Rep. DelBene Questions USTR Greer on Trump's Tariff Policy and Trade Deal Trust

Concerns Over Trump's Tariff Policy

• ⚠️ Sweeping tariffs imposed by President Trump are estimated to raise prices for American families by $4600 this year, causing financial struggles and business panic.
• 📉 Businesses, including exporters manufacturing in the U.S., are reportedly losing business due to these tariffs.
• 🏛️ Some Republicans are breaking with the president, proposing joint bills to limit the president's sole ability to impose sweeping tariffs.

Trust and Trade Deal Negotiations

• ❓ Representative DelBene questions how any country can trust the U.S. to make trade deals when existing agreements (like Australia, South Korea, USMCA) are arbitrarily thrown out.
• 🤝 USTR Greer counters that countries are actively seeking to negotiate better trade deals, stating, "The countries are coming. If they were hesitant, they wouldn't be knocking on our door."
• 🎯 DelBene challenges this, asking what countries are coming to negotiate when there are no specifics on the goals of the tariffs or plans.

USTR's Rationale and Consultation Process

• 📊 Greer explains the tariffs are a response to a trade deficit and offshoring, aiming to eliminate these issues, and that tariffs are a method to achieve this.
• 🗣️ He states that if countries have alternative methods to meet these goals, the U.S. is open to discussion.
• 📜 Regarding consultation, Greer mentioned a phone call with Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Neil about the impending IEPA action and briefed committee staff, arguing this constituted consultation.
• 🚫 DelBene disputes this, stating there was no plan to consult on and that the consultation occurred regarding a "non-existent deal" before tariffs were even finalized.

Lack of Clear Goals and Congressional Involvement

• ❓ DelBene points out the lack of clearly laid-out objectives for the negotiations and no discernible plan from the president or USTR regarding the goal of the tariffs.
• 🗳️ She questions whether new deals will be brought to Congress for a vote, similar to USMCA.
• ⚖️ Greer assures that comprehensive free trade agreements would go to Congress for a vote and that Congress will be kept informed, promising to follow the law regarding consultations and votes.
• 📉 DelBene expresses concern over existing trade deals being discarded and new negotiations lacking clear goals or guaranteed congressional votes.