U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution outlining the importance of the U.S. digital economy and greater U.S. leadership on digital trade negotiations with like-minded countries. The resolution calls for the White House to negotiate strong, inclusive, forward-looking, and enforceable rules on digital trade and the digital economy with like-minded countries as part of a broader trade and economic strategy to address trade barriers and ensure that the American values of democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, human and worker rights, privacy, and a free and open internet are at the very core of the digital world and advanced technology. “Digital trade is an engine for economic growth and a vehicle to promote American values and standards around the world,” said Rep. LaHood, a member of the House Ways & Means Committee. “Supporting free and open digital trade policies will support our broader trade and economic strategy, help U.S. industries remain competitive in the global marketplace, and support our national security interests. As co-chair of the bipartisan Digital Trade Caucus, along with Rep. Suzan DelBene, I will continue to advocate for a robust and proactive trade agenda that strengthens the American economy and empowers the US to work with our partners and allies to set rules and standards in the evolving digital trade marketplace.”
“In the 21st century, the U.S. should be rule makers, not rule takers, for the global digital economy. Digital trade is far more than just the tech sector. It supports nearly 8 million American jobs and is especially important to Washington state’s tech, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. This resolution encourages the U.S. to pursue digital trade chapters in broader trade and economic agreements that also emphasize strong labor and environmental provisions,” said DelBene, Vice Chair of the House Ways & Means Committee. “Without American leadership in this space now, we risk an unchecked China with its dangerous example built around censorship and surveillance.”
The resolution was cosponsored by Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Ranking Member Adrian Smith (NE-3). A companion resolution in the Senate was led by Senators Young (IN) and Carper (DE) and is cosponsored by Sens. Ron Wyden (OR) and Mike Crapo (ID), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, Ben Cardin (MD), and John Cornyn (TX).