WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after President-elect Joe Biden formally introduced Katherine Tai as his nominee to serve as the next U.S. Trade Representative (USTR):
“The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was a tremendous bipartisan accomplishment that has set a new standard for all future trade deals our nation pursues. That landmark agreement includes strengthened worker and environmental protections, rules to promote Americans’ access to life-saving medicines, and new and enhanced enforcement mechanisms.
“As House Democrats undertook negotiations with the Trump Administration regarding the deal’s implementing legislation last year, unbeknownst to us, the future USTR nominee was serving at the heart of the process. With smarts, skill, and perseverance, Katherine Tai demonstrated how trade can be used as a force for good that uplifts people and creates opportunity.
“Also a key factor in the success of the USMCA and the achievement of such strong enforcement measures was current USTR, Ambassador Lighthizer. He consistently negotiated with us in good faith, and his honest engagement allowed us to find the common ground necessary for the implementing legislation to advance smoothly through Congress with robust support on both sides of the aisle.
“I am eager to build on the success of the USMCA in the years to come. With Joe Biden in the White House and Katherine Tai at the helm of USTR, I know we’ll be able to use U.S. trade policy as a means to achieve great things for American workers, farmers, manufacturers, and businesses, all while fighting against climate change, protecting human rights, and strengthening the reputation of our great nation around the world."
