WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies – today announced that he has secured a commitment from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding an exclusion process for the third tranche of tariffs applied to goods from China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

“I support the Trump Administration’s efforts to hold China accountable for unfair trade practices and the theft of trade secrets and intellectual property rights from American companies, and I continue to support the Administration’s pursuit of strong enforcement of global trade rules,” said Sen. Moran. “However, tariffs are not the only tool to make certain other countries follow international trade rules and treat American exporters and workers fairly. I will continue urging the Administration to quickly reach an agreement with China that eliminates the harmful tariffs, while also addressing China’s bad behavior on trade policy.

“Until this occurs, it is critical that American manufacturers and businesses have the opportunity to apply for an exclusion from the tariffs, and as chairman of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, I secured a commitment from U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer to establish an exclusion process for the third round of tariffs on China,” continued Sen. Moran. “I am working with USTR to make this exclusion process available as soon as possible, and I will continue to utilize my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee to work toward lasting solutions to these ongoing tariff battles.”

CLICK HERE to download Sen. Moran’s audio remarks. 

Items to Note:  

• On March 12, 2019, Sens. Moran and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer requesting an exclusion process.
• Included in Sen. Moran and Shaheen’s FY2019 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act is report language requiring that USTR “establish an exclusion process for tariffs imposed on goods subject to Section 301 tariffs in round 3.”
  
  

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