among others.

The Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over international trade policy, will hold a hearing on the Trump Administration’s trade agenda in the coming weeks. Details will be announced when finalized.

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