SPRINGFIELD, MA - Today, Ways & Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer notified Congress that the Trump Administration intends to initiate new trade negotiations with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Japan, respectively:
“With many sectors of the U.S. economy seized with anxiety over the impact of the President’s trade policies, perhaps these notices indicate that the Trump Administration will finally try to create new economic opportunities for U.S. workers and businesses through constructive engagement with important U.S. trading partners and allies. I look forward to working closely with Amb. Lighthizer in defining the scope of these trade agreement negotiations and ensuring that these potential agreements incorporate strong provisions on worker rights, environmental protection, and enforcement.
“I urge Amb. Lighthizer to aim for results that are at least as ambitious and strategic as recent efforts that have been made with these partners. U.S. workers, families, manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, service providers, and innovators deserve policies, including trade agreements and trade policies, that will enhance their competitiveness in the global economy."
