Reclaiming Congress’s Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution

Plan to move trade policy to Congress

If adopted by both chambers, this resolution would create a 14‑member Joint Ad Hoc Committee to plan moving U.S. trade duties from the U.S. Trade Representative to Congress. Nine House members and five Senators would serve; leaders would appoint them and name a Chair and Vice Chair. The committee could meet 90 days after adoption, call witnesses, require documents, and hire experts using existing staff when possible. Witnesses asked to appear would have travel costs reimbursed. The committee must send its plan to Congress within 16 months after all members are appointed. The transfer of USTR functions would then occur four years after that report, or on July 1, 2028, whichever is later. Its costs would be paid from House accounts and the Senate contingent fund, and it would end one year after it files its report. A 21‑member Advisory Board would be appointed within 60 days, including the USTR or a designee; members would be unpaid, with travel and per diem for non‑local members, and the board could not hire staff but could request help from the Joint Committee. The USTR and other executive‑branch offices would be required to provide the information and help the committee and board reasonably need.