WASHINGTON, D.C.- House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s intention to ignore key provisions in the just-signed Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (i.e. “the Customs Bill”):

“After signing the Customs Bill into law, President Obama immediately announced his intention to ignore particular provisions in that law. The President’s plan to undercut our ally Israel through trade and possibly ignore Congressional direction during trade negotiations is dangerous and offensive. The American people and our allies are fed up with the President’s flagrant disdain for our constitutional process. Our committee will conduct careful oversight and do everything possible to ensure the Administration implements the exact language of this entire law.”

BACKGROUND:
Upon signing the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 into law, President Obama made clear his intention to disregard provisions that will protect Israel from boycotts, sanctions, and divestment actions by other countries. In addition, the President said he plans to ignore direction from Congress in the new law to negotiate agreements with our trading partners that will strengthen our borders, enforce our trade laws, and facilitate legitimate trade.