US
Us Congress Senate Bill SCR5

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SCR5

Introduced
1/15/25  

Caption

This concurrent resolution states that, unless it is approved by Congress, the proposed joint interpretation of Annex 14-C of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) prepared by Ambassador Katherine Tai (1) is of no legal effect with respect to the United States or any U.S. person, and (2) cannot be invoked by any federal agency in any legal proceeding nor may a federal agency assert that it has any legal consequences for claims made by a U.S. person. (Annex 14-C of the USMCA concerns certain investment claims under the North American Free Trade Agreement, the agreement which preceded USMCA.)

Impact

The resolution emphasizes that Annex 14-C of the USMCA aims to safeguard the investment rights of U.S. persons in Canada and Mexico. The proposed joint interpretation by Ambassador Tai is viewed as potentially limiting and undermining these rights. By insisting on Congressional approval for such interpretations, SCR5 seeks to reaffirm the legislative branch's oversight over international agreements and reassure stakeholders involved in cross-border investments.

Summary

SCR5 is a concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the proposed 'joint interpretation' of Annex 14-C of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The resolution puts forth that this proposed interpretation, prepared by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, holds no legal effect concerning the United States or any United States person unless it receives approval from Congress. This assertion rests on the constitutional authority granted to Congress over international trade matters, which has historically been understood to require Congressional approval for binding trade agreements.

Contention

The main contention surrounding SCR5 centers on the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches regarding trade agreements. Critics might argue that ongoing negotiations or adaptations to international agreements should be managed with more agility and less bureaucratic delay, but supporters of SCR5 view the resolution as a necessary check to prevent overreach by the executive branch. The resolution's assertion that the executive branch lacks the authority to finalize binding agreements without legislative approval is positioned to guarantee that Congress maintains a pivotal role in trade matters.

Congress_id

119-SCONRES-5

Policy_area

International Affairs

Introduced_date

2025-01-15

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HCR10

Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should resume normal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement with Taiwan, and support Taiwan's membership in international organizations.

US HB10559

To protect the national security of the United States by imposing sanctions with respect to certain persons of the People's Republic of China and prohibiting and requiring notifications with respect to certain investments by United States persons in the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

US SB5598

A bill to prohibit and require notifications with respect to certain investments by United States persons in the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

US HR1092

Recognizing the importance of the economic relationship between the United States and Israel and affirming that trade facilitated by the United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement is a tool to support the economy of Israel during the conflict with Hamas.

US SB5451

A bill to enhance the economic and national security of the United States by securing a reliable supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements through trade agreements and strategic partnerships.

US HB4004

United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act

US SB5648

A bill to protect the national security of the United States by imposing sanctions with respect to certain persons of the People's Republic of China and prohibiting and requiring notifications with respect to certain investments by United States persons in the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

US SR445

A resolution recognizing the importance of the economic relationship between the United States and Israel and affirming that trade facilitated by the United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement is a tool to support the economy of Israel during the conflict with Hamas.

US SCR26

A concurrent resolution recognizing and supporting the efforts of the New Heights Bid Committee to bring the 2027 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women's World Cup competition to the United States and Mexico.

US SR207

A resolution marking the 60th anniversary of the Polaris Sales Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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