Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HCR6

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

Reclaiming Congress’s Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution

Impact

The establishment of this committee could significantly alter the existing framework of U.S. trade policy, impacting how trade agreements are negotiated and administered. By transferring responsibilities from the USTR, which operates under the executive branch, to Congress, the resolution seeks to enhance legislative scrutiny and influence in trade matters. This change could lead to more transparency and public accountability in trade negotiations, potentially altering relationships with international trade partners and affecting how trade benefits are allocated domestically. Should this bill succeed, it would encapsulate a shift towards greater legislative involvement in a traditionally executive-led domain.

Summary

HCR6, officially titled the ‘Reclaiming Congress’s Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution,’ aims to establish a Joint Ad Hoc Committee tasked with developing a plan to transition the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) from the executive to the legislative branch. This action is rooted in the belief that Congress should reclaim its constitutional authority over trade policy, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution mandates that the committee draft a comprehensive strategy for this transition within a defined period, advocating for greater legislative oversight of trade agreements and policies.

Contention

While proponents argue that HCR6 is essential for upholding the constitutional balance of power, critics express concerns about the feasibility and implications of such a significant shift. Detractors may argue that the transition could lead to inefficiencies or reduced responsiveness in trade negotiations, as the legislative process is generally slower than executive actions. Additionally, there are fears that enhanced congressional involvement might politicize trade decisions, which traditionally require swift and decisive action in the face of global economic dynamics. The ongoing discussions reflect tensions between the need for robust trade oversight and the efficient conduct of international diplomacy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HCR2

Reclaiming Congress’s Constitutional Mandate in Trade ResolutionThis concurrent resolution establishes a process for transferring the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) from the executive branch to the legislative branch. The concurrent resolution establishes the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities and the Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities to plan for and implement the transfer.The Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities shall consist of 14 members of Congress appointed by majority and minority party leaders of the two chambers of Congress and meeting qualifications specified in the bill. The committee shall develop a plan under which the functions and responsibilities of the USTR shall be moved and provide its plan in a report to Congress within 16 months after the committee is appointed. The bill also establishes a 21-member Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities responsible for advising the committee in its development of the plan. Individuals meeting qualifications specified in the bill shall be appointed by the Trade Representative and majority and minority party leaders.The concurrent resolution also provides that the USTR shall provide such information and assistance the committee and the advisory board may reasonably require to carry out their activities.The transition of the USTR to the legislative branch occurs four years after the committee submits its report.

US HCR49

Congressional Evidence-Based Policymaking Resolution

US HB2712

Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025

US HR136

Congressional Inherent Contempt Resolution of 2023

US HB5188

Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2023

US HB2678

Ending Trading and Holdings in Congressional Stocks (ETHICS) Act

US SB1171

Ending Trading and Holdings In Congressional Stocks (ETHICS) Act

US SB2773

Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act

US HB277

Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023 This bill revises provisions relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking. Specifically, the bill establishes a congressional approval process for a major rule. A major rule may only take effect if Congress approves of the rule. A major rule is a rule that has resulted in or is likely to result in (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, government agencies, or geographic regions; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. The bill generally preserves the current congressional review process for a nonmajor rule.

US HB389

Preventing Opportunistic Returns on Trades and Futures by Officials, Leadership, and Individuals in Office Act or the PORTFOLIO Act This bill generally prohibits federal employees and officials from owning or trading in synthetic assets (i.e., tokenized derivatives). It also establishes financial disclosure requirements with respect to cryptocurrency. Specifically, the bill prohibits federal employees, Members of Congress, the President, and Vice President from owning or trading investments in a security, a commodity, a future, cryptocurrency, or any comparable economic interest acquired through synthetic means, such as through a derivative. Such investments must be divested through gift or donation, cashing out, or a qualified blind trust. The appropriate ethics office may grant temporary exemptions in certain situations, such as for preexisting complex financial arrangements from which investments cannot be withdrawn, and may assess fees for violations. The Department of Justice may also bring civil actions for violations. The bill also (1) incorporates cryptocurrency and other digital assets into current financial disclosure requirements; (2) modifies the categories and timelines for financial disclosures; and (3) requires agencies, ethics offices, and the Department of Justice to regularly report on violations of this bill and other related requirements.

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