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The Honorable Robert Lighthizer
U.S. Trade Representative
600 17th St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
August 16, 2018
Dear Ambassador Lighthizer: Your office will hold hearings beginning Monday, August 20, on proposed Section 301 taxes on goods imported from China. In the interest of transparency, we request that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) broadcast or stream these hearings.
Since most Americans will not able to view next week’s hearings in person, streaming the hearings would help provide for an informed electorate while affirming the Administration’s commitment to transparency.
Congressional hearings on trade policy may be viewed by the public, and last month’s Commerce Department hearing on the Section 232 national security investigation of imports of automobiles and automotive parts was broadcast live and may still be viewed on YouTube.
In contrast, prior Section 301 hearings in July were not publicly broadcast. Specifically, the USTR press release for that round of hearings stated: “Media and attendees should note that the hearing is on the record but off-camera; no cameras or video or audio recording will be allowed in the hearing room.” [Emphasis in the original.]
Broadcasting the upcoming Section 301 hearings will ensure that the input provided to USTR is also fully available for all Americans to evaluate.
Sincerely,
Bryan Riley
Director
NTU Free Trade Initiative