WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) today called on the Senate to reject two recent nominees to the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), citing serious concerns that call into question their support for pro-American industry policies and effective trade enforcement. After years of delaying USITC appointments, the Senate is now being asked to confirm two nominees—Halie Craig and Jim Coughlan—who have track records of undermining U.S. producers and American workers.
CPA urges Senate Republicans to delay nominations until President Trump takes office. The USITC is crucial for maintaining fair competition for U.S. industries, and any nominee must be pro-American industry, pro-trade enforcement, and pro-tariff—standards the current nominees do not meet. Moving forward now would be a mistake. The Senate should work in a bipartisan way with the incoming Trump administration to appoint commissioners who support a strong American industrial policy and protect American workers. The stakes are too high for misaligned appointments.
“We need warriors in all trade positions, including the USITC, who are willing to stand up for American industry, enforce tariffs, and defend against predatory trade practices,” said Michael Stumo, CEO of CPA. “Halie Craig’s record shows she is fundamentally opposed to the kind of trade enforcement that America needs to protect our industries and workers. Similarly, James Coughlan’s history of representing foreign importers is troubling. We urge the Senate to reject these nominees and ensure that the USITC is filled with commissioners who are committed to protecting American producers and workers.”
Halie Craig: A Record Opposed to American Industry and Trade Enforcement
Halie Craig is an especially concerning nominee given her previous roles and public positions. Craig served as trade policy advisor to Senator Pat Toomey—a long-time opponent of tariffs and proponent of globalist trade policies. Her positions are fundamentally at odds with the needs of American industry and workers:
- Fast Track for Trade Agreements: In 2021, Craig argued for renewing the Trade Promotion Authority (fast track) to lower trade barriers, criticizing the Biden administration for being “hostile to lowering trade barriers.” Her stance suggests she would have opposed Section 201 solar tariff investigations, which aimed to protect U.S. solar manufacturers from unfair foreign competition .
- Opposition to Section 232 Aluminum Tariffs: Craig publicly criticized President Trump’s Section 232 aluminum tariffs on Canada, calling them the result of “special interests” and based on “misleading math.” She went on to claim that these tariffs would be “far more likely to endanger jobs than protect them,” demonstrating her consistent opposition to trade enforcement tools that protect American producers.
- Against Section 301 Tariffs: Craig has also been outspoken against the Section 301 tariffs on China, describing them as “abusive” and dismissing the national security rationale for these tariffs as “flimsy.” Her stance aligns with a pro-globalist, anti-tariff agenda that prioritizes unfettered trade over the economic and national security of the United States.
James Coughlan: Questionable Commitment to Defending U.S. Industry
James Coughlan, another nominee, also raises red flags. As an attorney representing foreign companies in Section 337 intellectual property cases, Coughlan’s background suggests a focus on defending importers rather than supporting American industries. CPA is concerned that he lacks the necessary commitment to prioritize U.S. production and enforce trade laws that are crucial for protecting American workers.
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