Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, Ron Wyden, Mike Crapo, and 29 colleagues have written a letter to President Biden urging him to reverse a decision made by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to abandon long-held positions at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding digital trade. The senators are calling on the White House to reaffirm America's global economic leadership and support American workers and human rights.

In the letter, the senators express their concerns about the USTR's decision to withdraw support for key commitments in the e-commerce negotiations at the WTO. These commitments, which have bipartisan support, promote an open internet that allows the free flow of information across borders, protects against the forced transfer of American technology, and promotes open markets for digital goods exported by American creators and businesses.

The senators argue that abandoning these commitments creates a policy vacuum that China and Russia will fill. They emphasize that the United States, along with democratic allies, has supported the internet and free information flows as an engine of innovation and economic growth, as well as a defense against authoritarian regimes. The decision to withdraw support for these commitments not only undermines U.S. workers, consumers, and businesses but also empowers adversaries.

The senators highlight concerns raised by human rights and free expression advocates, such as Freedom House, who worry that the USTR's decision will give China, Russia, and other repressive regimes an opening to advance policies that allow greater surveillance and censorship. U.S. creators, small businesses, and major industries have also warned that the USTR's move will further China's model for digital protectionism and enable unfair trade practices targeting U.S. employers.

The letter was signed by a bipartisan group of senators, including Tom Carper, Chris Van Hollen, Thom Tillis, Chris Coons, John Barrasso, Catherine Cortez Masto, Chuck Grassley, Tim Kaine, James Lankford, Angus King, Tedd Budd, Patty Murray, Todd Young, Kirsten Gillibrand, Shelly Moore Capito, Maria Cantwell, Steve Daines, Krysten Sinema, Kevin Cramer, Ben Cardin, Cynthia Lummis, Alex Padilla, John Cornyn, Jacky Rosen, James Risch, Ted Cruz, Ron Johnson, Tim Scott, and Mark Kelly.

The senators are requesting that President Biden work with Congress and engage in a comprehensive consultation process to reach a consensus U.S. position on these issues. They emphasize the importance of promoting U.S. competitiveness, innovation, and job creation while protecting the open internet and American values.

In conclusion, the senators urge the White House to reverse the USTR's decision and stand up to China, supporting American workers and human rights. They emphasize that retreating from longstanding principles without offering a viable alternative only benefits adversaries and undermines U.S. interests. The senators express their continued support for the core commitments that the USTR has distanced itself from and call for a consultation process before changing the historical U.S. position on these important issues.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-wyden-crapo-call-on-white-house-to-reverse-course-on-digital-trade-and-stand-up-to-china-support-american-workers-and-human-rights/