Smith Statement on Obama Administration's Decision to Take No Action on Extending Preference for Travel Goods to All GSP Beneficiaries

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today after the Obama administration announced it would take no action on the extension of preference for travel goods to all GSP beneficiaries.

"After several months of review, I am disappointed to learn USTR will be taking no action on the extension of preference for travel goods to all GSP beneficiaries," Smith said. "This decision harms U.S. businesses and ensures China's continued dominance of the industry. It is frustrating to see the administration move forward with so many concerning decisions in its waning hours, including opting not to fully implement a policy which it signed into law with strong bipartisan support. It is my belief the Obama administration should act immediately to extend preference to all GSP beneficiaries."

Click here for video of Smith's June 2015 remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 1295, the Trade Preferences Extension Act. This package included the GSP UPDATE Act (H.R. 681), for which Smith served as the lead sponsor on the Ways and Means Committee and the Obama administration signed into law (P.L. 114-27) on June 29, 2015.