East Idaho Times

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) addressed the President's 2024 Trade Policy Agenda at a hearing with United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

In his remarks, Crapo expressed concerns about the enforcement approach and negotiating ambitions of the administration. He criticized the lack of enforcement actions against China and highlighted the challenges American workers face due to discriminatory treatment by trading partners.

Crapo emphasized the importance of market access and the need for real negotiations to improve opportunities for Americans. He pointed out the negative impact of tariffs on small businesses like farmers and called for a comprehensive trade agenda to address these issues.

The Senator also stressed the significance of negotiating critical rules on technical barriers to trade, intellectual property, and digital trade provisions to support U.S. industries. He warned about the implications of China's aggressive participation in international standards-setting bodies and the need for the U.S. to respond effectively.

Crapo urged his colleagues to collaborate with Congress in expanding market access opportunities and criticized the administration's approach of bypassing Congress in trade agreements. He emphasized the importance of meaningful engagement with Congress to create better opportunities for American citizens.