Crapo: We Must Restore American Leadership on Trade

Washington, D.C.--At a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing on the Administration’s 2022 trade agenda, Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) highlighted the importance of free trade agreements to Idaho’s economy.

On the importance of free trade agreements for Idaho: 

To view these remarks, click HERE.

“The Biden Administration’s 2022 Trade Agenda . . . recognizes that trade can—and should—be a force for good. 

“Absolutely.  My home state of Idaho is proof positive of that proposition.     

“In 2019, international trade supported over 200,000 Idaho jobs--or almost 20 percent of the state’s employment.  Trade liberalization also saves the average Idaho family of four more than $10,000 per year. 

“The problem here is that President Biden’s recognition of trade’s overall importance is not matched with an agenda that contains the requisite ambition to succeed. 

“There is not a single free trade agreement under consideration in this agenda.  Free trade agreements open opportunities.  We have seen it over and over.  The past really is prologue. 

“Idaho’s dairy exports to Korea increased by more than 250 percent since our free trade agreement entered into force in 2012. 

“But, in lieu of trade agreements, this Administration is proposing dialogues and frameworks. . . . [This is] no substitute for a comprehensive trade agreement.”

On the enforcement of existing trade agreements: 

To view these remarks, click HERE.

“Americans need to compete on a level playing field, and I appreciate the Administration’s prosecution of two USMCA labor disputes under the Brown-Wyden mechanism.  Yet, much more can be done.  

“With respect to USMCA, agricultural market challenges remain.  Mexico continues to restrict potatoes and delay approval of biotech crops. 

“Discriminatory practices targeting our technology companies are also increasing.  Rather than launch cases, the Administration appears to be in retreat. . . . 

“History proves that Americans do not fear competition, but rise to it.  Now is the time to seize on that history and to go further on trade, not shrink from it.”

Watch Senator Crapo’s full opening statement HERE, or read it HERE.

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