Baucus Highlights Need for Better Trade Enforcement Tools

Washington, DC – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) highlighted the importance of enforcement in response to the 2009 National Trade Estimate Report (NTE), which was released today by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The NTE, which is statutorily mandated, requires USTR to identify foreign barriers to U.S. exports, investment, and protection of intellectual property rights. This year’s report identifies barriers imposed by more than 60 countries.

“This year’s National Trade Estimate Report is troubling,” Baucus said. “It shows that more countries are raising more barriers to American exports, investments, and intellectual property rights. This harms American businesses, including small businesses like those in my home state of Montana. We need to ensure that USTR has 21st century tools to address 21st century trade barriers. I intend to introduce a trade enforcement bill that will do just that.”

In the 110th Congress, Chairman Baucus, along with Senators Hatch and Stabenow, introduced legislation to significantly bolster the U.S. Government’s trade enforcement tools. Chairman Baucus intends to work with Finance Committee Members to introduce similar legislation in the 111th Congress.

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