Today we’ll look at manufacturing issues facing the USTR, DHS, and EPA.
Senate confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees are coming fast and furious this week. We have already considered many manufacturing-related policies that will be faced, including candidates to lead the Departments of Transportation, Commerce, State, Treasury, and the Office of Management and Budget.
Today we’re looking at a few more matches, including a matchup with Lee Zeldin. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)a public hearing is scheduled before the Environment and Public Works Committee. 10 a.m. Eastern Thursday;Kristi Noem is a candidate Department of Homeland Security (DHS) The Secretary will appear before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. 9 a.m. Eastern Wednesday; and Mr. Jaymaison Greer, nominated by President Trump. Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee has not yet been set.
What manufacturing policies do we need to talk about? Read more:
Office of the United States Trade Representative
Section 301: shipbuilding
The incoming Trump administration will be tasked with quickly countering Beijing’s efforts to dominate the global shipbuilding sector, based on the Section 301 investigation launched under the outgoing Biden administration. This is important. China currently controls more than half of the world’s shipbuilding capacity, and its capacity is 232 times greater than Japan’s shipbuilding capacity. Failure to act decisively will have a devastating impact on the security of our country, the strength of our industrial base, and the lives of American workers.
USMCA joint review
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) includes a “joint review” mechanism in 2026 that will create an opportunity to improve vehicle “rules of origin.” Loopholes in these rules allow non-committing countries like China to gain “backdoor” access to the benefits of the agreement. AAM warned He said the influx of Chinese-made cars into the U.S. market could be an “extinction-level event” for the nation’s auto sector, its workers and vast industrial supply chains.
Permanent normal trade relations with China
There is growing bipartisan support for an end to Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with China. After all, the Chinese Communist Party has not fulfilled its commitments since joining the WTO in 2001, and the surge in imports from China has been visibly devastating. Economic Policy Research Institute estimate Between 2001 and 2018, 3.7 million U.S. jobs were lost, including 2.8 million in manufacturing. China does not deserve the same trading status as allies such as Taiwan, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
EPA
buy the american loophole
Billions of dollars are being distributed for decarbonization port and school busbut Buy America exemptions and loopholes created by the EPA bypass U.S. companies and their employees throughout the domestic supply chain. The incoming Trump administration will have the opportunity to review these exemptions and loopholes and narrow their scope or eliminate them altogether.
Consistent steelmaking standards
both house and senate Members backed by U.S. producers and the United Steelworkers union say new EPA air quality regulations for the integrated steel sector could shift production to China and other polluting countries. I warned you. If such a result occurs, increase Reduce global emissions and increase dependence on imports to the detriment of U.S. workers. EPA will continue to work with the nation’s integrated producers and the United Steelworkers to carefully balance environmental regulations with economic and national security interests and ensure comprehensive steelmaking environmental regulations. It should be possible to achieve this.
DHS
Customs fraud/tax evasion
A bipartisan proposal to provide additional resources to DHS’ Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to combat illicit trafficking is gaining traction. The Trade Misconduct Act (No. 118: S. 805/HR 2667) gives CBP more tools to combat and stop customs fraud and protects U.S. industry and labor from international trade crimes. The Act (No. 118: HR 9151) strengthens the regulations of the U.S. Department of Justice. Ability to investigate and prosecute trade crimes such as customs fraud, duty evasion, and transshipment.
de minimis reform
The next Trump administration has a chance to close the US loophole. minimal Trade rules are routinely abused to evade trade enforcement and customs inspections of illegal goods, such as products made with forced labor or precursor ingredients for the manufacture of illegal drugs. Since it was eased in 2016 minimal Shipments entering the United States have increased from approximately 140 million items to more than 1 billion items per year. The Biden administration is proposing new tougher regulations. minimal But aggressive action is needed to restore order to this broken tariff policy.
How will the hearing proceed?
South Dakota Governor Noem enthusiastic supporter The president-elect’s position on immigration policy. Mr. Zeldin, a former congressman from New York, will likely direct more productions. gradual approach Involved in environmental regulations as EPA Administrator. On the other hand, Greer closely related It was presented to Robert Lighthizer, who served as USTR during President Trump’s first term. Mr. Greer was Mr. Lighthizer’s chief of staff.
In any case, we will be keeping an eye on this week’s hearings. This is your cheat sheet for the Secretary’s confirmation hearing. commercial, transportationsimilarly Department of the Treasury, State and Office of Management and Budget.
