Number: RL32700
Title: Seeking Withdrawal of Congressional Approval of the WTO Agreement: Background, Legislative Procedure, and Practical Consequences
Authors: Vladimir N. Pregelj, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: The Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA) legislatively approved the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement and the specialized agreements annexed to it. It also enacted the provisions implementing the many obligations the United States undertook under them, and contains provisions (Section 125) establishing the legislative procedure for Congressional withdrawal of such approval. The adoption of a withdrawal resolution, which may be introduced in the year 2005, appears unlikely. Nevertheless, such a resolution would offer Congress the opportunity to debate the costs and benefits of U.S. participation in the WTO. In this context, Congressional concern with U.S. trading partners, particularly the European Union and Canada, over disputes involving agriculture, aerospace, and softwood lumber, could be manifested in floor debates and statements. This report sets out the background of the issue, the functional timetable and requirements for taking the legislative action for such withdrawal, and the related WTO procedure. It also describes past activity under the withdrawal provision and suggests the probable consequences of the withdrawal resolution, if enacted and implemented.
Pages: 10
Date: June 9, 2005