Advancing the freedom of individuals to buy from and sell to one another, without government intervention, is an essential component of advancing a pro-growth agenda. Congress has spent decades shirking its trade policy responsibilities, and in recent years the executive has imposed trade restrictions that harm Americans. The next Administration and the 117th Congress should work together to set a trade agenda that increases freedom for Americans by lowering barriers at home and abroad. The key components of this new agenda should be eliminating tariffs (specifically on intermediate goods), expanding America’s network of free trade agreements, and working with allies to address global trade challenges.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
trade freedom is, at its core, about increasing freedom and choice for individuals.
For decades, Congress has shirked its constitutional duty to regulate trade by delegating power to the executive branch, power that often goes unchecked.
The next Administration and the 117th Congress should work together to set a trade agenda that lowers barriers at home and abroad.
IB6024Tori K. Smith is the Jay Van Andel Trade Economist Heritage’s Roe Institute for Economic Policy Studies. She provides the conservative true north on free trade through her research and writing.
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