U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) have introduced a bipartisan act to establish an Inspector General for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to provide independent oversight and increase transparency and accountability at the agency.
In recent years the USTR has come under increased scrutiny over reports and allegations of inconsistent policy implementation, conflicts of interest, and political favoritism, according to Menendez.
“The current lack of oversight over U.S. trade policy is problematic,” said Menendez, in a statement. “The U.S. Trade Representative is responsible for developing and coordinating the implementation of U.S. international trade policy with far-reaching consequences for American workers, businesses, and civil society – and as such, Americans deserve honest and transparent trade policy that prioritizes the economic interests of the country and cracks down on waste, fraud, and abuse.”
Senate finance committee chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) co-sponsored Menendez and Cornyn’s legislation.
“The U.S. Trade Representative’s work to craft and enforce trade laws impacts the livelihoods of countless American workers. Creating an independent watchdog at USTR is critical to ensuring that trade policy is conducted in a transparent and consistent manner that benefits American workers and American businesses,” said Wyden, in a statement.
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