Page 21 - 2019 Washington DC Trip Packet

2019 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

International Trade

International trade is vital to Wisconsin’s economy. Over $30 billion worth of goods and
services were exported from Wisconsin in 2014. Over 800,000 Wisconsin jobs are supported
by trade, and 87 percent of Wisconsin exporters are small and medium-sized businesses.

The Trump Administration has imposed national security tariffs and quotas on imports of
aluminum and steel from longstanding U.S. allies. Retaliatory tariffs imposed by other
countries on U.S. exports have made American-made goods more expensive and threatened
Wisconsin jobs. Thirty-seven percent of members of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce,
the state chamber of commerce, say the U.S. imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum, as well
as the retaliatory tariffs, have had a negative impact on their business.
Forward Janesville supports the Congressional Trade Authority Act introduced by
Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Michael Gallagher (R-WI).

The bill would amend the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to provide Congress with new tools to
oversee the use of tariffs or other trade restrictions for national security purposes. Under the
bill, national security trade restrictions proposed by the president would require congressional
approval under an expedited, 60-day procedure. National security tariffs imposed within the
past four years would also be subject to congressional review. Other reforms in the bill would
include tightening the definition of “national security” to prevent the abuse of congressionally
delegated powers to restrict trade for security reasons.
We believe that this bill is needed to restore an appropriate balance between Congress and
the president in the exercise of trade and tariff powers. We urge our legislative delegation
to cosponsor and support this important bipartisan legislation.

2019 ADVOCACY SPONSORS:

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