Peoria Standard

Congressman Darin LaHood emphasized the urgency of addressing the digital trade retreat and Brazil's biofuels tariffs during a hearing with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai. LaHood, who co-chairs the Digital Trade Caucus, expressed frustration with the administration's lack of leadership on digital trade policy, stating, "Many of us on this side of the aisle are exceedingly frustrated with the Administration’s inability to promote a coherent trade agenda." He highlighted concerns about China's influence on global digital trade and criticized the administration for not providing a clear alternative to the Chinese Communist Party's governance model.

Regarding the discriminatory tariffs Brazil has imposed on American ethanol, LaHood referenced a Bloomberg article titled 'Brazil Rebuffs U.S. Pressure to Abandon Tariffs on Ethanol Imports.' He questioned USTR Tai on the current negotiations with Brazil, expressing the frustrations of ethanol producers in the United States and seeking clarity on the actions the administration plans to take.

The hearing at the House Ways and Means Committee focused on President Biden's trade agenda, with LaHood leading efforts to push for American leadership in digital trade and address the challenges faced by Illinois farmers and producers due to Brazil's tariffs on ethanol. LaHood's advocacy for a robust trade policy that protects American interests and promotes fair competition was evident throughout the hearing.