This resolution proposes a significant shift in how the U.S. handles trade policy. Right now, the President's office (specifically the United States Trade Representative, or USTR) runs most trade negotiations and decisions. This bill would create two new committees to figure out how to move those responsibilities from the executive branch (the President's side of government) to Congress (the legislative branch—the House and Senate).

The first committee, called the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities, would do the actual planning work. The second group, the Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities, would help advise them. Essentially, Congress is saying it wants to reclaim the power to directly control trade policy rather than having the President's office handle it. To make this happen, the USTR and other executive branch offices would have to provide whatever information and help these committees need to develop their plan.

This is about power and constitutional authority. Supporters believe Congress should have more direct control over trade decisions since trade affects the entire economy and American workers. Critics might argue that having the President handle trade gives the country a more unified voice in negotiations with other countries. The resolution doesn't actually change anything yet—it just sets up the process to study and plan how such a transfer could work.

Reclaiming Congress’s Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution

Griffith, H. Morgan

Reclaiming Congress's Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution This concurrent resolution establishes (1) a Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities to develop a plan under which the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) shall be moved to the legislative branch, and (2) a Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities to advise the committee in its development of the plan. The USTR and the other heads of executive branch offices must make available to the committee and the board such information and assistance as the entities may reasonably require to carry out their activities.