Smith Statement on U.S.-Japan Critical Minerals Agreement

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Biden administration announced a critical minerals agreement with Japan for electric vehicle battery development:

“Traditional trade agreements bring long-term economic certainty and stability; this announcement fails to provide either,” said Smith. “The Biden administration continues to hide behind executive authority rather than be accountable to Congress and the American people. Ambassador Tai promised full transparency in this process, which the administration did not fulfill. I will always advocate for closer economic ties with our allies, but the next step to grow trade relations with Japan should be a congressionally-approved and comprehensive trade agreement. Congressionally-approved trade agreements are the strongest way to support American producers and consumers.”

Chairman Smith recently questioned both Secretary Yellen and Ambassador Tai about the administration’s attempts to move forward with trade agreements without congressional approval and consultation.

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