Smith Statement on USTR's Announcement of Alterations to Trade Agreement with Colombia

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced new binding interpretations of key provisions within the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA).

"USTR did not conduct its due diligence before entering this binding agreement during the final moments of a lame duck presidency. Robust engagement over priorities for negotiating new or improved comprehensive trade agreements would have been welcome earlier in President Biden’s term. Instead, this rushed and performative action is indicative of the Biden administration's failures to consult Congress and American stakeholders while properly engaging on trade matters."

BACKGROUND:

In December 2024 Smith spoke out after it was reported USTR was attempting to renegotiate provisions of USMCA and the U.S.-Colombia TPA without consulting Congress or American stakeholders.

On January 10, 2025, Smith led several Ways and Means Committee colleagues sending a letter to USTR Ambassador Katherine Tai. The letter called on USTR to refrain from finalizing any new terms for the U.S.-Colombia TPA and instead use President Biden's remaining days in office to seek input from Congress and American stakeholders.

Smith was has been active on the Ways and Means Committee's Subcommittee on Trade to support robust trade engagement with Colombia since 2011.

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