July 18,2019
What It Takes to Keep USMCA on the Fast Track

Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) creates a partnership between Congress and the administration to ensure that trade deals prioritize American interests. When a trade agreement meets U.S. objectives and Congress is sufficiently consulted, the administration can submit a bill to implement the agreement to Congress for an up-or-down vote or “fast track” consideration. Here’s a closer look at what it takes to keep USMCA on the fast track.
REQUIREMENTS MET
·
The president
must notify Congress of intent to enter into negotiations at least 90 days
prior to beginning negotiations.
·
The president
must publish negotiating objectives at least 30 days prior to beginning negotiations.
·
The president
must report potential changes to U.S. trade remedy laws at least 180 days
prior to signature.
·
The president
must notify Congress of intent to enter into a trade agreement at least 90 days
prior to signature.
·
The president
must publish full text of the agreement at least 60 days before signature.
·
The president
must sign the agreement.
·
The president
must report to Congress the changes to U.S. law that are required within 60
days after signature.
·
The United States
International Trade Commission (USITC) must complete a study of the agreement’s
economic impact.
·
The president
must submit final legal text of the agreement and a draft statement of
administrative action to Congress at least 30 days before submitting the implementing
bill.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
·
The House Ways
and Means and Senate Finance Committees may continue to conduct hearings, and
“mock” or informal mark ups on the draft implementing bill.
·
The president
must submit final legal text, implementing bill, statement of administrative
action, and supporting materials to Congress when both chambers are in session.
·
The House Ways
and Means Committee must vote on the implementing bill within 45 session days
of introduction.
·
The full House
must vote on the implementing bill within 15 session days of the committee’s
vote.
·
The Senate
Finance Committee must vote on the implementing bill within 15 session days of
the House vote.
·
The full Senate
must vote on the implementing bill within 15 session days of the committee’s
vote.
Next Article Previous Article