ALI Convenes Discussion on A Trade Policy for the Middle Class

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March 11 photo - 1.PNG

ALI members only event
Attendees:

  • Representative Ron Kind

  • Representative Stacey Plaskett

ALI hosted a discussion on, A Trade Policy for the Middle Class, with Representatives Ron Kind and Stacey Plaskett, Alexandra Whittaker, new Chief Counsel to the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee and thought leaders from business, think tanks and civil society. The members addressed the importance of expanding the U.S. social safety net, in order to move forward with a trade agenda. There was discussion regarding the expiration of Trade Adjustment Assistance legislation in July, and suggestions to improve its effectiveness, including Tim Meyer’s piece which would shift TAA’s focus to support for communities hurt by trade.  The conversation also addressed the importance of the new Administration showing support for and working with other members to reform the WTO. The group discussed the importance of addressing the tariffs that the prior Administration imposed both on our allies, as well as China.  Alexandra Whittaker discussed the Trade Subcommittee’s agenda during 2021, which includes thinking through what a would be included in a new Trade Promotion Authority (the current authority expires in July, re-authorizing GSP, which she stressed was especially important given the pandemics’ impact on the developing world, addressing concerns regarding forced labor and human rights violations in the supply chain, and looking ahead to the expiration of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to determine new ways to encourage economic growth in Africa.