Schneider Leads Debate on the United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act
(As prepared for delivery)
I’m proud to join my Republican and Democratic colleagues, in both the House and the Senate, in this effort to demonstrate our commitment to the people of Taiwan and to affirm Congress’ constitutional authority on trade.
Every Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee has co-sponsored this bill. And, just last week, this legislation passed out of the Ways and Means Committee unanimously. I implore my colleagues to support this legislation.
Before turning to the substance of the bill before us today, I’d like to remind my colleagues that Congress improved the USMCA.
Congress improved both the substance of that trade agreement – especially on matters related to labor, environment, and enforcement – and the process. Our commitment to building a modern, pro-worker deal led to a trade agreement that was endorsed by labor, the business community, and, most importantly, the American people.
Congress’ fierce leadership on the USMCA brought about an agreement that reflects the priorities of House Democrats. For instance, we fought hard to establish a new structure for aggressive enforcement of the USMCA and to back it up with funding for enforcement actions.
USMCA now stands as a powerful beacon for what’s possible when it comes to durable, enforceable trade agreements. And I credit that to the work and consensus-building of Congress.
It is the collaboration between Congress and the Executive that allows trade policy to live up to its fullest potential, and in this critical moment, that cannot be forgotten. This brings us to legislation before us today, the Taiwan Implementation Act.
This a matter of standing up for the prerogatives of the Congress. Congress is charged with trade responsibilities. I took this same position with the previous administration. I believe you get better outcomes when Congress is included in the trade negotiations.
I believe that going forward, making sure that Congress is fully included, is not only sensible but leads to a better outcome—as I noted earlier as it relates to USMCA.
In short, Congress – and within Congress, the Ways and Means Committee – oversees trade policy. And we should continue to defend that position.
I will now turn to our strong support for the people of Taiwan. Congressional Democrats are unwavering in their support for the people of Taiwan – a people who have built a robust and thriving democracy that serves as a beacon in the region.
As Taiwan faces incredible pressure from its authoritarian neighbor, it is vital that this institution stand and support our democratic partner.
Strengthening bilateral trade relations with Taiwan also strengthens our shared determination to preserve democracy at home and abroad. As we see growing aggression by certain countries towards democratic values and troubling erosions of the rule of law, it’s critical that American trade policy reflect our global commitment to promoting democracy and peace.
The Biden Administration has reflected this commitment by prioritizing America’s economic and trade relationship with Taiwan – a priority undoubtedly shared by Congress.
The Taiwan Implementation Act demonstrates Congress’ strong support for strengthening our bilateral trade relationship with Taiwan and our commitment to ensuring trade agreements are durable.
As I noted earlier, the U.S. Constitution gives Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign commerce. This legislation approves what the Administration has negotiated with Taiwan and sets forth strong consultation and transparency requirements that ensure future trade agreements with Taiwan carry the will of the American people behind them.
Trade impacts every part of people’s lives: from the food we eat, to the clothes we buy, to the cars we drive. It is critical that Congress act to support this first trade agreement with Taiwan and ensure that future trade agreements are subject to a Congressional approval process.
The Ways and Means Committee is an important gatekeeper of our trade priorities, and the American people expect us to lead on these matters. The Taiwan Implementation Act affirms our authority to do just that, while underscoring our shared commitment to furthering the deep economic and people-to-people ties America enjoys with Taiwan.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.