Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement on U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai's address on the U.S.-China trade relationship:
"The Phase One Agreement with China has been beneficial for our agriculture producers and farmers in Illinois. Ensuring effective and smart enforcement of the Phase One Agreement will strengthen American competitiveness, which is why the Administration should move forward with Phase Two negotiations that build off the previous Administration's progress.
"Strengthening our position in the global economy through trade and putting pressure on China will also require Congressional engagement. Renewing Trade Promotion Authority and working with our allies on high-standard trade agreements that bolster our economic partnerships throughout the globe must be priorities in our trade agenda - yet the Administration has not pursued either of these important avenues.
"Instead, the Biden Administration is pushing forward a tax and spending agenda that will stifle economic growth and hurt our economy by raising tax rates higher than those in China."
Rep. LaHood is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, including the Subcommittee on Trade. He serves on the House Republican China Task Force and is the Co-Chair of the U.S.-China Working Group. He also serves on the House Intelligence Committee.
###
