Washington, D.C. – Today, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced their intention to enter into negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Japan:

“I enthusiastically welcome the announcement that the United States and Japan are planning to enter into bilateral negotiations, and I applaud President Trump for taking this important step.  I have been pushing for such negotiations for some time because an agreement with Japan would expand our ability to sell American goods and services, establish ambitious new rules, and resolve bilateral issues.  Japan is an important trading partner and a strong ally on economic and security issues.  I look forward to consulting with Ambassador Lighthizer about the negotiating objectives and the requirements of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability (TPA) Act.”