Bipartisan Bill Calls for More Trade With Ecuador
A House bill sponsored by six Hispanic members of Congress, from both parties, calls on the U.S. to strengthen its trade relationship with Ecuador, but the text, published Aug. 25, makes no mention of lowering tariffs for Ecuadoran imports or reference to a traditional free trade agreement.
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Rep. Albio Sires, D-N.J., is the lead sponsor, and he said in a press release earlier in the month: "Ecuador has proven its commitment to protecting human rights, preserving democracy, and assuming the mantle of regional leadership. I’m proud to support legislation that will strengthen our bilateral relationship and activate renewed collaboration on critical issues. As we seek to counter rising Chinese and Russian influence in Latin America, there has never been a more important time to clearly demonstrate our support for nations that share our vision for a prosperous, secure, and democratic Western Hemisphere."
The bill is a companion to a bill from Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and has five co-sponsors -- four Democratic and Rep. Maria Salazar, R-Fla. The Senate bill is also bipartisan, and has six co-sponsors.
The bill instructs the administration to develop programs to help Ecuador "improve efficiency and transparency in customs administration, including through support for the Government of Ecuador’s ongoing efforts to digitize its customs process and accept electronic documents required for the import, export, and transit of goods under specific international standards, as well as related training to expedite customs, security, efficiency, and competitiveness."