US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HCR2

Introduced
1/3/25  

Caption

Reclaiming Congress’s Constitutional Mandate in Trade ResolutionThis concurrent resolution establishes a process for transferring the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) from the executive branch to the legislative branch. The concurrent resolution establishes the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities and the Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities to plan for and implement the transfer.The Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities shall consist of 14 members of Congress appointed by majority and minority party leaders of the two chambers of Congress and meeting qualifications specified in the bill. The committee shall develop a plan under which the functions and responsibilities of the USTR shall be moved and provide its plan in a report to Congress within 16 months after the committee is appointed. The bill also establishes a 21-member Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities responsible for advising the committee in its development of the plan. Individuals meeting qualifications specified in the bill shall be appointed by the Trade Representative and majority and minority party leaders.The concurrent resolution also provides that the USTR shall provide such information and assistance the committee and the advisory board may reasonably require to carry out their activities.The transition of the USTR to the legislative branch occurs four years after the committee submits its report.

Impact

If enacted, the resolution could lead to significant changes in how trade negotiations and policies are conducted in the U.S. Currently, the USTR is responsible for negotiating trade agreements and dealing with international trade issues. HCR2 aims to place this authority within Congress, which would enhance legislative oversight on trade matters. Proponents believe this transfer would restore a balance of power and make trade policy more accountable to elected representatives, potentially increasing public trust in trade agreements.

Summary

HCR2, titled 'Reclaiming Congress's Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution,' proposes the establishment of a Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities. This committee is tasked with developing a plan to transfer the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) from the executive branch to the legislative branch. This initiative reflects assertions that the congressional mandate regarding trade policy should not be overshadowed by executive actions, emphasizing the constitutional roles of both branches in U.S. trade agreements.

Contention

However, the bill's transition of responsibilities could face opposition due to concerns about effectiveness and accountability in trade negotiations. Critics may argue that Congress, with its many members and potential lack of consensus, could hinder swift action on trade issues that require timely responses. Additionally, the complexity of international trade agreements could overwhelm legislative capacity, prompting debates about whether legislative involvement is beneficial or detrimental to U.S. competitiveness in global markets.

Congress_id

119-HCONRES-2

Policy_area

Congress

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR20

This resolution establishes the House Select Committee on Electoral Reform to examine current methods of electing Members of Congress, consider alternative methods of election, and report appropriate recommendations to Congress and the President.Specifically, the committee must (1) determine how alternative methods of election would affect the responsiveness, accountability, and functionality of Congress; (2) conduct hearings to take testimony and receive evidence from appropriate expert witnesses; and (3) examine federal barriers to state experimentation with alternative electoral systems. The committee must consider alternatives to current methods that include adopting multi-member congressional districts with proportional representation; adjusting the total number of Members of the House of Representatives; adopting alternative methods of voting (e.g., ranked-choice voting); and holding open and nonpartisan primaries.The committee shall be made up of 14 Members of Congress appointed by the Speaker of the House, 7 of whom shall be appointed in consultation with the minority leader. The committee's co-chairs shall be designated by the Speaker and minority leader, respectively. The resolution provides that the committee must hold its first meeting within 30 days after all of its members have been appointed.The committee shall issue its final report to Congress and the President within one year after the committee's first meeting.

US HCR1

This concurrent resolution authorizes Congress to assemble at a place outside Washington, DC, during the 119th Congress if the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader agree that it is in the public interest. The concurrent resolution provides that the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader shall act jointly after consultation with the House and Senate Minority Leaders.

US S03448

Requires proportionally equivalent appointees of both the majority and minority houses of the legislature in all legislatively enacted workgroups, task forces, commissions, councils, advisory boards, committees and any other legislatively enacted and appointed groups or workgroups; requires that the number of appointees by the legislature shall be proportionally equivalent to the number of appointees by the governor.

US A04468

Requires proportionally equivalent appointees of both the majority and minority houses of the legislature in all legislatively enacted workgroups, task forces, commissions, councils, advisory boards, committees and any other legislatively enacted and appointed groups or workgroups; requires that the number of appointees by the legislature shall be proportionally equivalent to the number of appointees by the governor.

US HR1

Amending The Majority Caucus Leadership, Minority Caucus Leadership, And Chairs, Vice Chairs, And Members Of The Standing Committees Of The House Of Representatives Of The Thirty-third Legislature.

US SR38

This resolution designates the Senate majority party's membership for the 119th Congress on the following committees:the Committee on the Environment and Public Works;the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions;the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs;the Committee on the Judiciary;the Select Committee on Intelligence;the Special Committee on Aging;the Joint Economic Committee; andthe Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

US SCR1

This concurrent resolution reauthorizes the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies relating to the January 20, 2025, Presidential inauguration. The reauthorization is effective beginning January 3, 2025.The joint committee is authorized to make the necessary arrangements for the inauguration of the President-elect and the Vice President-elect of the United States, including using the Capitol rotunda and Emancipation Hall for such proceedings and ceremonies.The joint committee was established during the 118th Congress and consists of three Senators and three Members of the House of Representatives.

US H5165

Requires the school board or committees of cities and towns to establish a safety and behavioral health committee and also lays out the representation requirements committee responsibilities to ensure a stable learning environment for all students.

US S0235

Requires the school board or committees of cities and towns to establish a safety and behavioral health committee and also lays out the representation requirements committee responsibilities to ensure a stable learning environment for all students.

US SR664

A resolution to constitute the majority party's membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen.

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