Schakowsky Statement on UK Amendment to US-UK Trade Agreement

Statement

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chairwoman of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to the successful amendment in the United Kingdom's House of Lords to the proposed US-UK Trade bill:

"I congratulate my friend Baroness Beeban Kidron on passage of her amendment to the trade bill that would in effect reject US Trade Ambassador Lighthizer's misguided digital trade agenda. The amendment would block the US from exporting its failed regulatory framework, which has been a gift to Big Tech, in the context of the pending US-UK trade agreement by ensuring that the agreement could not weaken protections for UK children.

"The consequences of US policy has been grave. grave After the attack on the US Capitol, which could not have been organized and executed without Big Tech's negligence, it's a perfect time to put these bad policies to bed both here and with our trading partners.

"As such, I sincerely hope that the broad support across the House of Lords will translate to another strong vote in the House of Commons.

"I know firsthand that Ambassador Lighthizer is skilled negotiator who is unwilling to retreat from his position even in the face of evidence that would make most men shy away. Therefore, the UK must include the Baroness Amendment to its trade bill to force my friend, Ambassador Lighthizer, to retreat from his misguided position. You'd be doing his legacy a great favor.

"Don't stop there though - UK Parliamentarians would be wise to take all possible actions to forbid UK negotiators from signing any U.S. trade agreement that undermines existing UK online protections or gives up your authority and policy space to further regulate the tech giants.

"Growing numbers of congressional Democrats and Republicans oppose this past U.S. "digital trade' approach, which favor Big Tech monopolists over the public interest in privacy, security, safety and competition.

"It's past time to break this terrible Trump Administration policy, especially as they are on their way out the door. I commend my friend Baroness Kidron for saying NO to Big Tech's failed agenda."

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