The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is soliciting public comments regarding planned negotiations connected with the creation of a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement with the European Union. The U.S. government's decision to pursue talks related to the proposed agreement, which is expected to result in a significant rise in U.S.-EU trade and economic activity, was announced by President Barack Obama in his January State of the Union address [see related story]. Under the Trade Act of 1974, USTR is required to accept comments from any interested individuals regarding the proposed agreement. In response to this requirement, the USTR recently issued an official Request for Information (RFI) in the U.S. Federal Register regarding the proposed agreement. The RFI, titled "Request for Comments Concerning Proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Agreement," can be viewed here.
All persons with input regarding the agreement, including how it relates to U.S. interests and priorities, are strongly encouraged to take this opportunity to voice their views. Individuals who wish to make their comments in person should attend hearings scheduled to be held in the main hearing room of the U.S. International Trade Commission (500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436) beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29, and Thursday, May 30. All those wishing to speak at the hearing are required to provide written notification of their intention to offer an oral comment, as well as a summary of their comments. To file these documents, or to submit written comments electronically, please use the Regulations.gov webpage, available here. All submissions must be received by midnight on Friday, May 10, 2013, in order to be considered.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is also requesting comments on the TTIP in order to help develop its own response to the proposal. Any individuals who are interested in sharing concerns or other issues related to the TTIP are asked to submit their feedback by Tuesday, April 30, 2013 to Jessica Roop, ANSI manager, international policy, regional and bilateral programs, at [email protected].