WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) introduced the Undertaking Negotiations on Investment and Trade for Economic Dynamism (UNITED) Act, a bill to authorize the administration, in consultation with Congress, to negotiate and enter into a comprehensive trade agreement with the United Kingdom.
Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
The members released the following statements:
"There’s no better way to strengthen ties with a historic partner like the United Kingdom than coming together to develop a comprehensive trade agreement," said Rep. Smith. "In 2022, I had the opportunity to lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to the UK where I saw firsthand the value such an agreement holds for both our countries. In his first term, President Trump initiated trade talks with the UK and more broadly demonstrated his ability to negotiate deals of mutual benefit. Congress should do everything possible to keep pace and empower his vigorous engagement. The UNITED Act is a bipartisan effort to move into the future of rules-based trade relations by promoting expanded access to international markets eager for our products and safeguarding American innovation. I thank Rep. Himes and Sens. Moran and Coons for their cooperation on this legislation."
"Strong trade partners are critical to a prosperous economy—creating jobs, increasing opportunities for businesses, and bringing down costs for consumers," said Rep. Himes. "The UNITED Act builds on our existing special relationship with the United Kingdom and paves the way for a new, comprehensive free trade agreement."
"Strengthening our economic relationship with the United Kingdom will bolster our strategic interests and create opportunities for American producers and businesses," said Sen. Moran. "The U.K. is one of our oldest and closest allies, and creating a new free trade agreement would reduce consumer costs, increase production and open new markets for a variety of industries, including Kansas agriculture, biofuels and aerospace products."
"We should be building on the strong trade relationships and close partnership that we share with the United Kingdom. A comprehensive free trade agreement with the United Kingdom would advance both countries’ strategic and economic interests while creating new economic opportunities for Delaware workers, businesses, and consumers," said Senator Coons. “This bill demonstrates the strong bipartisan support in Congress for restarting negotiations with the U.K. on a trade deal that sets ambitious international standards for our shared priorities on climate, labor protections, digital trade, intellectual property rights, and many other areas."
For bill text, click here.
BACKGROUND:
Smith and Himes first introduced the UNITED Act in May 2023.