Washington, D.C. –Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) questioned U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai on the lack of a robust and substantive trade agenda at the Ways and Means Committee hearing on the Biden Administration's trade agenda last week. LaHood questioned Ambassador Tai about the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), the importance of offensive trade relationships in the Indo-Pacific as a tool against China, and lack of Congressional consultation on trade.
In part, Rep. LaHood said, "I am incredibly frustrated that another year has passed without any proactive or substantive developments on trade policies or progress on enforceable trade agreements from the Biden Administration. As a member of the Trade Subcommittee on this Committee, and a member of the Select Committee on China, I learn every day about the growing threats from China. Considering that, having insufficient trade engagement in the Indo Pacific region is unacceptable.
"If you look at IPEF – I believe that the framework is getting weaker. Just take the digital pillar as an example. USTR has chosen to engage in a framework that lacks tangible policy and avoids Congressional consultation or approval – and I worry that we are not countering or providing a strong enough alternative to the growing pressure of non-market economies."
You can view Rep. LaHood's full remarks HERE or below.
