SE Kansas News

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Chris Coons have reintroduced the Undertaking Negotiations on Investment and Trade for Economic Dynamism (UNITED) Act. This legislation aims to authorize the Trump Administration to negotiate a trade agreement with the United Kingdom, enhancing export opportunities, strengthening supply chains, and advancing economic prosperity in both nations. The bill mandates collaboration with Congress throughout the negotiation process to ensure alignment with congressional trade policy priorities. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House by Congressmen Adrian Smith and Jim Himes.

The reintroduction coincides with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Washington to meet President Trump at the White House.

Senator Moran emphasized, "Strengthening our economic relationship with the United Kingdom will bolster our strategic interests and create opportunities for American producers and businesses." He highlighted that a new free trade agreement would benefit industries such as Kansas agriculture, biofuels, and aerospace products.

Senator Coons added that building on strong trade relationships with the U.K. would advance both countries' strategic interests while creating new economic opportunities for Delaware workers and consumers. He noted, "This bill demonstrates the strong bipartisan support in Congress for restarting negotiations with the U.K."

Congressman Himes expressed his support by stating that there is no better way to strengthen ties than through a comprehensive trade agreement: "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."

Smith highlighted that strong trade partners are essential for a prosperous economy: “The UNITED Act builds on our existing special relationship with the United Kingdom.”

The UNITED Act seeks to encourage high standards similar to those set by the USMCA passed in 2020, aiming for fair competition for U.S. workers and companies in international markets.