H.R. 6259 – Reading Mode

111th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 6259

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 29, 2010

Mr. Space introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL

To require approval to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries, and for other purposes.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Vote On Trade Every time Act or VOTE Act.

Approval to enter into trade agreements

(a)

Approval

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President may not enter into a trade agreement with one or more foreign countries unless the electors of the United States authorize the President to take such action. The President, in consultation with State election officials, shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the previous sentence.

(b)

Public hearings

(1)

In general

Before entering into negotiations to enter into a trade agreement with one or more foreign countries, the United States Trade Representative shall hold a series of public hearings throughout the United States to receive input on the effects of the trade agreement on economic growth and employment in the United States.

(2)

Location of hearings

The public hearings required under paragraph (1) should be held in areas of the United States that have been, are, or may be adversely affected by trade agreements with foreign countries, as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

(c)

Definition

In this section, the term trade agreement means any bilateral, regional, or multilateral free trade agreement.

(d)

Effective date

This Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to entering into a trade agreement with one or more foreign countries on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.