House Republicans Issue New Agenda, No Specific Mention of Trade
On September 22, 2010, House Republicans issued a new legislative agenda they will use if they gain control in Congress after the November elections. Highlights of the House Republican agenda, called “A Pledge for America,” include:
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- Congressional approval of major regulations. Require congressional approval of any new federal regulation that has an annual cost to the U.S. economy of $100 million or more.
- Sunset requirement. Adopt a sunset requirement for federal programs
- Tough enforcement of Iran sanctions. Ensure the government aggressively and effectively implements recently enacted sanctions against Iran.
- Control of the border. Prohibit the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from interfering with Border Patrol enforcement activities on federal lands.
- Discretionary spending cuts. Set strict budget caps to limit federal spending on an annual basis.
- Legislative reform. Advance major legislation one issue at a time and publish bill text online for at least three days before coming up for a vote in the House.
- No card check. Oppose union “card check” schemes1.
- Oppose national “cap and trade” energy tax. Increase access to domestic energy sources and oppose attempts to impose a national “cap and trade” energy tax.
No specific mention of trade. The agenda does not make any specific reference to trade-related issues such as free trade agreements, export promotion, etc.
1to certify union representation without directing an election if a majority of employees have authorized designation of the representative through the signing of cards.