HCR 3 – AS INTRODUCED

2009 SESSION

09-0406

05/03

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 3

A RESOLUTION recommending a statement of principles on international trade.

SPONSORS: Rep. Weed, Ches 3; Rep. Nord, Rock 1

COMMITTEE: State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

ANALYSIS

This resolution recommends a statement of principles on international trade.

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09-0406

05/03

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Nine

A RESOLUTION recommending a statement of principles on international trade.

Whereas, states shall be supported by the Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative in trade promotion activities in order to ensure that a state’s business community is able to access important economic opportunities; and

Whereas, international trade agreements must acknowledge important state and local values and ensure that state and local laws are accorded due consideration and respect; trade agreements shall not preempt state laws and regulations, and should not include rules controlling how states and localities pass laws governing domestic issues; and

Whereas, there shall not be greater rights for foreign investors than for citizens and domestic businesses; and

Whereas, governors and state legislatures must be consulted during the negotiation of international trade agreements; federal-state consultation should include frequent and meaningful discussion on the substance of trade agreements, especially regarding any provisions that affect the authority of state or local government; and

Whereas, state legislatures and governors shall have a voice in whether state procurement policies are covered by procurement provisions in international trade agreements; and

Whereas, state and local government must be represented in international trade arbitration proceedings if the conflict arose from their own policy measures; trade arbitration should be conducted openly and should ensure that states and localities are reimbursed for the costs of defending these cases and that state and federal court determinations are not subject to re-litigation; and

Whereas, international trade agreements must contain reasonable standards for worker safety, environmental protection, and human rights in the country where the goods or services in question originate; and

Whereas, states shall have the data and information necessary to promote trade in their states and to thoroughly comment on the impacts of trade on a state; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That by the New Hampshire general court urges the President and federal government to not enter into or otherwise endorse international trade agreements in violation of the foregoing principles; and

That a copy of this resolution be sent to the President of the United States, the secretary of the United States Department of Commerce, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and to each member of the New Hampshire Congressional delegation.