April 2, 2025
Mr. Gallego introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance
To amend title 5, United States Code, to establish an Inspector General of the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the USTR Inspector General Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Findings
Congress makes the following findings:
(1)
Section 8 of article I of the Constitution of the United States provides that Congress has the sole power to regulate international trade.
(2)
Congress established the Office of the United States Trade Representative in the Executive Office of the President under section 141 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2171) with the primary responsibility for developing, and coordinating implementation of, the international trade policy of the United States.
(3)
The United States Trade Representative has primary responsibility for administering a variety of trade statutes and for monitoring the implementation and enforcement of trade agreements.
(4)
Section 141(c)(1)(F) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2171(c)(1)(F)) states that the United States Trade Representative shall report directly to the President and the Congress regarding, and be responsible to the President and the Congress for the administration of, trade agreements programs
.
Sec. 3. Establishment of Inspector General of the Office of the United States Trade Representative
(a) Definitions
Section 401 of title 5, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking or the National Reconnaissance Office,
and inserting the National Reconnaissance Office, or the Office of the United States Trade Representative,
; and
(2)
in paragraph (3), by striking or the Director of the National Reconnaissance Office;
and inserting the Director of the National Reconnaissance Office; or the United States Trade Representative;
.
(b) Appointment of Inspector General
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall appoint an individual to serve as the Inspector General of the Office for the United States Trade Representative in accordance with section 403(a) of title 5, United States Code.