Trade

New Democrats support a pro-growth, pro-worker trade agenda that puts American jobs first. We need to set the rules for the global economy, not have them set by others. In doing so, the United States should focus on championing the economy of the future, not the economy of 50 years ago. Being actively engaged in global trade allows us to lead geo-politically; grows our economy and expands opportunity; exports our goods, services, and values; and levels the playing field for American workers, businesses, and farmers. President Trump’s unilateral trade actions are fueling a trade war that is disrupting markets, raising prices, and costing American jobs. This could jeopardize our nation’s security and lead to retaliation from other countries against American made goods and services.

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More on Trade

Dec 10, 2018 Press Release

New Democrat Coalition Chair Jim Himes (CT-04) released the following statement after a conversation with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer:

“U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer and I had a constructive conversation Friday in which he expressed his interest in engaging closely with members of Congress and I agreed that such engagement would be essential to consideration of the revised NAFTA agreement, but also the ongoing challenges caused by tariffs and the President’s threat to withdraw from NAFTA.”

Oct 1, 2018 Press Release

New Democrat Coalition Chair Jim Himes (CT-04); New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05); and Ways & Means Committee Members Ron Kind (WI-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement on the announced agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement:

Jul 25, 2018 Press Release

New Democrat Coalition Members Reps. Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Brad Schneider (IL-10) introduced bills to offer assistance to American farmers, workers, and businesses as President Trump’s trade war continues to hurt our workers and our economy. These bills would be unnecessary if it were not for President Trump’s unilateral trade actions that are fueling a trade war that is disrupting markets, raising prices, and costing American jobs.

Jul 17, 2018 Press Release

Today, the House of Representatives passed the House amendment to S. 488, the JOBS and Investor Confidence Act of 2018. S. 488 would accomplish four main goals: facilitate access to capital for small businesses and start-ups; increase protections for consumers and investors; help counter drug and human trafficking; and promote financial stability.

New Democrat Coalition Chair Jim Himes (CT-04) issued the following statement on the bill:

Jun 15, 2018 Press Release

Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Jim Himes (CT-04); New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05); and Ways & Means Committee Members Ron Kind (WI-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement after reports that the Administration will move forward with $50 billion in tariffs on China:

May 31, 2018 Press Release

Today, New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Gregory W. Meeks (NY-02) issued the following statement on President Trump’s actions to levy steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union, Canada, and Mexico:

May 21, 2018 Press Release

New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Gregory W. Meeks (NY-02) issued the following statement on President Trump’s trade negotiations with China:

May 16, 2018 Press Release

New Democrat Coalition on Trump Administration’s Failure to Keep Congress Informed

United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer canceled meeting with New Democrat Coalition Members

Today, Members of the New Democrat Coalition were scheduled to meet with United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to discuss the importance of maintaining America’s place in NAFTA negotiations, concerns about some of the Administration’s misplaced trade priorities, and the lack of Congressional consultation around major trade discussions.

Apr 13, 2018 In the News

Inside U.S. Trade

Pro-trade New Democrat Coalition eyes first meeting with Lighthizer

April 11, 2018

Editor's note: This story was updated after initial publication to note that the New Democrat Coalition is seeking a meeting with the U.S. Trade Representative in the coming weeks, not next Wednesday.

Mar 22, 2018 Press Release

Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Jim Himes (CT-04) and New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Gregory W. Meeks (NY-02) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s announcement of $60 billion in tariffs against China: