International Trade committee  If I heard the question correctly, it was what the chamber's position is on the chapter 11 investment provisions. The chamber strongly supports the bilateral investment treaties and investment chapters of our trade agreements. We were not supportive of the removal of chapter 11 from NAFTA as it relates to the U.S.

International Trade committee  Yes, we were. It's not unique that we disagree with our own government. It happens routinely. The position of the United States was largely driven out of the belief that the U.S. should not be investing abroad. We believe that U.S. investment abroad is a good thing, just as we think foreign investment going into the United States is a good thing.

International Trade committee  Trade has never polled as a top political issue in our national politics, but I think every American values what trade has brought to their daily life. You asked a question about what level trade is at in the consciousness of the average American. It's difficult to crystallize that, because in some ways, it's not something they think about when they go to the polls.

International Trade committee  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is made up of about 3,000 state and local chambers. For every major trade agreement the United States has been a party to, we have activated the federation of state and local chambers to help tell that story. Often, we have taken with us from Washington ambassadors of our trading partners to do whistle-stop tours in various states.

International Trade committee  I agree with Dr. Lilly on the likelihood that if these three things come into force, there will be a response from the United States, perhaps before the CUSMA review. That's not to suggest this would be the end of it. However, these things would certainly be part of that review process and a weight on moving the review process forward successfully.

International Trade committee  Madam Chair, on behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, I thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to be here to provide testimony to the standing committee as it evaluates actions ahead of the CUSMA review. The chamber has a long-standing commitment to the North American economic relationship.