Indy Standard

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) has joined a bipartisan group of senators urging the Biden Administration to halt secret negotiations with foreign trading partners. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) is reportedly attempting to modify at least three significant trade agreements without public scrutiny, potentially sacrificing leverage that could benefit Americans.

The trade agreements in question are the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The USTR aims to implement these changes by the end of President Biden's term.

"Unfortunately, USTR is pursuing substantive changes to congressionally approved trade agreements on an abbreviated timeline, out of the view of the public, and without meaningful congressional consultation," stated the senators. "USTR did not consult with, or even notify, Congress before drafting these interpretations and seeking approval by the Executive Branch agencies."

The senators emphasized that making concessions could undermine progress on several U.S. priorities. For instance, during USMCA negotiations, they believe USTR should address issues such as Mexico’s illegal fishing practices and energy laws favoring Mexican fossil fuels over American energy, as well as Canada’s dairy policies and digital service taxes. Additionally, they urged action on concerns regarding Colombia's labor standards, market access for corn and dairy products, and auto regulations.

"Robust consultations with Congress and stakeholders would help USTR ensure that its engagements help Americans get what they were promised under U.S. trade agreements. To put it simply, trade policy is too important to keep Americans in the dark. We urge you to direct USTR to refrain from further negotiating text proposals with foreign trading partners unless and until meaningful consultations with Congress and stakeholders have occurred," continued the senators.

Alongside Senator Young, other signatories include Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.).

Senator Young has previously called for greater transparency in trade agreements through closer collaboration with Congress. In November 2023, he urged comprehensive consultations from the White House to ensure U.S. digital trade policy addresses repressive measures from countries like Russia and China while promoting open markets for American digital goods.