Press Releases

Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement on the initiation of an investigation by United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai regarding Nicaragua’s trade practices related to human rights, labor rights, and the rule of law:

“Today’s announcement by Ambassador Tai is a huge milestone in our enforcement of trade agreements and a continuation of the unwavering commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration to protecting workers and ensuring fair trade practices. Over the last four years, the Administration and House Democrats have deployed trade policy as a force for good, and this investigation will shine a much-needed light on the disturbing but credible reports of wrongdoing by the Nicaraguan government. Engaging in human and labor rights violations and dismantling the rule of law are unacceptable and threaten to destabilize our region and economy. 

“The Biden-Harris Administration and House Democrats are committed to fair trade that protects workers and promotes shared prosperity in Central America. The use of Section 301 is an appropriate use of a powerful tool to respond to shocking allegations of labor suppression and gross violations of civil and human rights. Compare that with how the President-elect intends to use trade as a cudgel, threatening universal tariffs on our trading partners, for his own political gain.

“On this International Human Rights Day, let me be unequivocal: Democrats are committed to standing up to human rights abuses and will never stop fighting for workers in the United States and abroad.”

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