U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) applauds passage of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (H.R. 644) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which has been operating without authorization. It also strengthens the enforcement of trade laws, gives Treasury stronger tools to responsibly fight currency manipulation, and makes it clear that Congress won't consider any trade deals that obligate the United States with respect to greenhouse gas emissions or require changes to U.S. immigration law. 

"Nearly 530,000 jobs in Kentucky are dependent upon trade, so when our customs agreements are enforced, we become more competitive in the global marketplace," said Rogers. 

Additionally, this bill increases congressional oversight of trade negotiations and will strengthen our ability to fight human trafficking by enhancing incentives for our partners to address this form of modern-day slavery. This legislation also includes the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act (H.R. 235), which permanently blocks states and local governments from taxing Internet access or placing multiple and discriminatory taxes on e-commerce activities. 

"As a cosponsor of the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act, I'm please that it was included in this legislation," Rogers stated. "Keeping Internet access free from unnecessary taxes is a key component of promoting the digital economy, particularly as we work to expand broadband access through the KentuckyWired project." 

Click here for a full summary of H.R. 644.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter, Instagram or on Facebook.

###