Us Congress House Bill HCR2

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/25
• Refer: 1/3/25

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, the resolution could lead to significant changes in how trade negotiations and policies are conducted in the U.S. Currently, the USTR is responsible for negotiating trade agreements and dealing with international trade issues. HCR2 aims to place this authority within Congress, which would enhance legislative oversight on trade matters. Proponents believe this transfer would restore a balance of power and make trade policy more accountable to elected representatives, potentially increasing public trust in trade agreements.

Summary

HCR2, titled 'Reclaiming Congress's Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution,' proposes the establishment of a Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities. This committee is tasked with developing a plan to transfer the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) from the executive branch to the legislative branch. This initiative reflects assertions that the congressional mandate regarding trade policy should not be overshadowed by executive actions, emphasizing the constitutional roles of both branches in U.S. trade agreements.

Contention

However, the bill's transition of responsibilities could face opposition due to concerns about effectiveness and accountability in trade negotiations. Critics may argue that Congress, with its many members and potential lack of consensus, could hinder swift action on trade issues that require timely responses. Additionally, the complexity of international trade agreements could overwhelm legislative capacity, prompting debates about whether legislative involvement is beneficial or detrimental to U.S. competitiveness in global markets.

Congress_id

119-HCONRES-2

Policy_area

Congress

Introduced_date

2025-01-03