A bill to establish a Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
Latest action (20 Oct 1998): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 2642 would create a new position, Chief Agricultural Negotiator, within the Office of the United States Trade Representative. The negotiator would be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, hold the rank of Ambassador, and be paid at the highest rate available to members of the Senior Executive Service. The individual's main responsibility would be to lead U.S. trade negotiations dealing with agricultural commodities, along with any additional duties assigned by the U.S. Trade Representative.
The bill would primarily affect the structure of the federal trade negotiating apparatus, adding a senior official focused specifically on agricultural trade issues. It could be of particular interest to farmers, agricultural producers, exporters, and industries involved in international agricultural trade, since it aims to give agricultural negotiations a dedicated, high-ranking representative rather than folding that work into broader trade portfolios.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on October 20, 1998, by Senator John Ashcroft, with Senator Tom Daschle as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. According to official records, it did not receive a vote and saw no further action before the end of the 105th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Establishes in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) the position of Chief Agricultural Negotiator, who shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Chief, as his or her primary function, to conduct trade negotiations relating to agricultural commodities, as well as other functions as the USTR may direct.
Common questions
- What does S. 2642 do?
- S. 2642 would create a new position, Chief Agricultural Negotiator, within the Office of the United States Trade Representative. The negotiator would be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, hold the rank of Ambassador, and be paid at the highest rate available to members of the Senior Executive Service. The individual's main responsibility would be to lead U.S. trade negotiations dealing with agricultural commodities, along with any additional duties assigned by the U.S. Trade Representative. The bill would primarily affect the structure of the federal trade negotiating apparatus, adding a senior official focused specifically on agricultural trade issues. It could be of particular interest to farmers, agricultural producers, exporters, and industries involved in international agricultural trade, since it aims to give agricultural negotiations a dedicated, high-ranking representative rather than folding that work into broader trade portfolios. The bill was introduced in the Senate on October 20, 1998, by Senator John Ashcroft, with Senator Tom Daschle as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. According to official records, it did not receive a vote and saw no further action before the end of the 105th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has S. 2642 become law?
- Not yet. As of 20 Oct 1998, S. 2642 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 2642?
- S. 2642 was sponsored by Sen. John Ashcroft [R-MO, 1995-2000] (Republican-MO), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 2642?
- Introduced (20 Oct 1998).
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