Reclaiming Congress’s Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution

1/8/2025, 1:40 PM
Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Bill 119 hconres 2, also known as the Establishing the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities, aims to create a committee that will develop a plan to transfer the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to the legislative branch. This transfer would be in accordance with Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution of the United States, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations.

The bill seeks to address concerns about the current structure of the USTR, which is an executive branch agency responsible for negotiating trade agreements and representing the United States in international trade negotiations. Some critics argue that the USTR operates with too much autonomy and lacks sufficient oversight from Congress.

If passed, the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities would be tasked with developing a plan to transfer the USTR's functions and responsibilities to the legislative branch. This could potentially involve creating a new agency or committee within Congress to handle trade negotiations and agreements. Overall, the goal of Bill 119 hconres 2 is to ensure that Congress has a more direct role in shaping US trade policy and overseeing trade negotiations. The bill emphasizes the importance of congressional oversight and accountability in the realm of international trade.
Congress
119

Number
HCONRES - 2

Introduced on
2025-01-03

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/3/2025

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Bill 119 hconres 2, also known as the Establishing the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities, aims to create a committee that will develop a plan to transfer the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to the legislative branch. This transfer would be in accordance with Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution of the United States, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations.

The bill seeks to address concerns about the current structure of the USTR, which is an executive branch agency responsible for negotiating trade agreements and representing the United States in international trade negotiations. Some critics argue that the USTR operates with too much autonomy and lacks sufficient oversight from Congress.

If passed, the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities would be tasked with developing a plan to transfer the USTR's functions and responsibilities to the legislative branch. This could potentially involve creating a new agency or committee within Congress to handle trade negotiations and agreements. Overall, the goal of Bill 119 hconres 2 is to ensure that Congress has a more direct role in shaping US trade policy and overseeing trade negotiations. The bill emphasizes the importance of congressional oversight and accountability in the realm of international trade.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedEstablishing the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities to develop a plan under which the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the United States Trade Representative shall be moved to the legislative branch in accordance with article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United States, and for other purposes.

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Action1/3/2025
Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee conc...