ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 12964Executive OrderClinton · D

Executive Order 12964

Commission on United States-Pacific Trade and Investment Policy

TradeTradeEconomy & LaborEconomy & LaborFederal WorkforceFederal Workforce

In simple terms

This executive order creates a 15-member private-sector commission to recommend strategies for opening Japan, China, and other Asian-Pacific markets to U.S. business. The commission must submit a report by February 1, 1996, identifying trade barriers and recommending steps to increase U.S. market access while maximizing high-wage domestic jobs. The commission dissolves 30 days after submitting its final report.

Federal Register Open PDF 60 FR 33095

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 60 FR 33095

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Commission termination (30 days after submitting final report)

  4. Commission report to President on opening Asian-Pacific markets

Key directives

  • Establish 15-member Commission on United States-Pacific Trade and Investment Policy from private sector
  • Report to President by February 1, 1996 on opening Japan, China, and other Asian-Pacific markets
  • Identify trade and investment impediments and recommend reductions
  • Recommend measures to strengthen monitoring programs for progress toward market access
  • Recommend realistic measurements of trade and investment activity considering intracompany patterns
  • Require three-fifths vote for recommendations; include dissenting views upon request
  • Department of Commerce to provide administrative support subject to appropriations
  • USTR to perform FACA functions except congressional reporting
  • Commission terminates 30 days after final report

Who is ordered

What to expect

Immediate

  • Commission establishment
  • Presidential appointment of 15 members and designation of Chair/Vice Chair

Near term (90d)

  • Commission formation and organizational meetings
  • Information gathering from executive agencies

Long term

  • Final report due February 1, 1996
  • Commission termination 30 days after report submission (approximately March 2, 1996)

Risks & tensions

  • Advisory only: commission lacks enforcement authority; recommendations may be ignored
  • Three-fifths voting threshold could produce watered-down or stalled consensus
  • Intracompany trade measurement requirement suggests awareness that headline trade deficits may mislead
  • Vague 'turn of the century' goal lacks binding commitment mechanism
  • Dependent on voluntary agency cooperation 'to extent permitted by law' and appropriations availability
Executive Order 12964: Commission on United States-Pacific Trade and Investment Policy · Executive Orders