Differences over GSP Reform Persist

Members of the House Ways and Means Committee are united in their desire to renew the expired Generalized System of Preferences program, but differences over reforms continue to stand in the way of action. Ranking Democrat Earl Blumenauer (Ore) called for action on GSP reform and renewal legislation proposed by Democrats in the previous Congress, saying that since there is strong

bipartisan report for renewal, the committee should report out that measure.

But Trade Subcommittee Chair. Adrian Smith (R-Neb) indicated that he sees some language in that bill as being ambiguous and hard to enforce and includes standards for beneficiary countries that go beyond what is required in the US- Mexico-Canada Agreement. He expressed hope that with “open minds” members can come together on a GSP/MTB package.