CoA urges release of secret 232 auto report in response to POTUS proclamation
Washington, D.C. (May 17, 2019) – In response to the President’s proclamation concerning auto tariffs, Cause of Action Institute (CoA Institute), a nonpartisan government watchdog organization, urged the release of the Department of Commerce’s Section 232 auto tariff report. CoA Institute filed a freedom of information request for the report when it was finalized, and later sued the administration for failing to respond to the FOIA and release the report.
The President’s proclamation responded to the U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary’s final report regarding the Section 232 investigation into the national security impact of the import of foreign automobile and automobile parts.
James Valvo, counsel and senior policy advisor at Cause of Action Institute:
“Today’s proclamation by the President, summarizing the Department of Commerce’s Section 232 auto report, serves as the latest reminder that the public deserves to see this report, and we urge its immediate release. The report was paid for by taxpayers and its recommendations could harm American consumers and businesses. The public should not be kept in the dark about findings in a secret report, and that’s why Cause of Action Institute continues to fight for its release to ensure a robust debate on the merits.”
Background:
- Tariff-exemption process raises serious cronyism concerns
- Cause of Action Institute Files Lawsuit Against Commerce Department for Failing to Release Tariff Exemption Material & Information
- Cause of Action Institute Files FOIA Requests for Commerce’s Section 232 Auto-Tariff Report
- Auto-Tariff Investigation Sets Dangerous Anti-Transparency Precedent
Documents:
- Feb. 18, 2019 FOIA Request – Commerce
- Feb. 18, 2019 FOIA Request – BIS
- Apr. 20, 2019 Complaint – Commerce
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Media Contact: Matt Frendewey, matt.frendewey@causeofaction.org | 202-699-2018
