The U.S. Trade Agenda in the 118th Congress

Speakers:

• Evan Giesemann, Tax Policy Advisor & Staff Director (Sen. Carper, DE)

• Tommy Brown, Legislative Director (Rep. Schneider, IL-10)

• Abe Friedman, Senior Policy Advisor (Rep. DelBene, WA-01)

ALI hosted senior Congressional staff to talk about the trade agenda in the upcoming Congress. Top of mind are the importance of renewing Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), managing negotiations around the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and ensuring digital trade remains a priority. Many agreed that we are in a new era for trade policy and debated facets of advancing traditional trade agreements versus new approaches that do not use traditional tools like tariff reductions. Participants pointed to key areas impacting global supply chains, including the U.S. approach to the Ukraine and alternatives to China in sourcing. The discussion also explored ways to advance U.S.-EU cooperation on climate, while at the same time managing differences on digital issues and electric vehicles. Finally, participants acknowledged the political challenges of working these issues in a Congress split between two parties, despite historical bipartisan support for them.