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USTRnominee promises to look out for farmers in NAFTA
Story Date: 1/19/2018
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Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 1/18/18
While the future of NAFTA remains uncertain, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative's nominee for deputy USTR for the Western Hemisphere, China and Africa made clear that he will look out for farmers in the ongoing talks. Although the Trump administration's nominee, C.J. Mahoney, highlighted the importance of modernizing the agreement "to create a more level playing field for American workers," he also recognized how much farmers and producers have won.
"I am fully committed to preserving and enhancing the gains that our country has achieved in NAFTA, notably for agricultural goods," Mahoney said during his Senate Finance Committee nomination hearing on Wednesday. "Especially at a time of already depressed commodity prices, it is important that U.S. agriculture lose no ground and maintain its reputation as a reliable supplier."
What exactly will he do? If confirmed, Mahoney will oversee investment, services, labor and environmental issues at USTR. He also will, according to Sen. Ron Wyden, serve as USTR's point person for keeping Congress informed on the status of trade negotiations and other initiatives.
Holding pattern: Sen. Tim Scott put a hold on Mahoney's nomination, saying that U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer failed to be responsive to his concerns over an unspecified trade issue related to South Carolina. Lighthizer met with Scott after the hearing, but the lawmaker indicated he would not lift the hold yet. The hold also applies to Dennis Shea's nomination to serve as a deputy USTR and U.S. ambassador to the World Trade Organization. More from Pro Trade's Adam Behsudi here.
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