USTR Invites Public Comments on New Public Interest Trade Advisory Committee

By Renee Dopplick, ACM Director of Public Policy

March 18, 2014

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is accepting public comments on the creation of a new Public Interest Trade Advisory Committee, as well as nominations for membership on the committee. The deadline for public comments and nominations is March 25, 2014.

The Public Interest Trade Advisory Committee will provide trade policy advice and recommendations to the USTR. The Committee also will review and assess proposed trade agreements and provide advisory opinions to the President, the USTR, and Congress on the extent to which treaty language would promote and protect public interests, as well as U.S. interests generally.

The USTR seeks public comments on the following specific elements:

What is the appropriate scope of viewpoints to be represented in such a committee to ensure the committee is fairly balanced?
How would included viewpoints improve the quality of information and advice provided to USTR?
How would viewpoints add value and contribute to the Committee’s mission to provide general trade policy advice?
What should be the scope of its objectives and activities?

Additional information is available in the Request for Comments from the Public and Nominations for the Public Interest Trade Advisory Committee.