Smith, Colleagues Ask USTR to Halt Reported ISDS Negotiations

Washington, D.C.- Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) led 11 Ways and Means Committee colleagues sending a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai. The letter expresses concern regarding reports USTR is negotiating new binding interpretations of key provisions within the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreementand calls on USTR to refrain from finalizing any new terms for these agreements and instead use President Biden's remaining days in office to seek input from Congress and American stakeholders.

Signers of the letter include: Reps. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Carol Miller (R-WV), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Ron Estes (R-KS), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Max Miller (R-OH), and David Schweikert (R-AZ)

In the letter the members stated:

It is unacceptable for USTR to attempt to change provisions of both trade agreements through lame-duck revisions or binding interpretations without adequately consulting Congress. The lack of communication and transparency during these last-minute, backdoor efforts and negotiations raises significant doubts about whether the proposals align with congressional intent and our national interest.

...

As the 119th Congress begins and our Nation prepares for a new presidential administration, we urge USTR to halt these negotiations immediately and provide timely updates on any relevant developments to Congress.

BACKGROUND:

In December 2024 Smith spoke outafter it was reported USTR was attempting to renegotiate provisions of USMCA and the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement without consulting Congress or American stakeholders. During USMCA negotiations in 2018, Smith traveled to Montreal and Mexico City to participate in negotiations. Smith was has actively supported robust trade engagement with Colombia on the Ways and Means Committee's Subcommittee on Trade since 2011.

Read the full letter here.

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