GOP Platform Says FTAs Shouldn't Be Considered During Lame Duck Congress
No “significant trade agreements” should be “rushed” or considered in lame duck congresses, the Republican Party said in its presidential platform, released July 18 (here). Some believe lame duck consideration of a Trans-Pacific Partnership to be the trade pact's best chance for approval (see 1607130040). The platform does not specifically mention TPP or NAFTA, both of which presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has criticized. A GOP House Ways and Means Committee spokeswoman said committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, “believes that the substance and support for the agreement will drive the timing of the vote.” When free trade agreements don’t adequately protect U.S. interests or sovereignty, or when violated without penalty, “they must be rejected,” but “carefully negotiated” deals that are negotiated with “friendly democracies" boost U.S. export-based jobs. The Senate Finance Committee didn’t comment.
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The platform also brands China as a currency manipulator, as inflexible on government procurement for foreign goods, and as a subsidizer that crimps U.S. exports to the nation. “A Republican president will insist on parity in trade and stand ready to implement countervailing duties if other countries refuse to cooperate,” the platform says. “At the same time, we look to broaden our trade agreements with countries which share our values and commitment to fairness, along with transparency in our commercial and business practices.” Moreover, the GOP indicated it is looking to energy exports to narrow the $37 billion U.S. trade deficit, bolster the GDP and increase the energy security of U.S. trading partners. The GOP also called for removing “unreasonable” U.S. customs-related obstacles for territories, which also deserve "flexibility or exemption" from Jones Act shipping rules, and for ramping up efforts to promote trade with Eastern European nations.