Senate Finance Committee grills ITC nominees on tariffs, enforcement and public‑interest tests

The Senate Finance Committee on Thursday questioned two nominees to the U.S. International Trade Commission about how they would use the agency’s enforcement tools and handle politically sensitive trade decisions.

Chair Wyden opened the hearing by outlining the ITC’s roles, saying the commission investigates unfair trade that harms U.S. industries, assesses how tariffs affect the economy and maintains the harmonized tariff schedule. The committee considered James Bernard Coughlin of Illinois and Haley L. Craig of Pennsylvania for commissioner posts on the five‑member panel.

Both nominees pledged to follow the statute and the ITC’s record‑based process. Coughlin said he would “apply the law in a fair and an unbiased way keeping in mind that the decisions of the commission can impact jobs and industries.” Craig said, “If I am given the opportunity to sit on the commission, I will uphold these values and obligations,” and committed to provide timely responses to congressional requests.

Senators focused much of the questioning on enforcement mechanisms: anti‑dumping and countervailing duty cases, Section 201 investigations, and Section 337 proceedings that allow the ITC to consider public‑interest factors. Chair Wyden pressed the nominees on how they would ensure investigations are “thorough, fair, and independent” and free from political interference. Coughlin answered he would rely on the statute and the factual record, and use the ITC’s experts; Craig highlighted the ITC’s tradition of impartiality and said she would favor transparency, site visits and, where appropriate, public hearings.

Several senators urged the panel to consider the real‑world effects of remedies. Craig summarized the Section 337 public‑interest test as covering “public health and welfare, competitive conditions, presence of like or similar products, and U.S. consumers,” and both nominees described tailored remedies — including phased implementation or grandfathering — as ways to mitigate harm to third parties.

Senators also pressed nominees about the pace of ITC proceedings. Coughlin argued the ITC’s faster timelines can prevent domestic firms from being driven out of business, saying speed matters because “if we don't act fast and there are infringing imports coming into the U.S., then people are gonna lose jobs.” Both nominees said they would consider site visits and outreach to understand local impacts.

Some members raised procedural concerns about the timing of the nominations. Senator Brown said he was “frustrated over what seems like an attempt to force these nominees through an expedited process” and asked the nominees to convince workers and industry they will strictly enforce trade‑remedy laws. Both nominees reiterated commitments to engage with labor and industry groups and to support Congress with objective information.

On the question of the ITC’s authority to act on a threat of injury, nominees said the tool exists but is rarely used; Coughlin noted the burden of proof can be high and said he would be open to working with senators and staff to examine whether the commission should use the authority more frequently. Craig said she would research the matter and engage with the commission’s members and staff.

The hearing closed with thanks to nominees and their families. The committee adjourned without taking a confirmation vote; senators said the Finance Committee will continue its review.

The nominees’ written statements and the hearing record were made part of the committee record.