Ways and Means Chairman Calls for True FTA With Kenya
After House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., met with Kenyan President William Ruto, he joined the Senate Finance Committee chairman's call to negotiate a trade liberalizing free trade agreement with Kenya. Finance Committee Chair Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., earlier in the week asked the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to upgrade its trade negotiations with Kenya so that it's working toward a goal of a comprehensive trade agreement (see 2405210051).
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Under President Donald "Trump’s leadership, the United States and Kenya sought to negotiate a model free trade agreement to set a high standard for U.S. engagement in sub-Saharan Africa, including new access for U.S. agriculture. I appreciate that Kenya remains open to resuming such negotiations," Smith said. "Unfortunately, under President [Joe] Biden, they have fallen by the wayside in favor of less ambitious negotiations to form a ‘partnership’ that is designed to enter into force without congressional approval," he continued. "Only comprehensive free trade agreement negotiations can address the substantial tariffs facing U.S. exports, including agricultural products, with meaningful enforcement mechanisms -- something that frameworks, partnerships, and dialogues cannot accomplish."
Smith also said Congress intends to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act, with some updates, before it expires at the end of September 2025.