There is a conflict between the administration and Congress over the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). The administration zeroed out dollars for the agency’s budget in its initial budget proposal, while Congress is seeking to increase the agency’s budget by 25 percent.

USTDA has requested a 2017 budget of $80.7 million. The agency boasts an export multiplier of $74 for every $1 spent on programs, but will it remain a relevant, useful vehicle for furthering U.S. interests?

This discussion at the Center for Strategic and International Studies grapples with the questions: Does the US need a trade and development agency? Does USTDA help produce US jobs or achieve US diplomatic goals?