Press Releases

Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member released the following statement after the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced enforcement action under the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA):

“Today’s timber enforcement action demonstrates the unwavering commitment of USTR and the Biden-Harris Administration to protecting our workers and environment. Step-by-step the Administration and House Democrats are shaping international trade to be a force for good in our communities, with House Democrats leading the effort to include the first-of-its-kind timber agreement in the Peru FTA. We structured the agreement to ensure that Peruvian timber doesn’t contribute to deforestation and that illegal loggers who do engage in unfair trade practices are held accountable. With this strong enforcement, we are standing up for American workers, our industry, and environment.

Ways and Means Ranking Member Neal continued, “The U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai, deserves credit for her unfailing commitment to enforcing trade rules, with Congressman Earl Blumenauer as the driving force behind the Peruvian Forestry Annex when it was negotiated and leading on every major environmental advancement in trade policy for the two decades. Earl’s leadership will be sorely missed, but his legacy will endure and House Democrats will proudly carry his mantel forward.” 

The PTPA contains a landmark Environment Chapter and Forest Annex, which includes a requirement for Peru to conduct audits and verifications of particular timber producers and exporters upon request from the United States. The agreement also provides for U.S. participation in the verification process and permits the United States to take compliance measures based on the results of a verification. Since the signing of the PTPA, the United States and Peru have cooperated in efforts to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources, however serious concerns about illegal logging in Peru remain. 

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