By executive order today, President Obama established the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center. Its purpose:
Mission and Functions. The Center shall:
(a) serve as the primary forum within the Federal Government for USTR and other agencies to coordinate enforcement of U.S. trade rights under international trade agreements and enforcement of domestic trade laws;
(b) coordinate among USTR, other agencies with trade related responsibilities, and the U.S. Intelligence Community the exchange of information related to potential violations of international trade agreements by our foreign trade partners; and
(c) conduct outreach to U.S. workers, businesses, and other interested persons to foster greater participation in the identification and reduction or elimination of foreign trade barriers and unfair foreign trade practices.
But it's not here yet. They still need funding. This is from Congressman Mike Michaud, a trade agreement critic who pushed for this new agency:
... Michaud is currently working to build support on Capitol Hill for fully funding the new office at the requested level of $26 million.
“Signing this order brings us one more important step closer to the level of trade enforcement we need to counter the predatory practices of countries like China,” said Michaud. “Now Congress needs to step up and make this new office a priority by fully funding its operations. Politicians like to talk about the need to create a level playing field for our businesses so that they can compete in the global marketplace. Now it’s time for Congress to back that rhetoric up with action.”
