A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the proposed "joint interpretation" of Annex 14-C of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement prepared by United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai is of no legal effect with respect to the United States or any United States person unless it is approved by Congress.

Senate Concurrent Resolution

S.Con.Res. 5

119th Congress

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the proposed "joint interpretation" of Annex 14-C of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement prepared by United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai is of no legal effect with respect to the United States or any United States person unless it is approved by Congress.

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 15, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Katie Elizabeth Britt

Senator

Republican

AL

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

This concurrent resolution states that the proposed joint interpretation of USMCA Annex 14-C by the U.S. Trade Representative has no legal effect unless approved by Congress and cannot be invoked by federal agencies in legal proceedings.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S187)

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This concurrent resolution states that the proposed joint interpretation of USMCA Annex 14-C by the U.S. Trade Representative has no legal effect unless approved by Congress and cannot be invoked by federal agencies in legal proceedings.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This concurrent resolution states that, unless it is approved by Congress, the proposed joint interpretation of Annex 14-C of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) prepared by Ambassador Katherine Tai (1) is of no legal effect with respect to the United States or any U.S. person, and (2) cannot be invoked by any federal agency in any legal proceeding nor may a federal agency assert that it has any legal consequences for claims made by a U.S. person. (Annex 14-C of the USMCA concerns certain investment claims under the North American Free Trade Agreement, the agreement which preceded USMCA.)</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Declares USMCA interpretation requires Congressional approval
Addresses Annex 14-C investment claims interpretation
Limits USTR authority on trade agreement interpretation
Protects U.S. persons from unauthorized interpretation
Asserts Congressional role in trade agreement changes

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

U.S. businesses with investment claims under NAFTA would retain their legal rights. Federal agencies could not enforce the proposed interpretation without Congressional approval. Trade agreement interpretation authority would remain with Congress.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

5, 119th Congress (2025). "A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the proposed "joint interpretation" of Annex 14-C of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement prepared by United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai is of no legal effect with respect to the United States or any United States person unless it is approved by Congress.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-sconres-5