Manatee Review

Yesterday in Washington, Congressman Vern Buchanan, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, called for more decisive measures to address the growing U.S. trade deficit. During a hearing with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Buchanan underlined the necessity for comprehensive trade agreements that benefit both the U.S. and its trading partners.

Buchanan pointed to the ongoing issue of trade imbalances, citing a $1.2 trillion trade deficit and its detrimental effects on American industries and workers. He criticized Congress for failing to enact substantial corrective measures over the past decade, leaving the U.S. in a disadvantaged position in many crucial trade relationships.

“We always seem like we come up short everywhere, even with our friends like Japan,” Buchanan remarked. He emphasized the need for fair trade, especially for local industries in his district in Florida, where local farmers face strong competition from imports, including a considerable surge in Mexican produce.

Buchanan asked U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer about potential steps to address these issues. Greer responded, “The president has stated very clearly...he is open to negotiate with countries that actually want to pursue reciprocal trade and get their trade deficit down with us.” Greer indicated that several countries, including the EU, Korea, Ecuador, and Mexico, are open to discussions about achieving more balanced trade relations.

Buchanan further expressed his frustration with the lack of progress, emphasizing the need for fairness in trade. He declared, “We have to get serious about trade, and at the end of the day, it needs to be fair.”

As a proponent of fair trade, Buchanan has been involved in negotiations for the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement and has introduced legislation to help domestic producers counteract unfair trade practices.