‘Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015’ Reduces Barriers to Trade, Promotes Economic Competitiveness

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President for Government Affairs Bruce Josten issued the following statement today regarding Senate passage of the “Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015”:

“We applaud the House and Senate for working together to create legislation that will enable U.S. businesses to be more competitive globally by unleashing the potential for small and medium-sized businesses to access foreign markets.

“By removing unnecessary chokepoints to imports and exports, this bill calls for common sense steps that will improve our nation’s national security while better facilitating legitimate trade. Now, as the World Trade Organization makes progress on its Trade Facilitation Agreement, today’s Congressional action will help set the global standard for how trade and travel should move across modern borders.

“Additionally, by providing the appropriate legal authority and resources to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, this legislation will help better protect intellectual property-intensive industries. This act also authorizes the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center to promote collaboration among the right stakeholders, helping to combat the threat of those looking to profit illegally off of American creativity and innovation.

“This legislation acknowledges that effective customs and trade facilitation systems are critical to the economic competitiveness of American business and we urge the president to quickly sign it.”

The Chamber sent a Key Vote letter regarding the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, which is available here.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.