Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) participated in a Ways and Means annual hearing with the United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer following the release of President Trump’s Trade Policy Agenda.
Click Congresswoman Miller continued by highlighting the importance of promoting U.S. digital trade while combatting China.
“I have greatly appreciated your leadership in protecting American digital companies abroad. You and I agree about the dangers of South Korea’s anti-competitive policies toward American digital companies. I intend to re-introduce legislation that seeks to ensure that American companies are not being harmed by one of our closest allies, while Chinese companies are left unscathed. The digital trade sector is rapidly growing, and it is important we do not lose market share to China in this critical field. Several countries are considering legislation that mimics the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which has undisputably caused a “digital winter” for American tech companies operating in Europe. What are your plans to address these harmful policies and to ensure the prosperity of American digital trade? Do you think that digital trade will play a part in the imminent trade discussions regarding the “Liberation Day” tariffs?” asked Congresswoman Miller.
“I understand that there’s obviously a national conversation going on about how digital trade should be regulated, and there are lots of views on that. We’re not going to outsource that regulation. We’re not going to let the European Union or [South] Korea, or any other jurisdiction set the rules for digital trade. It will be us, and they won’t be able to do it in a way that’s discriminatory. That is impermissible, especially when we have, as you noted, the Chinese competition out there. If we’re going to have companies that operate in this space and are so competitive in this space, we need to make sure that they’re American companies, right? This is certainly something that we can talk about in any negotiations that come up,” said Ambassador Greer.
Congresswoman Miller then asked about USTR’s commitment to building up the U.S. critical mineral supply.
“We have historically forged some of our strongest alliances based on procuring critical minerals which are difficult or nearly impossible to obtain in the U.S. Will you commit to exploring great discussions and partnerships with like-minded partners to protect and build up our critical minerals today?” asked Congresswoman Miller.
“Yes,” said Ambassador Greer.