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1 1 (December 03, 2020)

handle is hein.crs/govdcrq0001 and id is 1 raw text is: * Updated December 3, 2020 U.S. Trade Policy Functions: Who Does What? At the nexus of foreign and domestic policy, U.S. trade policy comprises a distinct set of issues that shape U.S. participation in the global economy and relations with trading partners. It also affects the overall U.S. economy and standard of living of Americans, as well as specific sectors, firms, and workers. Controversial at times, U.S. trade policy historically has focused on supporting economic growth and jobs through more open and rules- based trade by negotiating and enforcing reciprocal trade agreements and other measures, while offering relief to specific segments of the U.S. economy affected by trade liberalization and unfair foreign trade practices. It also aims to promote trade and investment, while regulating these flows for national security, health, safety, and other reasons. Other goals are to support economic development in developing countries and expand U.S. influence abroad. The Constitution gives Congress primacy over trade policy, specifically the power to levy tariffs and regulate foreign commerce. By contrast, the President lacks specific authority over trade, but has power over foreign affairs. The executive branch's role in trade stems from the President's power to negotiate treaties with other nations, and legislative grants of authority to adjust tariff rates and implement trade policy. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and other agencies conduct trade functions under various authorities. USTR-led interagency and advisory systems aim to seek input and balance diverse interests to reach a coherent U.S. position on trade matters. The U.S. trade policy architecture has evolved to reflect changes in international trade, the U.S. economic position, and other factors. Congress has a keen interest in examining U.S. trade functions, agencies, and coordinating structure. KEyV Trade A$geniE~s Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) The U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet-level official in the Executive Office of the President, is the President's principal advisor on trade policy, chief U.S. trade negotiator, and head of the interagency trade policy coordinating process. USTR administers U.S. law to combat unfair foreign trade practices (e.g., Section 301), and trade preference programs for developing countries. In creating and elevating USTR, Congress sought to balance competing interests between U.S. domestic and foreign policy, among the range of trade-related agencies, and the many domestic stakeholders. Congress also sought to address concerns that trade policy interests were being overlooked under the State Department's historical lead. Milestone statutes in the USTR's evolution include the: * Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Created an ambassador-level Special Representative for Trade Negotiations (precursor to USTR) to lead the new interagency system to coordinate trade policy, which the act also created. Trade Act of 1974. Designated the Special Representative as the chief U.S. trade negotiator, lead of the trade agreements program, and head of the new private sector advisory committee system, which the act also created. Elevated position to cabinet rank and placed it in the White House. Trade Agreements Act of 1979. Required the President to submit a trade reorganization plan, including to boost the Special Representative's coordination and functional roles. Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. Elevated USTR to coordinate trade policy, serve as the President's principal trade advisor and trade spokesperson, and lead U.S. international trade negotiations. Required USTR to report to both the President and Congress. N Department of Commerce Commerce conducts many non-agricultural trade functions. The International Trade Administration (ITA), supported by U.S. and foreign commercial service officers, provides market research, business connections, and other services to promote U.S. exports and attract foreign investment. It also conducts antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/ CVD) investigations to address potential adverse effects on U.S. industry of unfair foreign trade practices, and monitors foreign compliance with U.S. trade agreements. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) administers licensing and civil enforcement functions for dual-use exports. It also investigates whether certain imports harm, or threaten to harm, national security (Section 232). The Economic Development Administration (EDA) manages Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for firms, (targets adjustment to import competition and trade liberalization). The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and Census Bureau collect, analyze, and disseminate trade data. The U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA aims to promote and regulate U.S. agricultural trade, weighing in on agriculture issues in U.S. trade negotiations. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works to prevent plant and animal pests and diseases from entering U.S. borders. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regulates U.S. meat, poultry, and egg products, including imports. The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) administers U.S. agricultural export financing and assistance, U.S. quotas against agricultural imports, and TAA for farmers. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HHS weighs in on trade policy issues that can affect public health, such as food products (not regulated by USDA), cosmetics, drugs, and medical devices. HHS's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates products produced domestically and abroad for safety, security, and efficacy. hups:------------------.-, g-v

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