U.S. Senator Katie Britt participated in a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss priorities for Fiscal Year 2026 funding.
During the session, Senator Britt acknowledged the Trump Administration’s work regarding trade negotiations, specifically with Mexico. She stated, “You talked about your negotiations with Mexico over the last 90 days, and them not making good on commitments … As we have those negotiations, I just want to say thank you. We have to make sure that our American companies are treated fairly. And the way that they have been treated by the Mexican government is egregious. And so, I appreciate you keeping that top of mind throughout these negotiations.”
Britt also raised concerns about how domestic manufacturers can access specialized equipment needed for expanding sectors such as steel, aluminum, pulp and paper, and automotive manufacturing. She asked, “[A]s we work to ensure and significantly expand domestic capacity in sectors ranging from steel to aluminum to pulp, paper, auto manufacturers, etc., we know that many of the companies face time-sensitive procurement needs for specialized industrial equipment, much of which has limited sourcing ability at this time. How is USTR ensuring predictability and affordability and the access to these essential manufacturing equipment that’s required for these plants to expand?”
In addition, she questioned Ambassador Greer on efforts to maintain market competitiveness for products made in the United States: “The next issue is about ensuring products manufactured here remain fully competitive … And so, I know this is something that you and your team have been working on and are considering carefully … I appreciate that and certainly welcome any update that you have on how you’re approaching that to just help ensure that domestic manufacturers are able to compete in the market, across the world.”
Senator Britt addressed Alabama’s role in cotton production and asked what steps are being taken at the federal level to support American-made cotton amid competition from synthetic imports: “… Alabama is at the heart of the southeast Cotton Belt … And we produce higher quality cotton than anyone around the world. But our growers are still seeing less demand than ever before, in large part to illegal market practices … we see China continuing to flood the market with cheap synthetic products. And this further creates a divide here … I know here in Congress we’re working on it. We see Chair Boozman and Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith lead an effort on buying American cotton. I’m proud to be a part of that effort. But what conversations are you having at USTR in this regard? And in what ways do you think that we can encourage the consumption of American cotton through our trade policies?”
The full exchange between Senator Britt and Ambassador Greer is available online.
