Reclaiming Congress’s Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution

This concurrent resolution, titled the "Reclaiming Congress's Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution," proposes the establishment of a Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities . The primary purpose of this committee is to develop a comprehensive plan to move the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) from the executive branch to the legislative branch, in accordance with Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution. This committee will consist of 14 members, with nine from the House of Representatives (from the Ways and Means or Energy and Commerce Committees) and five Senators (from the Finance Committee), appointed by their respective leadership. The Joint Ad Hoc Committee is tasked with submitting its plan to Congress within 16 months of its members being appointed. The transfer of USTR functions to the legislative branch is scheduled to occur upon the expiration of a four-year period beginning on the date the committee submits its report, or on July 1, 2028, whichever date is later. To assist in this endeavor, a Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities will also be established, comprising 21 members, including experts on constitutional trade roles and representatives from various sectors such as labor, industry, and agriculture, along with the United States Trade Representative. Both the committee and the advisory board are authorized to request information and assistance from the USTR and other executive branch offices to fulfill their duties.