Sánchez: Brazil trade investigation politically motivated, anti-democratic

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez released the following statement in response to the Trump administration announcing a Section 301 trade investigation of Brazil:

“It is unacceptable that President Trump is weaponizing the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Section 301 authority to subvert democracy, prop up his friends and target his foes. 

“This investigation is clearly being driven by the president’s own political motives. You need to look no further than his letter to Brazil, citing grievances that range from Brazil’s treatment of his far-right ally Bolsonaro to the country’s efforts to crack down on hate speech. 

“And it’s rich to focus on Brazil’s anti-corruption efforts when President Trump’s administration is refusing to enforce the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and is engaging in blatant self-dealing and grifting.

“It’s completely anti-democratic and corrupt for American trade policies to benefit one individual’s personal interests. House Republicans must join Democrats in reclaiming our constitutional trade authority and stop enabling this president’s incessant abuses of power.”

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