Cape News

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith has expressed support for President Trump's recent signing of a presidential memorandum that initiates the America First Trade Policy. This policy includes the use of various enforcement tools to address unfair trade practices, secure supply chains, and protect economic and national security.

"President Trump has wasted no time in demanding better treatment of American workers and businesses," Smith stated. He emphasized the need for evaluating all available measures to address trade deficits, including a potential global tariff on imported goods. Smith commended Trump’s leadership in reviewing current trade agreements and exploring new ones to improve opportunities for American farmers and workers.

Smith also highlighted concerns about China's trade practices, questioning whether it should maintain its permanent normal trade relations status. "It is past time to hold China accountable for its failures," he said, criticizing the previous administration's lack of enforcement on existing agreements. The Ways and Means Committee has been active in advancing legislation to close loopholes that allow China to exploit U.S. trade policies.

The committee has pursued an aggressive agenda over the past two years to protect American interests, ensuring tariffs on China remain in place and using enforcement mechanisms under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. They have also approved legislation aimed at reforming free trade agreements and banning China from certain programs.

Last year, the committee approved the End China’s De Minimis Abuse Act, introduced by Rep. Greg Murphy, which aims to curb de minimis shipments from China into the U.S., ending privileges for goods subject to Section 301 tariffs.