WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Maria Cantwell has announced a plan to introduce legislation aimed at authorizing the administration to negotiate trade agreements with Middle Eastern countries.
Cantwell presented her proposal to the Washington International Trade Association, emphasizing the interest of Middle Eastern countries in diversifying their economies. She plans to introduce legislation for a Middle East trade agreement, building on a 2003 initiative by Senators McCain and Baucus of Montana. This initiative aimed to create a Middle East trade preference program in support of the U.S.-Middle East Free Trade Area.
“The legislation that I’m considering would have requirements that partner countries join the Abraham Accords, normalize diplomatic relations with Israel, support reconstruction of Gaza, join in the efforts to support nuclear nonproliferation, and coordinate strong export controls,” said Cantwell. She added, “We should be building alliances right now.”
Back in April, Cantwell introduced the Trade Review Act of 2025. This act sought to reaffirm Congress’ role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy and to reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose tariffs independently.
