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Bill to Establish USTR Inspector General Introduced

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., introduced a bill with 12 Democratic Finance Committee co-sponsors, to establish an inspector general at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The bill, introduced Aug. 6, would require the president to appoint an IG within…

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120 days of passage. A companion bill is expected to be introduced Aug. 7 in the House of Representatives by Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J. In a press release, Pascrell said, “Sunlight remains the ultimate disinfectant, and that is especially true when it comes to our trade policy. Our nation’s trade policies impact virtually every aspect of our economy and so Americans deserve to know that they are being formulated free of tainting influences and double-dealing. The opaqueness and outright corruption of Trump’s regime has revealed the need for a watchdog in all corners of our government. Our bill will ensure our trade policy will not be wielded for personal or political gain.” The bill says that within 180 days, the IG is to begin an audit of the process of granting Section 301 exclusions for Chinese goods.