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handle is hein.crs/goveojz0001 and id is 1 raw text is: inform tssionoI Resedrch SerVce er egsave deb ate sinve 1914 Updated February 22, 2024 U.S. Trade Policy Functions: Who Does What? Background 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. U.S. trade policy also affects the overall U.S. economy and standard of living of Americans, as well as specific sectors, firms, and workers. U.S. trade policy involves a range of functions and multiple agencies with different roles in implementing those functions. 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. U.S. trade policy also has aimed to promote trade and investment, while regulating these flows for national security, health, safety, and other reasons. Further aims have included support for economic development in developing countries and expansion of U.S. influence abroad. With ongoing debate about issues such as the effects of trade liberalization, approaches to support U.S. innovation, technological leadership, and critical supply chains, and new trade and investment restrictions against China and Russia, Congress may deliberate on the future direction of U.S. trade policy and the effectiveness of its components. See CRS In Focus IF10156, U.S. Trade Policy: Background and Current Issues. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress power over U.S. trade policy, specifically to levy tariffs and regulate foreign commerce. 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. At the same time, Congress retains a key role in overseeing and shaping U.S. trade policy and outcomes. Congress and the President have delegated many trade functions to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and other executive branch departments and agencies. USTR-led interagency and advisory systems support their trade functions. Key FederaL Trade Agencies U.S. trade agencies and functions are highlighted below. Program operations may vary (e.g., due to authorization status), and some aspects are subject to ongoing congressional debate. E Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) USTR, 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. laws to combat unfair foreign trade practices (e.g., Section 301), and trade preference programs for developing countries. In creating and elevating USTR, Congress aimed to balance competing interests between U.S. domestic and foreign policy, among trade-related agencies, and of domestic stakeholders. Congress also aimed to address concerns that trade interests were being overlooked under the State Department's historical lead. Milestones in 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. DDepartment 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) to help U.S. firms affected by import competition and trade liberalization. The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and Census Bureau collect, analyze, and disseminate trade data. SA 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.

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