Trump Administration Expected to Send Notification to Congress Starting NAFTA Process This Month
The Trump administration hopes to submit by Memorial Day a formal notification alerting Congress of its plans to renegotiate NAFTA, which would start a 90-day consultation period between the executive branch and Capitol Hill before the U.S. could begin NAFTA discussions with Canada and Mexico, according to three lobbyists working on the issue. Bipartisan members of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees, as well as trade advisory groups from both chambers, are set to meet this week with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer about the expected renegotiation, pending Lighthizer’s swearing in, scheduled for May 15, according to several sources.
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Senate Finance Committee members are expected to meet with Lighthizer on the afternoon of May 16, before Lighthizer meets with the Senate Advisory Group on Negotiations the morning of May 17, according to a Senate aide. The enactment of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act established Senate and House advisory groups on negotiations to consult with the U.S. trade representative, regarding, among other things, development of trade agreements, and compliance and enforcement of trade agreement commitments. House Ways and Means Republicans and Democrats are also scheduled to meet with Lighthizer on the morning of May 17, according to a committee spokeswoman. The House Advisory Group on Negotiations hopes to meet with Lighthizer on May 17 as well, according to a fourth lobbyist. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative didn't comment.