Progress on Trade
In contrast to the previous four years, trade has been at the forefront since January, and the pace has not slowed as we reach year-end. In recent weeks the administration has begun the mandatory six-year review of the U.S-Canada-Mexico Agreement, announced trade deals and frameworks with several Latin American and Asian partners, updated the Agreement on Trade and Agricultural Products with Israel, and inked a major agreement with People’s Republic of China which eases tensions and resumes Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans.
This week President Trump announced a $12 billion temporary support package for U.S. agriculture, known as Farmer Bridge Assistance Payments. These one-time payments will serve as a temporary bridge for American producers in light of volatile market conditions due to weather, input prices, disease, and unfair practices from some trade partners. While supporting producers during this critical time is important, it is not a permanent solution. Nebraska farmers and ranchers want to sell their goods at home and abroad for a fair price. To this end, it is critical the administration continue opening new markets and ensuring fair treatment of American agriculture.
As chairman of the Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Trade I have been just as busy, meeting with stakeholders, conducting oversight of trade negotiations, and working to move legislation which opens markets, supports producers, and ensures our global partners look to the United States as a model for free and fair economic competition. As part of this effort, this week the full Ways and Means Committee approved several bills I co-led, including reauthorizing the African Growth and Opportunity (AGOA) and the Haiti Trade Preference Programs.
First authorized in 2000, AGOA provides favorable trade consideration for products from sub-Saharan Africa entering the United States, so long as participating nations meet high standards for political freedom, democracy, and fair treatment of American goods and services. This engagement increases economic stability in Africa, encourages supply chain cooperation, and while encourages our partners to look to the United States as a model for economic security and political freedom. When AGOA lapsed in September, thirteen participating nations were already suspended or partially suspended based on coups d’etat, human rights abuses, or prohibiting certain U.S. exports, and I am hopeful the threat of suspension from a reauthorized AGOA can be a useful tool in addressing economic and human rights abuses in South Africa, in particular.
Like AGOA, the Haiti HOPE and HELP programs, which provide for tariff-free Haitian-made apparel, encourage for economic development while improving American security. By ensuring Haitian textile and apparel products easier access to U.S. markets, the programs support long-term economic growth and investment in Haiti, providing more reliable income for families there. When people have work, security, and opportunities at home, they are less likely to feel forced to migrate or seek refuge elsewhere. Strengthening Haiti’s economy also helps communities recover from crises more quickly, undermines organized crime, and reduces the pressure which pushes individuals to undertake dangerous journeys to the United States.
In the months ahead, it is essential we continue pursuing policies which strengthen markets, support producers, and reinforce America’s leadership in global trade. The progress made so far demonstrates what can be achieved with focused, strategic engagement. By advancing fair agreements, holding partners accountable, and promoting economic stability at home and abroad, we can create lasting opportunities for American agriculture and enhance our national security. I remain committed to working with the Trump administration to ensure these efforts translate into long-term prosperity for Nebraska producers and our trading partners.