The United States historically has led the global economic order that evolved after World War II. This economic order established multilateral economic institutions to advance rules-based commercial economic engagement, open markets, and transparent, nondiscriminatory treatment of all economic players. In turn, these efforts supported overall domestic and global economic growth and the nation's broader strategic interests. This agenda was broadly supported by successive Congresses and Administrations over seven decades. Congress plays a key role in U.S. trade policy by approving trade agreements, overseeing trade-oriented government agencies and adjustment assistance programs, and setting the terms for U.S. engagement with the global economy.
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