Digital Trade for Development Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (17 Dec 2024): Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.
What this bill does
H.R. 6990, the "Digital Trade for Development Act," would amend the Trade Act of 1974's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) provisions, which allow certain countries to export goods to the United States with reduced or no tariffs. The bill adds a new basis for the President, acting through the U.S. Trade Representative, to determine a country ineligible for GSP benefits: if that country restricts digital trade in ways that harm U.S. development goals, strategic interests, or competitiveness. It also directs that when deciding whether to designate a country as a beneficiary, the President must consider the extent to which the country avoids digital trade barriers—such as data localization or transfer restrictions, discriminatory treatment of digital products, or forced disclosure of proprietary source code—and has taken steps to protect consumers, personal privacy, and open digital ecosystems.
The bill primarily affects the executive branch's authority in administering the GSP program, and indirectly affects developing countries seeking GSP trade preferences, as well as U.S. businesses and consumers involved in international digital trade.
The bill was introduced on January 12, 2024, by Rep. Darin LaHood and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 118th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
17 Dec 2024
Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 6990 do?
- H.R. 6990, the "Digital Trade for Development Act," would amend the Trade Act of 1974's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) provisions, which allow certain countries to export goods to the United States with reduced or no tariffs. The bill adds a new basis for the President, acting through the U.S. Trade Representative, to determine a country ineligible for GSP benefits: if that country restricts digital trade in ways that harm U.S. development goals, strategic interests, or competitiveness. It also directs that when deciding whether to designate a country as a beneficiary, the President must consider the extent to which the country avoids digital trade barriers—such as data localization or transfer restrictions, discriminatory treatment of digital products, or forced disclosure of proprietary source code—and has taken steps to protect consumers, personal privacy, and open digital ecosystems. The bill primarily affects the executive branch's authority in administering the GSP program, and indirectly affects developing countries seeking GSP trade preferences, as well as U.S. businesses and consumers involved in international digital trade. The bill was introduced on January 12, 2024, by Rep. Darin LaHood and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 118th Congress.
- Has H.R. 6990 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 6990. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 6990?
- H.R. 6990 was sponsored by Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16] (R-IL), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 6990?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade. (17 Dec 2024).
Related bills in Foreign Trade and International Finance
Tariff Relief for American Development and Employment Act of 2026
Ecuador Shrimp Tariff Act
Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026
BEEF Act
More bills from Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16]
Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act
First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act
Advanced AI Security Readiness Act
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should negotiate strong, inclusive, and forward-looking rules on digital trade and the digital economy with like-minded countries as part of its broader trade and economic strategy in order to ensure American values of democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, human and worker rights, privacy, and a free and open internet are at the very core of digital governance.
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