Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has communicated his support for the Trump administration's trade policies in a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. The letter emphasizes the importance of making U.S. trade deals favorable to the United States and addressing threats from China, which Scott identifies as a necessary step to safeguard national security and economic stability.

In his letter, Senator Scott congratulates both officials on their recent confirmations and expresses confidence in their ability to serve under President Donald Trump. He highlights the need to counteract threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and ensure fair competition for American industries in the global market.

The letter outlines several recommendations for advancing these goals, including revoking China's Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status, enforcing tariffs on goods from hostile actors, and preventing CCP-linked companies from accessing U.S. capital markets. Additionally, it suggests strengthening enforcement of export controls and establishing import restrictions on concerning technologies.

Scott also advocates for reforms to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to prevent exploitation by adversaries, fostering alliances for critical minerals, and enhancing partnerships with security allies for economic cooperation.

Further recommendations include streamlining regulatory processes, reforming antidumping laws, enhancing consumer transparency about product origins, removing tax incentives for foreign adversaries' companies, and closing supply chain gaps.

Senator Scott concludes by expressing gratitude for President Trump's leadership in addressing these challenges and offers his assistance in tackling issues related to CCP threats and ensuring fair trade practices.