The International Trade Commission (ITC) on Tuesday (Nov. 17) predicted that its report on the economic impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will not be ready until May 18, effectively pushing congressional consideration of a TPP implementing bill past that date.
November 17, 2015 | Inside U.S. Trade
This is because the ITC report traditionally accompanies a free trade agreement implementing bill when it is sent to Congress, although there is no formal requirement under the 2015 fast-track law that it do so. The fast-track law only states that the ITC must deliver its report to the president and Congress 105 days after the president signs a trade agreement.
In a Nov. 17 notice of investigation, the ITC listed May 18 as the “anticipated date” for transmitting its report to the president and Congress, holding open the possibility that it could deliver the report earlier. May 18 is 105 days from Feb. 3, which is the earliest date on which the president can sign the TPP.
Obama on Nov. 5 notified Congress of his intent to sign TPP, and the fast-track law requires that notification to come at least 90 days before signature.
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