The appointment of a new ITC commissioner has been delayed for years. However, it would be dangerous to rush to make nominations so close to the end of the current parliamentary session.
Scott Paul, chairman of the American Manufacturing Alliance, wrote in a letter to leaders of the Senate Finance Committee on Friday: Request the committee not to rush the review Number of recently appointed International Trade Commission (ITC) candidates.
Following concerns from industry groups that the process should not be rushed without proper review, the commission suddenly announced that: hold a public hearing On Wednesday, December 18th, we decided to consider James Bernard Coughlan, Halie L. Craig, and William Patrick J. Kimmitt as members of the ITC. Politico reports that a coalition of “tax and business groups” wants the Senate to “confirm nominees before adjournment.”
But in his letter, Paul urged Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) to instead “work with the incoming administration in a bipartisan manner.” “We urge the ITC Commissioner to nominate and thoroughly vet the most qualified candidate for the position.” ”
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“U.S. manufacturers and their employees are seeking a committee to review past work history and public comments that may suggest that ITC candidates are unqualified or do not respect trade enforcement laws.” We trust. Unfortunately, unfair trade practices are a daily reality for U.S. manufacturers and their employees, and rules-based markets. Left unchecked, trade fraud poses a widespread existential threat to the lives of communities and individuals when factories are forced to close or operate at reduced capacity. In fact, the deterioration of Japan’s industrial base due to unfair trade is having a serious impact on our national security.
“We affirmed to the Committee that the President’s ITC nominations “develop expertise in international trade issues and possess the necessary qualifications to effectively administer the Commission’s mandate and functions.” Therefore, we request that they fully fulfill their advice and consent responsibilities.
Paul noted that the Finance Committee has long “relied on procedural precedent in vetting candidates,” which has ensured the committee did its due diligence. Given that the ITC “plays a critical role in ensuring a level playing field and fair market competition across a myriad of industry sectors,” it would be detrimental to rush candidates for such an important role now. There is a possibility that it is.
“Committee work should not be rushed by last-minute appointments or on the false basis that Congressional days are dwindling,” Paul wrote. “Indeed, after years of delays in appointing new ITC commissioners, rushing the appointment during the current administration’s waning years would be particularly problematic for both domestic industry and workers.”
AAM is not alone in urging the commission not to rush the confirmation process. American Trade Law Advocacy Committee Weiden and Crapo also wroteHe argued that there was “not enough time to properly evaluate” the nominees, and that “a rushed review would require Congress to ensure that the nominees meet the stringent requirements of being an ITC commissioner and that they do not meet the standards and expectations of the American people.” “We will not be able to ensure that the law is being followed.” For strong enforcement of our trade laws. ”
