Press Releases

Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after President Trump signed a “Phase One” trade deal between the United States and China:

“For two years, I have encouraged the Administration to aim high in negotiations with China, urging them not to give in to the temptation to settle for superficial wins. I have reinforced the importance of holding for China to commit to structural changes that will make a real difference to American workers and companies seeking to compete and trade with those in China. At the start of last year, I invited Ambassador Lighthizer to testify at the Committee’s first hearing on trade in the 116th Congress and offered my partnership to the Administration on securing a good deal – a structural deal – with China.

“Despite today’s elaborate ceremony, the jury is still out on how ‘historic’ this deal is. In calling it a ‘Phase One’ deal, the Administration admits that there are other important commitments they have not yet been able to secure, especially disciplines on China’s use of unfair subsidies.  

“I worked closely with Amb. Lighthizer in recent months to re-negotiate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to secure robust bipartisan support in the House. That support coalesced around prioritizing the interests of Americans workers, patients, and the environment while strengthening the agreement’s enforcement mechanisms. A meaningful and durable agreement to reset the U.S.-China trade relationship will require the same kind of partnership with Congress and reflect the same kinds of values.”

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