E.U. Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan will be back in Washington in mid-March, but it is increasingly unlikely the U.S. and E.U. could reach any kind of mini trade deal by March 18, as had been floated by Hogan in February. Little progress appears to be being made as the two sides continue to disagree over the scope of the talks, and especially whether agriculture will be included. Despite that, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen struck a positive note yesterday, saying that there she believed there was "momentum" for U.S. – E.U. trade relations to improve.
Last year, the Trump Administration agreed to put threatened E.U. auto tariffs on hold while the two sides negotiated ways to improve their trading relationship, however, not long ago the president reiterated the threat of auto tariffs against the E.U. if the talks do not come to a satisfactory conclusion. European officials have said they are willing to work with the U.S. administration to address some issues, but have also said they will retaliate against any move to tariff cars or other products.
Quotes of the Week
"...I can tell you the president's use of tariffs has brought to our attention the shortcomings of the 1962 and 1974 legislation on trade that delegated too much authority from Congress' constitutional power [over trade] to the executive branch."
-Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee (Politico)
"There has got to be a more assertive Congress as it relates to trade."
-Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), sponsor of the Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act and member of the House Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee (Inside U.S. Trade)
Must Read
Don't miss AIADA Chairman Jason Courter's new Chairman's blog, "Be Proactive in the Fight Against COVID-19".
Friday Funny
Vermont Town Elects Therapy Dog as its Pet Mayor
A town in Vermont elected a dog as its pet mayor.
Murfee, a therapy dog, won the race in Fair Haven, beating out the incumbent goat, Mayor Mara Lincoln, and K-9 Sammy, a town police dog. Eight eighth graders counted 350 ballots Wednesday morning to determine the winner.
The pet mayor race aims to raise money for a new playground and get children interested in politics.
Murfee visits nursing homes, schools and hospitals as part of Caring Canines Therapy Dogs of Southern Vermont.
(Associated Press)
