Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) participated in a Ways and Means annual hearing with the United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer following the release of President Trump’s Trade Policy Agenda.
Click here to watch the remarks.
Congresswoman Miller began by highlighting how the Biden administration’s inaction on trade has given other countries, including China, an advantage in global trade.
“Thank you for being here today Ambassador Greer. It is my opinion that part of the reason President Trump has taken such drastic action on trade is due to the fact that the United States had virtually no trade agenda under the Biden administration, and I didn’t hear sniping from the other side about that. The past administration’s failure to engage in meaningful conversations with our trade partners has opened the door for countries to run afoul of World Trade Organization tariff agreements and impose excessive non-tariff barriers. These countries have had no incentive to negotiate, they were massively benefiting from the system as it is. For example, the hardwood companies in my district have been pummeled by China dumping their hardwood into the American market. China gained at our expense while we were asleep at the wheel. Thankfully, that is not the policy of the United States anymore. Due to President Trump’s swift action, more than 70 countries are knocking down our door, ready to negotiate a trade deal.”
Congresswoman Miller asked about the Trump administration’s commitment to the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) and how it will improve U.S. manufacturing.
“Today I want to focus on the future of our trade agenda. Looking to the very near future, the Administration is required, by statute, to undertake the United States Mexico Canada Agreement review process in 2026. I cannot understate the importance of USMCA to my constituents. The growth in the manufacturing sector, spurred by our cooperation with Canada and Mexico, has helped sustain thousands of jobs in my district. I’m well aware this agreement is not perfect, and we are fortunate to have the review process in place to make the necessary improvements. Ambassador Greer, what commitments can you make to us today regarding the USMCA review? Specifically, how will you use this opportunity to advance President Trump’s goals of promoting domestic manufacturing and how will you engage with Congress to facilitate this process?” asked Congresswoman Miller.
“I’ll note that goods coming from Canada and Mexico right now that comply with the rules of the agreement continue to enter duty free. This is an important agreement. We expect that we will initiate the public consultation process that’s required by the statute at some point at the time required. With the USMCA, it’s important that Canada and Mexico not be used as an export platform for third countries. That’s not what we want. USMCA should be an agreement that promotes manufacturing in America and we can rely on our partners to the north and south if needed. But it can’t be a situation where countries [like China or Vietnam] can just come in and build a factory in Mexico, assemble it with parts from there and send it across and get the benefit of an agreement where they’ve taken no obligations. I want to make sure that it truly is an agreement that helps America first,” said Ambassador Greer.
Congresswoman Miller continued by highlighting the importance of promoting U.S. digital trade while combatting China.
“I have greatly appreciated your leadership in protecting American digital companies abroad. You and I agree about the dangers of South Korea’s anti-competitive policies toward American digital companies. I intend to re-introduce legislation that seeks to ensure that American companies are not being harmed by one of our closest allies, while Chinese companies are left unscathed. The digital trade sector is rapidly growing, and it is important we do not lose market share to China in this critical field. Several countries are considering legislation that mimics the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which has undisputably caused a “digital winter” for American tech companies operating in Europe. What are your plans to address these harmful policies and to ensure the prosperity of American digital trade? Do you think that digital trade will play a part in the imminent trade discussions regarding the “Liberation Day” tariffs?” asked Congresswoman Miller.
“I understand that there’s obviously a national conversation going on about how digital trade should be regulated, and there are lots of views on that. We’re not going to outsource that regulation. We’re not going to let the European Union or [South] Korea, or any other jurisdiction set the rules for digital trade. It will be us, and they won’t be able to do it in a way that’s discriminatory. That is impermissible, especially when we have, as you noted, the Chinese competition out there. If we’re going to have companies that operate in this space and are so competitive in this space, we need to make sure that they’re American companies, right? This is certainly something that we can talk about in any negotiations that come up,” said Ambassador Greer.
Congresswoman Miller then asked about USTR’s commitment to building up the U.S. critical mineral supply.
“We have historically forged some of our strongest alliances based on procuring critical minerals which are difficult or nearly impossible to obtain in the U.S. Will you commit to exploring great discussions and partnerships with like-minded partners to protect and build up our critical minerals today?” asked Congresswoman Miller.
“Yes,” said Ambassador Greer.