Rep. Rahall Appointed To Congressional Oversight Group On Trade
Rep. Rahall Appointed To Congressional Oversight Group On Trade
U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, has been appointed to the influential Congressional Oversight Group (COG) for the 100th Congress, which is tasked with overseeing trade negotiations covered by the Trade Act of 2002. As an appointed Member, Rahall will serve as an official trade advisor, and will consult and provide advice to the United States Trade Ambassador (USTA) on trade negotiations and other trade policy matters.
"I am honored to be appointed to this important group," Rahall said. "West Virginians can rest assured that I will dedicate my all to tightening the reigns on the Trade Act of 2002, which I have always believed flies in the face of hardworking families."
The Trade Act of 2002 gives the President the authority to negotiate trade deals with other countries, and only gives Congress the authority to vote up or down on the agreement, but not to amend it. The Act will expire in 2007 if not renewed.
"This is not the authority to promote trade, it's a fast track to the unemployment line for American workers," Rahall said. "The Constitution is as clear as a mountain stream. Congress has the authority to regulate trade. I believe that handing it over to the president violates the oath we all took to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
The COG is compromised of Members of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees, and the Chairs and Ranking Members of committees in the House and Senate with jurisdiction over legislation affected by trade agreement negotiations and implementation. The group will convene periodically to review the content and direction of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements and implementation of such agreements. Members of the Administration, including the United States Trade Ambassador USTA will brief the COG.
"This Administration's trade policies have dealt blow after blow after blow to West Virginia workers, but finally we have a seat at the table," Rahall said.
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