Trade
More on Trade
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) led nearly 20 of their colleagues in writing to United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, requesting he work to terminate Brazil's use of a trade rate quota (TRQ) on U.S ethanol. Currently, Brazil has a 20% tariff on out-of-quota imports of U.S. ethanol while Brazil enjoys nearly tariff-free access to the U.S. market. In the letter, Smith requested Brazil implement its previous zero-duty exemption for U.S. ethanol.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), released the following statement after the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) went into effect on July 1, 2020. The USMCA improves upon the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was signed more than 25 years ago, while the benefits of NAFTA to Nebraska agriculture remain intact for a future generation.
Exports alone make up more than 12 percent of the United States GDP. Expanding trade markets benefits our economy, relationships with other countries, and consumers. With something so critical as trade, we need to constantly be thinking about ways to improve in this vital area. For this reason, while the ongoing pandemic has disrupted day-to-day life around our nation, the Trump administration has continued its work negotiating and implementing multiple trade agreements with the support of many in Congress.
Much has changed in the four months since President Trump signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) into law back in December – not the least of which is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, what has not changed is the importance of this agreement.
Recovering financially from the economic damage caused by the pandemic will require an all-out effort on a nation-wide scale. Thankfully, the American people have demonstrated toughness and resilience throughout our history. We know we will get through this.
The State of the Union is a time-honored tradition, envisioned by our Founders in the Constitution, which provides an opportunity to review the past year and hear the President's ideas to make America even better in the next one. The State of the Union was traditionally given to Congress in writing only until 1913, when President Woodrow Wilson started the tradition of giving a speech to Congress. Regardless of who is President, it is important for Congress, and our country, to hear directly from the leader of our nation.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after attending the signing of United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) today at the White House
"The signing of USMCA is a major win for the United States. After more than 25 years, NAFTA needed to be modernized for the 21st century while ensuring its continued successes for Nebraska agriculture. I thank the President and his team for completing the work on USMCA and look forward to pursuing more opportunities for opening markets around the world.
This week a number of my colleagues, Senator Fischer and I, had the honor of attending President Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He signing a phase one trade agreement between our nations. While we know there is much more work to be done, we should celebrate what the President and his economic team accomplished in addressing longtime Chinese practices while opening new economic opportunities for Nebraska's farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after attending the signing of the "Phase One" China trade agreement today at the White House:
"This first phase agreement with China is a positive first step toward addressing one of our biggest trade challenges. We must be vigilant in ensuring China follows this agreement, as we continue to fight for free and fair treatment of Nebraska products. I look forward to taking Nebraska agriculture producer concerns to the White House."
As we begin a new year, I find it useful reflect on past successes while building plans for the future. In 2019, we faced many challenges, but we also found several solutions to which will benefit Nebraska families, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed legislation to enact the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) today:
"After much hard work and negotiations by the administration, I am incredibly pleased were able to come together to enact this trade agreement which will greatly benefit Nebraska's, and America's, producers, consumers, and businesses small and large.