WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislation that originated in the Ways and Means Committee reasserting Congress’ authority and responsibility over international trade is headed to President Biden’s desk after passing with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and the Senate. H.R. 4004, the United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act, formally confirms Congress’ support for the “Initial Agreement” that was negotiated by the Biden Administration and Taiwan, stipulates that the agreement and future agreements with Taiwan cannot take effect without congressional approval, and requires that the Biden Administration consult with Congress and the American people on any future agreements with Taiwan.

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 4004:

“The Constitution gives Congress authority over trade, because we are the branch closest to the people. With today’s vote in the Senate following a strong show of bipartisan support in the House, Congress has sent a clear message to President Biden that we are serious about safeguarding our Constitutional trade authority and upholding our duty to protect the workers, farmers, families, and small businesses who are impacted most by our trade policies.

“The United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act reasserts Congress’ Constitutional authority by requiring any trade deals with Taiwan be subject to a vote in Congress. This will ensure that these agreements are in the best interests of the American people. I urge President Biden to sign this legislation into law immediately and give the American people a seat at the negotiating table for trade agreements, as the Constitution requires.”

The United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 4004):