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H.R.2612 / 106th Congress

Trade Policy Reform Act

Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 26, 1999

Trade Policy Reform Act - Title I: Open Markets and Fair Trade Provisions - Open Markets and Fair Trade Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on selected countries in which goods or services produced or originating in the United States, that would otherwise be competitive in such countries, do not have market access.(Sec. 1103) Authorizes the President to enter into agreements with the governments of such countries for the purpose of obtaining access to their markets. Directs the Secretary to monitor country compliance with such agreements (including any existing trade agreements between the United States and the country).(Sec. 1105) Declares that, in any case where the United States Trade Representative (USTR) determines that negotiations with a country have not resulted in an agreement, each restriction on, or barrier or impediment to, access to the markets of that country shall be considered an act, policy, or practice that is unreasonable and discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce. Requires the USTR to determine what trade relief action to take under title III of the Trade Act of 1974 in response to such act, policy, or practice or noncompliance with any agreement negotiated under this Act.(Sec. 1106) Sets forth procedures for implementing legislation with respect to reciprocal action taken by the President in response to a restriction, barrier, or impediment to a country's market or to a country's noncompliance with an agreement.(Sec. 1108) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the USTR, with respect to the annual National Trade Estimate, to: (1) further identify acts, policies, or practices of a foreign country which constitute significant barriers to, or distortions of U.S. goods or services, U.S. investment, and U.S. electronic commerce that violate treaties or other international agreements (including international labor agreements or international labor standards) of the foreign country; (2) identify remedial actions, if any, taken by the U.S. Government with respect to such acts, policies, or practices; and (3) further identify those acts, policies, or practices that need further classification and documentation from the foreign government involved. Requires the USTR, in making the National Trade Estimate, to consider, among other things, any advice given by representatives of affected U.S. industries, including representatives of labor unions.Title II: Relief From Unfair Trade Practices Under the Trade Act of 1974 - Declares that, for purposes of trade relief action by the USTR, an act, policy, or practice of a foreign country is unreasonable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce if it provides for an agreement, understanding, or informal arrangement between the foreign government and a foreign business enterprise that has the effect of restricting market access in the country for U.S. goods or services or diverting goods or services of that country or any other country to the United States.(Sec. 2103) Requires the USTR to report annually to Congress on all trade actions taken by the USTR with respect to countries that do not comply with trade agreements entered into with the United States.(Sec. 2104) Authorizes an interested person to request the USTR to undertake a review to determine whether a foreign country is in material compliance with the terms of a trade agreement with the United States. Requires the USTR to determine what remedial trade action to take against a foreign country that is not in material compliance with the agreement.(Sec. 2105) Renews the requirement that the President report annually to specified congressional committees on the extent to which foreign countries discriminate against U.S. products or services in making government procurements.(Sec. 2106) Directs the Secretary to withdraw from tariff suspension agreements with respect to categories of steel products. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act to implement or continue, or negotiate or enter into, any such agreements with respect to such products.Title III: Abolishment of United States International Trade Commission and Transfer of Functions to Department of Commerce - Subtitle A: Abolishment of United States International Trade Commission - Abolishes the United States International Trade Commission (ITC).Subtitle B: Transfer of Functions of Commission to Department of Commerce - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to transfer all functions of the ITC to the Department of Commerce (administering authority).Subtitle C: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Amends various Federal laws to make technical and conforming amendments.Subtitle D: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.Title IV: WTO Dispute Settlement Review Commission - WTO Dispute Settlement Review Commission Act - Establishes the WTO Dispute Settlement Review Commission to review: (1) all reports of dispute settlement panels or the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) which are adverse to the United States and adopted by the Dispute Settlement Body; and (2) upon request of the USTR, any other report of such bodies adopted by the Dispute Settlement Body.(Sec. 4106) Requires the USTR to undertake negotiations to amend the rules and procedures of the dispute settlement understanding upon enactment of a joint resolution mandating such negotiations.(Sec. 4107) Permits participation in WTO panel proceedings in support of the United States by a private U.S. person with a direct economic interest in the resolution of the matters in dispute.(Sec. 4109) Authorizes appropriations.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Traficant, James A., Jr. [D-OH-17] · D–OH

Committees

  • Ways and Means Committee
  • Rules Committee
9 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.

  2. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  3. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  4. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  5. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1650-1651)

  6. Introduced in House

  7. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 20, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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