New Democrat Coalition Releases Trade Task Force Goals for the 116th Congress

The New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Ron Kind, Rick Larsen, Greg Meeks, and Lizzie Fletcher released their goals for the 116th Congress. The Trade Task Force will meet with stakeholders and develop policy positions for the Coalition to advance in both the near term and long term.

Trade Task Force Mission Statement for the 116th Congress:

The New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force is committed to maintaining the United States’ position as a global leader and supports smart trade policy that benefits American workers, businesses, farmers, and consumers. We must pursue a policy that promotes a competitive workforce, respects and strengthens our global relationships, brings outdated agreements into the 21st century, and promotes American excellence and values abroad. We also support reigning in the unilateral trade actions the administration has taken and reasserting Congress’ involvement in tariff policy. We need to continue setting the rules for the global economy, not have them set by others. In doing so, our Trade Task Force will focus on championing the economy of the future, not the economy of 50 years ago.

“Many of us have been through trade debates, and know it is not an easy lift to pass important and intricate trade deals. Finding a landing zone for our nation’s trade policy, and specifically the USMCA, will require the Administration to continue working with the New Democrat Coalition and the larger caucus to ensure all Members are heard and have outstanding concerns resolved,” said Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03). 

“I look forward to working with my New Democrat Coalition colleagues on a trade agenda that supports local jobs and the economic stability of the United States. As a Member of Congress from the most trade dependent state in the country it is my priority to support local jobs created by trade,” said Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02).

“Our Task Force is committed to modernizing our trade agreements in a way that is favorable to our workforce, our consumers, and our industries alike, not unilaterally, but through our strong international relationships. We must be leaders in shaping the rules for trading goods and services so that we are primed to succeed in the economy of tomorrow,” said Congressman Greg Meeks (NY-05).

“As representative for a major trade center, I am committed to working to develop trade policy that recognizes the importance of trade in our economy and the opportunities trade agreements present. I look forward to continuing to work with my constituents, the administration, and my New Democrat Coalition colleagues to ensure we have trade agreements that reflect lessons we have learned, build our economy, and provide economic opportunity for the American people,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07). 

Trade Task Force for the 116th Congress:

• Co-Chairs: Reps. Ron Kind, Rick Larsen, Greg Meeks, and Lizzie Fletcher
• Members: Reps. Don Beyer, Susan Davis, Veronica Escobar, Stephanie Murphy, and Terri Sewell