Washington, D.C. — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after the World Trade Organization (WTO) authorized the United States to impose tariffs on products from the European Union (EU) because the EU’s subsidies for aircraft violate WTO rules:

“I welcome the WTO’s decision to give the United States the right to retaliate against the European Union for providing unjustified and illegal subsidies.

“I applaud the Trump Administration for using this authority in a smart and measured way with the goal of compelling the EU to come into compliance with its obligations and end its illegal behavior.

“For so many years, America’s aerospace industry and its workers have suffered unfairly from the EU’s behavior.  I hope that rather than more threats, the EU accepts the legitimacy of the WTO‘s decision and understands the consequences for failing to comply with the rule of law.

“As always, the United States is willing to negotiate with the EU to end subsidies, as long as the outcome is the complete elimination of these subsidies.  I stand together with the Administration in achieving a more balanced and prosperous trade relationship with the European Union.”