§2211 Congressional Advisers for Trade Policy and Negotiations

Summary

At the start of each regular session of Congress, the Speaker of the House picks 5 members from the House Ways and Means Committee (no more than 3 from the same party), and the President pro tempore of the Senate picks 5 members from the Senate Finance Committee (no more than 3 from the same party). Those 10 people are named congressional advisers on trade. They give advice on trade policy and priorities. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) must formally approve them so they can serve as advisers to U.S. delegations at international trade meetings. The Speaker and Senate leader may also pick extra members from other committees for specific trade issues, after consulting the committee leaders; those extra picks must be approved by the USTR. No more than 3 advisers may come from any one committee under that extra-pick rule, and no more than 2 of those 3 may be from the same party. Committee chairs can also name other members and staff to see the same information. The USTR must keep each official adviser up to date on U.S. trade policy, negotiating goals, the status of talks, and any suggested changes in U.S. law needed to carry out an agreement. The USTR must also consult regularly with the House Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and other relevant committees about overall trade policy, including negotiating objectives and progress, how agreements are working or disputes are being handled, actions under U.S. trade laws, and other important trade developments. Meetings can be held in private (executive session) when needed.